iPad 1 or 2 or other tablet

JeffH · 13 Jul 2011 at 11:30

I know this has been answered before, but not recently so it's more asking for an update...

I'm hoping to get an iPad soon and will have the funds for a second hand iPad 1. My questions is now that the iPad 2 has been around a bit, are app developers creating apps optimised for the iPad 2 or does the iPad 1 still have a lot of life left in it? I guess it always will for browsing/e-reading, but is it starting to be left behind a bit with the newer apps/games?
I don't mind saving up a bit more for an iPad 2, but if there's no need I can get my new(ish) toy sooner.

Turbo-G · 13 Jul 2011 at 20:21

I'd personally just save and get an ipad2, once iPad2 is replaced, the first gen will be pretty much unsupported for the latest and greatest apps I'd imagine.

JeffH · 14 Jul 2011 at 10:26

OK cheers, much like the iPhone 3G now I guess. I'm thinking about an Asus Transformer now too. I'll keep forum trawling for info and comparisons. Impulse buying is so much easier than knowing money is coming soon

Deleted member 77746 · 14 Jul 2011 at 10:54

I'm thinking of an ipad 2 myself but not too sure as I may be getting a new MBP or MBA soon. iPads are still the slickest tablet around.

JeffH · 15 Jul 2011 at 10:46

Been into a store and tried both iPad and the Transformer and I'll stretch myself to get a Tranformer I think. Just need to shop around now and maybe get lucky with a 2nd hand one or a return.

Robbo · 15 Jul 2011 at 10:48

I think the iPad 2 is comfortably the best tablet, but the Transformer isn't bad.

You mentioned games, if they are even remotely important, DO NOT get an Android tablet.

It's pretty hard to compare them directly. Why not list what your main uses are for a tablet?

DanF · 15 Jul 2011 at 11:12

I'm using my MBP less and less after picking up an ipad2. I'm mainly using it to play games but also for some handy apps like tv guide, imuscle, some internet and checking emails. The mbp only comes out now when I needed to do lots of typing for using the internet a lot. It's much easier to research stuff on the internet with a full OS, keyboard and pointer.

JeffH · 15 Jul 2011 at 11:44

Well I mentioned the games as I imagine it's games that most test the processing power of a tablet (much like a PC), but to be honest I'll be mainly using the tablet for casual browsing/e-mail/comics/films/iplayer/music (listening, not making) in the lounge/bedroom. My gaming comes in the form of a GX660 laptop indoors or my Xperia Play phone while travelling. If I'm on the laptop I generally want to be gaming on it, not doing the things liested above, while the phone is too small a screen for browsing etc.
I guess the Transformer choice is the middle ground...
£250-£300 = second hand iPad 1 - getting a bit long in the tooth?
£300-£350 = Transformer if I look around - latest tech, but Android so fewer apps/games (not been a problem so far moving from iPhone to Xperia play)
£350-£400 = iPad 2 - latest tech and apple goodness/restrictions

DanF, your last comment about researching on internet using a keyboard is a plus point for the Transformer with it's keyboard dock?

Robbo · 15 Jul 2011 at 11:46

Well, I suppose it comes down to Apps (not very many, majority poor) vs Flash in the browser. There's an Apple app for most big Flash services anyway.

DanF · 15 Jul 2011 at 15:12

Games are great for longer journey's as well, any flights etc where the ipad will last 8 odd hours. If you're really not gonna use it for gaming then an ipad1 will do everything else, just depends on how cheap you can get one.

No-one in work has bought the Transformer even though it looked good to start with (work in a programming office full of geeks). Most of us have android phones so are just a bit wary of an android tablet and the current state of app support.

GTA767 · 15 Jul 2011 at 19:11

ipad 2 why

1. great design, perferctly fits in hand not as ipad 1
2. A5 chip very powerful processor and gpu SGX 543 perfect best than nvidia tegra 2 Sh....
3. ios this is most important maybe ios5 will be supported on both ipad 1 or 2 but it will fly on ipad 2

and also who use ipad 2 i advice this case it just perfect

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acase-Genui...available/dp/B004TA4EOK/ref=pd_cp_computers_2

Turbo-G · 15 Jul 2011 at 19:16

If you want an iPad, buy an iPad. Don't impulse buy the Asus if it's not your first choice.

churchhawk · 15 Jul 2011 at 20:29

Seriously, get an Ipad, the first one is no slouch but if you can afford it get the Ipad 2, brilliant bit of kit and the App store just makes it the complete tablet.

Dont go android on a tablet, you will regret it imo.

cokecan · 15 Jul 2011 at 20:31

Was looking at the iPad 2, the Asus transformer and the samsung galaxy 10.1. Went for the iPad 2 in the end and I'm glad I did.

Had the iPad for a few days and I'm loving it. Its a good size for my slightly larger hands and a good weight too. Also love the way the magnetic cover fits and works.

iPad would get my vote

joey1211 · 15 Jul 2011 at 20:40

Asking this question in the Apple forum will effect the replies, as would a similar thread in GD. Keep that in mind.

shuzzbutt · 16 Jul 2011 at 15:53

my kids were very disappointed when using the in-laws ipad when neither the cbeebies or itv kids websites were available to them. They love all the character based flash games available.

They were soon appeased however once we stuck angry birds on- for about 5 minutes lol

Maybe look at the blackberry playbook- looks a nifty competitor??

uniQ · 17 Jul 2011 at 15:16

I would be tempted to wait until September in case they do launch a new iPad Pro/3/Other Name

JeffH · 20 Jul 2011 at 14:28

Final question on this and I'll stop pestering you all. Would you say the improvements of the iPad 2 over the iPad 1 are worth the extra £150 it would cost? Mainly for browser/eBook/Comic and the odd game use.

Edit: for spelling

Robbo · 20 Jul 2011 at 14:31

For £150? I'd say yes.

For those things though it wouldn't really matter that much.

BiGT- · 21 Jul 2011 at 02:01

Im in the same position as the OP and agree with Robbo, it all comes down to Apps(iPad) vs Flash(every other tablet).
iPad seems to run so smoothly but as I have an iPhone it doesnt interest me that much but I still want a tablet for browsing the internet, so I am going to wait to see how the Sony S1 is, if its nothing special then it will be the iPad for me.