Which iPad should you buy?

By Kunal Dua | Updated: 5 June 2012 17:08 IST

Highlights

So you've decided to buy a new iPad. Are you confused between the various options? Here's a ready reckoner to help you.

So you've decided to buy a new iPad. Are you confused between the various options? How much storage do you need? 4G or Wi-Fi only? Here's a ready reckoner to help you through the various options.

New iPad or iPad 2
With Apple dropping the price of the iPad 2, it looks a great option, especially for a first time buyer. So should you save some cash or pay what the new iPad costs? Here's how you can decide. Read our review of the new iPad, where we compare it in detail with the iPad 2. Even better, if you can, walk up to the nearest store and demo both the units. If you don't immediately fall in love with the new iPad's display, buy the iPad 2. Simple.

If you are looking for a more objective answer, we have that as well. If you plan to use your iPad for browsing and emails, the iPad 2 will do. It can run the same apps that the new iPad does, so you needn't worry about missing out on stuff. Some apps may perform better on the new iPad due to the beefed up hardware, but then that's expected.

If you plan to watch movies, especially 720p or full-HD content, or if you want to play the latest games in all their glory, spend the cash on the new iPad - you won't regret it.

Storage
The new iPad comes with three storage options - 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB. The iPad does not come with a memory card for expandable storage, so you can't really do anything (except deleting stuff) if you starting running out of space later. This makes it all the more important to make an informed decision before you buy.

Sticking to the entry-level model seems prudent, and 16 GB space (available storage is a little less) should suffice if you plan to use your iPad for surfing, emails and listening to music. However, if you love stocking up on movies or playing graphic intensive games (not casual ones like Solitaire), you should seriously consider the 32 GB or even the 64 GB variants.

With new iPad's higher than HD resolution, the images & videos embedded inside apps need to be of higher quality, which, in turn, push up the app size. For example, Infinity Blade, a popular iOS game, is a 595 MB download, while Infinity Blade II, the version optimized for the new iPad, clocks in at 930 MB. While there would surely be other improvements, you can bet that it's the high-resolution graphics that take up most of the increased space.

Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 4G
The next logical question is, should you spend the extra 8400 rupees and go for the Wi-Fi + 4G variant of whatever storage capacity iPad you've zeroed in on? The answer depends on where you would be typically using the iPad.

If you plan to use it at home, or office, or anywhere else with Wi-Fi access, congratulations, you just saved yourself some money! However, if you like the idea of being connected no matter where you go, consider popping up the extra cash and go for the 4G version. The idea of having an iPad that is always connected, just like the iPhone, certainly has its appeal.

Unlike storage, where you're stuck with your decision for life (of the iPad), there are some alternatives in case you go for the Wi-Fi version now and feel the need for the 4G variant later. You could look at portable routers (also known as Mi-Fi, though that's a specific brand) that are battery-operated Internet devices that create a Wi-Fi hotspot your iPad can use. Other portable routers let you plug-in a USB Internet device of your choice, like TATA Photon, and achieve the same result.

However, with these solutions, there's the hassle of carrying an additional device, making sure it is charged, waiting for it to connect etc., so there's a trade-off to be made between cost and simplicity.

As documented elsewhere, the new iPad will work only in 3G mode in India. It is also worth noting, just so there are no surprises for the first time buyer, the new iPad, like the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and the iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, accepts a micro-SIM. Micro-SIMs are smaller than regular SIMs and should be available from your mobile operator. If your operator is unable to provide you with a micro-SIM, do not worry. Just pop into the local mobile shop and have your regular SIM trimmed down to a micro-SIM for a small fee. You can even download some Do-It-Yourself SIM trimming guides from the Internet, but use them with caution as an unwanted snip may leave your SIM unusable.

Black or white
While this is usually down to personal preference, we would like to make a couple of points. If you intend to watch a lot of videos on the iPad, the black iPad will probably be better. The white bezel can be a little-bit distracting while watching videos or playing games, especially in dark environments, like using the iPad before you go off to sleep. Even when the content you are reading has a white background, the black bezel tends to disappear better than the white one.

The white iPad can also be a bit of a dust magnet, especially in India conditions. Any sort of a light stain is much more likely to be a sore eye on your shiny new white iPad, than the black one.

But these are relatively minor things. If you have your heart set on white, who are we to stop?