Is the new iPad worth the upgrade?

Fan boys simply can't wait to get their hands on Apple's latest gadget. But if they already own the iPad 2, would they be smarter to just save their money?

There may already be a waiting list for the new iPad, which goes on sale Friday, but critics are divided over the success of the upgrade.
(Image credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Thinking of getting the new iPad? You're not alone. Diehard fans are already lining up for Apple's new tablet, which will be available in stores on a first-come, first-served basis at 8 a.m. sharp Friday. Things are arguably even crazier on Apple's website, which already has a three-week waiting list for the device. The new iPad boasts an ultra-sharp new Retina display, a faster A5X processor, a better graphics drive, a sharper 5 megapixel iSight camera, and optional 4G LTE. (Read about the rest of the improvements here.) But considering the iPad's sizable price tag (starting at $499) and a noticeably absent Siri, the question remains: Do the upgrades justify a new purchase?

Don't waste your money: "Apple's latest temptress may turn some heads," says Michael Liedtke at the Sydney Morning Herald. But aside from the new iPad's "alluring screen quality," this year's model isn't "radically different" from its predecessor, the iPad 2. When it comes to simple tasks like web surfing, checking email, and browsing Facebook, the two tablets are nearly identical. "I won't be abandoning my iPad 2 for its sexier successor anytime soon."

"New iPad not worth upgrading to from iPad 2"

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Actually, it's worth every penny: "These upgrades are massive," says Walt S. Mossberg at The Wall Street Journal. "Using the new display is like getting a new eyeglasses prescription — you suddenly realize what you thought looked sharp before wasn't nearly as sharp as it could be." As soon as it was first released in 2010, the iPad has owned the market. And with this "new, third-generation model, it still holds that crown." Get one if you can.

"New iPad: a million more pixels Than HDTV"

Just get the newly-discounted iPad 2: Sadly, the new iPad didn't get the "serious makeover" Apple CEO Tim Cook promised, says Justin Fritz at Wall Street Daily. "And while I'm all for high-resolution graphics, was anyone really complaining about the iPad 2 display?" If you have extra cash lying around, by all means, go for the new iPad. "But if you're looking to save a few bucks, ignore the hype that Apple's stirring up" and opt for the iPad 2 instead, which is now $100 cheaper. "Or wait and see if the company really does redefine the industry with next year's version."

"My take on the new iPad: Get the iPad 2 instead"

To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us