iPad 1 is a better value.

[paulrbeers]

This is purely opinion.

For $350 (ipad 1 refurb cost), yes you can buy a iPad. It will surf the net, it will check your email, go on facebook, etc.

With that said, for only $150 more you can get the latest and greatest. As an owner of both, I can tell you I couldn't go back to my iPad 1. Faster internet surfing, more responsive in gaming. Even though the screen really hasn't changed, having it glued to the front screen makes it look so much better.

Further, as stated, you know that the ipad 2 will get regular updates for a lot longer and will be able to use any application thrown at it over the next year (this can not be said for iPad 1). I personally am glad I upgraded.

 

[magbarn]

Agree with the OP. For regular web browsing the iPad 2 isn't much faster than the iPad 1. Still getting checker boarding in regular websites I visit. (it's not the websites as my mb air renders them much faster.) To those spouting off the "iOS 6 will KILL the iPad 1", remember, by the time iOS 6 comes out we'll likely be in iPad 3/4 transition which BOTH the iPad 1 and 2 will be obsolete anyway.

 

[iShad]

I think original iPad to iPad 3 will be a logical upgrade point. At that point the original will obviously have lost a step or two.......

 

[tigres]

I do have to hope that Apple is less aggressive in this regard than vs. the iPhone, considering it's intended purpose as a laptop replacement for many people. If people are getting short-changed 1 or 2 years into their device, ouch.

I do as well, but I believe that this Gen 1 is safe for another 2 years. iPhone 1 suited my wife fine until last Sept, when I forced the 4 on her, (now of course she would never go back)

And by the way, checker boarding Is only there if you have a bunch of windows open and multi-tasking programs running. If you have just a few websites up I get no checker boarding scrolling around a 500 post thread with images unless I try to do it at some inhumane speed to induce it.

And tigres playing movies had nothing to do with why he thought it was better...

Not sure if you are talking of the 1 or 2.
(the unit I tried had no open widows, and no open apps; I had cleared them all out.) I was really just generalizing with an example that the iPad2 did not blow my mind with speed.

You're missing his point entirely. He's saying that anyone, period, considering the iPad 2 should look at the bigger picture, that being that the upgrades are, overall, kind of a smaller step than most might consider worth the cost difference. $350 vs. $500? You have to understand this, right? I've seen many reviews that state the same thing. For a pretty significant price difference, you really aren't giving up that much performance. Even at "new" pricing of $400, the iPad 1 is no slouch. While it's entirely possible, and probable, that Apple will introduce features in iOS 5 that lock out iPad 1, they will likely be fairly minimal things in the big scheme of things. Most people will probably be very happy with an iPad 1 and enjoy saving a big chunk of money - and then next year they can make the BIG upgrade.

You summed my thoughts up nicely, thank you.

I agree. I have both.

Please elaborate if you would or have the time.

 

[ajvizzgamer101]

In a year you won't get iOS 6

 

[QCassidy352]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8F190 Safari/6533.18.5)

Agree with the OP. For regular web browsing the iPad 2 isn't much faster than the iPad 1. Still getting checker boarding in regular websites I visit. (it's not the websites as my mb air renders them much faster.) To those spouting off the "iOS 6 will KILL the iPad 1", remember, by the time iOS 6 comes out we'll likely be in iPad 3/4 transition which BOTH the iPad 1 and 2 will be obsolete anyway.

Well no, that's the point. iPad 1 will be and iPad 2 won't be. Again, go back to the release of the iPhone 3GS in 09. If you went for a 3G at that point, you're already facing significant UI slowdowns and loss of major functionality in iOS 4. If you bought a 3GS, you have all the features and they run fine. The 3G will probably not be supported at all in iOS 5.

So if this pattern holds (applied to the iPhone 2g also), you can iPad 1 to lose features with iOS 5 and slow down a lot, or not even be supported, on iOS 6. iPad 2 will be 100% supported on iOS 5 and will lose a few features on iOS 6.

 

[kingtj]

Some validity here, but ....

The fact remains that the iPad 2 has a dual-core processor that can potentially run applications at almost 2x the speed of the original iPad. You might not have noticed this speed boost doing the "things you usually do with the old iPad" -- but it comes into play more by way of enabling new things that just weren't possible on the original. (The iMovie app for iPad 2 is a prime example. Apple doesn't let original iPad owners even use it, because the experience isn't smooth enough to be up to Apple's standards of how the app should feel and work, on the slower iPad.) I think you'll quickly see music app developers doing new things on the iPad 2, as well, for the same reason. Virtual instruments and recording studio type apps take a lot of CPU power. A 4 track recorder for the iPad 1 can probably be extended to an 8 track on the iPad 2.

The cameras? Yeah, clearly not much good for taking still pictures -- but did anyone really want to carry around an iPad to use as a camera? No, it's there for video conferencing (with rear camera so you can show the person something else you want them to see while in said video conference, and then switch back to the front camera). If you want to video teleconference regularly with a portable device, this might be a HUGE reason to buy an iPad 2. Otherwise? Nope, not a big deal.

This iPad2 business makes for quite the research paper. Very interesting just to read these boards this week.
Think for a moment from a financial aspect-

iPad 1 currently in stock and being sold for 25% off it's newest sibling, and 30% off on the refurb store.

iPad 2 is thinner and and faster with 2 cameras. iPad 2 has a smart cover that offers no protection to the unit itself, ok it's cool. Latest and greatest, absolutely. Offers way more than the original, not so much.

iPad 1 has the thickness of a first gen product which many would argue is more desirable to look at. iPad 2 is sleeker like the iPod touch look, and has a speaker which has been moved slightly to the back vs the bottom.

I personally went to the apple store to see this new iPad 2. I spent 3 minutes with it, up close and personal. Opened the NYtimes website to see how safari handled it. Checkerboards up, checkerboards down. Played around with things I do with our iPad 1 and did not notice one significant difference in speed or change at all.

Camera- no question- it's an addition. Iphone4 has a better one though, and most here have a smartphone with a better camera than this, correct?

So; I ask- what on earth is with this histeria over this new update?
iPad1 seems like a complete steal next to this.

Is ipad2 better? Idk. Is ipad2 worth 150 more than iPad1 (refurb) I don't think it is at all.

This is not meant to be a bash against this wildly popular product launch. I simply question the craze over it when the iPad 1 is a moment away, cheaper, and every bit as good. It may not be equal, but I dare say that using one over the other is not the experience of using The iPhone 1 vs. The 3GS- now that was night and day.

Maybe most of this has to do with no stock. People want most what they cannot have.

I'm passing on the iPad 2. May pick up 2 more 1st gens.

 

[tigres]

This is purely opinion.

For $350 (ipad 1 refurb cost), yes you can buy a iPad. It will surf the net, it will check your email, go on facebook, etc.

Further, as stated, you know that the ipad 2 will get regular updates for a lot longer and will be able to use any application thrown at it over the next year (this can not be said for iPad 1). I personally am glad I upgraded.

1. The iPad 1 everything the iPad 2 does (camera exception aside).
2. Prove to me that the iPad 1 will not take 95%+ thrown at it (camera applications aside) over the next year; more likely 2+.
3. iPad 1 does way more than surf, check email, and facebook.
4. Do you think Apple wants to alienate the Fortune 100 companies who have invested millions on iPad1? I don't see corporations updating iPad every year; you?
5. iPad 1 is a better value than 1Pad 2. IMHO

 

[bigwinnerx]

OP, you seem to need validation about your opinion. How was your childhood?

 

[DiamondMac]

For people like me and IMO the majority of iPad users, I agree. The iPad is a better value.

For gamers or designers or others that use and need the extra RAM, the iPad 2 is a better value for them.

 

[bossxii]

iPad 2 is night and day difference for me. I use large PDF files via iBook and Goodreader. The rendering and load times are dramatically different. The difference to render a construction plan went from around 40 seconds to 5 to 10 seconds. Zoom in, near instand vs 20 to 30 sec render before.

Double the ram, added CPU and GPU are all the reason I upgrade a computer, to get things done faster. In the scheme of thing $100 or $150 is nothing compared to the time I will save over the next year until the next, faster more powerful device is available.

The "value" of the new the iPad for me is probably hundreds of times better on number 2. Time is money in my business, I only get so many hours each month to see customers and the less time I wait on technology, the more opportunity I have to sell and make money.

 

[kanon14]

Which is exactly why I ran out and bought a discounted first gen iPad after the iPad 2 announcement. Have been using it everyday and I must say it's a very capable machine. Judging on how I use it I don't really think I'll get an iPad 2.

 

[tigres]

iPad 2 is night and day difference for me. I use large PDF files via iBook and Goodreader. The rendering and load times are dramatically different. The difference to render a construction plan went from around 40 seconds to 5 to 10 seconds. Zoom in, near instand vs 20 to 30 sec render before.

Double the ram, added CPU and GPU are all the reason I upgrade a computer, to get things done faster. In the scheme of thing $100 or $150 is nothing compared to the time I will save over the next year until the next, faster more powerful device is available.

The "value" of the new the iPad for me is probably hundreds of times better on number 2. Time is money in my business, I only get so many hours each month to see customers and the less time I wait on technology, the more opportunity I have to sell and make money.

Great post, and some insightful information. Good to know that large pdf files fly faster on the new one; that's a plus.
I too have PDF Expert/ Readdledocs, and GoodReader for large WebDav database, and it is a little slow. I thought that was network/speed related.

 

[foranor]

I'm actually happy someone started this thread, because this is the exact issue I'm weighing right now. Having never owned an iPad but really liking the device, I'm wondering which I should buy: iPad 1 or 2.

At first I was leaning towards iPad 2. It's thinner, lighter, and faster. But after watching tons of YouTube videos...it doesn't blow away the iPad 1 in speed. It seems it's a good 3 seconds faster in loading a typical web page, for example. And I'm sure it's faster than that for games, but I have a PS3.

I guess for me, I look at it like this--I recognize the iPad is not a need buy. I have an iPhone. I have a desktop. I don't "need" the iPad. I know it's a "want" purchase. So if I can save money, especially if I bought a refurbished 32 GB wifi iPad 1 for $429, I'm saving almost $200 off the same model for iPad 2. I can put that money towards a dock or camera connector kit, or the Digital AV/HDMI connector to output downloaded movies to my HDTV.

I'm still going back and forth. But I think I'm leaning towards an iPad 1.

I'm in the exact same boat as well.
I never owned an iPad but want one. I would like the front camera for skype, but don't need a back-camera at all. I don't think I need the speedgain, would like to save some cash.

However, this thread has pushed me towards iPad2 rather than 1st gen, and here's why.
Someone suggested resale value as an issue and it's true. Getting a new iPad 1 now, you pay 370 Euros for the 16gb wifi. I suspect resale value after iPad _3_ announcement will be basically ... well, give it to family for 50 or a christmas gift.
iPad 2 resale value at iPad 3 launch will be as it is now. So, while I could save 150 Euro on the old gen now, I would effectively lose (approximate guess) 300 on resale value for 3rd gen.
Instead I could invest 150 now and resell 2nd gen for 350 at 3rd gen launch.

So let's say the 3rd gen comes March 2012. Spend 370 for 1 year or spend 500 for 1 year but get 350 resale.

So now the question becomes.. Do I plan on selling my (not yet bought) iPad 2 in a year or will I be happy with an iPad 1 for maybe 2 more years. And here we can factor in iOS updates, I guess.

The iPhone has seen a two-year cycle for major updates and because I currently don't believe in a retina iPad 3, the 2nd/4th gen ones seem to be the 'bigger' updates.

Decisions, decisions.

2nd question is: will 16gb wifi be enough for iMovie (from a 1080i HD cam) / Photostuff (from a canon dslr) / Garageband fun ..
My iPhone has approximately 5gb of apps on it, and 20 gb of music, but I wouldn't need music on the pad since I always have the phone on me.

 

[jb007clone]

This iPad2 business makes for quite the research paper. Very interesting just to read these boards this week.
Think for a moment from a financial aspect-

iPad 1 currently in stock and being sold for 25% off it's newest sibling, and 30% off on the refurb store.

iPad 2 is thinner and and faster with 2 cameras. iPad 2 has a smart cover that offers no protection to the unit itself, ok it's cool. Latest and greatest, absolutely. Offers way more than the original, not so much.

iPad 1 has the thickness of a first gen product which many would argue is more desirable to look at. iPad 2 is sleeker like the iPod touch look, and has a speaker which has been moved slightly to the back vs the bottom.

I personally went to the apple store to see this new iPad 2. I spent 3 minutes with it, up close and personal. Opened the NYtimes website to see how safari handled it. Checkerboards up, checkerboards down. Played around with things I do with our iPad 1 and did not notice one significant difference in speed or change at all.

Camera- no question- it's an addition. Iphone4 has a better one though, and most here have a smartphone with a better camera than this, correct?

So; I ask- what on earth is with this histeria over this new update?
iPad1 seems like a complete steal next to this.

Is ipad2 better? Idk. Is ipad2 worth 150 more than iPad1 (refurb) I don't think it is at all.

This is not meant to be a bash against this wildly popular product launch. I simply question the craze over it when the iPad 1 is a moment away, cheaper, and every bit as good. It may not be equal, but I dare say that using one over the other is not the experience of using The iPhone 1 vs. The 3GS- now that was night and day.

Maybe most of this has to do with no stock. People want most what they cannot have.

I'm passing on the iPad 2. May pick up 2 more 1st gens.

People have iPad 2 hysteria right now. You've stumbled on the big secret a lot people don't like to acknowledge. Which is that the first gen is fantastic and more than sufficient for 95% users. Unless you desperately need cameras (which apparently aren't the best) or thought the original is dreadfully slow (which it isn't) you really won't notice a difference between 1 & 2. The only people who seem to care are trendy folks and people who say things like "have fun with last years tech". Save the dough if you're looking for a tablet and go with the orig. Upgrade to 3 later (if you even feel the need)

 

[hcho3]

Op is trying so hard... to justify his iPad 1...

150 dollars isn't that much of money to begin with when you are buying these gadgets.

He is trying so hard and replying on everyone's post, but fact is a fact. iPad 2 is lighter and thinner with better specs.

Also, I see that OP is replying on every people's response and trying to justify his 150 dollars difference. Well good for you. But, this 150 dollars argument won't work in my case for these reasons.

1. You are comparing iPad 1 that is a refurbished to iPad 2 as new. iPad 2 will have refurbished models and gap will be even slower.

2. I paid 399 dollars for my 16GB wi-fi iPad 2. So, the difference is now 50 dollars between my white iPad 2 and refurbished iPad 1. Now, is 50 dollars worth it? Yes... it is.

 

[racer1441]

I bought my iPad 2 day 1. Love it for at the home, reading, ect.

Picked up a 3G iPad 1 for pretty much chump change on ebay over the weekend. That's my daily traveler now. I feel less worried about the bit of beating it'll take and get the 3g connectivity.

Best of both worlds.

 

[bursthead]

I totally agree with the OP. At the price point the Ipad 1 is actually a pretty good buy. Especially for a first time buyer, an Ipad 1 is sufficient. I have a 64gb 3g and I do not want to get rid of it. A

Many of these posters who disagree with the ipad 1 as being a better buy, spent their time in a line or paid a lot more over cost. Time is considered an opportunity cost.

And to obtain an Ipad 2 at the moment due to current supplies/ lack of availability, it maybe a little more than $150 in terms of waiting times and cost. In addition to ipad, there is sales tax on the purchase of a brand new ipad. So theres a bit more to it then 150 dollars.

 

[Blacklabel34]

This iPad2 business makes for quite the research paper. Very interesting just to read these boards this week.
Think for a moment from a financial aspect-

iPad 1 currently in stock and being sold for 25% off it's newest sibling, and 30% off on the refurb store.

iPad 2 is thinner and and faster with 2 cameras. iPad 2 has a smart cover that offers no protection to the unit itself, ok it's cool. Latest and greatest, absolutely. Offers way more than the original, not so much.

iPad 1 has the thickness of a first gen product which many would argue is more desirable to look at. iPad 2 is sleeker like the iPod touch look, and has a speaker which has been moved slightly to the back vs the bottom.

I personally went to the apple store to see this new iPad 2. I spent 3 minutes with it, up close and personal. Opened the NYtimes website to see how safari handled it. Checkerboards up, checkerboards down. Played around with things I do with our iPad 1 and did not notice one significant difference in speed or change at all.

Camera- no question- it's an addition. Iphone4 has a better one though, and most here have a smartphone with a better camera than this, correct?

So; I ask- what on earth is with this histeria over this new update?
iPad1 seems like a complete steal next to this.

Is ipad2 better? Idk. Is ipad2 worth 150 more than iPad1 (refurb) I don't think it is at all.

This is not meant to be a bash against this wildly popular product launch. I simply question the craze over it when the iPad 1 is a moment away, cheaper, and every bit as good. It may not be equal, but I dare say that using one over the other is not the experience of using The iPhone 1 vs. The 3GS- now that was night and day.

Maybe most of this has to do with no stock. People want most what they cannot have.

I'm passing on the iPad 2. May pick up 2 more 1st gens.

^ Couldn't agree more, thanks for the post

Remember, if Apple put their logo on a rock fanboys would line up around the block to buy it.

 

[freeman727]

1) 3 minutes, really?

2) You are taking a snapshot in time right now. Once apps are developed to take advantage of the new hardware, say 6 months from now, the difference could be drastically different.

3) An Ipad 1 owner skipping iPad 2 IMO, is a much different situation than suggesting people who don't own one to skip the iPad 2. Is that what you are suggesting?

6 months from now we'll be looking towards iPad 3, hence my recent decision to get an iPad 1. By the time apps really harness the extra power the iPad 3 and its goodies will be upon us.

 

[lilcosco08]

In a year you won't get iOS 6

In a year, I'll have the much better iPad 3

 

[samven582]

Are Apple stores still selling iPad one?

 

[tigres]

Are Apple stores still selling iPad one?

Every model, yes.

 

[samven582]

Every model, yes.

Excellent. I will be picking up a first generation 32gb wifi tomorrow. I have no interest in the iPad 2.

 

[TheWheelMan]

Op is trying so hard... to justify his iPad 1...

One could just as easily say that you're trying so hard to justify having spent more money on iPad 2 when iPad 1 would have been more than enough for your needs.

Seriously, though, there is no universal answer. The iPad 1 made the most sense for me and my needs/budget. For others, iPad 2 will be a much better choice. No one should say "you should buy this one or that one" unless they know and assess each person's wants and needs. Each of us will have a different answer.