Review of iPad IOS 4.2 Update

When the iPad was introduced in early 2010, I rushed to the store to purchase one, hoping for a device that could replace my laptop for short trips. The lack of multitasking, organization and numerous bugs quickly underwhelmed me. After testing out the November 22, 2010 update for nearly one week now, I have changed my opinion of the iPad.

Multitasking

Multitasking on the iPad is similar to the iPhone, you double tap the home screen key and recently used apps appear on the bottom on the screen. This allows users to switch between apps effortlessly. I use this the most when I switch from Pages to the Internet, which used to require reopening both applications and going to the home screen whenever I used both applications. There is still a slight loading delay between clicking on an app and having it actually appear, but the lag is not a problem when comparing the old app switching method. Multitasking achieved exactly what I believed the iPad should have featured all along, especially when the higher end models go for $699+, such as my 64GB Wi-Fi model.

Folders

Folders allows users to easily search through favorite applications depending on category and user input. I have not used folders extensively because I did not find searching through five pages of apps too demanding, but this update is great for users who have thousands of uncategorized apps.

Game Center

Game Center was one of the best advancements of the iOS 4.2 update for gaming in my opinion. Popular high graphic games such as Call of Duty: Zombies, as well as simple games allowed users to pay via a Wi-Fi or internet connection. However, Game Center categorizes popular games, as well as makes competitive play more interesting and easier to use by showing high scores and achievements within various games.

AirPlay

The AirPlay feature allows users to play video from their iPad directly on their home television and speakers that has Apple TV hooked up. This feature did not at all impress me because it required additional, expensive purchases for the otherwise not so popular Apple TV product. Newer HDTVs have an internet jack or are Wi-Fi enabled features, which would make for an inexpensive and easier way for users to transmit video. However, Apple did it again by making you purchase more equipment for an otherwise great idea.

Bug Fixes

For about one month, I had trouble receiving and sending mail to my iPad via my Yahoo! Mail account. However, the new update fixed this issue, as well as added different fonts to notes and social networking integration in the calendar feature. Besides multitasking, this was the best fix for the otherwise outdated OS.

Sources:

Personal experience with iOS 4.2

http://www.apple.com/ios/