Reviews from iPad 1 to iPad 2 upgraders?

[Stealthipad]

I really crack up when I read the "much faster" comments for opening apps and web pages.

Posters make its sound like it takes minutes to open an app on an iPad 1. Instead of a few second difference or less.

Well then, keep cracking as I, too, claim that the web downloads and runs pages much quicker. Not a little quicker, but a lot! Over all the entire device seems faster.

The weight seems the same on the old and new iPads but the thinner form factor does make it nice to handle.

 

[iSingandiDance]

It's just better - from the faster load times to the sleeker profile.

The white bezel may have some kind of placebo effect to do with it as well.

The cameras are also great pluses. The experience is wholly different and most of it has to do with the asthetics more than anything (thinner, white bezel, smart cover). Just those little things greatly enhance the device. Beauty goes further than the eye and actually lends itself greatly to practicality.

If you can get your hands on one and can make a fairly good return on your 1st gen, I'd say go for it. You will not regret it.

 

[wesk702]

I think u have to have had an iPad 1 to really appreciate the iPad 2. It's considerably better in almost every way. Not that I ever had a problem with my first iPad but I don't think I could ever go back to the first one after the upgrade.

 

[That70sGAdawg]

It's definitely thinner and lighter. Unless it's my imagination the speakers in the iPad2 seem to have a better sound. Although the iPad version of iMovie is bare bones, I like having it and the cameras in the iPad2. I had no expectations for the cameras so I'm satisfied with both. I tried out the rear camera with a short video as soon as I got it. And the subject was impressed with the quality of the video. I LOVE the DV adapter (not sure if it works with the iPad too, though). I was waiting for mirroring with the iPad and it's finally here

Oh, and it seems significantly faster than the iPad too.

The speakers ( 2 mono) do sound better on iPad 2 . That's why caved and exchanged my $100 discounted iPad 1 for the new one!

 

[Alphaforcex]

I too use my 3G ipad1 a lot and like I said on another thread, I think the 2 is way better in many way. I picked up a wifi white for my wife and man, I couldn't keep my hands off the 2. Everything is just quicker and the thickness of the device make it much better to hold. If I have to put a price on the upgrade, I'll say it worth about 300 to me.

If you decide not to upgrade, just don't play with the 2 at all. It just bugs you after you play with the 2 for a while.

 

[rawlus]

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I haven't shot hd with the back one yet but even FaceTime looks pretty crappy.

In my testing, while the cameras displayed on the iPad screen don't look the best, on the other end of the Skype or FaceTime call, the picture looks much better, clear and not pixely. That's been my experience in testing calls go both iPhone and iMac over both Skype and FaceTime.

 

[bmat]

I have both -- well, did as I gave the original to a family member.

I am not sure it was "worth" it to upgrade. I didn't care about the camera -- and it is sort of a downside because I sometimes go to court. But I wanted a faster device for web surfing and other things. And better reloads on web pages.

There is a good improvement speed wise. I had some network issues on wifi, but I'm hoping those work themselves out. But I get less reloads, and web browsing is more enjoyable,

With 4.3 on both, however, they were pretty similar speed wise. The 2 was faster. But not like 4 times as fast.

If I had to decide again, I probably would. But it is not a no brained for me.

 

[AJsAWiz]

When u guys say the cameras arent good, are u speaking of the still camera because my understanding is that the video camera is supposed to be pretty decent.

Haven't used the still camera yet but the video is just fine

 

[diabolic]

I think u have to have had an iPad 1 to really appreciate the iPad 2. It's considerably better in almost every way. Not that I ever had a problem with my first iPad but I don't think I could ever go back to the first one after the upgrade.

I completely agree. Far more comfortable to hold and noticeably faster in several apps.

 

[Cha]

Just to chime in...

Web browsing - Slightly faster... The additional ram helps the amount of refreshes one experiences switching "tabs".

Screen - The second gen produces a brighter image on the same setting compared to the first gen.

Sound - The speaker produces a clearer sound (but the fidelity leaves a lot to be desired, imo)

Games - Games that have been updated to take advantage of the iPad2 looks and plays much better than the iPad1.

Speed - The whole experience of opening apps, moving from pages, loading of content is "zippy". The difference of speed is not earth shattering, but you will notice it.

Form Factor - The new ipad is much easy to hold.

Netflix - I really did not notice much of a difference. I was just using the app on both iPads just now and there's really not much difference in the experience.

Email - Not much of a difference...

 

[eagleglen]

For me the biggest change with going from the original iPad to the iPad 2 has been it's shape and look. The thinner design and tapered sides make it much easier to hold. I also got the white version, which, perhaps just because it's new, I find more attractive. I was impressed with the design of the first iPad and this one definitely feels and looks like an upgrade.

As far as speed goes, I've seen the biggest improvement when I switch between apps. I have the mutitouch gestures turned on, so when I swipe up with four fingers, the multitasking bar appears. I swipe to what I want, tap and, in an extremely fast and very fluid motion, the new app appears. I can have ten or more or tabs open in the Atomic browser, go do something else, swipe back, and there are all there with no reloading. That last part can probably be attributed to the increase in RAM. I feel like I'm actually multitasking now.

 

[yodaxl7]

I have both iPad 1 and 2. I noticed the browsing instantly. I also noticed that web pages do not reload like it does on the iPad 1 when switching between tabs (not real tabs). Also, fast switching between apps, apps do not reload either. Basically, you get speed boost, load apps faster by 5 secs or so, you get better mult-tasking because apps don't have to reload, etc. Plus, you get new features like hdmi mirroring. I used the abc player and watch grey anatomy on my hdtv. Facetime is great. Back camera is the only disappointment for me, but I normally take pictures with my iPhone 4. Garageband is fun. I haven't tried iMovie. It is definitely worth the upgrade. I recommend!!

 

[Norm1222]

Me too

I upgraded also. I loved my old one and felt that I just had to have the new one. Cameras are crappy, it is much thinner, and a bit faster. I am not sorry at all I did it but I will be if rumors are true about ipad3 making an appearance within the next year. I have had some technical issues and will be heading into the store to see what is up.