I literally stated down the iOS 4.2 hands on review, in the form of “Ups” and “Downs”. Didn’t get it? Just read on and you’ll know what I’m talking about:

•    Down – The Actual iPad Update Process;

I don’t know about Mac users, but initiating an update of the iOS based devices through the iTunes is kind of hectic. I’m talking about the update process on PCs. At times, the users were prompted to perform a disk defrag system, which was totally unneeded. The process took off with an update for the iTunes (if needed), installation of the iTunes and then a restart.

After the reboot process, it’s take another 30 minutes for the iOS4.2 to get downloaded.

•    Up – Folders;

If it’s about choosing between the iPad, the iPhone and/or the PS, I’d go for the iPad. I have a lot more applications installed on the iPad, rather than any other device under my possession. All thanks to the update, now I’m able to stuff 20 apps in the same folder, rather than the previous 12 app per folder limit.

•    Down – Software Orientation Lock;

There are two groups when it comes to this age old topic. One group of users suggests that the hardware switch above the Volume button should be used as a “Mute” button. They’re saying so because the iPhone has the same system. However, I tend to follow the other group that thinks that the iPad needs a hardware orientation lock for all the shifting around.

The iOS4.2 has converted the hardware switch into a mute button, instead of a software orientation lock. Let’s just say that Apple has a thing for changing trends every now and then.

•    Up – Multitasking;

Lastly, the multitasking feature was quite handy. Especially, considering the fact that I’ve got over 15 to 20 tabs opened at a time, on my iPad, multitasking was a blessing in disguise. It was a much needed feature on the iPad.

The same thing goes for the Safari browser, which has been taught to play fetch with all your opened tabs without having to reload the page every now and then.