IPad 2 or IPad 3?

Irishrossoblu

I am currently considering buying an IPad. I waited for the new one to come out cos I was thinking that it was best to buy the newest model. I will be using it for surfing, eading newspapers and some apps.

Having seen the price drop now in the IPad 2, I am just wondering is it worth the extra money to get the new IPad or will the IPad 2 be just as good for me?

Thanks

whiterebel

Irishrossoblu wrote: »

I am currently considering buying an IPad. I waited for the new one to come out cos I was thinking that it was best to buy the newest model. I will be using it for surfing, eading newspapers and some apps.

Having seen the price drop now in the IPad 2, I am just wondering is it worth the extra money to get the new IPad or will the IPad 2 be just as good for me?

Thanks

If I was buying now, I'd get the iPad2 in the refurb store. €150 saving is not to be sniffed at.

ablelocks

I was all set to buy the new ipad on Friday, but am coming to the conclusion that the ipad 2 would be just fine at it's new price.

unless of course the boardsie hive presents compelling reasons to go for the new ipad.....

adox

The refurb ipad 2 certainly looks tempting. €349 for 16GB wifi and €379 for 32GB wifi

Edit: Just looked again and the 32GB is a first gen.

Dades

Forget asking on Boards.

Go to a shop and view the two side by side. The main difference is the display and since the new iPad hasn't even gone on sale in the Republic you really need to wait until you can see it for yourself.

Frankly doing anything else is making an uninformed decision.
If the reports are to be believed, once you see the 3, you won't want the 2.

ablelocks

Dades wrote: »

Forget asking on Boards.

Go to a shop and view the two side by side. The main difference is the display and since the new iPad hasn't even gone on sale in the Republic you really need to wait until you can see it for yourself.

Frankly doing anything else is making an uninformed decision.
If the reports are to be believed, once you see the 3, you won't want the 2.

fair point, hope the refurbs stay in stock for a wee while....

J-blk

Dades wrote: »

If the reports are to be believed, once you see the 3, you won't want the 2.

A co-worker managed to get one in the US last week and I had a chance to compare it with my iPad 2 for awhile yesterday. I've got to say, I'm not blown away - I was very much considering getting the 3 on Friday, but I really don't think I'll bother now.

Most things (UI, videos, etc) are not that much better overall. Apps not yet optimized for the new display look worse but this will improve over time.

The biggest difference is text - I compared the Kindle app side by side and on the new iPad, I can very comfortably read even the smallest font size, it's that clear. On my iPad 2, I never use the smallest size.

But that's not enough to bother upgrading IMO. The rear camera blows away the one on the iPad 2, but I'm more interested in improvements to the front one, for Skype/Facetime, which did not happen this time. It's also noticeably heavier over the iPad 2, though I'd say you'd get used to it over time.

However, I have to agree with Dades, that you should see them side by side in order to make up your mind. I'm not impressed enough (and I am a bit of an Apple fanboy) to upgrade but you may be blown away by it. At €350 for an iPad 2, it's very well worth it IMO - performance in almost everything will be on par between the iPad 2 and the new one since they have the same processor.

Block (8

Irishrossoblu wrote: »

I am currently considering buying an IPad. I waited for the new one to come out cos I was thinking that it was best to buy the newest model. I will be using it for surfing, eading newspapers and some apps.

Having seen the price drop now in the IPad 2, I am just wondering is it worth the extra money to get the new IPad or will the IPad 2 be just as good for me?

Thanks

I'm in the exact same situation and will be using it the same as you.
There doesn't seem to be much off 2nd hand ipad2 so prob will get a refurb one as well if I do get an ipad2
Thing is with the extra resolution it might be handy for reading newspaper/ (especially)magazines and surfing

Do people using the ipad as a replacement laptop for surfing when at home?
Seems more effort to surf rather than using a mouse.

Can't decide but I'll pop into apple and take a look on Friday but most likely I'll be coming out with nothing and undecided

gzoladz

What the side-by-side will not give you is the nearly twice as long charing time and the supposed heating problems that the ipad 3 has.

I have the ipad 2 and I want to see the new model myself but I feel like not updating and wait until the next one, once the teething issues were dealt with.

Having said this, I do have an ipad already so I am in no rush to get one.

Crackity Jones

Block (8 wrote: »

I'm in the exact same situation and will be using it the same as you.
There doesn't seem to be much off 2nd hand ipad2 so prob will get a refurb one as well if I do get an ipad2
Thing is with the extra resolution it might be handy for reading newspaper/ (especially)magazines and surfing

Do people using the ipad as a replacement laptop for surfing when at home?
Seems more effort to surf rather than using a mouse.

Can't decide but I'll pop into apple and take a look on Friday but most likely I'll be coming out with nothing and undecided

I know you can be a bit OCD about these things but the resolution on the iPad 2 bugged me every time I used it because I got used to the resolution of the iphone 4 /4s. If you arent used to the resolution of the latest iphones (or whatever phone has a similar display) the iPad 2 might be ok for you. For me it was always a little disappointing (first world problems I know). The biggest upgrade over the iPad 2 is the screen. I was happy with the iPad 2 in every other way. Feels great in the hand, zippy, never used the cameras! I also found the 16GB one filled up pretty quickly and that was without any music or movies on it. And it is IDEAL for couch surfing!

whiterebel

Crackity Jones wrote: »

I know you can be a bit OCD about these things but the resolution on the iPad 2 bugged me every time I used it because I got used to the resolution of the iphone 4 /4s. If you arent used to the resolution of the latest iphones (or whatever phone has a similar display) the iPad 2 might be ok for you. For me it was always a little disappointing (first world problems I know). The biggest upgrade over the iPad 2 is the screen. I was happy with the iPad 2 in every other way. Feels great in the hand, zippy, never used the cameras! I also found the 16GB one filled up pretty quickly and that was without any music or movies on it. And it is IDEAL for couch surfing!

TBH, its only you that has the OCD, I think
Every time its mentioned you go on about how poor the resolution is. I've an iPhone 4 and iPad2 and I honestly don't see any massive difference at all. I use mine for books, PDFs, magazines surfing etc, and much as I was thinking about the 3, I really don't feel the need.

CasaBonita

Block (8 wrote: »

Do people using the ipad as a replacement laptop for surfing when at home?
Seems more effort to surf rather than using a mouse.

It's perfect for a bit of casual surfing. I use my iPad far more than my laptop as I find it easier and less awkward.

murpho999

Surely this is similar to iPhone upgrades and last gen users should skip.

So current iPad 2 users should stick with it and iPad 1 or new buyers should jump in.

I don't see why people spend €400+ on a product and even consider changing it after a year just because an upgraded product is released.

It'd be like changing a one year old car because it has a new radio!

Crackity Jones

whiterebel wrote: »

TBH, its only you that has the OCD, I think
Every time its mentioned you go on about how poor the resolution is. I've an iPhone 4 and iPad2 and I honestly don't see any massive difference at all. I use mine for books, PDFs, magazines surfing etc, and much as I was thinking about the 3, I really don't feel the need.

ha yea maybe I do! or maybe I have better eyesight than you!! Either way OP may as well wait till Friday and have a look for him/herself.

Oafley Jones

whiterebel wrote: »

TBH, its only you that has the OCD, I think
Every time its mentioned you go on about how poor the resolution is. I've an iPhone 4 and iPad2 and I honestly don't see any massive difference at all. I use mine for books, PDFs, magazines surfing etc, and much as I was thinking about the 3, I really don't feel the need.

There's a huge difference between the two screens. I've always blames the 4 for my general disappointment with the iPad 2s screen. I'm genuinely mystified as to how people use the kindle app on it.

JoeA3

whiterebel wrote: »

TBH, its only you that has the OCD, I think
Every time its mentioned you go on about how poor the resolution is. I've an iPhone 4 and iPad2 and I honestly don't see any massive difference at all. I use mine for books, PDFs, magazines surfing etc, and much as I was thinking about the 3, I really don't feel the need.

No, me too

There's a huge difference in the screen quality of the iPhone 4 / 4s over the old 3GS. If I ever look at a 3GS screen now, it looks like it has fogged up or something! I suppose it's a case of whatever you get used to.

squonk

I agree with another poster who mentioned that the iPad 3 is for new iPad users and iPad 1 owners. If I had an iPad 2 I wouldn't be thinking of upgrading. I got an iPad 3 up north last week although I haven't gotten it yet and I'll have it at the weekend. It was just handier to order when my mate was in the Apple store rather than chancing the queues here.

In any case, I'm partially sighted and I can see the pixelation in the iPad 2 screen so Crackity isn't alone. I reckon if I can see it, I don't know how other people get on using it. That being said it's not a bad screen really, it just could be better. This is what they've done this time round. I won't be upgrading next year but i'll be back on the market the year after, or maybe not. It depends on the upgrade path for the next while. I'd definitely think those with an iPad 2 would be looking forward to the iPad 4 at this point though.

Dades

whiterebel wrote: »

TBH, its only you that has the OCD, I think
Every time its mentioned you go on about how poor the resolution is. I've an iPhone 4 and iPad2 and I honestly don't see any massive difference at all. I use mine for books, PDFs, magazines surfing etc, and much as I was thinking about the 3, I really don't feel the need.

I have that OCD, too.

I have an iPhone 4 and use a work iPad 2. The difference in resolution was the only thing stopping me from buying an iPad a year ago.

Crackity Jones

Dades wrote: »

I have that OCD, too.

I have an iPhone 4 and use a work iPad 2. The difference in resolution was the only thing stopping me from buying an iPad a year ago.

Good to know it not just me:p I'll let yis know on Friday whether it was worth it when I pick up the new one that Harvey Norman just reserved for me!

whiterebel

squonk wrote: »

I agree with another poster who mentioned that the iPad 3 is for new iPad users and iPad 1 owners. If I had an iPad 2 I wouldn't be thinking of upgrading. I got an iPad 3 up north last week although I haven't gotten it yet and I'll have it at the weekend. It was just handier to order when my mate was in the Apple store rather than chancing the queues here.

In any case, I'm partially sighted and I can see the pixelation in the iPad 2 screen so Crackity isn't alone. I reckon if I can see it, I don't know how other people get on using it. That being said it's not a bad screen really, it just could be better. This is what they've done this time round. I won't be upgrading next year but i'll be back on the market the year after, or maybe not. It depends on the upgrade path for the next while. I'd definitely think those with an iPad 2 would be looking forward to the iPad 4 at this point though.

Not trying to be funny or smart, but you're partially sighted and can see the pixels?
I've 20/20 and perfect reading vision, and I can't see the pixels on mine. I've brought the text up to the max as well and don't see any pixelation on the characters. Would there be different screens from different suppliers I wonder? It's not surprising I'm in no hurry to change if the screen is so good on this one.

squonk

whiterebel wrote: »

Not trying to be funny or smart, but you're partially sighted and can see the pixels?
I've 20/20 and perfect reading vision, and I can't see the pixels on mine. I've brought the text up to the max as well and don't see any pixelation on the characters. Would there be different screens from different suppliers I wonder? It's not surprising I'm in no hurry to change if the screen is so good on this one.

I didn't explain it that well. There's a sort of matrix effect you can see, especially with white backgrounds. It doesn't cause pixelation really but you motice it from the peripherals of your eyes. It could be a screen supplier thing but I see it on my parents iPad 2 as well. As I said previously, the screen isn't bad, it's just that it could be better.

copacetic

Anyone seeing this wifi issue that's across the forums, much reduced signal strengths and transfer speeds with ipad3 than iPad2.

http://gizmodo.com/5895145/does-the-new-ipad-have-wi+fi-reception-problems

squonk

copacetic wrote: »

Anyone seeing this wifi issue that's across the forums, much reduced signal strengths and transfer speeds with ipad3 than iPad2.

http://gizmodo.com/5895145/does-the-new-ipad-have-wi+fi-reception-problems

Cheers! This seems to happen with every new product launch. Cue rollout of its 5.1.1

slave1

I picked up an ipad2 last Wednesday, refurb for €349, cracking value, using it now and mostly for sky sports and kindle .pdfs, delivered in two days:)

soundsham

The only thing that would sway me before I shell out is if the 3 interacts in any other way that the 2 doesn't with my atv 2 ?

Deep Thought

ok..am in the same boat

I dont have any iPad...

So, from my perspective I might as well go for the latest model

iPad 2 are great Value and from what has been said not much difference functionally from the new iPad (Screen aside)

So...i am getting the new one

Kenno90

I'm also on the same boat, wanted an ipad 2 last year, but decided to put it off due to a new one being released in a few months. Now that the 3 is here i'm still deciding. :pac::pac:

Ah feck it will get the 3

Bluefoam

Dades wrote: »

Forget asking on Boards.

Go to a shop and view the two side by side. The main difference is the display and since the new iPad hasn't even gone on sale in the Republic you really need to wait until you can see it for yourself.

Frankly doing anything else is making an uninformed decision.
If the reports are to be believed, once you see the 3, you won't want the 2.

I think we have been reading different reports. The ones I have read say that the iPad 3 screen is better, but its not necessarily worth the premium... & the key benefit is reading text - it has little benefit for viewing movies or playing games apparently.

Also consider, there have been reports of large quantity of iPad 3 users with faulty WiFi, the tablet is heating up to 47C which is enough to produce third degree burns after prolonged use & there are reports that the charger is struggling to charge the iPad due to the huge new battery used to drive the new screen. It seems the new screen is taking its toll on other aspects of the devices performance.

Dades

Bluefoam wrote: »

I think we have been reading different reports. The ones I have read say that the iPad 3 screen is better, but its not necessarily worth the premium... & the key benefit is reading text - it has little benefit for viewing movies or playing games apparently.

I don't do a lot of iPad gaming, but I would have thought "text" on an internet device such as a tablet was a very large thing regardless of who you are.

Again, the reality can't be found by reading the internet - only by physical comparison.

Bluefoam wrote: »

Also consider, there have been reports of large quantity of iPad 3 users with faulty WiFi, the tablet is heating up to 47C which is enough to produce third degree burns after prolonged use & there are reports that the charger is struggling to charge the iPad due to the huge new battery used to drive the new screen. It seems the new screen is taking its toll on other aspects of the devices performance.

Third degree burns? Methinks you've been been reading reviews on the Android forums!

Bluefoam

Dades wrote: »

Third degree burns? Methinks you've been been reading reviews on the Android forums!

I was told by a doctor friend of mine, but this seems to corroborate my statement

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080702132525AAehcC8

Dades

You'd have to question someone who would keep a part of their body exposed to something that *hot* for a long enough time to cause third degree burns. :pac:

My Compaq Presario laptop heats up like a bastard but somehow failed to make the Daily Mail on it's release!

Bluefoam

Dades wrote: »

You'd have to question someone who would keep a part of their body exposed to something that *hot* for a long enough time to cause third degree burns. :pac:

My Compaq Presario laptop heats up like a bastard but somehow failed to make the Daily Mail on it's release!

So if you are using the Tablet for intensive purposes, you should hold it for less than 45 minutes? That seriously limits the use of a device that is supposed to be held in the hand.

As for your laptop, heating problems on various laptops are well documented. They don't make the front page of the mainstream media, but they are certainly reported if they are a problem. The reason the iPads heating issue is reported so heavily on, is that it has effects at least 500,000 people and possibly 5million at this early stage of its release. Also, Apple claim the higher ground on product quality and charge a premium for what they consitently tell us are the greatest products, so when they fail to deliver, the media are entitled to query them.

Dades

Obviously people are holding them wrong. :pac:

My point is hot devices are nothing knew. Laptops including Macbooks have well documented heat issues. My iPhone always heats up using the radio app.

The annoying this is the bandwagon "in ur face, Apple!" articles that get written. Of course Apple court attention so they should expect any issue to be thrown at them.

Next month they'll announce Malibu Stacy is getting a new hat and everyone will have forgotten about the HeatPad of Death headlines.

prettyboy81

Have my ipad3 since Monday & can report no problems with overheating, dodgy wifi signal or anything else.

Well worth the upgrade for the original iPad IMO....

copacetic

Dades wrote: »

Obviously people are holding them wrong. :pac:

My point is hot devices are nothing knew. Laptops including Macbooks have well documented heat issues. My iPhone always heats up using the radio app.

The annoying this is the bandwagon "in ur face, Apple!" articles that get written. Of course Apple court attention so they should expect any issue to be thrown at them.

Next month they'll announce Malibu Stacy is getting a new hat and everyone will have forgotten about the HeatPad of Death headlines.

Third degree burns is laughable, but one of the things I like about the iPad too is that it stays cool to touch for all basic use, I.e email I.e email, web, basic apps.

I wouldn't upgrade if it meant it was warm/hot and uncomfortable the way a laptop is.

r3nu4l

I'm the same, I wouldn't buy the new iPad if I thought it was going to get very hot after a couple of hours use.

I use mine for surfing, gaming, reading and listening to books and also for the radio (TuneIn app is fantastic!) and regularly have it running for hours at a time. I use the first gen iPad and haven't yet found a reason to upgrade. Cameras might be useful for Skype but I'm not too fussed about other stuff.

Sad Professor

I actually upgraded from the iPad 1 to the iPad 2 today. While I would have loved the new Retina screen iPad, the reduced price iPad 2 was too hard to resist.

The Black Oil

I've never owned one before. I'm pretty tempted to try one, was never bothered by the previous editions and haven't even looked at the specs of the new one. A refurb of #2 is certainly tempting. 32GB would do, don't know about the 3G aspect.

nicelives

Was waiting for the release on the iPad 3 here too, but ended up buying the refurb iPad 2 as display improvements on a small enough screen didn't do it for me.

Very happy with my iPad 2...actually love it

macgabhs

Upgraded from the ipad1 to the ipad2 myself the difference in speed is really very noticeable. It came down to price for me really plus I wonder if there will be an issue with non optimised content looking kinda crap on the ipad3's retina display?

The Black Oil

Hmm, it'll end up being another thing to charge between laptop, phone, kindle...damn you, temptations!

Savman

The way I see it, when iPad 3 is released it's the best time to buy an iPad 2. If you absolutely have to have the latest gadget and believe that it's a gazillion times better than it's predecessor, well you are just the type of customer Apple wants to have.

If it was my money, iPad 2 for sure.

The Black Oil

Well, the refurb section seems quiet 'Ships: Out of stock'. I'd guess it really is buy as soon as you see it, then?

Sad Professor

If you are up later, check it again. They refresh it after midnight.

adox

Sad Professor wrote: »

I actually upgraded from the iPad 1 to the iPad 2 today. While I would have loved the new Retina screen iPad, the reduced price iPad 2 was too hard to resist.

Did you buy new or a refurb? I'm still in two minds about what to do? I was going to upgrade to the new iPad but now I'm sorely tempted by the refurb price on the 16GB iPad 2.

I think I may wait and have a look at the new iPad hands on when they are in the stores.

One things for sure, my Mrs is waiting impatiently for me to hand over the first gen iPad to her.

Sad Professor

I bought new. Mostly because I had a gift card to use up. And because I'm impatient. Otherwise I'd have gotten a refurb.

dodzy

prettyboy81 wrote: »

Have my ipad3 since Monday & can report no problems with overheating, dodgy wifi signal or anything else.

Well worth the upgrade for the original iPad IMO....

Have my ipad2 now for 52 Mondays & can report no problems with overheating, dodgy wifi signal or anything else. I'll wait for no.4

Xavi6

Having only bought my iPad2 early in the New Year I convinced myself that I don't need or want the new version...and then I saw it in the flesh

The screen is so much clearly, it looks amazing. Might have to cut up my credit card before I do something stupid

Crackity Jones

Crackity Jones wrote: »

Good to know it not just me:p I'll let yis know on Friday whether it was worth it when I pick up the new one that Harvey Norman just reserved for me!

Yes ! Screen is the business. This ones a keeper! As for Harvey Norman...

mad muffin

If going for the 16 gb wifi the extra €80 is worth it for the screen alone.

ablelocks

well, after comparing both in shops today, I'm collecting the new 32gb wifi tomorrow. The screen is really good - not the hyperbollicy good that some sites are reporting - but certainly enough to convince me to go the extra €100. And it seems a bit zippier too.