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