IPad 3 (New iPad) vs iPad 2 – Do I need to buy the latest model?

March this year saw the release of the third generation of iPad, namely the iPad 3 or the New iPad, as Apple itself has baptised it. According to Apple Store, the iPad 3 costs almost one thousand kronor more than the earlier model. Have you finally decided to acquire an iPad but are uncertain which model is really worth buying? Or do you already have an iPad 2 and wonder if it is worth replacing your existing iPad with this new one? Here I shall try and help you make that decision. If you wish to find the answer without the comparative analysis, please go to the last section “Conclusion”.

Screen

The new iPad has a higher resolution screen, which Apple calls a Retina display, than the iPad 2. This new display contains four times as many pixels – double the pixel count in terms of width and height – as on the iPad 2. All this results in the images being sharper and more detailed thereby looking more vibrantly true to life.

Processor

The processor for the iPad 3 has also been ehanced since the earlier generation. Apple calls the processor the A5X and it has quad-core graphics that handle four times as many pixels as the iPad 2. This means that everything works really fast when you surf, the iPad responds directly. The high-resolution Retina display on the new iPad would not be possible without the new and powerful A5X-processor, according to Apple.

Camera

Apple calls the camera on the iPad 3 the iSight camera. This 5-megapixel iSight camera features improved optics. The iPad 3 enables filming in HD 1080p compared with the iPad 2 where it is only possible to film in HD 720 p.

Dimensions and weight

The height and width are the same on both models, 241.2 mm high and 185.7 mm wide. The iPad 3 is somewhat thicker, 9.4 mm compared with 8.8 mm and the newer model weighs slightly more also. The Wi-Fi model for the iPad 3 weighs 652 grams whereas the Wi-Fi + 4 G model weighs 662 grams as against 601 g and 613 g respectively for the iPad2.

Colour

Both these models are available in black or white.

Wireless

The greatest difference between the models where wireless connection is concerned is that the new model offers 4G compared with 3G for the earlier model. Unfortunately, 4G will not be available in the Nordic market. Another difference is that the Bluetooth technology is better on the new model (Bluetooth 4.0 technology) in comparison with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.

Battery life

Has the battery life been reduced on the new iPad model now that the screen and the processor are much more power-hungry? The battery life is still claimed to be up to 10 hours when web browsing over WiFi, video playback or listening to music. However, if you surf over the mobile data nework there is no difference between the two models with both having a battery life of up to nine hours.

Price

The iPad 3 costs about $118 more than the iPad 2, with a price tag starting at $499. If you purchase the iPad 3 you can also choose more storage space. Besides 16 GB which is available on both models you can choose 32 GB and 64 GB on the iPad3. But you must expect to pay another couple of hundred U.S dollars.

Summary of iPad 3 (new iPad) vs. iPad 2

Source: http://store.apple.com

Conclusion

First-time buyers

If you are a first-time buyer of an iPad and able to fork out a further thousand kronor then I believe it may be worth buying the latest iPad, that is the iPad 3. You will acquire a much enhanced screen experience and sharper colours as well as a somewhat faster response when you handle your iPad. In addition, it will probably have a longer second-hand market life.

If you are keen to have a model where you can surf over the mobile network it may appear, at first sight, to be worth choosing the iPad 3 since you then acquire access to the 4G network. But what is important to bear in mind here is that not all countries yet have an extensive 4G network; what is more the subscription costs much more than a 3G subscription. Nor does the Ipad 3 have 4G support in all markets.

Should you decide to purchase an iPad3 and wish to pay another couple of thousand kronor you will acquire larger storage space. Besides 16 GB, there is also the option of acquiring 32 GB and 64 GB.

However, if your budget is streteched when you buy an iPad and feel that every krona is important then by choosing the iPad 2 you will in no way be disappointed. It is important to emphasise that the iPad 2 is no slouch by any means. Indeed, the iPad 2 saw the introduction of numerous much-needed improvements compared with the original iPad – two cameras, an improved design (it no longer wobbles when placed on a table) and a much faster processor.

iPad 2 owners

If you are already the owner of an iPad 2, I advise you to enjoy what you have and wait for the next generation. I don’t think it’s worth the extra money to get the new model just to acquire a better screen and a faster response when surfing. Moreover, both these models look very similar and have the same battery life.

However, if you need more storage space, are a technology freak or into graphic intensive gaming and have no shortage of money then why not buy the latest model. J

Please state if this article helped you to make your choice or if you have any comments.

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