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If you own the original you don't need this.

If you don't own the original you do need this.

This, the upgrade isn't bad, but for most consumers I don't think they'll notice the difference. Plus we iPad 1 owners don't have the light bleed problem and some of the other issues related to the ipad2
 
Apps are going to be designed for the new processor, so the iPad1 will be a dog within a few months.

Yes, because browsers, email, word processors, and all the mundane apps that the average user needs will have to have a more powerful processor, right? It just depends on what your needs are, plain and simple.

My six year old iBook is hardly a "dog," so I find it laughable to say the original iPad will be obsolete in just a few months.:rolleyes:
 
Yes, because browsers, email, word processors, and all the mundane apps that the average user needs will have to have a more powerful processor, right? It just depends on what your needs are, plain and simple.

My six year old iBook is hardly a "dog," so I find it laughable to say the original iPad will be obsolete in just a few months.:rolleyes:

Great perspective. I'm typing this on a first-generation Intel iMac running Snow Leopard with 1.5GB of RAM (and running quite well I should add) and I'm seriously questioning if I need the iPad 2? Heck, an argument could be made that these new "optimized" apps are likely to come in the next 3-6 months..and then how far away are those stodgy-old iPad 1 users away from a REAL update to the iPad?
 
Well, my sister and I went today to compare the two units...

She *absolutely* thought the iPad 2 was lighter and felt better, easier to hold, etc. I honestly didn't notice that much of a difference between the two.

She will most likely end up buying the new iPad 2. I could go either way, personally.

Not at all the conclusion I was expecting.
 
She *absolutely* thought the iPad 2 was lighter and felt better, easier to hold, etc. I honestly didn't notice that much of a difference between the two.

i agree with your sister, even though I thought like you before I got an iPad 2.

whether its just a mental trick or not, it seems like it fits better in my hand and seems lighter. esp. when i hold the 1 then the 2 right after...
 
If you have the original ipad? Absolutely not worth upgrading.
If you don't have the original ipad? Yes, dive right in.

The upgrades are pretty minimal and to the average user, it really won't make a noticeable difference.

If you absolutely need to facetime, you have 2 garbage cameras waiting for you.

Performance wise, the ipad2 is slightly faster than the ipad1 right now. Yes down the road, more games/apps will take advantage of ipad2's increased specs and it'll be noticeably faster than the ipad1.

But by that time, the ipad3 will be right around the corner.

Anyone who tells you that the ipad2 is a lot better and definitely worth upgrading to from the ipad1, has been completely brainwashed by Apple.

OR were able to resell their original iPad for a very good price.

I'd also disagree that it isn't a noticeable difference. I've found myself far less frustrated just surfing on the iPad 2 than I was on the iPad 1. Everything just seems smoother in apps such as Pulse as well. It may not be worth it to everyone, but the differences have most definitely been noticeable to me.

In some of these threads people are acting like upgrading is a really expensive prospect. In reality, if you timed it right and could live without one for a week or two, you could "upgrade" for under $200 easily. So, is there a $500 difference between and iPad and iPad 2? No. Is there a $200 difference? For me, most definitely.

I skip generations when upgrading my iPhone though so it's not like I need the latest and greatest all the time. Financially it just makes more sense to me right now to do the incremental yearly upgrades for the iPad. Instead of buying a new iPad every 3 years and spending $600, I'd rather resell each year and "upgrade" for $200 or so. This will get even better when the iPad inevitably drops a bit in price.
 
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OR were able to resell their original iPad for a very good price.

I'd also disagree that it isn't a noticeable difference. I've found myself far less frustrated just surfing on the iPad 2 than I was on the iPad 1. Everything just seems smoother in apps such as Pulse as well. It may not be worth it to everyone, but the differences have most definitely been noticeable to me.

In some of these threads people are acting like upgrading is a really expensive prospect. In reality, if you timed it right and could live without one for a week or two, you could "upgrade" for under $200 easily. So, is there a $500 difference between and iPad and iPad 2? No. Is there a $200 difference? For me, most definitely.

iPad 1 64GB 3G at&t online - $529
ipad 2 64GB 3G - $829

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=Apple%C2%AE+iPad%C2%AE+with+Wi-Fi+%2B+3G+64GB+Black&q_sku=sku5110232#fbid=yJVs5r1lPR2

..makes it a harder call... if my $$ wasn't a store credit I likely would have given in by now.
 
iPad 1 64GB 3G at&t online - $529
ipad 2 64GB 3G - $829

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=Apple%C2%AE+iPad%C2%AE+with+Wi-Fi+%2B+3G+64GB+Black&q_sku=sku5110232#fbid=yJVs5r1lPR2

..makes it a harder call... if my $$ wasn't a store credit I likely would have given in by now.
Yeah, to play the "upgrade" every year game, you really do have to time it correctly. For many people that's more effort than it's probably worth to them. I had three co-workers ask me if I was selling my original iPad though, so I have no problem getting a decent price for it.

If this is someone's first iPad....FOR ME PERSONALLY, I'd definitely get the iPad 2. Resale value on it will be much better when you want to upgrade also.
 
Unless you are running the few pieces of software available to take advantage of the new hardware, you probably won't see much. As more programs take advantage of the new hardware, you'll begin to see it speed away from the original iPad. I've already seen complaints from those with the original iPad on the Real Racing 2 game that is optimized for iPad 2, in that it stutters and is not as enjoyable to play. Those complaints are only the beginning for those with the original.

The original is too underpowered and willl be nearly obsolete in a couple years. Think of it as the iphone 3G of ipads. It'll still be useable but slow as hell. Who needs fragmentation when your hardware runs like crap with the latest software.
 
I do think it is faster and very noticeable. I've played with a coworkers iPad 2 and I noticed the better shading and rendering on the games. To me, it holds better- but that's my preference. I do like the greater memory and for me that would make the upgrade worthwhile. I sold my iPad 1 and am holding out on the iPad 2 until the lightbleed issues are sorted out.

I also think that the iPad 2 will be better suited to run iOS 5. I think- I hope- that it's going to be a pretty amazing upgrade. I'll keep the iPad 2 until February and then sell it. If you like the original, keep it. If you want to upgrade, do it. It's not hard to sell your Apple products and get a decent return.
 
if yo have ipad one and you don't travel much (video call) or You don't play more games in fact you have no need to ipad 2
ipad 2 is amazing just if you have not ipad 1
 
I use mine very single day for most of my Internet/computing needs.

I play games on it.

For me, it makes a difference and with the sale of the old one, and since I've got some spare cash, it's worth it.

My gf uses hers on occasion. She's not upgrading and wouldn't really notice the difference if she did.

If I'd been more skint, I could've survived without upgrading and I wouldn't have felt too bad.

That's where it's at as far as I can see.
 
This forum will be filled with iPad 1 owner complaints when the pipeline begins filling with software that can take advantage of this new hardware, at how their machine spits and sputters to run the new games, etc.

Your post makes me think my iPad is running windows 95.
I must say that even thinking the first gen will be outdated even with apps within a year or two is a reach at best.
 
I remember when the original iPad was introduced, I felt it was a giant iPod Touch, and there was no way I would be getting one. Then the reviews and hands on videos released, and the more I watched, the more I wanted one. I'm thinking this occured with many people lol. I loved my iPad. I used it every day for reading, web, emailing, some gaming, magazines, etc.

iPad 2 got introduced, I felt it was not a large enough upgrade, so I figured I would wait for iPad 3. Then the reviews and comparisons released, the more I watched and read, the more I wanted one, lol I am an easy sell when it comes to technology ;)

The main reasons I upgraded were pretty simple. First and foremost, I really appreciated the physical changes. Original iPad was not ridiculously large, but the hands did grow a little fatigue after using it for a very long time. The thin form of iPad 2 absolutely makes it more comfortable to hold for longer times, the weight is a bit negligable, but the thinner definitely feels better. I was happy to get rid of the need for the Apple Case, I was not a big fan of the added bulk and those flat seams. I am loving the Magnets, and the Apple Cover. It brings me back to what I loved about the Sony Ebook Readers that always very handily made the slot for the covers, and they used the same magentic strip to keep it closed and secure.

The screens are exactly the same. And for the record, when iPad 1 came out, I had to exchange 4 to get one without significant bleed. The graphics are a little faster and more responsive. The processing and Ram upgrades do not make it FEEL miles ahead of the first one, but it does not hesitate to load up an app or iBook, or file where the first iPad sometimes took a few more seconds to do so. I have this thing with technology though that says the next upgrade Apple releases may be significant enough to make the first iPad a little more outdated where the iPad 2 may stand the test of time for a bit of a longer period, thats just my opinion of course.

So like many have asked, do you NEED the iPad 2 over 1.....no. If you like having the latest and greatest, and don't mind spending the extra hundred to have that....go for it. Sounds like your sister would be fine with the iPad 1, and you might appreciate the upgrades of the iPad 2 a little more than she might.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out. :)

Like PBz said, great post...

I concur that the speed of the iPad 2 is not miles ahead; but a nice update.

For me, and maybe more to the OP's question, I was going to hold off since I have/had the original iPad. And was set to wait till the iPad 3 came out next year based on current iPad updates. None of the updates excited me - till I read more about the mirroring capabilities of the iPad 2. I use my iPad at work sometimes, where I lead small classes and it would be so helpful to have full access to the apps on my iPad.

So I lucked out on Sunday and scored an iPad 2 wifi 32GB at Micro Center in Fairfax. Could not be happier with this update to the iPad line. The things I like in no particular order:

1 - The Smart Cover, had the Apple Case for the first iPad - nice enough, but felt just OK in my hands. Despite what others have said, I like the feel of the "near naked" iPad 2 with the Smart Cover. Scored the SGP skin on Amazon (should be here tomorrow) to add some grip and protection for the back of the iPad 2.

2 - Mirroring of whatever is on the iPad 2 as I mentioned before.

3 - Performance does seem snappier with the iPad 2 over the iPad 1 in actually using it at home. I was underwhelmed when trying out the performance of the iPad 2 at the Apple Store. But with #2 above, I doubt that I would lament keeping the iPad 1 if it weren't for that feature.

4 - Have to do some research here on how I can make it work for me; but the iMovie for the iPad may have some function for me as I take a dive in to doing video blogs for work. I like how the iPad line is allowing us to do somethings with the iPad that required a "real" computer before. I have created some decent Keynote presentations for the classes I give at work on the iPad.

Have a couple of friends that are now interested in taking my old iPad off my hands (a 64GB 3G model) for about $500. Since I have used the first one almost every day in the just under the past year, I can look at it in that it has cost me just under a $1 a day for use. Not bad for a news hound! :) The other way I can look at it is that if I get $500, then my new iPad 2 32GB wifi is costing me just $100 to upgrade.

Either way, in the words of Charlie Sheen; I am a "winner". :eek: Hated using that reference - but it seemed to fit. :D
 
It's not much better at all. Save your money and buy the original. Better design too.
 
For me, it was not enough of an update to upgrade. The original has no issues running Angry birds, so I am happy in the game department. Also, the original fits my larger than average hands without any problems. I even added more bulk with a leather cover and still no issues!:eek:

For those that say it will be outdated in a couple of years, I don't think the 2 will be all that impressive once they add a better screen.

Also, I am not worried about a ton of apps that will hit the market that won't work on the original. I think 3 will be out before that becomes an issue ( except for games, which I don't care about).

Of course, I still own my original Touch and use it every day, even though I have a 3GS. So YMMV:D
 
I have both of them, I gave my iPad 1 to my wife and she loves it. If you have an iPad 1 and no reason to buy a new one, I would have to say don't bother. However, if you have a reason to buy a new one, then I would buy the 2 not the 1. The difference in performance is pretty substantial and there will probably be more apps coming that will make that performance even more important in the future. Technology moves so fast, I don't think the price savings is worth buying last year's version. Just my opinion. YMMV
 
It's an improvement, but I don't think iPad 1 users are missing out on much. That's my impression of it anyway. I sold my original iPad on eBay a few weeks before launch and I have to say that I'm regretting it a little. It's a nice upgrade, but when all is said and done and you tally up the costs, it doesn't really seem like a good deal unless you are a first time buyer.
 
Apart from backlight bleed screen is better on the ipad 2,crisper text,my ipad 1 was always a bit blurry by comparison
 
I had the original from day one, however the iPad 2 is so much better will worth the extra 200 bucks.The screen is brighter and crisp.
Ebaying is easy too snap a few pics use garage sale, done.
 
I notice a difference in page and app loading, and in weight, especially as I alternate between two iPads each day.

I'm also skeptical about Apple's intentions with previous generation iPads. They drop support (i.e. total unadulterated support with no limitations) for their mobile products quite quickly, which makes good business sense though it doesn't make me happy. I fully expect the next big operating system, 6 in 2012, will require 1 GB of ram to operate fully, and that iPad 1 will only get basic 50% functionality from it, while iPad 2 will be fine for about 6-8 months. This way Apple will get both first and second generation users to WANT to upgrade to iPad 3, with its 1 GB.

Mark my words...and if I'm wrong, good!
 
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