# Is iPad 3 worth buying? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 8, 2012, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090 "2012-03-08T01:08:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2012, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/21 "2012-03-08T16:48:03Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > Out of curiousity, what do people use these things for? To me, it seems like either a gimped laptop or a really expensive ebook reader, but I’ve never really played around with one. My wife has one. She does email and all kinds of Chinese lessons on it. There’s an app that lets us access our cable provider, so it’s become another TV in addition to streaming Netflix. She won’t let our 9yo girls stuff it with apps so they don’t use it much except to watch Netflix. I put a thumb jam music app on it that everybody plays with. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2012, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/22 "2012-03-08T16:51:43Z")
if you don’t have one yet, it’s worth waiting for. if you already have an iPad 2, I don’t see why you’d have to run out and replace it. ---
**Author:** ![LegsAkimbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f1d935/32.png) [@LegsAkimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LegsAkimbo)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2012, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/23 "2012-03-08T16:56:56Z")
I just pre-ordered this morning. I have the original and skipped 2 since it didn’t seem to make much difference, but this is a jump worth taking. I use it for videos, web searching when I’m in bed and the laptop is all the way in the living room, and some games and amusements. ---
**Author:** ![Indian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@Indian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indian)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/24 "2012-03-09T06:01:19Z")
Sigh! Only if a U.S doper was travelling to my part of the world, I would have planned for one. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Cubsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/25 "2012-03-09T06:05:11Z")
Another “Do I need an iPad?” thread? Isn’t there like 2 or 3 of these a month? Seriously people. Use the search function. Or even Google where there are 1,000,000,000 articles written just for you on this subject. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/26 "2012-03-09T06:25:40Z")
Yes, it’s not like some big ipad-related news happened yesterday or anything. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/27 "2012-03-09T06:57:07Z")
iPads look super freaking cool, but I just can’t get over the typing on them. I sort of hate typing on my iPhone, so I imagine I’m going to have the same issue with an iPad. Yes, I realize I can get a keyboard for it, but at that point, I’m carrying an iPad and a keyboard. While in the Apple Store yesterday, I was looking at the iPad 2 and I started talking to an employee. After hearing my complaints with my full laptop and my concerns with the iPad, he suggested I look at a Macbook Air. Now, THAT is a neat little machine-- and not all that much bigger than an iPad. ---
**Author:** ![AllShookDown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d9b06d/32.png) [@AllShookDown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AllShookDown)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/28 "2012-03-09T13:01:36Z")
> [@Lobohan](#): > > I only have an iPad 1. I think I’ll be purchasing the new one, since mine doesn’t have a camera. The ability to shoot HD video is attractive. Note that not one person in this thread said they use their iPad as a camera. There’s a reason for that. A 10" thingamajig makes for a really awkward camera. If that’s your only reason for upgrading I’d think on it. That said, it’s really nice for \*diplaying \*photos. I’ve used mine a fair amount to show off vacation and family pictures. ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/29 "2012-03-09T13:28:24Z")
that is the reason i am not upgrading - i don’t need a tablet camera. higher resolution and speed would be nice but not needed as i mainly use it to read, surf and play. most all of the current games and apps run smoothly. either it reflects the strength of the product that the two-year-old first generation hardware is not obsolete yet or it shows that the developers are reluctant to fully utilise the strength of the latest hardware in favour of compatibility. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/30 "2012-03-09T14:57:33Z")
> [@Cubsfan](#): > > Seriously people. Use the search function. When you implore people to use the search function, you should do so yourself. There hasn’t been a single iPad 3 thread on the boards, ever. And in the last month, there have been a grand total of 2 threads started about iPads (both in GQ asking specific questions). The last 7 iPad threads in IMHO all took place in 2011 - one in December, one in November, two in October, one in July and two in June. Maybe you were talking about a different search function. If so, I sincerely apologize. ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/31 "2012-03-09T15:04:35Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > Out of curiousity, what do people use these things for? I had my right arm surgically replaced with my iPad. It’s that useful. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/32 "2012-03-09T15:06:04Z")
> [@AllShookDown](#): > > Note that not one person in this thread said they use their iPad as a camera. There’s a reason for that. A 10" thingamajig makes for a really awkward camera. If that’s your only reason for upgrading I’d think on it. That said, it’s really nice for \*diplaying \*photos. I’ve used mine a fair amount to show off vacation and family pictures. I agree completely. I’ve seen people using the Ipad as a camera and it’s very awkward looking. It is wonderfully suited for displaying photos however. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/33 "2012-03-09T15:11:35Z")
My gf practically never puts down her ipad2. It is a radio when she is doing laundry. It is a book/magazine. Facebook is on there. Comedians. Stupid dog photography. Headline news. Maps. Apps to do with her students. She even takes it into the bathroom with her :rolleyes: I like my laptop. If you are the kind of person for whom a tablet is ‘your thing’ though, I bet it will be totally worth it. ---
**Author:** ![SunSandSuffering](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@SunSandSuffering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunSandSuffering)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/34 "2012-03-09T15:29:53Z")
Just for those saying a tablet makes a bad camera substitute - I’ve got a droid 10" tablet and it’s my only camera, takes good pics of the baby and it’s always at hand. Junior likes to look at himself after I take the pic too! Wouldn’t want to use it at a show or outside much but around the house it’s ace. ---
**Author:** ![sachertorte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sachertorte/32/3727_2.png) [@sachertorte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sachertorte)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/35 "2012-03-09T16:09:04Z")
> [@Baal\_Houtham](#): > > In the kitchen the iPad props up, and works for a cookbook in a way a laptop can’t. It’s more secure from splashing droplets and flour dust than a laptop or a cookbook. Random Hint: A piece of plastic wrap over the entire iPad does NOT interfere with the touch screen. When cooking, I put a piece over the screen, then just pull it off and toss it when done cooking. No worries about splashes or flour getting on the iPad. ---
**Author:** ![Mauvaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mauvaise/32/11084_2.png) [@Mauvaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mauvaise)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/36 "2012-03-09T16:31:07Z")
> [@sachertorte](#): > > \ Now I want a sacher torte more than the new iPad. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/37 "2012-03-09T17:30:43Z")
> [@jasg](#): > > As a general comment to this thread IMHO, expecting a tablet to be a computer or laptop or comparing it to them is a sure path to disappointment or arguments. It is something different. I still use my laptop and desktop, just much less than before - things I used to ‘consume’ on them, I don’t. > > I find that convenient and worth the cost, YMMV. Exactly. Right now I have my largish laptop as main home office device (hooked to the printers, scanners, terabyte storage, etc.) , my smartphone as successor to my cell, my old handheld and pocket camera, and a netbook as my travel PC because I may be called upon to do serious work in Office at a moment’s notice. Each performs a function and I don’t expect the one to be the other. A tablet would be a great convenience as a leisure-travel or out-in-the-backyard machine. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/38 "2012-03-09T18:35:01Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > Yes, it’s not like some big ipad-related news happened yesterday or anything. When the OP closes with “or is it worthless crap?” you can tell which way it’s gonna go. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/39 "2012-03-09T18:54:56Z")
The iPad 3 doesn’t work worth a damn. In fact, the pre-installed time travel app broke down after only one use. ---
**Author:** ![jabiru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bbce88/32.png) [@jabiru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jabiru)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090/40 "2012-03-09T23:40:19Z")
> [@AllShookDown](#): > > Note that not one person in this thread said they use their iPad as a camera. There’s a reason for that. A 10" thingamajig makes for a really awkward camera. If that’s your only reason for upgrading I’d think on it. That said, it’s really nice for \*diplaying \*photos. I’ve used mine a fair amount to show off vacation and family pictures. I have pre-ordered the new iPad and am [im]patiently awaiting its delivery. I’ve never had one before but I’ve seen people taking photos with them and always felt it looked very awkward and don’t expect to use that facility at all. In the absence of an SD card slot or a USB drive, how do you get your photos **off** the camera and **onto** the iPad? Sorry, that’s probably a dumb question but I can easily get my photos onto my computer and am wondering about the iPad when it finally arrives. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ipad-3-worth-buying/615090.md?page=3)