Review: The New iPad

 

 

Apple fan or not, you have to admit that the iPad is a piece of innovation, selling millions and no real threat even three years after the first one was released. Even though it wasn’t threatened, Apple released the new, update iPad for all to enjoy. It doesn’t disappoint.

Hardware

The new iPad’s hardware is decent to say the least. Not only has the screen resolution been increased four fold and the battery increased by 70%, but the GPU cores have been doubled and the device’s thickness barely changed, it’s camera also grew to 5MP. It has put on a bit of weight, gaining 59g to weigh in at 660g. It has also gotten thicker from 8.8mm to 9.5mm, but both is barely noticeable. Memory is more than enough, except for the 16GB model which will soon become obsolete as everything grows bigger to accommodate the new display size.

Software

Not much has changed software wise, but it is worth noting that some applications onboard have been adapted for the new resolution leaving it crisp and clear. There are already quite a few apps that have been adapted already so you should pretty much find what you’re looking for in the App Store. iOS is easy to adapt to if you’ve never used it and you’ll soon feel at home as all falls into place.

Connectivity

The new iPad certainly has a lot going on there. Bluetooth v4.0 though why use it if you can’t share anything? Then the usual WiFi and connection port. What’s new here is the ‘4G’, LTE connectivity, but since it’s barely anywhere outside the US, we’ll stop right there. If you live in the rest of the world, you’ll have to be satisfied with 21MBps HSPA+ which is still something to brag about and it should accommodate all your downloading and surfing needs. Then there’s the usual EDGE and GSM and so forth.

Camera

Considering the previous model only had a 0.9MP camera, the new 5MP unit will be a pleasant upgrade for any iPad 2 user, but then again, do you really need a rear camera on a tablet? Your arms will eventually get extremely tired from holding the iPad up to take 1080p videos or the occasional family portrait, the simple fact is that you’ll barely use it. The front facing camera, however, should be used pretty often if your an avid Skype or FaceTime user, sadly it’s unchanged and remains at VGA res, it’s still acceptable for all and decent enough.

Design

Definitely no points for originality here. The new iPad looks virtually identical to the previous version, with a slight difference here and there. There will still only be a Black and White version available, it still has a metal back with the logo in the middle. There’s still a screen on the front and a button at the bottom, excuse me if I’m blunt, but really Apple? Billions at your disposal, at least redesign it a bit! It’s slim and cute, and your eyes won’t get sore from looking at it, okay they will, but not because of its obviously ‘good’ looks.

Upgrade Time?

I’ll keep it short. If you still use the first iPad, then YES, YES! Go out NOW and buy it. If you’re an iPad to user and not the die hard fanboy, rather wait a while, why spend perfectly good money on a better screen and 4G which only Americans can enjoy? Simply put, upgrading won’t be a disappointment at all, but there’s nothing wrong with the iPad 2, especially as it’s available at a discount now.

Conclusion

The new iPad is cool. Yes, cool. It brings forth what Apple has been able to master, a great product at an acceptable price with lots of features and a boatload of dedicated applications. You won’t go wrong buying it, even if you’re an avid Android fan or so-called ‘hater’. Go out, buy it. The heating issues mentioned, didn’t happen to me, it did get a bit warm though, but nothing to really worry about, you won’t be able to use it as a frying pan, maybe a hand warmer in the winter though.