The New iPad (4th Generation) Review
The iPad is considered the most successful tablet computer available on the market. The very first iPad is the tablet that made tablets trendy, cool and popular, opening up a whole new product market. Since that time it had 3 upgrades, the latest being the iPad 4th Generation - also referred to as iPad with Retina Display - and it’s also seen a sister-device launched in the form of the iPad Mini that’s aimed towards rivaling other smaller devices such as Kindle and Google’s Nexus.The iPad (4th Generation) came as a bit of a shock to many. It was released just 7 months after the 3rd generation iPad. That upset a lot of 3rd generation users, and understandably so. Suddenly their 7 month old device was no longer top of the line and the money they paid just 7 months prior would have bought them something superior had they held on.
However, for individuals who don’t already own a 3rd generation iPad, the 4th generation iPad does represent a decent upgrade. So let’s keep an eye on and see if it’s actually worth buying.
Major Specs For The New iPad
Price Range: $499 - $929Storage Options: 16 GB; 32 GB; 64 GB; 128 GB
Dimensions: 9.50 x 7.31 0.37 inches
Screen Size: 9.7 inches
Image resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels
Processor: Dual-Core A6X; Quad-Core Graphics
Photo Quality: 5 MP
Video Quality: 1080p HD
Battery Life: 10 Hours
New iPad: The Pros
iOS: Whether you’re an experienced Apple tablet user or not, the chances are you’ll be pretty familiar with the way Apple’s tablet operating system - iOS - works. That’s one of the greatest selling points of iPads - they’re easy to get your head around because they use what’s become the standard operating system on the market today.
iOS is a highly streamlined operating system that makes it easy for people to navigate their device and do the things they want to do. It deliberately keeps things simple in order that it can appeal to the broadest market possible, catching casual users too. iOS makes for a satisfying user experience and is a definite positive of this device.
Retina Display: Apple’s Retina Display has become pretty famous with tablet fans. It’s easily the nicest screen on the market thanks to its ultra-high resolution and incredible pixel density. Basically, this makes for really crisp images across the board, from the menu system and web pages to movies. If you’re a real fan of beautiful images, then the Retina Display will push all the right buttons. Currently it’s the very best in class.
Color Options: The 4th generation iPad has got the same familiar options that previous iPads have had when it comes to color. This is certainly somewhat limiting, but remains classy. Make a choice from black or white, both of which have a stylish appeal that won’t spoil your chic fashion sense whatever you wear.
Storage Options: This iPad comes with 4 storage options, making it the first iPad to do so. The options are 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, as standard for tablets, and a new 128GB option. This storage increase is great for heavy duty users, specifically those looking to use an iPad in place of a laptop. 128GB doubles the amount of data you can store on this iPad over any previous iPad, which is a significant change.
Fast: This is the fastest iPad ever. Thanks to a processor upgrade from the A5X of old to the A6X everything flies along. Navigating the menu, switching between apps, browsing the web and gaming are all handled with complete finesse. This also means that games with more demanding graphics can also function just find on the newest iPad. It’s one of the fastest tablets on the market today.
Front Facing Camera: The front facing camera on this iPad has been upgraded. It’s now an HD camera that allows for sharper images of yourself - whether photos or webcam - and can also record fully 720p. It is a nice improvement over the camera of the 3rd generation iPad.
App Store: Apple’s App Store is still the best resource for apps in the tablet world. It’s got one of the most apps available and the lowest instance of corrupt and broken apps or virus-carrying apps of any applications store.
LTE: LTE is fast becoming a standard option for tablets and smartphones. It’s an ultra-fast cellular data service that can actually outperform conventional WiFi. It’s astonishingly fast, meaning you can enjoy full streaming media wherever you are provided you’re in range of your LTE network provider. This is a costly upgrade option but one that many will think is worth it.
iOS is a highly streamlined operating system that makes it easy for people to navigate their device and do the things they want to do. It deliberately keeps things simple in order that it can appeal to the broadest market possible, catching casual users too. iOS makes for a satisfying user experience and is a definite positive of this device.
Retina Display: Apple’s Retina Display has become pretty famous with tablet fans. It’s easily the nicest screen on the market thanks to its ultra-high resolution and incredible pixel density. Basically, this makes for really crisp images across the board, from the menu system and web pages to movies. If you’re a real fan of beautiful images, then the Retina Display will push all the right buttons. Currently it’s the very best in class.
Color Options: The 4th generation iPad has got the same familiar options that previous iPads have had when it comes to color. This is certainly somewhat limiting, but remains classy. Make a choice from black or white, both of which have a stylish appeal that won’t spoil your chic fashion sense whatever you wear.
Storage Options: This iPad comes with 4 storage options, making it the first iPad to do so. The options are 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, as standard for tablets, and a new 128GB option. This storage increase is great for heavy duty users, specifically those looking to use an iPad in place of a laptop. 128GB doubles the amount of data you can store on this iPad over any previous iPad, which is a significant change.
Fast: This is the fastest iPad ever. Thanks to a processor upgrade from the A5X of old to the A6X everything flies along. Navigating the menu, switching between apps, browsing the web and gaming are all handled with complete finesse. This also means that games with more demanding graphics can also function just find on the newest iPad. It’s one of the fastest tablets on the market today.
Front Facing Camera: The front facing camera on this iPad has been upgraded. It’s now an HD camera that allows for sharper images of yourself - whether photos or webcam - and can also record fully 720p. It is a nice improvement over the camera of the 3rd generation iPad.
App Store: Apple’s App Store is still the best resource for apps in the tablet world. It’s got one of the most apps available and the lowest instance of corrupt and broken apps or virus-carrying apps of any applications store.
LTE: LTE is fast becoming a standard option for tablets and smartphones. It’s an ultra-fast cellular data service that can actually outperform conventional WiFi. It’s astonishingly fast, meaning you can enjoy full streaming media wherever you are provided you’re in range of your LTE network provider. This is a costly upgrade option but one that many will think is worth it.
New iPad: The Cons
Size, Weight, Screen: In comparison with the 3rd generation, the 4th generation iPad doesn’t represent much of a design upgrade. It’s the same size and weight and features the exact same screen as the 3rd generation.
Heavy: If you like to hold your tablet in only one hand then you may find that this is on the heavy side. It’s not comfortable for prolonged periods of one-handed use. However, this is true with any tablet! You can always buy the iPad Mini if you like something smaller.
Adapter Needed: A major annoyance for owners of older iPad accessories is that this version isn’t compatible with those accessories. If you do want to make use of them with the new iPad you’ll have to pay for a special adapter, and it’s expensive.
Price: The price of the iPad has been an issue. Apple ride high on the strength of their brand, charging a premium price. The basic model will cost you around $500 and that will only give you 16GB of storage. If you wish the largest 128GB storage option as well as support for LTE cellular data you’ll need to pay a massive $929. You need deep pockets to own an iPad.
Heavy: If you like to hold your tablet in only one hand then you may find that this is on the heavy side. It’s not comfortable for prolonged periods of one-handed use. However, this is true with any tablet! You can always buy the iPad Mini if you like something smaller.
Adapter Needed: A major annoyance for owners of older iPad accessories is that this version isn’t compatible with those accessories. If you do want to make use of them with the new iPad you’ll have to pay for a special adapter, and it’s expensive.
Price: The price of the iPad has been an issue. Apple ride high on the strength of their brand, charging a premium price. The basic model will cost you around $500 and that will only give you 16GB of storage. If you wish the largest 128GB storage option as well as support for LTE cellular data you’ll need to pay a massive $929. You need deep pockets to own an iPad.
Is The New iPad Worth Buying?
The 4th generation iPad is unquestionably worth owning. It’s one of the best tablets already in the market and does so many things right. The main obstacle is the price which will put many people off. And if you’re a 3rd generation iPad owner this doesn’t represent enough of an upgrade making it worth spending all that extra cash on, unless you can sell your existing model for a good price. However, if you own a 2nd generation iPad or some other older tablet then this will mark a big step up on all fronts and you’ll definitely be a satisfied customer.Highly recommended.
