Is the new iPad worth the upgrade?

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"

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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"