iPad 2: Supercomputer?

May 12, 2011
According to Dr. Jack Dongarra, a member of the computer science faculty at the University of Tennessee and researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Apple's iPad 2 would give a Cray 2 supercomputer a run for its money. The Cray 2 system was the ...

According to Dr. Jack Dongarra, a member of the computer science faculty at the University of Tennessee and researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Apple's iPad 2 would give a Cray 2 supercomputer a run for its money. The Cray 2 system was the world's fastest computer in 1985. Dr. Dongarra should know -- he keeps track of the 500 fastest computers in the world using a linear algebra test known as the Linpack computing benchmark that measures a computer's math capacity. His tests also show that the iPad 2 is about 10x faster than the original iPad. While all testing isn't complete, Dr. Dongarra estimates the iPad 2 will have a benchmark rating between 1.5 and 1.65 gigaflops. One gigaflop is a billion floating-point operations per second. At those rates, the iPad 2 would have remained classified as a supercomputer until 1994.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!