What to Know Before Buying the iPad 2

I have to admit that I am one of the many people who have gotten sucked into the iPad frenzy. I wasn’t always this way. I remember wondering why anyone would ever need an oversized phone/undersized computer like the iPad, but somehow I became a believer. If you are considering buying an iPad, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before making the investment. Here are some tips:

You Can’t Outsmart Apple

Apple covered all its bases with the iPad 2. After third-party companies made a living selling iPhone and iPad covers and accessories, Apple learned its lesson. The iPad 2 features the aptly-named Smart Cover, which is so well-designed and perfectly compatible to the iPad that no competitor stands a chance against it. If you plan on buying a low-memory model for a cheaper price and using an external hard drive for all your files, forget it. The iPad doesn’t have a USB port, so most foreign hardware is useless. These factors leave you with very few choices other than Apple products when choosing accessories.

Know About the Apps

While many apps are available for both iPhone and iPad, there are even more apps that are made exclusively for iPad. Many companies have the same app with a separate version for each device. The most noticeable difference in the apps is the cost. There are far fewer $0.99 apps for iPad than iPhone, especially when it comes to the more popular ones. Pages, the top paid app for iPad, costs $9.99. Many of the free apps are news apps that require a subscription to the news source. So investigate the details of the apps before spending hundreds on an iPad, because you could end up spending much more than you expect.

Calculate the True Cost

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will be getting the most bang for your buck. Just because the least expensive iPad model costs $499, the true amount you pay will be much higher. Let’s say you decide to buy the 32 GB Wi-fi model, which costs $599. Factor in the least expensive Smart Cover ($39), a digital AV adapter to connect the iPad on your TV ($39), the AppleCare Protection Plan ($79), and taxes (about $65), you will end up spending around $820. If you buy a 3G model, add another $120 for the cellular capabilities as well as a monthly payment of $20-$65 for the service provider. Also consider the cost of apps, which can add up over time. So make sure you know beforehand the financial commitment you are making instead of finding out the hard way when you’re in the store about to pay.

Depending on your lifestyle and needs, the iPad could be a wise purchase. You may even just feel like buying a new toy to play with. Whatever your reasons for considering the purchase of an iPad, make sure you have all your bases covered before you dive in headfirst. It is a decision you and your wallet will have to live with.