Thinking if getting an ipad.

I think the iPad will be supported. No worries.

 

I have mixed feelings about the iPad 1 being supported in the future. I believe that by law it will have to be supported for at least 5 years, but as a current user of an iPad 1, I do notice that new applications use a lot of memory and cause it to slow down. Compared to when I bought it, I do notice it has slowed down a little, and many times it reboots by itself. Not sure if this is due to overheating or low memory. Don't get me wrong, I still love my iPad. I have skipped the iPad 2 as I didn't really see much of an improvement besides RAM. I'm waiting for the iPad 3.
But a refurbished iPad 1 should be a good deal to get too,as the iPad 3 may no be here until 2Q12. I'm hoping for a surprise in the next Keynote. Maybe a launch, maybe an announcement, who knows.
I do hear that Apple is cleaning out their iPad 2 stock and that's a good sign.

 

apple has a strong record of supporting older products. i think chances are that most apps will work fine.

 

i had the iPad1 (now given other family members) and now have the iPad2,and while i see some minor differences in speed i've not encountering any apps that i cannot run on either
now the other factor i have is that i'm not a gamer, mostly word processing, and light consumption but i suspect that Apple will continue to support it for at least another 2 generations

 

If finances are tight I would go with the iPad 1 32GB 3G otherwise I would say get a refurbished iPad 2. Your needs will be satisfied by either one, so it matters only to you.

Unless of course white is your color than of course go for the iPad 2.

 

May depend on what kind of apps you use. I haven't experiences any of those issues with my iPad 1, which I bought instead of an iPad 2.

 

Fact of life is that as particular models are replaced developers aim their sights at the most recent hardware/software configurations. I doubt anyone has to worry about continued support of the original iPad for the foreseeable future. And it's certainly true that iOS5 will run on the original iPad. However, new apps may take advantage of faster processors and or more memory available in forthcoming iPad models.

 

The pad1 would be supported for at lease two more years. Apple usually discontinues suppport after 5 years. Then only other acception is the ipheone 3G was discontinued after 4 years.

 

You have nothing to worry about. Apple is very good about supporting their products. I actually like my first gen iPad better than my iPad 2.

 

Could you explain what you like better about your original iPad?

 

The iPad 1 should have full iOS5 support, but will only have partial iOS6 support.

 

My wife actually ordered me a new ipad 2 for my bday! (8/30) i can't wait to get it!! it should be here next week and i am so excited. To me, the iPad one we had for a while seemed very fast, much faster even than the Xoom i had for a while.. Which is sad considering the xoom had 4 times as much RAM. As well a dual core processor. Ive done a lot of reading up on the iPad 2. it seems that you are able to see the processing difference the most in things like games. so for those who aren't gamers the iPad 1 should be fine. To me, the iPad 1 seems faster than my iPhone, which has the same chipset and twice as much RAM.

 

I have the opportunity to get a demo iPad 3G 64GB for $399. I'm a student and am considering taking it to class with me instead of my 17" MBP. What do you guys think? Do you think it would still be suitable for taking notes? What about light browsing in bed/whatever. I try to use my 3GS for that but it's so slooooooowww now.

 

I've been using my iPad 1 32gb wifi as my main computer since march, and for the uses you described it functions perfectly fine. Although the iPad 2 is superior in terms of speed and memory, etc. The iPad 1 is still a great device and I'm sure you would enjoy it a lot especially if the camera isn't too big of a deal for you

 

This may sound like a really nooby question, but I must ask: does it feel just as snappy as a 3GS? I hope it's faster... I hate opening Safari and waiting 15 seconds before I can tap the google search bar :s.

 

Yes, much faster. Try using Spotlight on the home screen. Just type and you can google search right from there, saves time

Also, I've been beta testing iOS 5 for my 3GS... MUCH FASTER. I promise you, the sluggishness is gone on the 3GS running iOS 5 (and this is just the beta). Kudos to Apple, I'm very happy.

The iPad is fast. You'll love it.

 

It's only been a little over 3 years since the iPhone 3G introduction. The original iPhone was launched less than 5 years ago. Also Apple cuts support well before 5 years with iOS devices. I think you're living in an alternate reality.

 

Think I'm going to pick it up tomorrow then, thanks for your help, bud!

 

I agree the iPad is very speedy in general use and light gaming. For lots of gaming though I'd jump for the iPad 2.

 

Wondering if you or anyone else has tried to IP1 with IOS5 beta? How does it work?

 

Agreed. iOS upgrades only seem to come out for devices made in the previous couple of years. Example 1: when iOS4 came out, it only worked on the iP4 (the "new" iPhone, back then), 3GS, and 3G. The 1st-gen iPhone was left out. Example 2: with iOS5, you can only install it on the iP4 and 3GS (and the about-to-be-released new iPhones, of course). The 3G and 1st-gen iPhones are left out.