I was somewhat skeptical at first when the initial iPad was released. Not that Apple couldn’t use their marketing magic to sell a ton of devices, but that the tablet with a “limited” OS would be that useful. After getting my hands on the first iPad the day it was launched it took me about 15 minutes to convince myself to buy one and a couple of days to fit in my digital life and find the use for it.
The iPad is perfect for some things and not so good at others. Many tech journalists throw around this idea of the iPad being a consumption only device and that creating on it is difficult and/or useless. I sort of agree with this notion, but at the same time say that with a bluetooth keyboard I can be productive on the iPad. Apple made a point at their keynote that the iPad 2 is a consumption device as well as a creation device showing demos of Garage Band and iMovie, both being extremely impressive.
All that aside, with the iPad 2 release happening in a little over 24 hours at your local Apple Store, there are two questions that remain.
- Should I jump now and finally get myself a tablet like the iPad 2?
- Should I upgrade my months old iPad and get the iPad 2?
Let’s take a look at both situations seperately as they are quite different. Let me remind you I have owned the iPad since day one and have also not had the chance to see the new one in person, only video and photos.
Potential iPad owners
To the new tablet buyers out there I have to say that the options you are given for tablet based devices is pretty slim at the moment with the iPad 2 being the most affordable and approachable. To cut to the chase, I have to say that if you are a new tablet buyer and you have the money to get the new iPad 2 it seems like a no-brainer; get the iPad 2.
You have to remember though that Apple may or may not be upgrading the iPad again before the end of the year (this comes from John Gruber a known Apple pundit that tends to hit-the-head-on-the-nail when it comes to Apple rumors). The reason for this is for Apple to catch the holiday buyers and not put them in the position that they did this year by releasing a brand new iPad only two and a half months after Christmas. Yet, knowing this rumor, I still recommend buying the new iPad 2 as it is the best, most affordable tablet device on the market.
Old iPad owners looking to upgrade
Ahhh, the early adopters, innovators, and geeky types. My hat goes off to you for adopting a product that was somewhat questionable when first released. Now the question is, do you upgrade to the latest incarnation of the iPad or just plug along until the iPad 3 hits the market? This is a really tough call and it all comes down to three different talking points.
1. Do you really need those cameras?
One thing that iPad 2 brings to the table is the front facing and rear facing “HD” cameras that allow users to Facetime and record up to 720p HD video. Many consumers were upset that the cameras weren’t available in the iPad 1, and in the normal Apple fashion “they have found a way” to put the cameras in the gen 2 device.
Personally, I think that the cameras may only be useful for something like Facetime. I can’t see myself actually shooting pictures and video on the thing and if you are a real Apple fanboy/girl you have a iPhone 4 to do that heavy lifting anyways.
2. Shear power of A5
When the iPad was first released it seemed that the device was extremely powerful and quick to launch apps and process information. After about a year of use though, it does seem that the iPad has lost some of its “smoking fast” luster. The A5 is a dual core chip and said to bring up to double the processing speed and 9 times video performance. If that is somthing that you need then maybe the iPad 2 is your ticket. But, just remember that the iPad 1 is no slouch; it streams video beautifully, plays full 3D games like Infinity Blade flawlessly, and browses the web quickly.
To be honest, I can’t imagine a small spec jump in processor speed will make an extreme amount of difference.
3. No screen upgrade
This may be the most disappointing part of the iPad 2 announcement; it is the identical screen from the iPad 1. I’m not saying that the iPad’s screen is bad, but after owning the iPhone 4 with the Retina Display, you really do notice the difference in pixel density. This is the exact reason that I may wait for the iPad 3 as I can imagine that they will finally upgrade the display.
Probably the reason that the iPad 2 ships with the same screen is to keep the cost down to the $499 starting price which is a good strategic move made by Apple.
Conclusion
For the first time iPad buyers out there that are on the fence, I say jump over it and get the iPad 2. Like I said before it is a no-brainer.
For the iPad 1 owners looking to upgrade it is a bit more complicated. If you are really in need of cameras, faster processing, and don’t care that the screen is exactly the same then you may be standing in line tomorrow at 5pm with the rest of the Apple fans. But, if you are happy with your current iPad and don’t see the point this incremental upgrade, you should save the money and wait for the redesign of the iPad 3.
For me, it’s a simple NO.
This is where Apple jumped the shark for me. As an original iPad owner, I am already left behind. That’s OK for a product that costs maybe $100 but $700?
I don’t know how Apple can justify launching a product that people know for a fact will have its shortcomings pointed out less than a year later when the replacement is unveiled.
It happens because of the Apple fanboys, of which I was one until last week.
I am going to seek ways of weaning myself off the Apple teat. It’s leaving a bitter taste.
I sort of get what you are saying, but have to say (being an iPad 1 owner myself) that Apple isn’t really leaving iPad 1 owners behind. We get all the software updates and features that the iPad 2 gets with iOS 4.3. The only shortcomings are the lack of cameras (which in many reviews right now are considered to be real junk) and the A5 processor. I don’t entirely care about the thinness of the device as the iPad 1 is pretty darn thin itself.
I will sit the iPad 2 out, I think because I feel that the iPad 1 is still a great device for what I use it for.
It will happen eventually though, the same way as they are leaving those with the first-generation iPhone all alone. Upon hearing this I find myself losing some of my respect for Apple. All companies are evil to some extent, but what has kept me loyal is the finished product. To simply stop supporting the 1st gen phone isn’t cool at all in my opinion.
I’m in a different position, I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I need a tablet for my studies and so I’m buying the iPad 1st gen, why? Because the new one is shiny and lovely but the new features and physical differences won’t make a difference to me, so a 1st gen iPad (refurbished to shave the extra money off) is on it’s way to me :)
Will I buy an iPad 2? See my multimedia Storify “Steve Jobs, You Evil Genius! – I – Must – Have – iPad 2!” http://bit.ly/ejxT1K
I’m an Apple fanboy but can’t justify buying an iPad2. It’s really not that much of an upgrade from the iPad1. There are no real new features really besides the cameras which I don’t see myself using. Many different tablets are being offered by other companies. I think it might be a good idea to take a look at those too for the time being. I’ll wait for the Retina display on the iPad 3.
[...] Should You Buy the iPad 2? Mar 10, 2011 … With the iPad 2 being released in a little over 24 hours the questions remain: should I buy the iPad … [...]
You forgot something else. Its thinner and lighter. By a LOT. And comes in white.