It seems that today’s new gadgets get obsolete almost as quickly as they are produced. And this is because even newer ones get released in a matter of months, especially for gadgets like smartphones and laptops. A lot of people, me included, have decided to jump off the bandwagon and buy a new gadget only if it is considerably better than what we already have.

But the release of Apple’s new iPad aims to challenge this resolve, and millions are now mulling over whether it’s worth the buy or if they should wait for the next upgrade.

For those of you who are still undecided, I have listed down comparisons between the new iPad and the “old” iPad 2 to help you. Before I proceed, here’s a little side note to guide everyone. Apple specifically said that it’s simply the new iPad not iPad 3. Continuing the numbering pattern “would have been too predictable,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president for marketing.

So here are some things you might want to consider before purchasing the new iPad:

1. For those of you who are very particular with photo and video resolution, the new iPad’s higher display quality would be a great investment. In fact, the new iPad’s Retina display is one of the most raved about features of the device. Furthermore, the quad core processor improves graphics considerably, delivering a better gaming experience.
2. The New iPad’s iSight rear camera boasts a 5-megapixel feature, with autofocus, tap to focus and face detection functions, while the iPad 2 only has a 0.92MP still-quality camera. Both can cater up to 30 frames per second in video recording but the new iPad (264 ppi) has better resolution as compared to the iPad2 (132ppi).
3. The new iPad and iPad2 have the same display size (9.7”) so it’s quite difficult to differentiate them at first glance. However, iPad2 is lighter than the new iPad by 0.07lbs, and is thinner by 0.03in. iPad 2 users will feel the difference.
4. The new iPad has larger RAM (1GB). iPad 2 only has 512MB. 
5. Their data networks are different. iPad 2 caters to Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi & 3G, while the new iPad caters to Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi & 4G (as well as 3G). Countries that have fully embraced 4G can benefit from the new iPad, but that remains to be seen in the Philippines, where 4G is only beginning to emerge.

In conclusion, the new iPad is a more polished version of the iPad 2. The main functions and battery lives of both are the same. Ultimately, upgrading is up to you. If you want a faster tablet with better display resolution and bigger memory – especially if you’re still using an iPad 1 – the new iPad is a good choice. But if you are good with the Wi-Fi and 3G connection of a tablet that comes fairly close in terms of speed and performance, you may want to stick with your iPad 2 for now. So no, your iPad 2 is not yet obsolete.

Photo source: http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/