04-09-2012, 07:50 PM

Hi all,

I am pretty certain I am going to purchase the iPad, but I am not sure which should I get; iPad 2 or the new iPad. I will mostly use it for flipping through electronic flashcards that I make online. Since there will be hundreds of cards, I figured a tablet would be the best route to go as I will be able to take it with me where ever I go. Printing the cards out won't be such a good idea. I will also be reading books on PDF files. As of now, that is pretty much it. What do you all recommend for me?

Oh, by the way, I've only started using a MAC less than a year ago. I bought a used 20" iMac powerpc just to familiarize myself with the MAC platform. So far so good. Any tips and suggestions anyone could give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

P.S. I hope I posted this in the right area.

04-09-2012, 08:26 PM

Either iPad would be fine for what you stated you need it for. The iPad2 has been reduced in price and is still a very capable tablet.

04-09-2012, 08:44 PM

Ipad 2.

The newer iPad is evolutionary.

As stated above, the second generation is very capable.

04-09-2012, 08:51 PM

Thank you both. I'm just a simple gal when it comes to tablets and sometimes all of the technology can be overwhelming. What is so different about the new iPad? I have read about the retina display, but I have no idea what that is. Pardon my ignorance and thanks again for helping me.

04-09-2012, 09:37 PM

I still love my iPad 2.

04-09-2012, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Qtpyinnj

What is so different about the new iPad? I have read about the retina display, but I have no idea what that is. Pardon my ignorance and thanks again for helping me.

One big difference is the retina display which is just Apple's fancy way of saying that the screen has a very high resolution. The resolution is so high that is hard for the average person to see all the digital pixels on the screen. If you do a lot of reading you might want to think about getting the new iPad.

Before making up your mind it might be a good idea to try out both if can in a store. If you have an iPhone 4 you'll know how sharp and clear everything is with its retina display. You will get this benefit from the new iPad.

I personally dislike reading for a long time on the iPad 2 due to the lower resolution. You may not have that problem.

04-09-2012, 10:20 PM

While not in all ways relevant to your request, you wanted to know what's different about the latest iPad.

In addition to the Retina Display (which is super-duper nice and great for reading), there is also a much improved camera. I have always scoffed at the notion of an iPad camera but having taken some test shots and video with it, I recant my scoffs somewhat. It's actually a pretty remarkable camera (given the lack of optical zoom).

My favourite feature in the new iPad is Siri Dictation (well, behind the Retina Display). I love dictating my emails (and sometimes forum messages and all kinds of other stuff). Takes a bit of getting used to (saying punctuation etc) but it's great.

There's generally a faster, smoothing feel to it as well. And being able to watch genuine HD tv shows and movies on it is terrific too.

For an extra $100, I'd say if you can afford it go for the new one. If not, the iPad does have the advantage of being a bit lighter and thinner than the new iPad (they had to make the battery bigger to run that dream screen in the new one). Either way, you'll be amazed how much technology is packed into this thing.

04-11-2012, 11:40 PM

Originally Posted by EndlessMac

Before making up your mind it might be a good idea to try out both if can in a store. If you have an iPhone 4 you'll know how sharp and clear everything is with its retina display. You will get this benefit from the new iPad.

I personally dislike reading for a long time on the iPad 2 due to the lower resolution. You may not have that problem.

I will be doing a lot of reading on the iPad and decided to just go to the store and try them both out to see which would be better for me. I am thinking the new iPad may be best since I get headaches if I read in an area lacking sufficient light. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

04-11-2012, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by chas_m

While not in all ways relevant to your request, you wanted to know what's different about the latest iPad.

In addition to the Retina Display (which is super-duper nice and great for reading), there is also a much improved camera. I have always scoffed at the notion of an iPad camera but having taken some test shots and video with it, I recant my scoffs somewhat. It's actually a pretty remarkable camera (given the lack of optical zoom).

My favourite feature in the new iPad is Siri Dictation (well, behind the Retina Display). I love dictating my emails (and sometimes forum messages and all kinds of other stuff). Takes a bit of getting used to (saying punctuation etc) but it's great.

There's generally a faster, smoothing feel to it as well. And being able to watch genuine HD tv shows and movies on it is terrific too.

For an extra $100, I'd say if you can afford it go for the new one. If not, the iPad does have the advantage of being a bit lighter and thinner than the new iPad (they had to make the battery bigger to run that dream screen in the new one). Either way, you'll be amazed how much technology is packed into this thing.

It is clear that you REALLY like the Retina display. I was watching the new iPad video on Apple's website last night, and I am pretty sure I am going to bite the bullet and go for the new one. I will be doing a LOT of reading on it, and sufficient light is a MUST. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I really appreciate it.

04-12-2012, 01:04 AM

No problem. One other reason I really like the new Retina Display is because of the colour accuracy, it's said to be 99 percent colour-accurate out of the box. For photos, this is a HUGE deal.