Mediocre upgrade

[AWallen90]

I hate to say it but I think you're going to be waiting a long while for an sd expansion slot on an iPad. NFC- on an iPad? I don't see the use. iPhone I get, for sure, but not really for the iPad. Yes, Siri would have been nice but I'm positive that could be addressed with a software update.

Anyways, the iPad 2 is still one hell of a device so as long as you're happy with it; that's really all that matters!

Eventually the iPad will get Siri it's only logical. I question if Siri's server is not ready for the increased load. It seems to be possible to run Siri on a jailbroken iPhone 4 so does it seem logical that Apple is limiting Siri to the iPhone 4S until the server is efficient enough to handle the demand?

 

[Buildbright]

Siri will come to the ipad as a software update. I bet my money on it. It was included in the iphone 4s as a major feature because they needed a wow feature to sell that phone.

I think the Iphone 5 was set to launch last year but was pulled at the last minute. If they launch an iphone 5 in june with a even higher resolution 4" screen and 4g LTE it will keep them hot for a while. The reason is these phones are so good now its hard to improve.

The iphone 4 is still an awesome phone and fast! Same goes for the ipad 2.

 

[utl768]

quad core was enough for me

 

[yegon]

Can someone give some examples of massive feature bumps in a year on year upgrade cycle on any consumer product? Seems to me the people who are most disatisfied are either those who upgrade every year, so won't see a massive shift practically ever, or those who naively get sucked into the rumour mill and believe all the clearly preposterous hype that know nothing "analysts" speak. I'd suggest these people, instead of believing such things, look at history and think rationally what we're going to get in a new product.


I'm usually a biannual upgrader, works well with the iPhone IMO, but retina is the one thing thats been missing for me since getting an iPhone 4. As such, I'm going 2->3 and very much doubt I'll get an iPad 4.

It helps if you're on the right 2 year cycle imo too - iPhone 3G->IV->the next iPhone is optimal. Think I'm on the right cycle with the iPad now too.

 

[matttye]

Reassurance topic, nothing to see here.

First time with outdated technology, OP?

Hmm, given that technology is usually outdated in roughly two to three months and I'm not a millionaire, no it's not my first time with outdated technology.

The PC I'm typing this message on is running a Core 2 processor, which is two - soon to be three - generations old.

I just think "the new iPad" is a minimal upgrade bearing in mind it doesn't really have any new features, only improvements.

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So the upgrade is basically just for the retina display save for the camera, nothing else really changed?

If I had the extra money I'd get it but am low on funds and saving my money for new iMac...so I'm getting iPad 2 refurb

If I had money to burn I'd buy it, but I'm putting money away for the future.

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Mediocre? Over what? The iPad 1 or 2? Do most people really switch tablets ever year? I've always replaced my iPhone every 2 years.

Way better update than iPad 1 to 2. I felt like the iPad 1 was fast enough, but the screen has always been a little low res, especially after staring at the iPhone 4 all day.

So this thing feels like the perfect update over my iPad 1.

Still, though, almost every single spec on the thing has been doubled excluding size. What would be a better than mediocre update to you guys? I can now SVN into my Mac Pro with a 23 inch screen and have way more than enough pixels left over, or draw with far better pixel accuracy. To me, that's an incredible update.

I commented on this earlier.

A decent upgrade to me would be NFC, a MicroSD/SD card slot, Siri.

I also said that if iOS 6 beings a lot of new features to the new iPad but not the iPad 2, I may consider it, but as it stands the experience with the new iPad is going to be pretty much exactly the same as the 2. Yawn.

 

[wirelessness]

It's so funny how many people have predetermined that the MASSIVE increase in resolution is no big deal without even seeing it first.

That said, many people are assuming it IS huge improvement without having seen it first.

The only thing I can compare it to is going from a a 1920 × 1080 24" LCD to a 2560x1440 27" iMac. The difference was phenomenal and that was not even a two fold increase like it is with the 'New iPad'.

 

[matttye]

It's so funny how many people have predetermined that the MASSIVE increase in resolution is no big deal without even seeing it first.

That said, many people are assuming it IS huge improvement without having seen it first.

The only thing I can compare it to is going from a a 1920 × 1080 24" LCD to a 2560x1440 27" iMac. The difference was phenomenal and that was not even a two fold increase like it is with the 'New iPad'.

Just to clarify; I'm not saying the screen won't be incredible, just saying that there's nothing wrong the existing screen imo.

 

[rjbruce]

In my opinion this is a mediocre upgrade. I say this because there's nothing wrong with the screen on the current iPad, and it's also fast enough for those of us who don't play CPU intensive games.

4G is not out yet in the uk, so that's not really a benefit.

And the iPad is really only useful, IMO, for quick snaps, so doesn't need a decent camera.

I'm so pleased I'm not even tempted to fork out for a new device already. I will be happy with my iPad 2 until the next one comes along

Anyone else feel the same?

In fact, the device I was more excited about is the new apple tv! I've only held off so far because it didn't support 1080p. I'll be buying the new one very soon

To each his own, but I'm curious why a jump in the aTV from 720p to 1080p gets you excited but a bigger jump in res from iPad 2 to the 3rd gen doesn't? To be fair, if I had an iPad 2, I'd be right there with you. I wouldn't be forking out the cash until next years model, but even then the retina display would be one of the features I'd be jumping for.

 

[Senseotech]

Just to clarify; I'm not saying the screen won't be incredible, just saying that there's nothing wrong the existing screen imo.

"I'm not saying the automobile won't be incredible, just saying theres nothing wrong with the horse imo."

 

[matttye]

To each his own, but I'm curious why a jump in the aTV from 720p to 1080p gets you excited but a bigger jump in res from iPad 2 to the 3rd gen doesn't? To be fair, if I had an iPad 2, I'd be right there with you. I wouldn't be forking out the cash until next years model, but even then the retina display would be one of the features I'd be jumping for.

I use my iPad mainly for browsing, chatting, reading books, playing games like poker, basic photos etc, so having a low res screen isn't an issue.

When watching a movie on my HDTV I *do* care about how it looks.

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"I'm not saying the automobile won't be incredible, just saying theres nothing wrong with the horse imo."

I'm not suggesting Apple shouldn't bring these improvements about, just that they don't really matter to me.

Go ahead, make a screen with a billion pixels for all I care, but it won't interest me.

 

[bobright]

I use my iPad mainly for browsing, chatting, reading books, playing games like poker, basic photos etc, so having a low res screen isn't an issue.

When watching a movie on my HDTV I *do* care about how it looks.

I thought the Retina would still shine on webpages for text and images? If not and it'd only shine on specific images or games only then I see what you're saying

 

[Senseotech]

I use my iPad mainly for browsing, chatting, reading books, playing games like poker, basic photos etc, so having a low res screen isn't an issue.

When watching a movie on my HDTV I *do* care about how it looks.

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I'm not suggesting Apple shouldn't bring these improvements about, just that they don't really matter to me.

Go ahead, make a screen with a billion pixels for all I care, but it won't interest me.

And I fail to see how "doesn't interest you" translates to "mediocre upgrade."

 

[wirelessness]

And I fail to see how "doesn't interest you" translates to "mediocre upgrade."

Some people just don't want to be upgraded. Even if it costs no more money.

 

[MrXiro]

If that static tactile feedback rumor and the quad core rumor were true it would have been a BUY for me...

Mediocre is too strong a word as retina display is fantastic. But not the MUST HAVE for my uses.

Being that I just got the iPad 2 around Xmas I will wait til this coming Xmas to upgrade and give my iPad to my daughter or something.

 

[matttye]

I thought the Retina would still shine on webpages for text and images? If not and it'd only shine on specific images or games only then I see what you're saying

Maybe, but again, nothing wrong with the current iPad.

And I fail to see how "doesn't interest you" translates to "mediocre upgrade."

Because all of the changes are spec bumps, pretty much. There's nothing actually new.

Higher res screen.
More processing cores.
Better camera.

Where's the NEW stuff?

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Some people just don't want to be upgraded. Even if it costs no more money.

It costs more money when you already own a device

 

[applesith]

OP picks minuscule and essentially "never gonna happen" features like NFC and SD card slot as the deal breaker. So you aren't buying the new ipad, great. Don't call it a mediocre upgrade (and make a thread) just because it doesn't have those 2 things in it.

NFC in an ipad is not really useful. Why would someone use that in a big ipad when they'd likely have it in their phone first? No one really uses it anyway. Do you see people ever use it in their droids?

Apple will never add and SD reader or storage expansion to the ipad. They want you to make the decision to buy a bigger model if you doubt the 16GB is enough. They want you to then buy the next bigger when they refresh again. They want you to take pictures with their devices or use their sd card adapter.

Neither of those 2 additions, or both, would make this a more superior upgrade.

 

[OneMike]

In my opinion this is a mediocre upgrade. I say this because there's nothing wrong with the screen on the current iPad, and it's also fast enough for those of us who don't play CPU intensive games.

4G is not out yet in the uk, so that's not really a benefit.

And the iPad is really only useful, IMO, for quick snaps, so doesn't need a decent camera.

I'm so pleased I'm not even tempted to fork out for a new device already. I will be happy with my iPad 2 until the next one comes along

Anyone else feel the same?

In fact, the device I was more excited about is the new apple tv! I've only held off so far because it didn't support 1080p. I'll be buying the new one very soon

I agree with you on some parts, not on others. I was in a theme park of all places and saw a couple people walking around with iPads. In one instance taking a picture of their group. Thought it was pretty weird but never saw the phone they had.

Point is we often make assumptions for others based off what we have. If the iPad 2 was for me and not the kids I wouldn't be upgrading. However, for a new buyer, or someone who may not have an iPhone 4S as well as many of us do. The new camera and screen is big to them.

I pre ordered the wifi model. Since I already have an iPhone. Would make more sense to get the tether plan if needed.

 

[boltjames]

In my opinion this is a mediocre upgrade. I say this because there's nothing wrong with the screen on the current iPad, and it's also fast enough for those of us who don't play CPU intensive games.

Your definition of "new" is flawed as the iPad 3 is not geared for the iPad 2 customer; it's for the iPad 1 customer.

Like tens of millions of other owners, I did not see the benefit in upgrading from iPad 1 to iPad 2. So, for me (us) yesterday's announcement is very big news. For the first time, we get:

Retina Display
Cameras
4G Network Speeds
Quad Processor Speeds
iMovie
Facetime
Skype
Smart Cover
Tapered Design

Like the iPhone, the iPad is on the every-other-year cycle. Those of us who bought iPad 1's in 2010 weren't ditching them a year later for iPad 2. Our wait has been rewarded in the same way that I'm not jealous of my wife's iPhone 4GS because my iPhone 4 will soon become an iPhone 5. I'm on the front-end of the every-other-year Apple cycle, she's on the back-end. This is a carryover from the mobile phone market and their new-every-two cellphone contracts.

Apple didn't create the iPad 3 as an upgrade to the iPad 2. They created iPad 3 to get iPad 1 owners to upgrade. Great job on that front.

BJ

 

[matttye]

OP picks minuscule and essentially "never gonna happen" features like NFC and SD card slot as the deal breaker. So you aren't buying the new ipad, great. Don't call it a mediocre upgrade (and make a thread) just because it doesn't have those 2 things in it.

NFC in an ipad is not really useful. Why would someone use that in a big ipad when they'd likely have it in their phone first? No one really uses it anyway. Do you see people ever use it in their droids?

Apple will never add and SD reader or storage expansion to the ipad. They want you to make the decision to buy a bigger model if you doubt the 16GB is enough. They want you to then buy the next bigger when they refresh again. They want you to take pictures with their devices or use their sd card adapter.

Neither of those 2 additions, or both, would make this a more superior upgrade.

If you don't think NFC is useful in an iPad, you don't understand what NFC is or some of the ways it can be used. A lot of these have already been demonstrated and documented on Google so I won't enlighten you unless you ask.

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Your definition of "new" is flawed as the iPad 3 is not geared for the iPad 2 customer; it's for the iPad 1 customer.

Like tens of millions of other owners, I did not see the benefit in upgrading from iPad 1 to iPad 2. So, for me (us) yesterday's announcement is very big news. For the first time, we get:

Retina Display
Cameras
4G Network Speeds
Quad Processor Speeds
iMovie
Facetime
Skype
Smart Cover
Tapered Design

Like the iPhone, the iPad is on the every-other-year cycle. Those of us who bought iPad 1's in 2010 weren't ditching them a year later for iPad 2. Our wait has been rewarded in the same way that I'm not jealous of my wife's iPhone 4GS because my iPhone 4 will soon become an iPhone 5. I'm on the front-end of the every-other-year Apple cycle, she's on the back-end. This is a carryover from the mobile phone market and their new-every-two cellphone contracts.

Apple didn't create the iPad 3 as an upgrade to the iPad 2. They created iPad 3 to get iPad 1 owners to upgrade. Great job on that front.

BJ

The iPad 3 is aimed at everyone, clearly. Apple aren't going to miss out on the huge money pot that is their iPad 2 customers.

 

[boltjames]

The iPad 3 is aimed at everyone, clearly. Apple aren't going to miss out on the huge money pot that is their iPad 2 customers.

No more than 2% of the iPad 2 buying population is purchasing an iPad 3. A $500-$800 expense on a consumer electronic product goes much farther than that, has a lifespan twice that long to Mr. & Mrs. Camry living in middle America.

iPad 3 is for iPad 1 customers and new buyers who want the best featureset.

iPad 2 is for new buyers on a budget willing to compromise features for savings.

Every year Apple comes out with a new series of mobile devices to catch customers with that new-every-two itch.

Simple marketing.

Trust me, no one in Apple's board room is shouting "Hey! All those iPad 2 buyers from last year, well, about 80% of them are going to buy iPad 3 this year. Woo hoo!" Be real. Your argument is flawed because you're not paying attention to Apple's new product launch pacing and the behavior of Apple's core customer base. When looked at vs. iPad 1 for all those millions of iPad 1 customers, the iPad 3 is a major win. Wasn't meant to be judged against iPad 2 because iPad 2 buyers aren't going to buy it. Next year, they'll buy the iPad 4.

BJ

 

[mattraehl]

I was hoping for a bottle opener and x-ray vision. Total letdown.

 

[Sdreed91]

It amazes how many people are still laboring under the idea that apple will add SD slots to their devices. It would clutter their simplicity. And secondly why would apple want to bring in another way of importing data they provide icloud and the app stroe so IMO they wont ever add SD slots. So the idea that they will bring it to any iOS device is just beyond me.

 

[baypharm]

just for clarification, I use my iPad1 to showcase my images i.e. i use it as my portfolio for my photography.
so the screen is ALL the reason for me to upgrade from 1 to 3

Please let us know if the increased screen resolution showing off your great photos will translate into more business for you. Or if it just turns out to be eye candy....

 

[matttye]

It amazes how many people are still laboring under the idea that apple will add SD slots to their devices. It would clutter their simplicity. And secondly why would apple want to bring in another way of importing data they provide icloud and the app stroe so IMO they wont ever add SD slots. So the idea that they will bring it to any iOS device is just beyond me.

I said I want that feature, not that I think apple would bring it.

 

[manticore999]

iPad 2's resolution is not bad, but defenitely not as good as the new iPad's.
Not only, it's far better. That means you won't strain your eyes as much as now when using it.
That is by itself a big improvement.


There was nothing wrong with the 3GS until the iPhone 4 came out with its incredible Retina display.

Agree wth OP. It's a nice incremental upgrade, but nothing 'must have'. BTW, I read at least 2 books a week on my Ipad2. Eye strain is something advertising execs made up to push ereaders over the ipad. I'm in my 50's with glasses as thick as coke bottles. There's absolutely no eye stain when reading. It's a fallacy.