[iPad] iPad 2 or iPad 4

717540 · Nov 24, 2012, 02:20 PM

For Xmas I will be buying an iPad. I have a laptop and an iPod touch. I really just want the ipad for web browsing, emailing, and some music streaming. I would be getting the wifi only model 16GB. I was thinking the iPad 2 because I have no need for the retina display or the better cameras because I use my iPod for that. Also, I already have lots of 30 pin chargers and so does my family. I could put the leftover $100 if I got the 2 towards a case. What's your opinion?

Loar · Nov 24, 2012, 02:27 PM

I think a refurb iPad 3 would be a good choice for you.

30 pin connector, much nicer screen and cheaper than a iPad 2 at full price.

717540 · Nov 24, 2012, 02:28 PM

Thanks. I'm going to check out the refurb iPad 3 now. Didn't the iPad 3 have charging and overheating issues? Just wondering

EMAN19 · Nov 24, 2012, 02:30 PM

Yeah, go for it. If you're not concerned with retina display and aren't going to be playing video games definitely go with the iPad 2. It sounds like your best bet. I would suggest the 32GB version though, only because you don't want a situation where you max out your device. And 16GB isn't a lot of space nowadays, IMO.

If the 32GB version is out of your price range go with the 16GB and look into cloud services like Dropbox, etc.

Loar · Nov 24, 2012, 02:33 PM

Not that I'm aware of. & Refurbs are always a safe choice since they're basically checked over twice by Apple.

I think it'd be worth grabbing one when they come in stock, $20 cheaper than a full price iPad 2 and the screen difference is much improved. I could never go back to using an iPad 2 screen after retina.

717540 · Nov 24, 2012, 02:34 PM

Ok. I'm looking now. I might just get the 32GB model but I'm not sure because of my uses. The most intensive game I use on my iPod touch 4g is minecraft. Would either iPad be able to handle that?

puma1552 · Nov 24, 2012, 02:35 PM

Why pay just a hundred bucks less for a 2 generation old device? That's like going on two dinner dates at normal restaurants difference.

Always get the newest when it comes to tech, IMO.

717540 · Nov 24, 2012, 02:42 PM

There is also a refurb iPad 2 32GB with 3G. For 479. Is this a good deal too?

Gunny011 · Nov 24, 2012, 02:44 PM

Just think that the iPad 2 will not run the most significant features of IOS7 whereas iPad 4 will run all the major features.

Loar · Nov 24, 2012, 02:50 PM

Any of the iPad 3 refurb deals would be a good deal for your needs, I think.

Still a pretty new device (compared to the aging iPad 2) & you won't have to worry about adapters for your 30-pin accessories.

The iPad 4 is technically faster, but for your usage; web browsing, emailing & music streaming - from what I've seen it's only a minor increase.

717540 · Nov 24, 2012, 02:52 PM

Ok. I'm getting the refurb 16GB ipad3

dazz87 · Nov 24, 2012, 03:08 PM

Don't know how much you are paying for the ipad3 but bestbuy right now has 40off 16gb and 60 of 32gb on the new ipad

Aozier · Nov 26, 2012, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunterheath33

For Xmas I will be buying an iPad. I have a laptop and an iPod touch. I really just want the ipad for web browsing, emailing, and some music streaming. I would be getting the wifi only model 16GB. I was thinking the iPad 2 because I have no need for the retina display or the better cameras because I use my iPod for that. Also, I already have lots of 30 pin chargers and so does my family. I could put the leftover $100 if I got the 2 towards a case. What's your opinion?

I just got an ipad 2 (totally late, I know) and I am absolutely LOVING IT!! It is just as I predicted -the only thing more the ipad 3, 4 and mini offer are retina displays and a higher price. I'm SOOOO glad I went with my intuition and bought the 2, because it does absolutely every amazing thing a tablet should do, meets ALL my needs, and I get the cute little perks of being an Apple user without going broke! Trust me, the 2 has everything you need. I'm a college student, so I'm very concerned with having something fun AND functional. Ipad 2 is it!!!

aross99 · Nov 26, 2012, 08:32 PM

The iPad 2 is a great device today, but if you are looking to update the iOS and load the latest apps down the road, I would get the iPad 4.

There are significant architectural differences in memory and performance, and these things will give the iPad 4 a much longer life, IF you are going to update the iOS each time it comes out...

BRyken · Nov 26, 2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loar

I think a refurb iPad 3 would be a good choice for you.

30 pin connector, much nicer screen and cheaper than a iPad 2 at full price.

Refurb iPad 3 is the way to go right now.

Medic311 · Nov 26, 2012, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunterheath33

Ok. I'm getting the refurb 16GB ipad3

the stock goes quickly of the 16GB models, so set up an alert on RefurbMe for the iPad 3 (early 2013) 16GB $379.

that's the best value in my opinion

cloud25 · Nov 26, 2012, 08:39 PM

I would definitely suggest grabbing a refurbished iPad 3 if you can find the 16GB. It costs less than an iPad 2, the battery & shell has been replaced, you get a new white box packaging, included accessories and 1-year warranty included. It's practically brand new, maybe actually factory new if you get lucky.

The iPad 2 isn't worth it for $400, seriously. Retina is worth the $100 alone. The resolution of the 4 is vastly superior and makes the entire tablet experience that much better. The purpose of a tablet is for viewing pleasure. You'd want a screen that enhances your experience to its fullest. Although the 2 works, the 4 is simply amazing. Well worth the $100.

On top of that you get a better processor, better camera, better cellular (if you so choose), better connector, and siri (which actually sucks...). The real question is should I get a refurbished iPad 3 or iPad 4. Don't even think about the 2.

D.T. · Nov 26, 2012, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloud25

I would definitely suggest grabbing a refurbished iPad 3 if you can find the 16GB. It costs less than an iPad 2, the battery & shell has been replaced, you get a new white box packaging, included accessories and 1-year warranty included. It's practically brand new, maybe actually factory new if you get lucky.

The iPad 2 isn't worth it for $400, seriously. Retina is worth the $100 alone. The resolution of the 4 is vastly superior and makes the entire tablet experience that much better. The purpose of a tablet is for viewing pleasure. You'd want a screen that enhances your experience to its fullest. Although the 2 works, the 4 is simply amazing. Well worth the $100.

On top of that you get a better processor, better camera, better cellular (if you so choose), better connector, and siri (which actually sucks...). The real question is should I get a refurbished iPad 3 or iPad 4. Don't even think about the 2.

My thoughts exactly. The 4thG like quoted above improves the display to the stunning retina res, plus improves almost everything else: front cam, rear cam, CPU, GPU, even the WiFi is improved.

While the extra GPU power on the 3rdG is basically offset due to the additional pixels, the 4thG can provide _twice_ graphic power with the additional resolution.

The tiny weight and size difference between the 2 and 3/4 isn't of much consequence in real use. The two things I'd say are notable about the 2 vs. 3 is battery related: runtime and charge time both really favor the 2.

If you're OK with the larger form factor (vs. a mini), then I'd take the opportunity to score a device with the retina display.

racoonboy · Nov 26, 2012, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunterheath33

For Xmas I will be buying an iPad. I have a laptop and an iPod touch. I really just want the ipad for web browsing, emailing, and some music streaming. I would be getting the wifi only model 16GB. I was thinking the iPad 2 because I have no need for the retina display or the better cameras because I use my iPod for that. Also, I already have lots of 30 pin chargers and so does my family. I could put the leftover $100 if I got the 2 towards a case. What's your opinion?

I bought an Ipad 2 in Aug this year. I have a choice of either Ipad 2 or 3 but after i test drive the 3, the heat of the device really bug me. It gets really hot and i dont notice the screen is different (to me). U mentioned that the diff in money will be for the case, i suggest getting Brand new Ipad 2 because if you put Ipad 3 in a case and it gets really hot, it could damage the battery (personal opinion). Anyway, its your call.

Funny thing is, i have many 30 pin cable as well. I wanted Ipod touch 5 but i dont want to buy new sets of cable, converter, adaptor so I decided to go for Touch 4.

Badrottie · Nov 27, 2012, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunterheath33

Thanks. I'm going to check out the refurb iPad 3 now. Didn't the iPad 3 have charging and overheating issues? Just wondering

This….you better off with iPad 2!! And other thing it is very light than iPad 3. Think about it, fella!

cfs112 · Nov 27, 2012, 01:05 AM

Best Buy is trying to get rid of their current inventory of iPad 2's and so is Walmart so you'll definitely snag a good bargain through them. And really, the iPad 2 is more than sufficient and will be for at least 2 more years. The iPad mini has the same chip and it wouldn't make sense to phase it out yet. I'm sure you could even get an iPad 2 for sub $300 prices through Craigslists, I've seen them.

D.T. · Nov 27, 2012, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badrottie

And other thing it is very light than iPad 3.

2048x1536 pixels > 51 grams

The Game 161 · Nov 27, 2012, 10:36 AM

Take it from me who has the ipad 2 16GB it's not enough room anymore for what apps/games take these days

Nov 24, 2012, 02:20 PM	#1
717540 Guest Join Date: Jul 2012	iPad 2 or iPad 4 For Xmas I will be buying an iPad. I have a laptop and an iPod touch. I really just want the ipad for web browsing, emailing, and some music streaming. I would be getting the wifi only model 16GB. I was thinking the iPad 2 because I have no need for the retina display or the better cameras because I use my iPod for that. Also, I already have lots of 30 pin chargers and so does my family. I could put the leftover $100 if I got the 2 towards a case. What's your opinion?
	1

Nov 24, 2012, 02:44 PM	#9
Gunny011 macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2011	Just think that the iPad 2 will not run the most significant features of IOS7 whereas iPad 4 will run all the major features. __________________ -iPhone 5 -Retina MacBook Pro -MacBook Air 2011 -The New iPad
	0

Nov 27, 2012, 01:05 AM	#21
cfs112 macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2012	Best Buy is trying to get rid of their current inventory of iPad 2's and so is Walmart so you'll definitely snag a good bargain through them. And really, the iPad 2 is more than sufficient and will be for at least 2 more years. The iPad mini has the same chip and it wouldn't make sense to phase it out yet. I'm sure you could even get an iPad 2 for sub $300 prices through Craigslists, I've seen them. __________________ 2012 non-retina MBP (16GB RAM, SSD + HDD combo), iPhone 5, iPad Mini, 2007 24" iMac
	1

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Nov 24, 2012, 02:27 PM	#2
Loar macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2011	I think a refurb iPad 3 would be a good choice for you. 30 pin connector, much nicer screen and cheaper than a iPad 2 at full price.
	0

Nov 24, 2012, 02:28 PM	#3
717540 Thread Starter Guest Join Date: Jul 2012	Thanks. I'm going to check out the refurb iPad 3 now. Didn't the iPad 3 have charging and overheating issues? Just wondering
	0

Nov 24, 2012, 02:30 PM	#4
EMAN19 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New York, NY	Yeah, go for it. If you're not concerned with retina display and aren't going to be playing video games definitely go with the iPad 2. It sounds like your best bet. I would suggest the 32GB version though, only because you don't want a situation where you max out your device. And 16GB isn't a lot of space nowadays, IMO. If the 32GB version is out of your price range go with the 16GB and look into cloud services like Dropbox, etc.
	0

Nov 24, 2012, 02:33 PM	#5
Loar macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2011	Not that I'm aware of. & Refurbs are always a safe choice since they're basically checked over twice by Apple. I think it'd be worth grabbing one when they come in stock, $20 cheaper than a full price iPad 2 and the screen difference is much improved. I could never go back to using an iPad 2 screen after retina.
	0

Nov 24, 2012, 02:34 PM	#6
717540 Thread Starter Guest Join Date: Jul 2012	Ok. I'm looking now. I might just get the 32GB model but I'm not sure because of my uses. The most intensive game I use on my iPod touch 4g is minecraft. Would either iPad be able to handle that?
	0

Nov 24, 2012, 02:35 PM	#7
puma1552 macrumors 68020 Join Date: Nov 2008	Why pay just a hundred bucks less for a 2 generation old device? That's like going on two dinner dates at normal restaurants difference. Always get the newest when it comes to tech, IMO.
	0

Nov 24, 2012, 02:42 PM	#8
717540 Thread Starter Guest Join Date: Jul 2012	There is also a refurb iPad 2 32GB with 3G. For 479. Is this a good deal too?
	0

Nov 24, 2012, 02:50 PM	#10
Loar macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2011	Any of the iPad 3 refurb deals would be a good deal for your needs, I think. Still a pretty new device (compared to the aging iPad 2) & you won't have to worry about adapters for your 30-pin accessories. The iPad 4 is technically faster, but for your usage; web browsing, emailing & music streaming - from what I've seen it's only a minor increase.
	0

Nov 24, 2012, 02:52 PM	#11
717540 Thread Starter Guest Join Date: Jul 2012	Ok. I'm getting the refurb 16GB ipad3
	0

Nov 24, 2012, 03:08 PM	#12
dazz87 macrumors regular Join Date: Sep 2007	Don't know how much you are paying for the ipad3 but bestbuy right now has 40off 16gb and 60 of 32gb on the new ipad
	0

Nov 26, 2012, 08:32 PM	#14
aross99 macrumors 68000 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: East Lansing, MI	The iPad 2 is a great device today, but if you are looking to update the iOS and load the latest apps down the road, I would get the iPad 4. There are significant architectural differences in memory and performance, and these things will give the iPad 4 a much longer life, IF you are going to update the iOS each time it comes out...
	0

Nov 26, 2012, 08:39 PM	#17
cloud25 macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2006	I would definitely suggest grabbing a refurbished iPad 3 if you can find the 16GB. It costs less than an iPad 2, the battery & shell has been replaced, you get a new white box packaging, included accessories and 1-year warranty included. It's practically brand new, maybe actually factory new if you get lucky. The iPad 2 isn't worth it for $400, seriously. Retina is worth the $100 alone. The resolution of the 4 is vastly superior and makes the entire tablet experience that much better. The purpose of a tablet is for viewing pleasure. You'd want a screen that enhances your experience to its fullest. Although the 2 works, the 4 is simply amazing. Well worth the $100. On top of that you get a better processor, better camera, better cellular (if you so choose), better connector, and siri (which actually sucks...). The real question is should I get a refurbished iPad 3 or iPad 4. Don't even think about the 2.
	0

Nov 27, 2012, 10:36 AM	#23
The Game 161 macrumors 68020 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: UK	Take it from me who has the ipad 2 16GB it's not enough room anymore for what apps/games take these days
	0