As I previously wrote, I was really on the fence of how much value the iPad 2 brings vs the iPad one. It's now been over 6 months since that launch and ship times have dropped from 5+ weeks to being able to walk into a store and pick one up. Apple has sold millions of these devices almost effortlessly, despite staying firm on pricing in a significantly weak economy.
Regardless, it feels like a good time to hold up old versus new and see how original iPad stacks up to version 2.
I had placed my order just after they opened the pre-orders. I figured I could cancel it at any time. My order went in without a hitch, unlike with the iPhone 4. I was give a 3-4 week window for delivery. It arrived pretty much right on the 3 week timeline.
The immediate and most obvious difference between the two devices is the form factor. The original iPad wasn't overly chunky but it's a real porker compared to the iPad 2. The 2 is thinner, lighter and slightly smaller. However, it's less comfortable to hold and carry due to a relatively "sharp" edge. It isn't really that sharp, but it is so thin that it can be uncomfortable to rest the entire weight of the device on one edge when holding or carrying it. With certain cases, this becomes a non issue, but I still give the first gen version an edge on comfort.
Speed is another hallmark of v2. It is snappier than the first version. But quite frankly, v1 was a screamer as well. I double most users see much of a difference - if any. This is a push.
The operating system support is the same so application availability and usage are virtually identical. Sure there are a handful of apps that allow you to push the envelope due to the faster speeds available but it's more the exception than the rule.
I was fully expecting to never use the cameras on v2. But, actually, I found Facetime to be quite compelling on the larger screen. I had used it on the iPhone 4 previously and it was rather cheesy. But, in the larger format, it really comes into its own with life size talking heads on the screen. It's not a great camera, but it does fine for personal video conferencing with limited bandwidth. Advantage v2.
Battery life has turned out to be about the same. However, I note that since I have integrated a tablet into my life I've begun using it more and more. It is especially handy on increasingly cramped airline seats where use of a laptop is essentially impossible.
So what's the verdict? If you don't have a need for video you are just fine staying where you are. The iPad 1 is still going to get you where you need to go and you'll save a pile of cash that you can use instead on iPad 3.
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