Why does my 1st gen iPad crash so much?

Yeah, it's obsolete. Likely what is happening is that the apps you are using are optimized to more modern ipads and cannot run on the old models. You need to upgrade to a more modern model. Yours is ancient in iPad years.

Lots of people feel the same way. However, that's the pace of technology developments these days. Not much you can do about it.

I think "obsolete" may be too strong. Perhaps "outdated" might be a better description, because you can still do a lot with your iPad 1 (email, web, etc.). However, in addition to Apple upgrading the hardware and processors, the App developers are writing apps for the latest models running iOS 6 with Retina displays, not surprisingly. I expect you will see more hangs and crashes as the gap between your tech and the latest tech continues to widen.

As for cost, well, it is what it is. I sold my wife's iPad 1 (64GB wifi + 3G like yours) for $170 on Gazelle.com about a year ago. Now they're offering $125. 😟 In your case, an iPad 2 or iPad 3 might work, and you can find those at prices (used) that are far less than the latest iPad 4. I use an iPad 2 (64GB wifi+ 3G), and it works fine with all the apps, including Safari and Tweetbot.

david.allie wrote:

Hence, I'll have to disagree with you re: considering going with either a 2nd or 3rd generation iPad. I personally won't buy a used one and, even if I did, it would definitely cost me more in the long-term as I'd find myself in the same position I'm in now, of having to replace outdated hardware and thus costing me more in the long run.

Ah, you're one of those Champagne Taste, Beer Budget kinda guys. 😉

You might also consider refurbished. These are like new iPads with a warranty from Apple. They are a bit cheaper, but still several hundred dollars.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

For me, I simply replace these mobile devices every couple years. At the pace of change today, analyzing cost/benefit doesn't really help matters, except perhaps justify a decision to buy a higher end model. They all go out of date at some point, so I figger I'll just get what I want. Bottom line is that if you still want an iPad that works, you're going to have to shell out the cash.

I am used to my technology devices lasting more then just 3 years. I have an HP laptop that has lasted four years and is still fine. ( I know many won't like that idea). Considering how much the iPad 1 cost, I'm not going to spend a similar amount for just 3 years of usage. Maybe I'll get a Samsung tablet! I expect four or five years out of a computer or tablet or smart phone.

You can't compare tablets to full blown computing devices like laptops and desktop computers.

I equate portable tablet computers like any other consumer electronics device. Tablets are closed system pieces of hardware, (just like older portable style electronics devices like older palm and mini handheld computing devices, anyone remember those?? I still have and own an old PSION handheld computing device). Because there is no upgradeability within these types of tablet products, their product productivity and longevity are going to be shorter.

As long as other tablet makers continue to make integrated, but closed hardware and software system devices, the useful longevity of these devices is going to suffer and continue to be useful for less than 5-6 years.

IMHO.

I see what you mean, but I spent $700 on that iPad, and if its only going to last for 3 years then I figure $350 max for that type of life expectancy.

Just an FYI - the iPad 1 has been out for 4 years, the iPad 2 has been out for 3 years. A new iPad has pretty much been introduced annually since the iPad 1 was released. Samsung, on the other hand, releases new versions of the various Galaxy devices several times every year....

That is technology outstripping practical consumer usage....

Cheers,

GB

The plight of the early ("must have now") adopter.

Plus, Apple doesn't pander in the low end tablet market.

THEY ARE THE TABLET MARKET!!!

Apple produces only high end, quality products.

Everyone else is stealing and copying Apple's tablet designs...and copy very poorly at that, I may add.

If you wanted longevity, instead of spending $700 on an iPad, for an additonal $200 more, you could've purchased the then available MacBook Air that IS a full blown computer laptop running full blown OS X operating system.

You would' ve had that MacBook Air for your 4-6 year longevity criteria.

Hahaha - funny you say that MichelPM. I have an iPad 1, which was my go-to device.....until I got my Macbook Air. I kind of feel sorry for my iPad now, because it just sits on the table next to my chair, plugged in all the time, and only picked up when I want to use StarWalk. I don't even read my books on it much anymore because I have a (plug your ears) Paperwhite for reading.

I work at home and I don't go into my office without my Air with me. And whether I'm in my office or in my relaxing chair, I am constantly pulling it into my lap to do a search, or look up a word, or find an article....it practically floats into my lap....

I LOVE my Air. After I had been using it for a couple of weeks, I tried to pull my husband's Macbook Pro into my lap to check something for him. OMG... it was like trying to lift an elephant holding dumbbells - I feared permanent injury to my right arm.

I really don't think I will go back to tablets...the Air is the perfect in-between for me!

Cheers,

GB