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All iPads Throwing down on an iPad

P

Pantomime

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 13, 2007
4
0
Macrumorers,

I am in the market for an iPad. I have some specific criteria which I wil go over. Ultimately I am looking for the device with the best value and fit for me needs with some moderate future proofing.

-Wife Owens an iPad 1, she feels a little burnt that her 2-3 year old device is already antiquated.

-We have 3 kids under 4 years of age, so mobility is a huge plus. It is also why I am ruling out laptops.

-I am a Unix systems admin, so I will be using this device to ssh, rdp, and telnet all over the place, script writing also. With that in mind, stand and keyboard suggestions are also welcome.

-For recreation I do a lot of reading (text and PDF), I would like to play strategy and RPGs based apps ( not processor intensive I would think).

-I am considering splashtop for pc gaming over rdp ( diablo 3 for example). I figure this is more intensive on server hardware than iPad since it is just streaming what the server already rendered. The iPad 4's wireless teaming might be a plus.

-I will use this at work as well, I telecommute often enough (connecting to a secure VMware client.

-I am a resolution snob. 1080p is an eyesore ( over exaggeration may apply)

So I am looking at a refurb iPad 3, head to the apple store or target and snag a 4, if the iPad 2 resolution isn't such a big deal ( I am typing this on the wife's iPad uno) then an iPad 2 might be an option.

I do own a nook color and that thing is slow.

So any help with this matter would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
I have a 2 and it works for all that you need. If resolution is key which it seems to be... get the 4... saving a bit of cash $50 or so based on markdowns might sway many but I say spend the extra for the processing horsepower. The key for you is storage size. With small kids and such... its easy to load all sorts of stuff on your iPad that you will never use. I have a 32gb version and have yet to fill it up but a 16 is far to small for all the stuff I have on it.
 
Pantomime said:
So I am looking at a refurb iPad 3, head to the apple store or target and snag a 4, if the iPad 2 resolution isn't such a big deal ( I am typing this on the wife's iPad uno) then an iPad 2 might be an option.
Click to expand...



Unless money is tight, I wouldn't recommend the iPad 2. It is already 2 year old technology. I think the iPad 3 or iPad 4 would be better for you, especially if you plan to keep it 2-3 years. The iPad 3/4 will help future proof you.

Now if you find a used iPad 2 for a good deal, then you might not be able to pass that up. But I would recommend against purchasing a new iPad 2 to save $100 over the iPad 4. Just not worth it imo.
 
Get a 3 if money is tight, a 4 if you can afford it. If you got three kids under four, you might want to pick up tow iPads or hide yours!:eek:
 
HowardSmith said:
Get a 3 if money is tight, a 4 if you can afford it. If you got three kids under four, you might want to pick up tow iPads or hide yours!:eek:
Click to expand...

Funny you would say that. The oldest of the bunch just got a nabi tablet.

Money is not tight, I don't like overspending if I don't have to. $500 can get me the refurb iPad 3 today plus keyboard, stand and maybe some apps. I can head down to the Georgetown store tomorrow and try to snag a 4 at the same cost.


Just curious what the extra processing power translates into since there are no apps built for it, I doubt many app builders will optimize for the 4 with the user base being significantly smaller than all other iOS devices.
 
Pantomime said:
Funny you would say that. The oldest of the bunch just got a nabi tablet.

Money is not tight, I don't like overspending if I don't have to. $500 can get me the refurb iPad 3 today plus keyboard, stand and maybe some apps. I can head down to the Georgetown store tomorrow and try to snag a 4 at the same cost.


Just curious what the extra processing power translates into since there are no apps built for it, I doubt many app builders will optimize for the 4 with the user base being significantly smaller than all other iOS devices.
Click to expand...

It may not be earth shattering today but after a couple of more iOS updates, those xtra "ponies" under the hood will come in handy and keep you in your 4 longer!
 
true...but

HowardSmith said:
It may not be earth shattering today but after a couple of more iOS updates, those xtra "ponies" under the hood will come in handy and keep you in your 4 longer!
Click to expand...

Thats true, but i'd also like to add that the newer games will try to utilize the extra horsepower that the ipad 4 affords. So if you ever think you will get into more intensive gaming, the ipad 4 can both afford you the best gaming experience now, and future proof you for another generation. or two.

just my $.02
 
just an update.

I took some old consoles I had down to a gamestop, I picked up a refurbished ipad 3 for $203 cash after trade ins. Also I wasnt thinking strait with my resolution bias. I like higher res for the screen real estate, not the crispness.

In any case, the ipad 3 should hold me till the ipad 6 / next major redesign.

Thanks for all the advice!
 
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