The iPad 2, with its slimmer shape, dual cameras, and faster processor, certainly improvea on its predecessor, but its upgrades are . Apple's most rabid supporters will snap up the iPad 2 right away, of course, but is it smarter to wait? As PCWorld's Jared Newman , the new is one of several tablets that will offer connections later this year, whereas the iPad 2 is stuck at 3G speeds. If you're a speed demon who demands the latest and greatest, the iPad 2 won't cut it.
And don't forget those , many of which anticipate that Apple's third-generation tablet will have a much higher-resolution display than its predecessors. Perhaps most vexing for potential upgraders is the buzz that Apple won't wait a full year to launch the iPad 3, but will instead . Ugh! Why buy the iPad 2 when its replacement is right around the corner?
If you own an iPad but simply must have the iPad 2 right away, what should you do with your old slate? Macworld's Lex Friedman has a , including the hand-me-down approach: Give your old iPad to a friend, significant other, or third cousin who doesn't crave the latest-and-greatest tech. Alternatively, you could pass it along to a or .
Feeling less altruistic? Plenty of places will purchase your first-generation iPad if it's in good condition. Among the leading options are hardware-buying sites such as and . For instance, right now, Gazelle will pay $300 for a mint-condition original 16GB Wi-Fi model iPad with power adapter and original cables. That's a nice chunk of change to help defray the cost of your iPad 2 upgrade. (Don't assume, however, that will match the reseller's.)
The debut of the iPad 2 means one thing to tech bargain-hunters: clearance prices on the original iPad. Where to shop? The has knocked $100 off the price of the first-gen model. Shipping is free, and you'll get the standard iPad one-year warranty plus 90 days of free phone support. Apple's are even cheaper. Example: $349 for a 16GB Wi-Fi model, or $50 off the reduced list price.
Other buying options include Amazon's deals on , or iPads, and of Apple slates for sale. fans will find plenty of used iPads for sale in their local communities, as well--but as with all Craigslist offerings, buyer beware! Tip: Avoid Craiglisters hawking both used iPads and outcall massage. Something isn't right there.
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