Apple will unveil the new iPad on Wednesday, March 7th and while I’m writing this we’re still not sure how it will be called. It could be iPad 3, iPad 2S or iPad HD. From what we’ve heard it will have a much better display and a faster processor. Those two reasons are good enough for every Apple fanboy to push the button and spend some $500 without a blink. However, do you really need the new iPad is completely different matter. Here are some questions that will help you make the right decision.
1. What are your needs?
If have a ton of money to spend, just push that button without thinking. On the other hand, you may first want to determine your needs. If you already have some tablet, think whether it satisfies all your needs. If you’re just playing games and consuming content on it, maybe it’s wiser to wait for improved apps and games to be released. Or if you use your tablet for business purposes, think whether the new device will increase your productivity. Remember – you can always spend the money later.
2. What apps do you use?
Are there some apps you can’t live without? And are they working just the way you want them to on your existing tablet? Do you need to hurry? I’m sure Apple will launch the new tablet along with software partners that will prepare apps optimized for the new device, but are the apps you regularly use on that list?
3. Are there any alternatives?
Apple iPad is not the only option on the market. There are a number of options to choose from, most notably the Asus Transformer Pad Prime which also doubles as a netbook/smartbook, several Samsung Galaxy Tab models with different screen sizes (7.7, 8.9 and 10.1-inches), Toshiba’s ultra-thin tablet, Motorola Xoom devices and so on. Of course, there are more apps for iPad then any other tablet out there, but you may not need all those apps.
4. Can you wait?
The new iPad will keep its price for quite some time. You really don’t need to have the latest gadgets all the time… or so I think. If you’re tight on cash, you can always wait for another month or so and grab the iPad 3/2S/HD then. No need to get a loan…
5. Why not?
Why wait? Yes you do want the latest gadget and you like Apple more than your mother. You also happen to have enough spare cash and most apps you’re using are released only for Apple’s product. Stop reading this and buy the damn thing.
Just thought to give you some ideas. It’s your money and you’re free to spend it however you like. And no one’s here to judge you… 😉