I’ll be very honest. I’ve never been a huge fan of Apple products. I’m a pc/android guy. I like issues, I like having to figure out how to make something work, I like taming my technology, and I don’t like to pay a lot for apps. Apple products have always been the opposite to me, super easy, one touch app solutions that even babies can use efficiently. No challenge. Boring.

On March 11th 2011, I did what I swore I would never do, so help me Jesus. I waited in line like an a$$hole for 7 hours at the Apple Store to buy the new iPad 2.

It was well worth it! The iPad2 is an incredible device. Beautiful, fast, and super fucking cool. Basically it’s a giant iPhone. So if you love your iPhone, you already have an iPad Nano.  Again, this is my first Apple device, so what do I do now? In that one finger flick I was in the App Store and immediately had access to thousands of Apps. I proceeded to download all the hot social networking apps that were exclusive to the iPhone community like instagram, and path. I Snagged a bunch of the starter apps, and downloaded just about everything I had an online account with. In only an hour my digital life was practically synced! One of the key new features that lured me to the iPad2 is the forward facing and rear camera. The iPad2 does come pre-installed with FaceTime that you can video chat with iPhones and Macs, skype and tango also work great.

This brings me to the only con about the iPad2, CRAP CAMERAS! The front facing camera is .3 megapixels and the back main camera is a measly 1 megapixel. Just don’t plan on taking any pictures you’re thinking of using for graphic work or printing.

Besides that camera issue, you have 18 iPad variations to choose from. Wi-Fi or 3G flavors, black or white, plus your pick of storage size. I went with the black 32 GB Wi-Fi only, and plan on just using my Android for Internet Tethering. I don’t think I could handle a third cell phone bill. Of course you also have to snag a Smart Cover! The magnetic cover sticks itself to the side of the iPad and not only protects the screen but puts the device to sleep as well as function as a stand. It’s just neat.

At just over 1lbs. The iPad2 is easy to carry around and you feel like you’re from the future when you use it. The battery lasts about 10 hours which is fairly insane when you realize how much use you get out of it before you even hit 50%.

If you’re looking for a fun new gadget, that also helps with your productivity, get one.
If you’re in the market for a tablet, this is by far the most powerful and scalable for the cost.

My favorite FREE app for the iPad right now is Flipboard. It can turn any of your social media or rss feeds into a customized magazine. It has definitely made checking Facebook and Twitter updates more interesting. Flipboard looks for links posted in updates to extract images and video directly into the magazine so your provided with tons of eye candy at all times.