iPad 2 vs iPad 3

[lilmrsellis]

I've finally saved enough for my dream gadget, iPad! I'm trying to decide between 2 or 3. Suggestions? Side note, 16gb or 32? It will mostly be for apps, a couple movies and books. No music. TIA!

[baby1disney]

I'm not sure because I want one too!! Lmao!! But I'm sure either way, it's gonna be a great gift to yourself

[lilmrsellis]

I will also want a protective case (I have a 2 year old) that isn't too bulky. Thanks!

[TinkerShy]

Originally Posted by lilmrsellis

I've finally saved enough for my dream gadget, iPad! I'm trying to decide between 2 or 3. Suggestions? Side note, 16gb or 32? It will mostly be for apps, a couple movies and books. No music. TIA!

1) 16 GB will be fine if you're comfortable with cycling your movies, i.e. only keep the bare minimum on hand, the rest keep stored on your computer (or if you download them from iTunes there's a record of your purchase and you can always re-download at no cost). 32 GB will give you more breathing room to store more things, but you might not need that much space.

2) iPad 2 only comes in the 16 GB model anymore, so the only way to get one would be from a non-apple source and it is unlikely it would still be covered under a guarantee. That is unless you're looking into my next point...

3) Buy refurbished! You can get a refurbished iPad (from 1st-current gen models) on Apple's online store (store.apple.com, lower left corner of the page). Not every model is offered, but there is a pretty healthy variety most of the time. You'll get it for a discounted price and it still comes with the 1 year guarantee and the option of purchasing AppleCare + (extended guarantee) for $99, which will cover up to two incidents (in two years) of accidental or water damage with a $49 surcharge for each incident.

There are a ton of cases you can look at online too! My DH and I chose the Dodo Case!

^_^

[disneyfam2000]

Originally Posted by lilmrsellis

I've finally saved enough for my dream gadget, iPad! I'm trying to decide between 2 or 3. Suggestions? Side note, 16gb or 32? It will mostly be for apps, a couple movies and books. No music. TIA!

I personally like the 32gb just because it has enough space for movies,videos and games for the kiddos especially on long road trips (Disneyland) etc. And as for the Ipad 2 or 3 there are some minor differences here is a link to Youtube that will show those detailed differences. But I personally like the Ipad 2 just because the older models are discounted by Apple themselves at Apple.com. So here is the link hope this helps http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...4cqH4_1hXi1SAw

[Starclassic]

Personally, I like the iPad 3. The retina display alone is worth the extra cost, in my opinion. As for 16gb vs. 32gb, I think it depends on how much you wanna store on it at once. I have the 32gb because I like to have plenty of space, but I think 16gb would also be fine.

As for cases, check out the Apple Smart Case. It adds very little bulk and comes in several different colors.

[raven69david]

Apple has 64GB iPad 2's at $499.00. They are refurbished and come with the same warranty as a brand new unit. The 16's are $399.00 and the 32's are $449.00. I'd go through Apple directly for an iPad 2. You won't notice much difference from iPad 2 to iPad 3's, especially if you watch animated movies. I've owned all 3 generations of the iPad.

For $100.00 more, you can get an iPad 3 with half the storage capacity (32gb). The new display is great when watching regular movies, but it's not a dramatic change in the way that it looks. Animated content will look about the same on iPad 2/3.

As far as cases, all 3 of mine are in Otterbox cases. With two kids and them fighting over who gets to hold it, I feel much safer my $600.00 devices have the best protection in the business on them.

[OKW Lover]

We have both a 2 and a 3. I don't think there is enough difference between the two to matter for a casual user.

I agree that you may as well buy a refurb unit from Apple and save some $$$. I've bought many a computer from the Apple refurb store and they are indistinguishable from new plus they carry the full new warranty.

I'd always recommend to go with the largest amount of memory that you can afford. Just knowing what you are planning on doing with the iPad now is a good place to start but if thats all you buy you may find that your future use is limited because you want to store more stuff (music, video, pictures, some new stuff) on the iPad. At that point its too late to add storage.

[coopersmom]

Originally Posted by OKW Lover

I'd always recommend to go with the largest amount of memory that you can afford. Just knowing what you are planning on doing with the iPad now is a good place to start but if thats all you buy you may find that your future use is limited because you want to store more stuff (music, video, pictures, some new stuff) on the iPad. At that point its too late to add storage.

I echo this. The iPad is my five-year-old's favorite thing and we are constantly shuffling things around and running out of room and having to move things off. More storage is a big part of what I'll be looking forward to in the next iPad.

We have an iPad 2 (our first iPad) and will likely buy another one the next generation released. (I tend to be an every-other-iteration Apple gadget-er.)

I always recommend getting the largest and newest model you can so that you can "afford," emotionally, to skip a generation without feeling like you're missing out too much. Even though it's expensive up front, it's a "savings" if it keeps you from rushing out and buying the latest thing immediately upon release.

Also, be aware, that a new iPad is likely coming early next year (typically, March), if not sooner. There have been rumors that Apple will announce an "iPad mini" at their event next month (September 12, I believe), but that is all speculation, and it's likely just a new iPhone coming out. Still, there is little doubt the iPad WILL be revved shortly after the first of the year. Even if you don't want to buy the latest model, current models will likely drop significantly in price at that time, if you're willing to wait that long.

[lilmrsellis]

Ok, so I went with a new iPad 3, mainly because they are running a back to school special and my husband is a teacher. Now my dilemma is: which case? I saw an Otterbox recommendation and that's what I have for my iPhone. What's everyone else using?

[OKW Lover]

I've got the Apple Smart Cover for my 2.0 version. Val got the Smart Case for her 3.0 version.

[KittyKitty]

Do you think iPad would be good for a student who will be writing lots of papers at a college that maybe PC?

[clc053103]

Originally Posted by KittyKitty

Do you think iPad would be good for a student who will be writing lots of papers at a college that maybe PC?

It's definitely no replacement for a laptop or pc.

[vwlfan]

Mine slipped off as I was entering my car in a dark parking lot a couple of weeks ago!

iPad 3 fell screen first flat on asphalt and shattered!

$350 for a replacement and another 30'for a snugg cover.

[Crashley234]

My husband has the ipad2 and I have the ipad3 the main difference I have noticed between ours is my screen is better which if you are into photography is amazing. I would go with the 32gb storage if you are going to want to put movies on as those take up a bit of space. I use to have the 16gb ipad1 and found my self having to delete stuff frequently to fit on new books, magazines and movies. I hope this helped you will love it no matter which version you get!