My new iPad strategy

I was going to title this "My iPad3 strategy" but since Apple just went with "the new" approach, I had to flex.

I watched the iPad event last night, read up on a bunch of early articles today and have come to the conclusion that I want to see the new iPad before I decide to purchase. Here are a few reasons:

You have to see the Retina display to believe the claims. Even at the press event, the Apple gang was acknowledging that the sharpness of the display could not be appreciated on the big screen in the room. Nor can one appreciate the difference reading and watch on the lowly iPad2 (which has a pretty sharp picture in the first place).

I already have iOS 5.1.  After consuming yesterday's announcement content, I downloaded iOS 5.1 on my iPhone 4S and my iPad2. Not many differences that are noticeable, except for the fact that the camera button is always on the start-up screen on the iPhone now. You need 5.1 to use some of the new software, so I went ahead with the download.

I want to play with the new apps. The new iPhoto looks pretty slick. I will download it on iPad2 and play with it to see how it functions on the "slower" A5 chip. Same for GarageBand and iMovie. But the thing that may suck me into a "new iPad" purchase would be the graphics support for some of the new games, some which look ultra cool.

I'm distracted by Apple TV3.  To satiate my techy itch, I think I will pre-order Apple TV3. I have Apple TV2 and love it. Last night, I downloaded the software update announced at the event. So far it looks like window-dressing.  The first screen has more of an app feel, but the underlying elements looks pretty much the same. However, I played with it for maybe 15 minutes and more time spent will help inform my opinion. Regardless, I was looking to buy another Apple TV device for my other HD screen and now that we're talking 1080p, this is a no-brainer $99 purchase for me.

I really want a MacBook Air. These devices combine the best of the iPad and the MacBook Pro (which I also own). I've been keeping an eye for the new update and with Mountain Lion to be unleashed, I'm 90 percent convinced I will hand down my MacBook to my son as he heads off to college and go with the Air. Therefore, I may keep my powder dry on "the new iPad", get along with the iPad2 on iOS 5.1, and try to be patient....but that hasn't worked in the past.  :-)