RMagick 2.0.0 is now available. You can read all about this release here: [http://rmagick.rubyforge.org/rmagick2.html]

You should use RMagick 2 instead of RMagick 1 if

1) You want to use RMagick with Ruby 1.9.0. RMagick 2 works with 1.9.0. RMagick 1 does not.

2) You want to use new ImageMagick functionality. RMagick 1 maintenance is limited to bug fixes. New ImageMagick functionality will appear in RMagick 2.

3) You want to have better control over RMagick's memory usage. RMagick 2 has two new methods - Image#destroy! and Magick.trace_proc= - that can help you manage the memory used by images in your programs.

You should stick with RMagick 1 if

1) You want to use older releases of ImageMagick or Ruby.

2) You want to use RMagick with GraphicsMagick.

RMagick 2 has different prerequisites and is very slightly incompatible with RMagick 1, so be sure to read the web page before you download it.