As we enter 2012, many iPad1 owners are wondering if they should either upgrade to the iPad2 or wait for the iPad3 to arrive on the market, which is currently scheduled to arrive in March or April of 2012. Given the popularity of the iPad1 and iPad2, such a question has been on the minds of iPad owners, especially those who didn’t get the upgrade as a Holiday gift, for the past few months.
First, let’s start by what hasn’t changed between the iPad1 and iPad2. Both the screen size and storage capacity remain the same. Both iPads have the same storage options at 16GB, 32GB and 64GB depending on what you want to choose. Furthermore, there was no price increase in the iPad2, meaning that for first time purchasers, the iPad2 is generally the preferable model as it does offer more features at the same price.
The differences between the iPad1 and iPad2 seem relatively small at first, starting with the thickness and weight of the unit. The iPad2 is slightly thinner, just over 4 millimeters thinner in fact, as well as weighing slightly less at 613 grams, over 100 grams less than the iPad1. These changes are a little bit noticeable, but hardly worth the upgrade price of the iPad2 all by themselves.
The real changes between the iPad1 and iPad2 begin with the processor. While the old iPad1 used a single core, 1GHz A4 chip, the iPad2 uses a dual core 1GHz A5 chip with increased RAM capacity. This has meant a jump from 256MB to 512MB of RAM. Of course, while such a jump may sound impressive, for most uses of the iPad few may notice the difference in the speed their iPad processes new information.
A larger advantage comes with the improved cell radio used in the iPad2. While the original featured an EDGE triband HSPA model, the iPad2 boasts a quadband UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA model with additional boost in power. Again, for many users of the iPad there may be no noticeable difference in many locations. But for those who either worked or lived on the edge of coverage, now they should have improved their connection to carriers.
In addition, the iPad2 offers a front-facing VGA camera, a rear facing 720p camera, gyroscope, HDMI output dongle (optional) and a spiffy new case that is attached by magnets, of all things. The case has a microfiber surface and is also optional to purchase.
Before making the decision to upgrade from an iPad1 to an iPad2, the upcoming iPad3 is scheduled to go on the market in early 2012. While all the improvements have yet to be revealed, what is generally rumored about the iPad3 is that it will contain retina display, which is essentially a very high resolution display feature. Also, the iPad3 may have a quad core processor as opposed to the dual core processor of the iPad2. This means the processing speeds of the iPad3 will greatly surpass what the iPad2 is capable. And finally, the iPad3 may feature 4G capacity which again is far superior to the iPad2.
The best advice is for people thinking of upgrading to an iPad2 is waiting just a few months to see what the iPad3 will offer.
Josiah Staggs is a gadget hound, tech enthusiast and avid giveaway seeker. Visit his free iPad 3 blog for all the latest free iPad 2 and iPad 3 news, rumors and giveaways.