iPad 2 First Look: Using adapters and external devices

There are a number of adapters and devices that you can use with the iPad 2. We tried Apple's HDMI adapter, plus some adapters that we had on hand from the original iPad. Here's what we found:

The Apple Keyboard Dock worked fine, though it was a little harder to attach the iPad 2 to the dock connector than with the original iPad, because the iPad 2's data port isn't parallel to the base of the dock (due to the iPad 2's tapered rear surface).

Apple's new HDMI adapter also worked well, connecting an iPad 2 to an HDTV. HD videos played fine. When the iPad 2 was connected to the TV, the iPad 2 automatically went into Video Mirror mode, in which everything on its display is simultaneously displayed on the (larger) TV screen. This adapter also worked fine with an original iPad, although Video Mirror mode wasn't available.

Using the camera kit from the original iPad, we were able to transfer photos from a CompactFlash card by using an externally powered card reader, a USB cable, and the camera kit's USB adapter. As with the original iPad, you can't use a non-powered card reader with the iPad 2. (The SD card we had planned to test with the camera kit's SD reader proved defective, so we weren't able to test that.) Update: We later were able to test with a non-defective SD card; transferring photos went without a hitch.

When the iPad 2 was connected to the USB port of an iMac or Windows computer, the display showed "not charging," as did the original iPad's. However, many people, including our testers, have found that iPads have actually charged under those conditions, but perhaps more slowly than when using a wall outlet.

While the iPad 2's Smart Cover isn't technically an adapter, it's a neat accessory that turns the screen on and off when you remove and replace it, respectively. It also serves to prop up the iPad 2 at two different angles, for typing or watching video. In landscape mode, it holds to the iPad 2's case magnetically and is easily removed. We did find, though, that it didn't hold magnetically to the top edge of the case when we oriented the iPad 2 in portrait mode.

As we get more time with the iPad 2, we'll soon have a lot more to report, including battery life. Tune in during this week for updates on our latest findings.

—Jeff Fox

More on the Apple iPad 2:

iPad 2 First Look: Early impressions
iPad 2 First Look: Video-conferencing with Facetime
Apple iPad 2 testing countdown: What we'll be looking for

—Jeffrey Fox