So... Who's getting an iPad2?

GilliC

Who all is planning to get the iPad2, and what do you think?

GilliC

DH and I made a deal a year ago that I would settle for the lowest-end model of the original iPad and then upgrade as soon as the iPad2 came out.  DH will get my old iPad to use primarily as an e-reader.

I wanted the 3G version, but we didn't know how compatible it would be with international SIM cards and data plans.  Now that we've confirmed that a US-bought 3G iPad will work in Europe, I'm excited to have the 3G capability (especially since I prefer a cheap prepaid calling plan for my hand-me-down iPhone).

As for the actual iPad2 specs...

I'm very happy to have the camera, because I often take photos of our friends when we check in on Facebook at a WiFi-enabled cafe or restaurant.  I usually have the iPad out already, and I don't like having to fuss around and connect the iPhone to the WiFi as well.  Silly, I know.  But the FaceTime support will be great for when I travel!  I already use the Skype iPhone app to talk to DH on my iPad, so this will be a nice improvement. 

Thinner and lighter is good, since I tend to carry it in my purse every day.  I guess I can evaluate this better when I have it in hand.

Faster?  For the most part, I felt the original was fast enough, but there were a few times when I did stretch my patience a little.  And faster hardware means apps that take advantage of that, so trailing behind a generation could be painful (I know this all too well with my archaic iPhone 3G).

The Smart Cover, however, I am not thrilled with.  I like that it allows the device to stand upright (though a $3 display stand solved this with my original), but it doesn't protect that back - or much at all for that matter.  I like the case for the original, because it protects all the way around the edges and across the back.  I've never convinced myself to buy another case, because I haven't found one that offers the same level of protection.  The Smart Cover seems more like an accessory than a case, and given my clumsiness, I need a serious case!  Especially if I'm going to toss it in my purse every day like I do now!

emisi

Eh, I"m thinking of getting a Xoom as soon as the Wifi-only version comes out.  The iPad is okay, and I have an iPhone, but I like the Xoom's specs and I have been wanting an Android device.  I love the Evo; maybe I'll get one of those when my contract's up.

MrsBrownsFan

I just got a refurbished iPad at the end of last year, so I am going to pass on the iPad 2.  I use my iPad for watching stuff on Hulu Plus, Netflix, and YouTube, reading Overdrive books from the library, and occasionally reading Kindle and NOOK books (although I more often use my actual NOOK for the NOOKbooks), as well as playing a couple of games.  These activities would not be enhanced at all by upgrading, so I am going to stick with what I've got!

kk2kz

My gadget lovin' hubby is considering it.  If we do, it'll probably be today, so he can sell our old one on ebay.

dr.girlfriend

I think we are.  We held off on getting the original hoping the next gen would be a significant improvement, and this one looks good enough.  We'll probably use it mostly to keep us from fighting over the laptop, and maybe Facetime instead of Skype with the grandparents if they get one. 

Julia_JJ

I will, and my husband will get my first-gen hand-me-down iPad. I use mine constantly - reading, sketching and wireframing for work, playing games, doing "social media" stuff... and it's nice to not drag out my laptop for everything but still get a bigger screen than my phone. Won't get 3G though; I've never missed it with my current WiFi only version. If I don't have WiFi I can either work offline or use my phone.

Joanis018

DH's birthday is a month after Christmas and I'm always stumped to get 2 good gifts in a row.  This year I said, "wanna wait and get the new iPad when it comes out?"  He was thrilled because he normally doesn't like to spend $ on himself, so yes, we're getting it.