Trying to decide between iPad 2 and 3 (main concern is HD video quality)

[jdongg]

I'm familiar with apple products as I've got an iPhone and MBP. This will be my first tablet ever though. I've narrowed down that I'll be using the iPad mainly for watching movies and TV shows (a lot of which are HD off itunes) and to read textbooks (not sure about this but willing to try it out since I've heard good things. I'll be sticking to paperback and kindle for actual book-reading though).

I know with the iPad 3's new retina display the resolution is better, but it there a big difference in quality when watching videos and such?

I'm getting a 64 GB model so I'd either be getting a refurbished iPad 2 ($500) or brand new iPad 3 ($700). The price difference is pretty considerable, so if the video quality difference isn't huge I'll probably just go with the 2

 

[AQ_OC]

You said reading textbooks....you need an iPad 3 for that, period. If you plan on doing any reading at all you need an iPad 3.

Now, to see the benefit of 1080p on the iPad 3 screen, you need to be within a foot. If not, it won't matter much. Plus, the files are larger. I don't it is worth it for movies, frankly. But for games and text, it is more than worth it.

 

[ricksipad]

You said reading textbooks....you need an iPad 3 for that, period. If you plan on doing any reading at all you need an iPad 3.

Sorry, but that is just an opinion. There is nothing wrong with reading on an iPad 1 or 2. Of course, this is also an opinion.

 

[biobunny]

Sorry, but that is just an opinion. There is nothing wrong with reading on an iPad 1 or 2. Of course, this is also an opinion.

The op was asking what was the best choice. Text is better on the iPad 3.

Sent from K48

 

[ajcgn]

For me if it was just video, the iPad 2 would suffice. The difference is noticeable, but not enough to pay for. For browsing and reading, the new iPad for me was worth paying for.

 

[AQ_OC]

Sorry, but that is just an opinion. There is nothing wrong with reading on an iPad 1 or 2. Of course, this is also an opinion.

You sound like someone who has not seen an ipad 3. The resolution makes a huge difference.

 

[ricksipad]

The op was asking what was the best choice. Text is better on the iPad 3.

Sent from K48

I'm sure it is. But "you need an iPad 3, period" is a very strong statement. And a matter of opinion. I read just fine on my iPad 2. I'm not going to spend the extra money for an iPad 3 to use it as a book reader.

 

[ricksipad]

You sound like someone who has not seen an ipad 3. The resolution makes a huge difference.

Geez, really? I've seen it and it's fantastic. But see my post above. All I've got to say about it.

 

[seneca18]

Geez, really? I've seen it and it's fantastic. But see my post above. All I've got to say about it.

There is a huge difference between fact and opinion. The way the op asked the question obviously it is everyone's opinion to the correct answer. Fact, the screen on the new iPad is fantastic, thus my opinion is that if he or she is going to be utilizing it for text reading the new iPad is a better choice. Obviously money plays an important role in any purchase like this.

 

[sir_ben]

If this is your first iPad, and go for the new one. Reading text is way better than the iPad 2.