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iPad Should I buy now or wait?
- Thread starter alexanderasher
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Apple really doesn't have a choice here. Tablets are not doing well and Apple was behind the ball on specs and prices last year. Android tablets are nipping at Apple's heel's and they have to come up with something pretty big this time if they don't want flat sales.
Sales are flat for a number of reasons, but the one I like the most is that people don't need to upgrade from the current models. Having an current iPad Mini Retina almost puts you out of the market for the new one UNLESS, it has some major upgrades.
Apple wants everyone to upgrade every year, but people need a more compelling reason to do that. Apple not only competes against Android, but they also compete against Apple... and Apple is a hard act for them to follow.
I hope they upgrade BOTH cameras this time, the front facing camera is used for selfies and many other things, there's no reason for it to be so poor. (but that's another topic)
Wait...
Sales are flat for a number of reasons, but the one I like the most is that people don't need to upgrade from the current models. Having an current iPad Mini Retina almost puts you out of the market for the new one UNLESS, it has some major upgrades.
Apple wants everyone to upgrade every year, but people need a more compelling reason to do that. Apple not only competes against Android, but they also compete against Apple... and Apple is a hard act for them to follow.
I hope they upgrade BOTH cameras this time, the front facing camera is used for selfies and many other things, there's no reason for it to be so poor. (but that's another topic)
Wait...
upgrading from year to year is one of the most modern human diseases (unless required for real work) and i see too many people writing to do so on the internet, i believe a mix of real people and a mix of people pushing for the stupid upgrade because possibly they are involved in the 'big cake eating' (push the masses) ' yay im gonna get 3 as soon as it gets out!!! ' -typical tv spot
an iphone 4s is good almost until it gets broken, but this would be very bad for Apple, Shareholders, Retailers, Fools, etc.
To be honest, the primary reason why a lot of people in the US upgrade their phones often is because of 2 year contracts. If not for that, I reckon iPhone sales will be similarly flat. I'm curious to see the effect the Next/Edge programs and BYOD/no-contract plan discounts will have on smartphone sales.
Besides, for most folks, the iPad is closer to PC/laptop than to smartphone. The non-techies I know tend to keep their computers forever (or at least until they break) and I expect more or less the same attitude towards the iPad (which can actually be more expensive than computers nowadays).
@alexanderasher
As for buying now or waiting, do you have a pressing need for it? If not I'd recommend waiting. If there is, by all means, just buy one now. I've seen deals on current model iPads practically every week so just check out SlickDeals or TechBargains. Sometimes, you can even find brand new iPads for less than Apple refurb prices.
I normally recommend waiting but if I were in your position, I'd just buy now (assuming all required text is available in ebook format compatible with the iPad). I'd rather have an older iPad than have to carry a bunch of heavy hardcover books to class daily even if it's just for a sem.
I see this question a lot here in MR. My advice is always the same, which is buy now. You will be missing months of use.
No, I don't think you would be able to see the difference in performance.
No, I don't think you would be able to see the difference in performance.
Buy now. I find that with the iPad, they don't need to be upgraded as often as an iPhone. Reason being is that I use it to stream media, writing, reading, and of course social media apps, and email. Those activities don't require much power. My iPad purchasing is to buy every 3rd one so that's once every 3 years.
