Harris’ take: iPad 2
After hearing all the hype about the new iPad 2, I had high expectations when I found one under the Christmas tree. In just a few minutes, I fell in love.
The iPad 2 can do almost anything I want it to do. It can take pictures, take videos and switch between the two settings with ease. I also love the way it looks and feels. You can turn the screen from portrait to landscape in a snap.
The iPad 2 is great for typing. With its full size keyboard and large touch screen, I can do homework, edit photos, read magazines and newspapers and surf the Internet. All this is right at my fingertips, without the bulk of a computer.
The iPad’s thousands of apps are amazing. From a calendar to Scramble with Friends, you name it and the iPad has it. There are apps for writing and designing documents, fun and addictive games and apps for organization. My favorite game is Tiny Tower, which keeps me entertained for hours. As the saying goes, anything you need—“there’s an app for that.”
The large touch screen makes watching my favorite movies and viewing photos so easy and accessible. And when I’m not playing games or watching movies, my iPad helps me stay in contact with the outside world. My favorite feature about the iPad by far is the mail app. It makes keeping in touch simpler than ever.
Although the iPad 2 is the best tablet on the market in my opinion, the 16GB model, priced at $499, is quite an investment compared to other tablet products. But if you think you love your iPod or iPhone, you will certainly fall head over heels for the new iPad 2.
But be warned: you have to be willing to share it because everyone will want to try it out.
McKenzie’s Take: Kindle Fire
I’ve never been much of a reader, so I was skeptical when I opened up my Kindle Fire Christmas morning. It took me approximately 15 minutes, however, to fall in love with it.
When I thought of a Kindle, I pretty much thought of an electronic library. Little did I know that it also has Internet access and an app store, and can carry music and videos.
The first thing I loved about the Kindle was its perfect seven by five inch size. When comparing my Kindle to my brother Nick’s new iPad, I loved how easily I could grip my Fire with just one hand.
Another pleasant surprise was the amount of apps the Kindle Fire contained. No, it didn’t have Temple Run (which was a bummer), but it did have a variety of other games, including Words with Friends. It has the same app store as the Android and, as a Blackberry owner, I’ve never had access to such a large number of applications.
A few days after receiving my Kindle, I decided it would only be appropriate to attempt to read a book. It was very easy to read on the Kindle and the ability to click on any word and see the definition was particularly helpful.
The Internet worked quickly and smoothly and, although not 3G, it’s very easy to connect to WiFi. I loved the fact that I could watch any YouTube video, as well as videos posted on Facebook.
Another pleasing part of my gift was that my parents ordered a prime membership for my Kindle. That means I get many movies and TV shows, such as A Walk to Remember and The Office, for free.
The Kindle Fire is useful, practical and, at only $199, very reasonably priced. There is no doubt in my mind that the Fire is the best tablet for me.