Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Yeah, that's what they said about the 3G.... A 2-3 year old phone. And look at the 8GB iPod 3rd Gen that was really a 2nd Gen (slower than the 3rd).

Both no more software updates and stuck with reduced feature sets.

Again, if you are upgrading next year that doesn't matter much except it will kill your resale value. That is why the net premium for buying the 2 now is not more than a hundred bucks or so (and that is generous). And to me the improved features are worth a hundred bucks.

as we see now though, the resale value of the less than a year old ipad 1, has already been killed, this will happen next year with the ipad 2 as well.

so if your going to buy a device don't buy it because of a better resale value, buy it because you want it.

I'm personally picking up a ipad 1 tomorrow because the features on the new ipad are not interesting for me.
 
If you're needs are relatively simple, the v1 is an excellent value now. Up to 20% off of the online apple store, more savings than that if you pick up a used one for sale on craigslist. Accessories and peripherals for that version are, or will be, discounted both online and in brick and mortar retailers.

I've got black AT&T's in both versions. V2, besides browsing (and just about everything else) faster in both 3g and wifi, has significantly less checkerboarding than v1 so far (but I did just get my v2 yesterday afternoon). With both, that usually means I've got too many open applications sucking down the ram, which I suspect is what's happening with the apple store v2 models. Too bad they didn't give us a gig in the v2 instead of 512mb.

I've found that with iOS devices, obsolescence starts when I'm two gens behind the current release. New apps start appearing that my device doesn't support. But again, if v1 supports your needs, and you don't see those needs changing anytime soon, go for it.

I'm out of my office quite a bit, and use online reference materials frequently, so any browsing speed increase makes it worth my while (and a legitimate business expense). Smaller and lighter is nice, too. But my v1 didn't just stop working for me eleven days ago.

Personally, I think of the v1 as the iPad, and the v2 as the 'iPad Pro'. Just like it's desktop and laptop equivalents, not everyone needs-or even wants-a Pro version.
 
This is a very subjective thing. To different people, they'll have different perceptions of value. For me personally, the original iPad is perfect. Anyone who doesn't need the iPad for heavy gaming and continuous use, the original iPad is great value.

I won't be changing yet for certain. Playing with the new iPad will be a must first to see whether I'll gain any benefit from it. I'll just sit on the fence at the moment, lol.

Anyone thinking applications will start to fade and struggle for the original iPad; wait until iOS5 to make that judgement.
 


Yes, that was announced last Friday; but I did not ammend my post to recognize the validity of that. Thanks for the link.

It is by far an absolute steal. Additionally, it has been confirmed that you can cancel the data as well; and just use it w/wifi. Some have stated that their local ATT stores have honered this online price.

Lastly, build quality (based on these very forums) appears to be superior to that of the iPad 2; no glued display for starters.
 

I bit the bullet on that one just at 2AM...deciding whether to get the ipad 2 or wait till the third version since apple tends to do at least some kind of update every year and I already have a 64GB wifi only ipad that has applecare, which I'm giving to my sister. :) I'll stick with ipad 1 64GB 3G that I just ordered. I played around with my friend's ipad 1 with the same specs that i just purchased today and it suites my needs in terms of productivity, browsing, and internet speed.. It seems AT&T's 3G got heck of a lot faster with better coverage in Hawaii...
 
From a Scandinavian perspective

The original iPad was not released here in Scandinavia until December, and by then a lot of people already had bought their from the US or UK. I did not want to pay the same as on release suspecting that version 2 was right around the corner. So I decided to wait and get the new version as soon as it came out. I did not know that Apple ever had sold their older version for a lower price after the launch of the new, and this was never an option I considered.

Naturally I was quite excited on the day of the release of the iPad2, and watched the relase online wanting to know all about my coming iPad2 as soon as possible. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed. First of all, the new version did not look as good as the old one by far. Ok, it was thinner, but this was never something that bothered me with the first version anyway (I would rather have wanted to keep the design and use the extra space for additional battery instead of the same capacity). Cameras...ok, but not critical - at least not with this quality. My kids would probably use them for Photo Booth now and then, just as on my MBP, but this was probably about it. I also liked the HDMI-connection, even though the design did not impress me.

The new cover looked fun, but the rear was exposed, and after some days I started to look for an iPad2-version of the original black case (which I did not find). Luckily, the new version also had a faster CPU and increased RAM - but still everything was going to be displayed on the exact same screen, even though I expected better in-game graphics because of the new CPU. Anyway, I decided to get the new one. Afterall, it was the NEW one, and the new one has to be better than the old one, and I decided on the 32 GB Wifi-version.

But then the prices for the old one started to drop, and I started to think...and yesterday I ordered the old 64 GB 3G-version (I get an extra SIM-card with free data use with my job subscription) at the same price as the new 16 GB Wifi-version, in addition to the original case which also protects the rear. Then I found this thread, and this is my story :)

There are of course good reasons for choosing the new version as well, such as faster rendering of PDF-files and faster graphics. But I think it's strange that many people are putting a lot of focus on resale value. If the iPad3 comes with a retina display, both the original iPad and the iPad2 will be more or less equal when it comes to resale value even though some thinks that the difference between them now are huge. Maybe it will be easier to sell a mint original iPad always used with a full case than an iPad2 used with the new cover and a scrathed up backside.
 
Yes, that was announced last Friday; but I did not ammend my post to recognize the validity of that. Thanks for the link.

It is by far an absolute steal. Additionally, it has been confirmed that you can cancel the data as well; and just use it w/wifi. Some have stated that their local ATT stores have honered this online price.

Lastly, build quality (based on these very forums) appears to be superior to that of the iPad 2; no glued display for starters.

I bought same thing from Bestbuy today morning with pricematch to AT&T. The guy next to me was looking at me as if I'm commiting some crime by purchasing iPad1 instead of iPad2 :). But for my sons special-ed class this is all he needs and I can buy protection plan + case + apps with difference of money saved.
 
I bought same thing from Bestbuy today morning with pricematch to AT&T. The guy next to me was looking at me as if I'm commiting some crime by purchasing iPad1 instead of iPad2 :). But for my sons special-ed class this is all he needs and I can buy protection plan + case + apps with difference of money saved.

Congrats on your score. Your son will certainly be very pleased. :)
 
At what point do you just consider availability? If you're not interested in getting up at 5am or standing in line, plus whatever may happen with the whole Japan thing and stock (even ordering now from Apple and waiting until almost May) ---- when are you looking at to actually get one in hand very easily? June? By that point, you're down to ~9 months before the 3 gets released.

Especially if you've never had a tablet before, get the 1 on sale, check it out, and see if it fits into your life. If it does, great, maybe look at moving to the 3 (and plan for the stock next time). If it doesn't fit, you've saved ~$150 out of pocket at the start and you can still flip the 1 for a decent price.
 
At what point do you just consider availability? If you're not interested in getting up at 5am or standing in line, plus whatever may happen with the whole Japan thing and stock (even ordering now from Apple and waiting until almost May) ---- when are you looking at to actually get one in hand very easily? June? By that point, you're down to ~9 months before the 3 gets released.

Especially if you've never had a tablet before, get the 1 on sale, check it out, and see if it fits into your life. If it does, great, maybe look at moving to the 3 (and plan for the stock next time). If it doesn't fit, you've saved ~$150 out of pocket at the start and you can still flip the 1 for a decent price.

If you ordered it online right one you could have a shiny iPad 2 about a month from today. I don't see what's so hard about this.
 
I'd personally say the used iPad 1 under $300 in good condition is probably the best one in terms of value but anything over I would just buy the second one. The difference in resale value is something to be considered.
 
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)

mantan said:
Also there is very little competition at the moment. iPad 2's biggest rival is iPad 1. So Apple wont be releasing anything too revolutionary because the same people will buy it if its just a minor upgrade. Once some descent competition gets going like in the smart phone market - then I think we'll see something more exciting.

It's true, a lack of competition stops innovation. I don't doubt Apple aren't still developing products - I just don't think the consumer will see them until there is a device which they see worth competing with.

Very true. If you want an example, look at the 3GS vs iphone 4 upgrade.

When the iPhone had a clear separation over other smartphones, we saw 'nice' upgrades like 3GS like faster internals and minor upgrades like a Compass and MMS capability. When the competition started closing rapidly, you saw Apple pull out the stops with major upgrades like the retina display, quality camera and HD video.

A lot of people around here like to bad mouth competing tablets. But the best thing for the market is someone nipping at the iPad's heels....

Well put!
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

smart cover is a mere gimmick....I bought the Targus 360 and it's an amazing iPad 2 case.
 
So i'm selling my 64gb wifi only+apple case/dock+applecare until 2012..(no keyboard) to this guy for $560. I'm giving him a good deal right?
 
Yes.. yes...

100-150 dollars blah blah blah blah.

You people are crazy. I see people go to starbucks every day and spend 200-300 dollars a month. Yet, you are worried about losing 100-150 dollars in a year? That's about 10-15 dollars a month. Go to starbucks 2-3 times less a month and save that money and use it on iPad 2 or 3 or w/e the latest one is.
 
Just my pennies worth - I went out today and bought a 32GB iPad 1 for £399, £100 less than it cost a month ago. I've been reading/looking at the iPad 2 coming out in UK 25th March, and decided that what I use it for, the iPad 1 will suit my needs for now. I'll see what the iPad 3 has to offer whenever it comes out, but for now I'm happy that I saved myself £100. :)
 
Refreshing every other year

In general, I'll be refreshing every other year. I think the iPad 2 is great, but my iPad 1 will work just fine for the next year or so.

For me, chasing technology with every refresh is kind of a hassle, but I understand why others enjoy having the latest tech. To each his own.

Also, I kind of enjoy the second year of ownership, since I am much less nervous about scratch, dings, and the like. My current iPad has really served me well, so the additional year of usage is gravy.
 
I'm curious why some seem to get upset because some of us have decided that an iPad 1 fits our needs? No one is saying You shouldn't go out and buy an iPad 2 if that is what you want or need.

Take for example, when I first got interested in Macs, I went into the Buying Tips and Advice section of this forum. I listed my needs, and based on that I got plenty of advice. No one got upset when I purchased a product that was less than top of the line. The iPad 1 was all there was a month ago, it will still be a good product a year from now. It won't be the fastest but it will still work. Some of us don't consider the resale value because we never sell our used computers or gadgets anyway.

I'm very happy for everyone that chooses to buy an iPad 2 if that is what suits your needs. But we all need to realize that everyone has different needs and let it go at that I think. I mean we could debate this thing forever and its not really going to change anyones mind or even matter in the end. There is just too much bad stuff going on in this world right now for this to even matter. Anyway, thats my .02 cents. Here's looking at iPad 3 in the future.:D
 
I usually skip first generation of a new product. When the iPad came out, I thought it was kind of cool, but hardly a must-have for me. As with the iPhone, though, the more I read about it, and the more friends who had bought one told me about it, the more I wanted one. I decided to wait for the iPad 2. When it was announced, I opted for the entry-level (i.e., lowest-cost) model, since I didn't know how much I'd use it compared to my MacBook Pro and iPhone 4. I wasn't able to find one on opening weekend, and the on-line-ordering wait time got longer and longer. As I read about the improvements of the iPad 2 over the past week, though, they didn't seem that important to me. I'm not a gamer, so the faster graphics processor wasn't that big a deal, nor was waiting a second or two longer for web pages to load on the old model. I don't do FaceTime, so the cameras weren't important to me. I was really interested in GarageBand, but the reports said it works just fine on the iPad. Since I planned to use the device heavily as an ebook reader, and since the iPad 2 doesn't have a better screen, there's no advantage there. Slimmer and lighter are nice features on the iPad 2, and I'm sure the faster processor will come in handy for newer apps. In balance, for $100 - $150 more, the iPad 2 seemed worth it.

But then AT&T came out with their deal on Friday, and saving $300 on the 64GB 3G model was very tempting. I didn't want to spend $829 for 3G and extra RAM, but $529 was a different story. The closest AT&T store had one in stock, so I decided to go for it. After playing with it for the past couple days, I have no regrets. First, the iPad is new to me, so I have nothing to compare it to in terms of capabilities, and it seems fine to me so far. Second, using an iPad is just one of many things I'll be doing with my life. I downloaded some very cool apps that I'll be lucky to take the time to master over the next couple years, so even when cool new apps come out that won't run on the iPad, I'll still have plenty to keep me busy (Korg iMS20, Inspire Pro, compiling recipes in Paprika, etc.). Third, the iPad should still be capable at performing basic tasks for some time to come, so rather than sell it when I upgrade, as I'd originally planned, I'll keep it around as a backup. Since the SIM card is swappable, it will make a great iPad for travel - and I'd feel more comfortable traveling with something that's older and worth less than the latest-and-greatest model, in case it gets lost, stolen, or damaged. At the very least, it can have a good, long life as a recipe database for the kitchen, and a video viewer to hang on the wall above the treadmill for exercising.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.