Earlier this week, Steve Jobs announced the iPad 2, the next line of tablets from Apple. As the dust begins the settle, one question remains on many people’s minds, “should I buy one?” Remember, no one actually “needs” a tablet computer, but perhaps the FAQ below might help you decide.
What’s new in the iPad 2?
The iPad 2, as one journalist put it, is evolutionary, not revolutionary. The operating system, overall feel, user experience is moreorless the same as the first iPad. However, Apple did polish things up a bit more, making it noticeably thinner, faster, and lighter. With front and back cameras, you can also use Facetime and other photo applications.
iPad 2
How much is the iPad 2?
It’s the same price as the previous model, although the iPad 1 now drops $100. Pricing starts at $499 for the 16GB WiFi model and $629 for the 16GB WiFi + 3G. The 32GB and 64GB models go up $100 in succession.
What’s the difference between the other tablets (Xoom, Galaxy Tab, RIM Playbook)?
Aside from Apple, several other companies are developing tablets as well. Just as the smartphone market is divided by iOS (iPhone), Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7, etc., tablets will come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, each running a different operating system.
In terms of product offerings, other tablets do offer other abilities that may be limited or unavailable on the iPad. Most other tablets, for example, can run Adobe Flash, which, while slowly being phased out (in favor for HTML5) still makes up a significant portion of the web today. Other tablets may also offer expandable memory, memory card slots as well more powerful cameras.
Motorola Xoom
I have an Android/Blackberry/etc. phone. Should that affect my decision?
Yes. Your current phone OS should be a consideration when choosing a tablet. Not only will certain devices sync with one another (e.g. iPhone-iPad, Blackberry-Playbook, etc.), you’ll avoid having to pay twice for your apps and games. Having a consistent user experience across devices makes things easier as well.
What can I do with a tablet?
Though created as a separate category in between smartphones and PCs, tablets do share a lot in terms of function between the two. Basic functions like checking email, browsing the web, watch video can be easily done with a tablet. Professional work, however, is more of a mixed bag. While programs such as iMovie and Garage Band were recently announced for the iPad, editing is still limited across all tablet devices. There are a few Office-like apps available as well, you may run into compatibility/sync issues when importing/exporting back to a desktop computer. Also, any extended work, such as crafting long emails may require an external keyboard.
While tablets including the iPad 2, are slowly becoming creation devices (instead of consumption/content devices), it’s still fairly limited and more fit for casual use. It’ll replace your netbook or phone at times, but for any professional, it won’t replace your main computer.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2
What about the iPad 3?
While there are rumors of an “iPad 3” or enhanced iPad later this year, it’s unlikely that Apple will release a new device that soon. The iPad, despite its “limitations,” leads the market. Most competitive devices won’t be released until later this year. On top of that, Apple leads the way in pricing and mind share. To date, the sense of urgency for Apple to complete with Honeycomb and RIM is still premature and remains to be seen. However, a drastic OS update, an “iOS5,” later this summer could very well be expected (coinciding with the next iPhone release).
So should I get an iPad 2?
Again, that’s really up to you and your personal habits and needs. No one truly needs a tablet of any sort – it’s still a luxury item of sorts. If you’re constantly traveling (air, mass transit, etc.) or find yourself having a fair amount of down time (waiting, etc.), an iPad can come in handy, for games, web browsing, videos, etc. The interface is extremely easy to use and would be a good choice, especially for the elderly, children, or the not-so-tech-savvy crowd – not to say it’s a dumb device or not for techies either. However, if you’re the strong Blackberry user or someone looking for something to replace your laptop on vacations and business trips, you’re better off waiting.
The new iPad is not available for pre-order but will be on sale next Friday, 3/11 at Apple stores, as well as Best Buy, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.
