iPad 2 teardown: GSM and CDMA differences

The screwdriver- and heat gun-happy bunch over at iFixit have been disassembling iPad 2s again, all in the interest of keeping radio (and other) nerds "droolingly-happy," as Engadget puts it.

Their original teardown was of a humble (relative to other iPad 2s only) 16 GB Wi-Fi only model. Now they've attacked (harsh term) CDMA and GSM models to bring us some very nice geeky internals pictures.

In general, they say, Apple has made the same design change decisions as they did between the GSM and CDMA versions of the iPhone 4. There's no need for a microSIM slot, an extra antenna for the CDMA model or that Qualcomm Gobi radio chip, which supports both GSM and CDMA standards (does this point to the iPhone 5 supporting CDMA and GSM in the one handset?) and so on.

iFixit's most interesting conclusion: "Of the three, having the Wi-Fi only version in your chest pocket is your best bet if someone decides to shoot at you." Tony Soprano, take note next time you visit Junior.

Check out their full teardown when you have a moment; if you got out of bed on the wrong side this morning, this will pick you up better than a Dilbert cartoon making references to Apple.

[Via Engadget]