Same as always, if you'll use it now then buy it. You never know how long you'll have to wait for a revision and plus, you can always sell for a good chunk of change towards the new one.
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iPad Jump Now or Wait For 2g
- Thread starter GMsrgr8
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nutmac
macrumors 603
Due to component cost, I don't expect resolution to increase on the next revision. iPhone 4 quadruples the pixel count (640 by 960 from 320 by 480) for a good reason. It doesn't eat up much CPU and/or GPU resource to double the pixel size. Theoretical 9.7" screen with 2048 by 1536 resolution (along with beefier CPU and/or GPU to process it) will cost pretty penny, far too much to maintain current profit margin. I suspect 7" iPad with 1024x768 will complement 9.7" iPad, which will be your only option for smaller pixel size.
For me, main reasons to wait are:
For me, main reasons to wait are:
- RAM: 256 MB is fine for iOS 3.2, but iOS 4.2 will want more memory
- Micro-USB port: widely rumored to arrive with iPad 2, saving me from having to buy iPad Camera Connector
- Possible storage capacity increase (e.g., $499 32GB, $599 64GB, and $699 128GB)
- 3G and A-GPS possibly becoming a standard feature
- 7" iPad for $100 less than 9.7" iPad
- Front facing camera: don't really care for it, but why not
If you've waited this long you might as well wait for the new one or you can buy a used one at a discount. There are plenty for sale from people looking to position themselves to get a new one. If you can get a good newish one for $100 or more off list then I'd do that. Just don't buy a new one at full price.
I agree with your points nutmac. I definite can see why you'd want more memory, the 1g processor may be enough but the memory is on the lite side. I don't care for a camera either but hey everything else has one so toss it in.
I don't see a screen change. Who knows it's Apple but I can't see it, it would be nice.
I haven't heard about the micro usb but that would be nice. I didn't like the idea of having a dongle.
I don't see a screen change. Who knows it's Apple but I can't see it, it would be nice.
I haven't heard about the micro usb but that would be nice. I didn't like the idea of having a dongle.
clyde2801
macrumors 601
Have you read the specs and looked at the apps for it? Do you really NEED one?
Agree with previous posters, the 1st gen has been remarkably defect free, but they've been working on it for years. Same may not be true for v2.
Normally my old school mac friends refer to the first mac commandment: Thou shalt not buy a version A. NOT the case with the iPad!
If you wait, you can see what the specs on the new one are, and decide to either buy it or pick up a used one for a discount when the early adopters try to dump theirs on CL.
Personally, I use mine for work, treating it almost as a take anywhere laptop replacement. Browsing, email and omnifocus are great, too. If the main focus is cameras for face time, I'll pass, TYVM. (And I'll also call BS on Apple for choosing to not put that in the v1.). A drastically faster chip and ram/storage doubling may be a valid reason to upgrade if a new os and a gotta have feature can't be handled by my v1.
Again, if you truly need one now, buy it now. If not, then wait.
Agree with previous posters, the 1st gen has been remarkably defect free, but they've been working on it for years. Same may not be true for v2.
Normally my old school mac friends refer to the first mac commandment: Thou shalt not buy a version A. NOT the case with the iPad!
If you wait, you can see what the specs on the new one are, and decide to either buy it or pick up a used one for a discount when the early adopters try to dump theirs on CL.
Personally, I use mine for work, treating it almost as a take anywhere laptop replacement. Browsing, email and omnifocus are great, too. If the main focus is cameras for face time, I'll pass, TYVM. (And I'll also call BS on Apple for choosing to not put that in the v1.). A drastically faster chip and ram/storage doubling may be a valid reason to upgrade if a new os and a gotta have feature can't be handled by my v1.
Again, if you truly need one now, buy it now. If not, then wait.
Pecator
macrumors member
I had the same fear. Finally, I bought one a couple weeks ago. First couple days I poured over these pages (with my return receipt in hand) looking for a hint of new launch. After those few days, I got familiar with my iPad and am stunned at how valuable it is to me.
Now there is no way I can justify waiting 4-6 months. My only regret is not buying it sooner!
terrywfoster
macrumors 6502
I bought one 1 week ago. I do not want a 7 inch iPad so I bought the current model. (just in case there is no 9.7)
I bought an iPad about 3 weeks ago after swearing for months I wasn't gonna touch one until at least Gen 2.
Famous last words!
In any event, I'm not kicking myself for not buying it earlier as the excellent app support is now part of the whole experience that probably wasn't the same even a few short months ago. Pretty sure any production bugs have been ironed out by now as well too so mine's working perfectly so far.
If you need it, buy it. Apple's used equipment market is surprisingly robust so you'll be able to flip it and buy the new one without taking too bad of a hit compared to other manufacturers. In my case, my wife is starting to look a little too longingly at my iPad so she'll probably inherit this one early next year and I'll grab the new model if it suits my purposes. (ie. if they don't mess anything up with the new model...)
My predictions for Gen 2 iPad?
- 512mb memory for sure to match iPhone 4 (100%)
- Bottom AND side dock connectors for vertical or horizontal docked keyboard support (100%)
- Gyroscope to match iPhone 4 (100%)
- Front facing camera for Facetime and vid con (100%)
- Rear Facing camera (50%+) (and don't laugh, this WOULD be useful even if only for scanner app support for scanning documents, business cards, barcodes, etc.)
- Doubling of flash memory to 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (75%+)
- Two sizes, 10" and 7" versions with varying capabilities (75%+) (Apple really wants to keep this tablet market and they will have to offer both sizes to keep competitors at bay and to hit price points)
- integrated SD card slot (50% or less)
- USB connector (50% but this is a tricky one as they are already taking govt heat in the EU for proprietary connectors on devices and not providing universal USB support)
- Higher resolution display? Can't say on this as it will depend on cost, quality and if they don't have to give anything up to do it. A pixel doubled display will require some serious graphics horsepower which means power, heat and shorter battery life. If they can overcome these obstacles then I'll give this one 50% or more. Screen tech is constantly changing though so this will come sooner or later.
The other issue is they have to keep coming out with new better faster Gee Whiz iPads so from a marketing perspective, what do you add now and what do you save for Gen 3, 4, etc. to keep the sales going? Hmmmm.....
Cheers!
James
Famous last words!
In any event, I'm not kicking myself for not buying it earlier as the excellent app support is now part of the whole experience that probably wasn't the same even a few short months ago. Pretty sure any production bugs have been ironed out by now as well too so mine's working perfectly so far.
If you need it, buy it. Apple's used equipment market is surprisingly robust so you'll be able to flip it and buy the new one without taking too bad of a hit compared to other manufacturers. In my case, my wife is starting to look a little too longingly at my iPad so she'll probably inherit this one early next year and I'll grab the new model if it suits my purposes. (ie. if they don't mess anything up with the new model...)
My predictions for Gen 2 iPad?
- 512mb memory for sure to match iPhone 4 (100%)
- Bottom AND side dock connectors for vertical or horizontal docked keyboard support (100%)
- Gyroscope to match iPhone 4 (100%)
- Front facing camera for Facetime and vid con (100%)
- Rear Facing camera (50%+) (and don't laugh, this WOULD be useful even if only for scanner app support for scanning documents, business cards, barcodes, etc.)
- Doubling of flash memory to 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (75%+)
- Two sizes, 10" and 7" versions with varying capabilities (75%+) (Apple really wants to keep this tablet market and they will have to offer both sizes to keep competitors at bay and to hit price points)
- integrated SD card slot (50% or less)
- USB connector (50% but this is a tricky one as they are already taking govt heat in the EU for proprietary connectors on devices and not providing universal USB support)
- Higher resolution display? Can't say on this as it will depend on cost, quality and if they don't have to give anything up to do it. A pixel doubled display will require some serious graphics horsepower which means power, heat and shorter battery life. If they can overcome these obstacles then I'll give this one 50% or more. Screen tech is constantly changing though so this will come sooner or later.
The other issue is they have to keep coming out with new better faster Gee Whiz iPads so from a marketing perspective, what do you add now and what do you save for Gen 3, 4, etc. to keep the sales going? Hmmmm.....
Cheers!
James
Good feedback Syk! And yep, I meant 512mb, thanks for the catch and I've corrected it now.
Additional comments:
re: front and side connectors, I've seen pictures of mockups with this included so I'm hoping it's true. Lots of complaints with the dock connector being portrait mode only and this is the only way Apple can deal with that.
Ipads already have built in microphone, at least my version does. 64GB +3G. It's a tiny hole on top of unit beside the headphone jack.
We're pretty much on the same page for everything else and appreciate the comments! Cheers!
James
Additional comments:
re: front and side connectors, I've seen pictures of mockups with this included so I'm hoping it's true. Lots of complaints with the dock connector being portrait mode only and this is the only way Apple can deal with that.
Ipads already have built in microphone, at least my version does. 64GB +3G. It's a tiny hole on top of unit beside the headphone jack.
We're pretty much on the same page for everything else and appreciate the comments! Cheers!
James
nutmac
macrumors 603
I find iPad, at least in present form, to be too large to be used like this. If iPad gets higher quality front facing camera than iPhone 4, it could very well be used for scanning.
Appreciate the feedback as always but how would you scan a business card with the front facing camera when the display (to aim and focus the camera) is on the same side as the camera? Cheers!
James
They'll probably have a rear facing camera because of the other tablets that are coming out are spec'd to have them. I don't think it would be that much more in cost to add a 2nd camera with lower MP to the rear.
Also those FaceTime commercials made a point that you could show the other party what you were looking at.
The new Touch has a rear camera. I see no reason for Apple to wait till v3 to put a rear camera on the iPad
Also those FaceTime commercials made a point that you could show the other party what you were looking at.
The new Touch has a rear camera. I see no reason for Apple to wait till v3 to put a rear camera on the iPad
nutmac
macrumors 603
On my iPhone 4, I don't have any problem using the front-facing camera for this purpose (other than the fact that it takes lower resolution images and video). It's not like you will be putting the business card right against the lens (minimum focus distance seems to be between 2 to 3 inches).
Of course, "scanning" a larger subject like 8.5"x11" paper or heavier/immobile object is something rear-facing camera is better suited for. Then again, I always thought iPhone (or other phones) is better suited for this purpose anyway.
I'm sure the 2G will be improved. However, no one knows what the change will be and no one knows exactly when the 2G will be released. This is not a major investment and for most people it is going to be their second or third portable device. If you need there is no reason to wait.
kingalien
macrumors 6502
Live it up now, get it if you plan on using it. And as others have said, sell when the next gen comes out. I take good care of my toys and get good resale value to the point that I have waiting lists of friends/co-workers for my existing toys. When they hear of an update they come to me to see when I'm selling mine.
Ah, the old electronics dilemma. Buy now or wait for the latest and greatest? And six months down the road there will be rumors of a newer latest and greatest. Been there, done that. Broke down last month and bought the iPad 64gb +3G. I've gotten so much pleasure from owing it and have absolutely no regrets. Come five months from now I can always sell it for the newest iPad assuming it's all that or wait for version 3 which will probably be even better. Til then I'm enjoying the iPad now!
In my opinion the screen is a big deal. Sure, the iPad's screen is stunning, but after seeing an iPhone 4's screen, it's really lacking sadly. (Yes, I have seen/owned both.)
When the new iPad comes out I'll buy it in a heartbeat if the screen is of a significantly higher resolution. I found it hard to transition from the iPhone 4 to the iPad. (I ended up returning my iPhone 4 for the most part because of this.)
When the new iPad comes out I'll buy it in a heartbeat if the screen is of a significantly higher resolution. I found it hard to transition from the iPhone 4 to the iPad. (I ended up returning my iPhone 4 for the most part because of this.)
I ask myself this question everyday but I've ended up waiting because I'm trying to save up money and I'm hoping for 512 mb ram. If I buy an ipad, it'll have to last me a couple of years at least. I try not to replace my electronics too often so when I get something, I want it to last. Looking at the rumoured specs for 2g, it seems like a better match for what I want.
Couldn't say it any better than this. I was going to wait for version 2 but broke down maybe 3 months ago. If a new and better one came out today it wouldn't bother me. I tell anyone who asks just do it, your wife, husband, somebody will love your old one when you upgrade.
John B.