iPad version 1 or 2

[defektive]

Hi all you tech-heads,
I am considering purchasing an ipad for reviewing images when travelling as well as doing some minor processing and portfolio presentation. I can get a near new ipad 1 still under warranty for about half the cost of a new ipad 2. The only real advantage of the 2nd version for my use would be the faster processor. Can anyone who has used both versions with photo apps comment on the difference please and whether it is worth the price diff?

Cheers,
Sam

 

[Doug]

I may eventually regret getting a used iPad 1, but there's a sketchy rumor about a new model coming along later this year, maybe when iOS 5 comes out? "Near new under warranty" at half price sounds good to me, close to what I did. Friend was going to wait for iPad 3 (or whatever) but when I expressed interest in her old one, she went for a new iPad 2 and sold me her old 64Gb at half price, $415.

So I'm missing the cameras, not a problem. The faster processor has not (yet) been missed either. Neither model has the horsepower to run CaptureOne or Lightroom 3, so I'm not even trying to process photos, just put some smaller jpegs in an album to show. Travel navigating and discovering local attractions, books, movies, games, news, etc.

I figure the iPad is a fun and fine media consumer but not so suited to creating it. That's where the MacBook comes in... 🙂

 

[Rogier]

1. iPad 2 is much lighter and thinner and therewith easier to travel with
2. iPad 2 can ben connected to a tv/monitor that can mirror the screen content rather than only the movies, slideshow and keynote presentation
3. iPad 2 is faster

Until recently I worked as a "Genius" for Apple Retail and had full access to all the latest and greatest. Doing so I still own the 1st generation iPad and are still happy with that.
If budget is a concern and the used one fits your needs go for it.
With regards to waiting for the new model, you will alway's be waiting. There is always a new model coming 😱

 

[defektive]

Thanks for the replies guys.
Rogier, I'm really only interested in your third point - speed. As you are an Apple
genius can you shed some light on the speed difference when viewing or working with images?

 

[Tzelet]

I've noticed the speed difference when playing some games but that is mostly because I was looking for it 😀

The first generation would do nicely, in my opinion (having bought both), it really isn't that big a deal. The size and weight is a more important feature to me, the newer feels smaller and lighter. Actually much more than the numbers are telling. The killer feature that hopefully will make it into the next generation is higher resolution, I would run to the store if they got some kind of a retina display.

 

[thegman]

The iPad 2 is quite a lot faster IMO, but the tablet market is moving quick, and they'll both be considered old hat soon. You can probably offset your losses by getting an iPad 1. Also by being cheaper, you won't worry about it so much getting knocked around in your bag.

If iPad 3 comes out, you sell the iPad 1 at not much of a loss.

 

[Photon42]

1. iPad 2 is much lighter and thinner and therewith easier to travel with
2. iPad 2 can ben connected to a tv/monitor that can mirror the screen content rather than only the movies, slideshow and keynote presentation
3. iPad 2 is faster

[...]

To put that into perspective:

OLD 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 Avg. Weight: 1.5 lbs.
NEW 9.50 x 7.31 x 0.34 Avg. Weight: 1.35 lbs.

There is a limit to the image size, the first iPad can process. I believe it is 6.25 MByte, as opposed to new newer model, pushing it to around 16 MByte.

Frankly, I don't understand these limits, but they are true. I tried it e.g. with Snapspeed and my older iPad. If the OP plans to use the pad for Photography related stuff, he should wait for the next model.

Cheers
Ivo

 

[majid]

The iPad 2 is superior in all dimensions but one: battery life. The weight difference does not seem like much on paper, but in practice it is dramatic.

If you want to use photo apps, the extra RAM in the iPad 2 makes quite a difference. For emails, web and so on, the iPad 1 is quite serviceable.

 

[Lauffray]

I hate to be the dissonant voice here, but why anyone would want an iPad still blows my mind. I understand you want to be able to process/post pictures on the go, and that's a problem I've thought about myself, but somehow I don't see the iPad changing anything. My father has an iPad and I've used it, you still have to carry it with you (possibly in its own bag), charge it, find a plug, find a wifi connection...why not just take a laptop ?

 

[FrankS]

I'm looking at a smaller screen android tablet made by SonicView. I wish Apple would make a smaller screen version of their iPad. (but bigger than the iTouch) That intermediate form factor would be ideal for me.

 

[djonesii]

got my wife the iPad one ...

got my wife the iPad one ...

I had the same choice to make ....

Saved the bucks, and got the iPad one. She will be getting the iPad 2 for Xmas.

The case options are radically different, and the new smart cover really makes the package much more portable.

I on the other hand will live with a second hand iPad 1. I now use dropBox to upload my images, and the ability to have my whole library ( a web rez ) on a tablet is for me, the killer app.

YMMV
Dave

 

[willie_901]

I'm waiting for the 3 or the next version with higher resolution.

 

[defektive]

Thanks for everyone's input, I have gone with the v2
mainly because I think the faster processor will handle
image work better.