Well there could be a couple of explanations why this is the case. First, the video was raw video taken from an iPod touch, which features the same chipset as the original iPad. Because the same hardware used to shoot the video as it was to process/export it, the iPad hardware (especially the first gen model) is better optimised for the task than a MacBook Pro. Secondly, that hardware has a dedicated H.264 chip (which, as Jason points out, is similar in concept to the outboard USB dongles used for video processing). So it’s not terribly shocking that the iPad performs as well as it does.
That said, those reasons dont make it any less impressive that a device the size of a magazine can do what it does. [AppAdvice]
Cannon
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 5:17 PMI didn’t think you could run iMovie on an iPad 1?
The description of iMovie on the iTunes store states that the requirements are iPad 2, iPhone 4, or iPod touch (4th gen).
Does iMovie actually run on an iPad 1?
Mr Snail
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 9:20 PMWhen there’s the internet, there’s a way.
aimless
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 5:12 AMyup, iMovie could be run on iPad 1. There was an article on how to install it here http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/03/how-to-install-imovie-on-your-original-ipad/
Daniel
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:46 PMI really wish Gizmodo had more posts about Apple products and the i-Pad. Especially more about the i-Phone. And the i-Pad.