Farewell, iPad 2: Apple's iPad With Retina Display Is Back
by Dom Esposito
March 18, 2014
Apple has reintroduced the iPad with Retina display. Originally, this model was discontinued when Apple launched its iPad Air, and for some strange reason, Cupertino decided to keep around the iPad 2 rather than its fourth generation iPad. Don't worry, you didn't miss a big announcement, although 9to5Mac did report this as a possibility recently.
Thankfully, Apple has finally ditched the iPad 2 and replaced it with a better device. The good news is, you can now get a full-sized Retina iPad for $399, which is the same price that the iPad 2 was listed for prior to now. The bad news is, anyone who purchased an iPad 2 more than 14 days ago is stuck with very old technology. So what's the catch? Like the first generation iPad mini, you'll only be able to purchase Apple's iPad 4 as a 16GB Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Apple is already behind the curve when it comes to tablet specifications, and in my opinion, keeping the iPad 2 around so long was a mistake. I'm sure there were logical reasons, but it doesn't change the fact that Apple's iPad 2 was a ripoff. It's also funny when you consider that the non-Retina iPad mini is nothing more than an iPad 2 in a smaller shell, but it will only set you back $299.
This change adds even more decision making for consumers. If you're looking for an iPad around $400, you now have a choice between the iPad with Retina Display or the iPad mini with Retina display. If you go with the iPad mini, you'll get better performance and longer OS support, but you're missing out on a larger display.
In my opinion, you're better off purchasing the iPad mini with Retina display. It's currently my favorite Apple tablet and the performance gains are definitely worth it. Either way, at least Apple finally got rid of the iPad 2. I can't say that I'll miss it.
