Is the original iPad still worth buying?

[notjustjay]

Just don't go to a store where you can fondle them both. You will leave with an iPad 2.

Personally, I own an original iPad and when I checked out the iPad 2 in the stores, I was unimpressed. Sure, if you're buying a new one, go for the latest technology, but it was certainly not something that would compel me to sell mine in order to upgrade.

It didn't really feel noticably lighter in my hands. It did feel noticably thinner, but almost too thin... the lock, power and volume switches have to be mounted at an angle in order to accomodate the wedge shape, and I find that annoying compared to my existing unit.

But you know what would make me hesitate from buying it? I'd have to look for a case instead of a silly smart cover. I really like the original black Apple iPad case with the flip cover. If they would only sell that exact case for the iPad 2...

I might jump to the iPad 3 whenever it comes out.

 

[osofast240sx]

I'm looking at buying an iPad, but I'm not sure I need the iPad 2. Is it worth buying still? Just wondering if the slow downs are that bad with the new iOS update compared to the iPad 2?

I figured if I could one for $350 or less it would still be a good deal even with the slowdowns.

i use a ipad 1 for in home use only. as a remote and for my withings scale. iPad2 goes were ever i go

 

[Blacklabel34]

Depends on its purpose. If you will use the camera(s) or play the latest games then jump on the iPad2. If your like me and don't use your iPad to play games or take pictures/facetime then go with the original. I love my original iPad and don't plan on replacing it until a retina version comes out.

 

[freeman727]

One thing practical that the 512mb helps is with viewing Powerpoint presentations. I could not open a 120mb Powerpoint on the iPad 1 but it worked without a hitch on my friends iPad 2! Also the Powerpoints that would open on the iPad 1 were choppy. It must be the limited memory.

A lot of the non-graphical hitches on the iPad 1 has to do with small memory. I'm pretty sure the iPad 3 will have 1 GB to truly multitask in the background. 512 MB still seems small to run apps in the background.

 

[navt]

Future-proof

Future-proof? Seriously, dude? How soon after the iPad 1 was the iPad 2 launched? Is that the future? Live for today. Yes, this reply is being typed out on my iPad 1. See below.

 

[donnaw]

I was in the same boat

I did not have an iPad 1 and thought I would get an iPad 1 when the new ones came out. I thought it would be sufficient for my uses - and it probably would work fine. But for the few extra dollars getting the upgraded ram and processor finally decided it for me. Had the 1's been discounted more I am quite sure I would have gone in that direction but from the extra $100 I decided the newest version would be best.

My opinion (for what it's worth) if you have the $$$'s go for the newest. If money is tight - go for the original and just enjoy which ever you get.

 

[bowlerman625]

I have the new iPad 2 and really like it. I upgraded for the improved performance. If that is not a biggie for you then the original iPad will be fine for many people. The tablet experience is best defined by an iPad.......the original or number 2.

 

[seveej]

If you are buying a 16GB WiFi model and planning on using it for a couple of years - the iPad 1 is a GREAT deal right now.

It really depends. As long as you have not had an iPad yet you will not know how much you'll use it. I got a used 32gb 3G model dirt cheap. If I'd unload it now I'd probably get my money back. So it also depends on how cheaply you could acquire a first gen device.

Pekka

 

[clyde2801]

No, iPad 1 is actually faster than iPhone 4, and iPad 2 beats them all.

...until the iPhone 5 comes out.....

 

[0007776]

I bought an iPad 1 shortly before the iPad 2 came out, and I don't regret it. The iPad 1 is still good and you wouldn't regret buying it, that said since the iPad 2 is out unless money is tight I would buy the iPad 2 since it will run the newest software for longer.

 

[AaronE]

Get the 2. The dual core processor means the device is more future proof than the original. Websites do load far quicker and everything is snappier . The ram increase is noticeable all the time...I no longer expect safari to reload or apps to reload.

iPad 2 would have been designed for the benefits of iOS 5.

Update us on what you decide.

The Walmart here ended up having an iPad 2 which is odd because I'm in such a small town. They even thought it was the original one for some reason. I could have went about 30 miles away and got the white model, but I ended up with a 16GB WiFi iPad 2 in black.

 

[XieoBebe]

Went to an Apple store a month ago and played with an iPad 2 for half an hour. Went home an purchased the 1st Gen iPad online. The iPad 2 form factor just didn't dig it for me. Plus, I am going to use the iPad for leisure web browsing and watching movies. I don't play games. I am very happy with my iPad 1 that I actually have another being shipped. And when iPad 3 comes out with a better display, I will then upgrade.

 

[bembol]

It depends how you use it and how much you are saving. I saved over $300 when I bought my 64GB iPad 3G (brand new), just weeks before iPad 2 was released.

TBH, in terms of Performance when I tried the iPad 2 I couldn't tell the difference between my 64GB 3G iPad. I does FEEL better and I was surprised how much lighter was but not worth it IMO.