Is Lee going to buy an iPad 2?
I’ll get asked this plenty of times, so I’ll just answer pre-emptively.
I’m not saying I would turn it down if someone handed me one and said, “This is for you.” But for myself, no, I’m not planning on picking up an iPad 2. There, I said it.
Unlike the iPhone 4 which brought significantly newer functionality compared to my iPhone 3G that I knew I would take advantage of, I don’t get that same sense about the iPad 2.
iOS 4.3 is where some of the new features come from that were mentioned in Wednesday’s announcement, and iOS 4.3 will run just fine on my iPad 1. I’ll enjoy the performance boost given to Safari, the ability to restore the side switch to an orientation lock, and access to my computer’s iTunes library. Although it was unclear at first, from what I can tell, the iMovie app will more or less work on my iPad 1. But even if it doesn’t, I’m content to work with iMovie on my iPhone.
Apple made plenty of comments about how much faster the iPad 2’s processor is, but I’ve never had a sensation that my iPad 1 is slow. The iPad 2 processor probably really shines when using it for gaming, but I don’t do much gaming.
I definitely have no significant need of cameras in my iPad. I can video chat with my iPhone 4, and even in Apple’s own promo video, the people looked kinda goofy holding up the iPad to take photos or video of things with the rear-facing camera.
Online mogul Chris Pirillo probably described the updated iPad most effectively: the iPad 2 is evolutionary compared to the iPad 1. It’s reasonable to expect that the iPad 3 will instead be revolutionary compared to both the iPad 1 and 2. So get back to me when iPad 3 is announced. Perhaps then I’ll be looking to trade up. What would Apple need to throw in the mix to make an iPad 3 a worth-while upgrade for me? Honestly, I have no idea, but that’s why I love Apple. They have a talented team of engineers who are skilled at figuring out what people like me want. I’m an Apple fan for that very reason. No other computer maker does that.
By the way, I can’t help but chuckle at all the disdain toward Apple about there not being a Retina display in the iPad 2. Follow me here: my 23-inch and 24-inch monitors at work and home, respectively, run 1920×1200 and are driven by respectable graphic cards. To retain best-looking compatibility, if there was to be a resolution upgrade, Apple would only exactly quadruple it, just as they did for the iPhone 4. That means 2048×1536, which is some pretty kick-butt resolution even for a desktop computer. In spite of the enhanced processor and graphics chip in the iPad 2, my impression is that it would struggle to drive a 2048×1536 display. We might see a device with that resolution when the third generation model comes around—maybe.
Good thoughts. Thanks for sharing. What’s it been like for you for reading? I’m thinking about getting one because of all the reading I have to do, and also for preaching. Does it bug you out too much for reading?
Honestly, I’ve never been much of a book/novel reader, and while there are a few iBook items that I’ve stored, that’s not my primary use. Some people don’t like looking at a lit source for very long when reading a book, which is why they prefer Kindle’s e-ink. I am very accustomed to looking at backlit screens and would have no problem reading off the iPad. Yes, the other reports that it can be hard to read outdoors in sunlight are pretty much true. So I’d probably recommend going with the Kindle if an e-reader is truly what you want. But for me, I use it for exactly the main purpose it was intended…an internet consumption tool, and I absolutely love it.