iPad 1 VS iPad 2

The wait is over! Yes, the iPad 2 has finally reached the markets. So, if you already have the iPad1, is it really necessary for you to upgrade to the newer version? Is the newer version worth its bucks? Let us go further and compare these two models.

• Dual Cameras – If you have read iPad reviews on the internet, the first disadvantage that the geeks would have told is the absence of a camera. Apple has done that right this time by giving a front as well as rear cameras. Of course they are not as good as the ones on your digital camera but they certainly do the job and they are a boon for people who want to do tele-conferences and video calls.

• Slimmer, Fitter and Attractive – The second coming of the tablet from Apple is only 8.8mm thick and that is almost 1/3^rd of its predecessor. It is easy to carry and attractive to use.
  

• Enhanced Hardware – Of course, with every new upgrade there is a change in the hardware. The iPad 2 has a faster 1 Ghz, dual-core, A5 processor which is much more faster than the older model. It also has additional battery backup plus improved graphics supports which will let you do all the multimedia and gaming work. For the complete comparison on the hardware between the two models, you can checkout Engadget’s comparison of iPad1 and iPad2 - http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2-vs-original-ipad-whats-changed/.
  

• Newer and better things – The new iPad has many accessories that will make you life a bit easier. A HDM1 video output means that you could enjoy HD videos on your TV, a gyroscope with motion sensing abilities and it also supports the latest iOS4.3. The new OS will mean that you can have high quality and superior web browsing experience forever. There is a smart cover, a protective cover, a typing stand and an AV adapter for the device.

Why you should not go for the iPad 2?

Let us see the factors which will probably tell you that iPad 2 is not worth its money

• Upgrades are rather unnecessary – When you take the upgrade from iPhone 3GS to iPhone 4, there was a lot of change in the usability and functioning. But, here the iPad 2 is only lighter and has a dual camera in it. So, if you don’t complain about the weight and if you don’t want to make a video call, then you can conveniently go for the cheaper iPad 1.

• The camera is poor – As mentioned earlier, the iPad does have front and rear cameras. But that doesn’t mean it can work as a digital camera. The quality of the images is below par and is unacceptable for a universally appealing device such as the iPad.

The Deciding factor – “Price”

Since the iPad 2 has hit the markets, Apple has slashed the price of the old iPad by $100. Now, that is serious money for a middle class buyer. So, what do you do? Spend $100 extra for a newer model? What is in it that is worth that much? Let us take a look at some of the features of iPad 2 that were not present in iPad1.