Spec Spat: Apple iPad vs. iPad 2

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Let’s say you own an iPad!

To upgrade or not to upgrade? That is the question. And if you don’t own an iPad but you’re thinking about getting one, you may wonder what the differences are between both versions other than the sizable price gap.

Here are some of the answers:

iPad iPad 2
Base Price $349 (refurb), $399 (new) $499
Colors Black Black or White
Dimensions 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 inches 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.34 inches
Weight 1.5-1.6 pounds 1.33-1.35 pounds
Storage 16GB/32GB/64GB 16GB/32GB/64GB
RAM 256MB 512MB
Connections Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional AT&T 3G Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional AT&T 3G or Verizon 3G
Screen 9.7-inch 1024×768 9.7-inch 1024×768
Processor 1GHz A4 1GHz dual-core A5
Battery Up to 10 hours Up to 10 hours
Cameras None 720p rear, VGA front
Sensors Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor, 3-axis gyro
Location Wi-Fi, Compass, Optional GPS (3G version) Wi-Fi, Compass, Optional GPS (3G versions)

Price? iPad.

Color options? iPad 2.

Dimensions? iPad 2.

Storage? Tie.

Connections? Tie for Wi-Fi, iPad 2 for 3G if you want Verizon.

Screen? Tie.

Processor? iPad 2.

Battery? Tie.

Cameras? iPad 2.

Sensors? iPad 2.

Location features? Tie.

Of course there are some intangibles at play—the iPad 2 has that magical Smart Cover, for instance—and some factors may weigh more heavily than others—price, weight, thickness, 3G connections, processor, cameras—but those are the basic spec-for-spec comparisons in a nutshell.

And the jury’s still out in regards to how much memory the iPad 2 has, so I’ll update this list once we get official confirmation. The first iPad has 256 megabytes of RAM and there have been some whispers that the iPad 2 may have 512 megabytes, but I’ll hold off on adding that spec to the chart for now.

UPDATE: The iPad 2 has 512 megabytes of RAM.

Best of luck in your decision-making process. You’re not alone.

More on TIME.com:

Two Minute Video: Should You Buy the iPad 2?

Bought an iPad Recently? Apple Will Give You the Price Difference

Old iPad Drops to $399 ($349 for a Refurbished Model)

Apple’s New iPad 2: Thinner, Lighter, Cameras and More