9 reasons not to buy an iPad 2

It's reported that Apple has invited the tech press to an iPad-related event on March 2. There are also some rumors saying iPad 2 would get a delay until June. No matter which saying is true, it's obvious that iPad 2 has attracted so many people's eyeballs because of its imminent release. And it seems people are eager to get their hands on this coming iPad 2. But please keep your head cool and ask yourself if you really need an iPad 2 or not, especially when you have had an iPad 1 or other similar applications. To my opinion, it's not worth purchasing an iPad 2. Below are9 reasons I collect for your reference.

Reason 1: The iPad 3 is coming

I advise you not to buy an iPad 2 because the iPad 3 is on the way. There's a reason.
All indications are that the iPad 2 is a mere mid-season design refresh, shrinking the size a bit, adding a camera where a camera was always expected, and keeping the display the same.

Apparently, Apple couldn't get the Retina display ready in time for a spring launch, so they're just going ahead with a paen to the masses, and launching the iPad 2.

If you get an iPad 2 now, you may be deeply disappointed when the iPad 3 comes out.

Reason 2: Steve Jobs may not be hands-on

Update: Slight lack of sleep here. Verizon does have an iPad, so don't expect to see AT T-only as an issue. Updated Reason 2 to reflect a possible lack of obsessive adult supervision.

Steve Job's fingerprints have been on virtually all Apple products released in the last decade. His obsessive attention to detail has been responsible for the exceptional fit and finish unique to Apple products, but also for some of the quirks and limitations.

With Jobs on medical leave, the same level of care and attention may not be taken for this next generation of products. Apple claims Jobs is still running the show, but if the poor guy's sick, he just may not be able to be as hands-on as he used to be ― and the question is whether that will impact the quality and overall vision of the products.

For reasons far more than just Apple products, we hope Jobs gets well, soon.

Reason 3: Competition

Without a doubt, every electronics manufacturer has noticed the insane success of the iPad. To Apple's credit, none of them has managed to compete on both functionality and price. As our own Jason Perlow reports, no one else has Apple's supply chain advantage.

But the past doesn't equal the future and there will undoubtedly be interesting competitors, especially coming from the HP/Palm partnership and from the Android world. Sure, there will be horrid, little Android tablets littering the land, but there will eventually be real contenders.

At that point, you might want to look for an open device that will allow you to use your hardware the way you want, without Mommy Apple holding your hand all the way.

Reasons 4-9: The more things stay the same

Much of the iPad's original limitations are still out there. Probably, these iPad disappointments in the following short list will remain disappointments:

* Reason 4: There's still no USB port
* Reason 5: You still have to use iTunes
* Reason 6: There's still no way to wirelessly synchronize your bookmarks
* Reason 7: Kindles are still much less expensive
* Reason 8:You can still only run software approved by Apple
* Reason 9: It still can't be used as a standalone computer

If you haven't bought an iPad, the iPad 2 might be a worthwhile buy, especially if you want to spend $600 on the very best Angry Birds game console ever created. But if you already have an iPad, save your money. Some day, your mom may insist you move out and you'll need that money for rent (or to buy an iPad 3).