New iPad vs iPad 2 graphics & performance query
Hi there!
I am planning to buy an iPad and I will be mainly using it whilst i'm travelling watching movies, listening to music, surfing the net, taking notes and most especially playing games.(Oh...yes!)
I have seen loads of videos comparing the CPU and the GPU of both devices especially when comparing it with website graphics rendering, photos and reading e-books which on careful scrutiny (and setting your eyes to macro mode) the "new" iPad looks better than the previous-gen. But, how about games?
When i had my iPad 2 4 months ago i mostly have fighting games (Marvel vs Capcom 2, Soul Calibur & Infinity Blade) and i am planning to buy more games like Resident Evil, FIFA, some shooters, more fighting games and the usual casual/everyday games like Angry Birds and Cut the rope.
Because of the specs difference (esp. on the RAM & GPU department) is it worth getting the new iPad (3rd-gen) as it renders better graphics i.e. better shading, colours, sharpness, pixels, etc.? Or would the difference be negligible? Seen comparison videos showing the iPad 2 actually loads apps slightly faster than the "new" iPad.
So, get the "new" iPad or wait for the rumoured 7-inch iPad Mini with rumoured even faster CPU and an improved GPU?
Advice please. Thanks.
Re: New iPad vs iPad 2 graphics & performance query
I reckon most of the iPad 3's graphical power is used to render the Retina graphics so the differences between the two are negligible. Certainly I never noticed much difference when I upgraded from iPad 2 to 3 apart from sharper graphics.
I can't see Apple putting a faster CPU/ GPU combo in a non flagship product and even if they do I still think performance gains will not be noticeable in everyday use, games or otherwise.
So to answer your question, stick with your iPad 2 until the upgrade is meaningful!
Re: New iPad vs iPad 2 graphics & performance query
When i went to a random Curry's-PCWorld branch and spoke to one of the sales people there. And the person did said that the difference is negligible and almost not noticeable. Perhaps if you are a fuzzy person, one that has enough cash to splash, or one that has eye problems or your work demands the graphical powers of the new iPad then maybe yes get the new one.
As regards those overheating et al issues i think there will be no significant noticeable way of determining the degree of heatness in a store (Curry's/PCWorld or an Apple Store) as either the iPad will be non-working (aside fro Apple store), there will be a long queue for the thing or the apps or games there will not be a determinant enough. You don't want to stay in a store for an hour would you? and besides you might start feeling the heat when people start staring at you or maybe the airconditioning isn't working.
I know the heating issues is very subjective. But the news & reviews are there for a reason. The iPad 3 is significantly hotter than the iPad 2 because of the required power to render those pixels. This was proven and shown from an average use to giving the GPU some stress by playing a graphic-intensive game like Infiinty Blade. And the battery also significantly discharges quicker than the iPad 2. This has been proven by well-know mobile/tablet/gadget websites. Heating will cause damage to internal parts. That's not rocket science.
Is it worth a gamble between an improved graphics and a "very good" graphics with the iPad 2? Would i need a Retina-powered tablet in practice?