[Macworld]

Post your comments for iPad 2 buying guide here

[CLS9]

Excellent article! Addresses all the questions I had and then some. Thank you!

[alterbentzion]

What about the choice of refurb (read: cheaper) first-gen versus new second-gen?

[obewaun]

alterbentzion, on 25 November 2011 - 11:02 AM, said:

What about the choice of refurb (read: cheaper) first-gen versus new second-gen?

Apple also has refurb 2nd-gen models available. However, Today being "Black Friday" , you could pick up a new one for even less. Today Only! Call NOW!!! Apple Operators are standing by....

But Wait! There's MMMMMMOOOOOOOOORRRE.

Seriously, I bought my MacBook Pro as a referb and it's been great! In fact I was so impressed with it that when I wanted another desk type Apple, I bought my Mac-Mini referb as well. Both were great purchases.

This post has been edited by obewaun: 25 November 2011 - 01:34 PM

[pawhite524]

obewaun, on 25 November 2011 - 01:32 PM, said:

alterbentzion, on 25 November 2011 - 11:02 AM, said:

What about the choice of refurb (read: cheaper) first-gen versus new second-gen?

Apple also has refurb 2nd-gen models available. However, Today being "Black Friday" , you could pick up a new one for even less. Today Only! Call NOW!!! Apple Operators are standing by....

But Wait! There's MMMMMMOOOOOOOOORRRE.

Seriously, I bought my MacBook Pro as a referb and it's been great! In fact I was so impressed with it that when I wanted another desk type Apple, I bought my Mac-Mini referb as well. Both were great purchases.

I agree with your comments on the Apple refurb products. I have gotten several iPods this way as well as my 1st MacBook Air for $999 when it had been over $2500.00 originally. It has seen regular use when I go on photo weekends and vacation with no complaints and just got gifted to someone who uses it daily and loves it. There has never been a problem with any of these products and some have been at huge discount ($175.00 for 3rd gen 32GB iPod Touch). Like you, I'm a fan!

[pawhite524]

Speaking of RIM PlayBook, saw them for $199.00 for 16 Gb model at BestBuy Tuesday **with no SALE ITEM** tag. Is RIM going to "make it up in volume" the losses they must be suffering on these as HP did?

They were on a table with other 7" models right next to the Kindle Fire and the Galaxy and Acer products.

[ggore]

One thing Apple and the article does not mention is that you do not have to have 3G cellphone service available in order to use a "3G iPad". It will work on the slower EDGE GSM or EV-DO CDMA networks also if there is no 3G service from either in your area. A happy circumstance for the millions of Americans who still live in areas without 3G or 4G service.

[thranx]

I'll buy an iPad when it will accept info direct from a usb drive. Doesn't Apple realize (or care) that businesses, for example, have sensitive information they don't want stored on such a theft-tempting device? And don't tell me about in-built security...it can all be cracked. Same thing for the cloud. The safest thing is to store everything on a protected, pocketable flash drive and never leave it on your tablet, computer, or elsewhere.
The usb adapter already exists. Surely someone is working on an app or firmware that will allow flash drives to be used as easily on a tablet as on a computer.

[robltut]

Any word on when 3G connectivity be available through Sprint.

[gdeal]

The article is excellent overall, but incorrect about GPS - "Finally, if you’re eager to use a GPS navigation app with the iPad's big screen, you’ll want to opt for a 3G-capable model: only 3G iPads come with GPS capabilities."

The very small Bad-Elf GPS unit is approved by Apple, and plugs into the iPad port. It works perfectly with almost all navigation apps, and is reported to be more robust than the GPS installed in 3G iPads.

[Terrin]

"I'm your huckleberry."

This post has been edited by Terrin: 27 November 2011 - 07:59 AM

[Terrin]

With iCloud you can 1) locate it, and 2) remote wipe it. With that said, I wouldn't mind a USB connector.

thranx, on 26 November 2011 - 07:22 AM, said:

I'll buy an iPad when it will accept info direct from a usb drive. Doesn't Apple realize (or care) that businesses, for example, have sensitive information they don't want stored on such a theft-tempting device? And don't tell me about in-built security...it can all be cracked. Same thing for the cloud. The safest thing is to store everything on a protected, pocketable flash drive and never leave it on your tablet, computer, or elsewhere.
The usb adapter already exists. Surely someone is working on an app or firmware that will allow flash drives to be used as easily on a tablet as on a computer.

[Terrin]

Hey the bad elf GPs unit i a good tip for people with a 3G enabled iPad. The iPad with 3G does make a mean navigation system (I use Navigon).

gdeal, on 26 November 2011 - 05:57 PM, said:

The article is excellent overall, but incorrect about GPS - "Finally, if you’re eager to use a GPS navigation app with the iPad's big screen, you’ll want to opt for a 3G-capable model: only 3G iPads come with GPS capabilities."

The very small Bad-Elf GPS unit is approved by Apple, and plugs into the iPad port. It works perfectly with almost all navigation apps, and is reported to be more robust than the GPS installed in 3G iPads.

[hagen]

Possibly a more valuable decision consideration for 3G/No 3G - can you survive with downloading information a few times (Wi_Fi) and then just consuming, or do you need to access/download on a frequent basis?