Is tehre a functional difference between the 2 procedures? Is a reset (holding both buttons for 10 seconds) vs. just turning the machine off using the top button and then turning it back on have a different effect on the device?
If the unit is behaving weirdly (using a lot of battery quickly, frozen, etc.) which procedure should be applied?
iPad 2, iOS 5.1
I agree with harv55 that the normal way to shut the iPad off is by holding the power button and slide the red slider to the right to power down.
The hard reset/reboot - the two button shut off and restart - is as harv55 described it - it resets the system and clears the memory - sort of like clearing the cobwebs from the iPad in a way.
If you are having app crashes or weird app behavior, if the iPad touch screen does not respond - you want to use the two button reset/reboot.
For your issue try the two button reset/reboot.
Generally do a a normal shutdown if possible. i.e. hold lock button down and "slide to power off". This is the graceful method. If your device is hung and non-responsive you will need to do the reset by holding home and lock buttons. The latter is similar to pulling the plug on your computer to force it to power off.
Reset vs. Turning off and on - any difference?
