I want to get an iPad, but are iPads really worth the money?
I don’t want to waste my money since iPads are so expensive. I currently have an iTouch, that I’ve had for 2 years. Is the iPad really worth the money?

Answer by Jon
Pros
-Design
There was a lot to like about the original iPad, but the new version makes the old one look like a brick. It’s one-third thinner, and will feel significantly less bulky when travelling and attending meetings.

The actual design of the device itself has changed as well. The back is completely flat with rounded edges where it meets the screen. Reports from various reviews show the gadget itself feels much sturdier than the previous version, even with a lighter weight.

-Video conferencing
The two new cameras in the iPad won’t deliver you high-class photography, but for using FaceTime and other video conferencing apps they’ll be useful enough. This was one of the most requested features for the iPad 2 and Apple has delivered the goods.

-Apps
While the first iPad was criticised as being more of a content consumption device rather than a content creation device, Apple is starting to challenge that assumption. It has gotten rid of the iPad keyboard dock, and has introduced a couple of new apps that definitely make the iPad a powerhouse content creator.

-The iMovie editing suite and Garage Band apps really show off what the iPad is capable of. Since last year, the iPad may not have completely replaced a laptop, but using remote login apps like LogMeIn and the SalesForce platform means you can actually run many parts of a business straight from the device itself.

-Spend some time in the App store before you buy an iPad, as the software you use will really define what type of gadget you have. But you’ll probably find that since last year, more apps are now allowing you to create content just as a laptop would.

-Power/battery life
While the battery life hasn’t improved since the last model, it’s impressive that Apple has been able to reduce a third of the size and still maintain its length. Reports indicate you’ll get 10 hours of video and up to a month on standby time.

The processing power has also vastly improved, thanks to the A5 chip, apps open faster and are much more responsive.

CONS!!!!
Screen
This may be a case of unwarranted expectation, but many were disappointed with NO HIGH END DISPLAY LIKE IN IPHONE AND IPOD in the iPad 2. While these expectations were only based on rumours, it nevertheless presents a dilemma – what is Apple using the retina screen in the iPhone and not in the iPad?

The iPad screen resolution isn’t necessarily bad, but you won’t be able to watch content as high quality as you could on another tablet.

********(THIS IS WHY I THINK THE IPAD IS NOT THERE YET!!!!!!!)
No USB, no SD card reader and no removable battery, With other tablets turning out great features the ipad is falling behind. They say the ipad is great for pictures and videos so it would be nice to take your sd card right out of a camera have a Sd plug on the ipad to download all the pictures? – while it may be unfair to expect these features from Apple, it’s clear rivals such as Samsung and Motorola are delivering in the features department.

Yes, the iPad comes with a HD connection kit, but it costs $ US39. Until Apple starts putting in extra functionality the iPad could be a second-choice for some tablet owners.

4G
While the 4G network may not have taken off in Australia yet, other tablets are getting on that bandwagon quickly. The Motorola Xoom is just one of the tablets that has the ability to access faster wireless networks, and Apple may be left behind in that department if it doesn’t add 4G in the next iPad iteration.

Its just an oversized ipod, it is all based on your needs to buy one. instead of an apple tablet maybe a motorola, samsung, blackberry tablet will be cheaper.

What do you think? Answer below!