What are all the differences between the original iPad models (1st Gen/iPad 1)?

Please note that the original iPad models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been revised with up-to-date iOS support information and more. In particular, it can be quite useful for anyone considering the original iPad on the used market.

There are six configurations of the original iPad, which vary by capacity -- 16 GB, 32, GB, or 64 GB -- connectivity -- either 802.11n Wi-Fi or 802.11n Wi-Fi, 3G, and A-GPS -- and price.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Original iPad - Wi-Fi Only Model)

Oddly, the original iPad did not ship with Apple's trademark white earbuds. In fact, it did not ship with any earbuds at all.

Technical Differences

All configurations have a 9.7-inch (1024x768, 132 ppi) multitouch "glossy" LED-backlit IPS display, an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, digital compass, stereo speakers and a built-in mic packed in a 0.5 inch thick, 1.5 or 1.6 pound glass and aluminum case.

All are powered by a custom ARM-based 1 GHz Apple A4 "system on a chip" and have an estimated 10 hours of battery life "surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music." Battery life while using the Internet over 3G is an estimated 9 hours.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left -- Wi-Fi, Right -- Wi-Fi, 3G, A-GPS)

Identification Differences

As a minor detail, iPad configurations only with Wi-Fi have a solid aluminum back whereas configurations with Wi-Fi, 3G, and A-GPS have a plastic area on the top rear of the device for the 3G antenna. The original iPad models with Wi-Fi only are assigned model number A1219 and those with Wi-Fi, 3G, A-GPS models use model number A1337.

Although the model numbers above are sufficient for identifying the original iPad models, EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iLookup can uniquely identify all iPad models by a variety of other identifiers, too.

iOS Support Differences

The original iPad first shipped with iPhone OS 3.2 and it is supported running up to iOS 5.1.1. It cannot support iOS 6 or subsequent versions of the iOS.

Like an iPod or iPhone, the original iPad also can be synchronized with a Mac or Windows PC via the standard USB-based 30-pin iPod connector port, if desired.

Original Pricing Differences

The differences between original iPad configurations -- capacity, connectivity, and price -- are charted below:

Capacity:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB
Price with Wi-Fi:	US$499	US$599	US$699
Price with Wi-Fi, 3G & A-GPS:	US$629	US$729	US$829

For models equipped with 3G connectivity, 3G data plans originally were available without a contract for US$14.99/month with a 250 MB data transfer limit and US$29.99/month for unlimited use via AT&T Wireless in the US.

For pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.

Video Evaluation

For a quick, but detailed, run down of the capabilities of the original iPad in real-world use, you may also enjoy watching this hands-on video from PC Magazine:

iPad Purchase Options

There are many places to buy an original iPad. However, purchasing from a quality company with extensive Apple knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).