The new iPad is out next week in the UK and US - but is it worth buying?

With the new iPad exactly a week away from launching in the UK and US, the Pocket Gamer team sat down and had a little chat.

Do this year's changes, such as the Retina display and faster GPU, make the new machine worth a purchase (or, as is the case for most of the staff, an upgrade)?

Given that one of the staff tried to make a break for freedom when I loosened their bonds for the Vita debate, I've had to keep them all in their separate working cages this time around.

Here is the transcript of their various screams:

Keith
The problem with Apple's big iPad unveilings is that everyone gets wrapped up in all the rumours and hype. As a result, whatever Apple actually reveals on the day always seems like a bit of a disappointment - though I am inclined to think that this time around the upgrades are fairly minimal.

Apple only ever does what it needs to, and you know it has some bigger features planned for iPad that it won't implement until it thinks Android tablets have upped their game.

The Retina display will do big business for iPad at retail - the crispness of the in-store demo units will make its rivals look like they're running Teletext - but there were no real big leaps announced. It's just a slightly better iPad 2.

Will you be buying one? Nope. I'd love one, sure, but it's too much money to pay out for something I know will be upgraded again in another 12 months. I'll stick with my shaky, increasingly buggy iPad 1, thanks.

Mark
The recurring theme I've picked up in reactions to the new iPad is that the upgrade is too predictable, too boring, and doesn't warrant the forking out of another £399+ if you already own an Apple tablet.

My only question is this: what were you expecting? A camera that sees into the future? An app that makes jelly beans pop out of the 30-pin dock connector?

Re-tune your expectations for planet Earth, people, and the new iPad is an upgrade in every category. A gorgeous new screen puts Apple ahead of all competitors and makes web browsing, reading magazines, watching videos, and gaming better than ever. A usable camera is neat, as are the added graphical brunt and voice dictation.

My only disappointment isn't in Apple, but in the UK telecoms industry. At this rate, Ofcom might have 4G internet ready for us Brits at the unveiling of the next iPad. Whatever that one is called - "the new new iPad"?

Will you be buying one? Since the iPad has wrestled its way to becoming my primary computer, I think I've resigned myself to getting the latest and greatest every year. Oh, boy.

Will
I'm fairly nonplussed about the new iPad, mainly because I have a 64GB iPad 2. But, I do think those dismissing this new iteration on account of it being a 'minor' upgrade are missing the point somewhat.

That point is, well, the 2048x1536 screen. Such a *cough* resolutionary leap is likely to lead to the same fervour as that which occurred after Apple moved from the iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 4.

Once people start getting hands-on time with the device in their local Apple Store or approved retail partner, they're going to want one - iPad 2 or not - guaranteed.

Will you buy it? Not right away, but I'll likely end up caving in eventually.

Anthony
Apple's new iPad isn't as revolutionary as some people were expecting, but I'm still ruddy excited about it - especially since iOS 5 rendered my first-generation iPad almost unusable.

The Retina display is a nice addition - I read a lot of magazines on my current iPad - and the 5-megapixel camera will no doubt come in handy. It's the new tablet's graphical grunt that I'm most eager to test out, however.

My PS3, Xbox 360, 3DS, and brand-new PS Vita all take a backseat to the iPad (and even the iPhone) when it comes to gaming, and I'm looking forward to seeing what developers can pump out using Apple's new A5X chip.

It's just a shame those of us who reside in the UK won't be able to take full advantage of the new iPad's 4G LTE capabilities. Sort it out, will you, telcos.

Will you buy it? Already have. I pre-ordered a white 16GB wi-fi-only model as soon as Apple's online store re-opened. The wait is killing me.

Mike
Before the new iPad was revealed, I was raring to buy it - I've never owned an iPad before, since I simply couldn't justify the heavy price tag to myself.

However, my thoughts were that surely this third iteration was going to be beefy enough that I'd finally feel comfortable with handing over my hard-earned cash.

Everything that was announced was to be expected. The bumped-up hardware specs, the very slightly altered design, the incredible-looking screen and resolution.

And yet, as I visited the pre-order page and my eyes rested on that price again, my mouse pointer hovered over the purchase button for seconds, then minutes, until eventually I clicked the cross.

Will you buy it? I'm still considering buying it, but I still can't seem to justify that ridiculous price tag for a tablet. My brain tells me that if I do buy it, I will end up heavily regretting it, no matter how slick it is.