Is iTunes backup better than iCloud?

It is faster to Backup/Restore from iTune (wired) than iCloud.

Advantage of iCloud: You don't need a computer.

iCloud backup is a lot easier. The best part is that you do not need to be plugged in to the computer. I just had to restore my iPod touch from a backup yesterday, and it restored everything. After it does, it will then begin restoring your apps, music, photos, etc., and will even keep them in the same arrangement (i.e. if you had folders for your apps).

And IMO - I think iTunes is easier or every bit as easy. I sync over Wifi so no cable needed either.

The only limit on iTunes is what you computer can store on the drive and you can actually store an iTunes library on an external drive. From a cost standpoint - its a no brainer - unless you want to shell out more money each year for an iCloud backup.

I'm not a big fan of iCloud just yet - even though I do backup to iCloud and I use the 5GB free account. But I also religiously backup with iTunes which is backed up with my Mac using Time Machine on an external drive.

This is what I recommend.

Continue to backup the old iPad until the new one arrives. Yes - You should back up and sync with iTunes as well. Syncing with iTunes will transfer all of your purchased content into iTunes on your computer.

When the new iPad arrives - you can plug in into your computer, launch iTunes and iTunes will ask if you want to restore from the iPad backup or set up as new. Restore from the iPad backup and then sync with iTunes to move all of your iTunes content onto the new iPad.

If you want to wipe the old iPad go to Settings>General>Reset>Erase all Content and Settings.

If you want to restore from an iCloud backup - read this.

http://gigaom.com/apple/ios-101-set-up-and-restore-from-icloud-backup/

CC777 ... there is no right way or wrong way. It is a matter of what you are comfortable with. I prefer iTunes and have found it to be extremely reliable. Stevejobsfan feels the same way about iCloud and that works great for him.

Both methods will work but if you have been backing up to iTunes - it probably makes sense to just stick with that until you get the new iPad up and running. You can always switch to iCloud later if you like.

If you continue to sync and backup with iTunes on your Mac - then all of your content will be in there when you go to set up the new iPad.

"Backup" and "Content" are two different things.

Your backup contains your device's settings, preferences, camera roll, app data, e-mail account info, networks you've connected to, cookies, etc. Your backup does not contain music, video, podcasts, apps, contacts, etc. You can backup to iCloud for free -- the only downside is it may take a bit longer to complete, and you're trusting that iCloud doesn't mess something up. You can also backup to your computer each time you sync, but if you're travelling and don't have access to your computer and need to restore your device, you're out of luck.

Your content is your music, video, podcasts, contacts, etc. You keep these on your computer and the only cost is the storage space you need (if your content exceeds your computer's capacity) and you should have a backup system in place to safeguard all your important files on your computer (not just the native files for your content). You can also use iCloud for your content, which costs $25/year. It is still developing and there are some frustrations with keeping your content in iCloud, but it will get better over time. Not all content can be put up in iCloud (e.g. personal home video, and some iTunes video content can't be kept in iCloud in certain countries).