Ipad 2

One of the features of the new iPad that Apple brags about is the new camera. The FaceTime front-facing camera is still a poor quality VGA camera, but the rear camera has been upgraded to a 5 megapixel iSight camera with a f/2.4 lens and 1080p video-recording capabilities. Although it's not as good as the iPhone 4S' 8 megapixel camera, it's still a huge improvement from the poor camera featured on the iPad 2.

With the new iPad around the corner, there are lots of people wondering if now is the time to jump into the wonderful world of tablets. Of course, the new iPad will be the first one many first timers will look at. Many savvy shoppers, however, will also take a look at the alternatives before taking the plunge. That's especially true of low-cost alternatives like the BlackBerry PlayBook, Amazon Kindle Fire, and smattering of other bargain bin Android tablets (like the $100 ZTE Optik). The question is simple: how much are you willing to spend, and what value can you get for your money?

You've decided to get an iPad but you're not sure if you need to spring the $499+ for the new, 2012 iPad or if you'd be okay with the older, $399+ 2011 iPad 2? First, yes, those names are wicked confusing. But the names aren't the only thing. There are a lot of factors to consider. Let's go over them one by one, and help you decide.

If you want a cheap iPad 2 and don't really care about what, exactly will be announced at Apple's March 7th event then Future Shop has a sweet deal waiting for you. They've gone ahead and announced that all iPad 2's with Wi-Fi & 3G price points have been dropped by $150.

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