This is the first generation and if you have an older ipad that won't update to the newer ios, you've got to use this one. From what i understand the battery doesn't last as long as the newer version but I was good before my reader gave out. I'm now up and running
Chip reader is great....I am more of a mobile business, so the Dock was a bit of overkill. Reevaluating my purchase, I wound have been happy with just the chip reader