iPad 3 announcement

haven

Expedition Leader
Apple held a news conference today to announce the new iPad. The new iPad is evolutionary in most regards, but does include the higher resolution "retina display" and new 4G cell phone connections. Prices remain the same, that is, $499 for a 16 GB model with WiFi only.

Assisted GPS is available only with the iPads that have a modem as well as WiFi. A-GPS is required for navigation software, so many ExPo readers will want to purchase the 16 GB iPad with 4G modem, $629.

Pre-orders for the new iPad are being accepted at the online Apple Store starting today. Delivery should start March 16.

The iPad 2 will continue, with a lower price. The 16 GB iPad 2 with WiFi now costs $399. Price for a refurbished iPad 2 with 16 GB and WiFi only dropped to $349 through the Apple Store.

Compared to the original iPad and iPad 2, the new screen has double the pixels horizontally and vertically, so 4 times as many pixels in the same 9.7 inch screen. To handle the increased pixel count, the new iPad's processor includes four graphics cores, up from two in the iPad 2. The processor, called the A5X, is the same ARM Cortex-A9 design used in the iPhone 4S, but with increased clock speed (not specified).

The new iPad with 4G data modem will be available in several models. There's an LTE model for Verizon, a different LTE model for AT&T, and a 21 megabits per second HSPA+ model, presumably for T-Mobile. All iPads with data modems will include the capability to connect to 3G service from GSM/UMTS networks, available from carriers around the world.

Physically, the new iPad is 1/4 inch (0.6 mm) thicker than the iPad 2, and 2 oz (51 g) heavier. So some covers and cases for the iPad 2 should fit. The dock connector remains unchanged, so old iPad accessories like the SD card reader will work.

The new screen requires an updated version of iOS. The new version, iOS 5.1, is available now. 5.1 is backward compatible to existing iPhone and iPad models.

Apple updated its iLife suite to use the high resolution screen. iPhoto received a major makeover. It now works with images up to 19 megapixels, can organize photos in folders, and has many new photo editing tools. Garageband and iMovie are updated, too. Apple's iWork programs (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote) were also updated to use the high resolution screen. If you already own the software, the update is free.

[edited to change "iPad 3" to "new iPad," which is Apple's preferred name]
 

haven

Expedition Leader
Rumors not mentioned in today's new iPad announcement:

SIRI personal assistant software (voice dictation was mentioned, but not the personal assistant)

other form factors, such as a 7 inch iPad

Microsoft Office for iPad

Also not disclosed:

Processor speed

Amount of RAM

This sort of information will be available after the new iPad ships, and someone tears it apart to learn how it's put together.
 

haven

Expedition Leader
The new iPad has a 5 megapixel iSight rear-facing camera, not the 8 megapixel model used in the iPhone 4S. The camera can be used for full HD (1080p) movies. The camera has image stabilization, executed in software.

Apple's iCloud server has been upgraded to handle 1080p movies. This will allow iPad movie makers to upload, but also for Apple to rent access to commercial 1080p movies. Apple introduced a new Apple TV box to use with 1080p material.
 

haven

Expedition Leader
Apple has a web page that allows you to compare the iPad 2 with the new iPad http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/

In the details, the notes say the new iPad has a significantly larger battery, 42.5 watt hours versus 25 watt hours in the iPad 2. This probably is due to the power hungry 4G modem.

And here's are two comparisons of the new iPad with Android tablets from other manufacturers

http://gizmodo.com/5891208/comparison-the-new-ipad-vs-other-leading-tablets

http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/new-ipad-competition-specs/




 

18seeds

Explorer
I think I may just go for an ipad2. I have the original ipad (macbook air, imac27, iphone 4s) and was waiting for this announcement. the screen resolution is impressive but don't know if it is worth the extra $$$ for my needs.
 

haven

Expedition Leader
Here's the rundown of LTE data service monthly prices. There is no long term commitment, just a monthly plan that you can cancel anytime.

AT&T: 250 MB for $15, 3 GB for $30, 5 GB for $50

Verizon: 1 GB for $20, 2 GB for $30, 5 GB for $50, 10 GB for $80

At this point, AT&T has LTE service in a small, but growing, number of metro areas. Verizon offers LTE in many more places. However, AT&T has faster standard 3G service than Verizon.

Verizon will support the iPad's ability to act as an Internet hotspot, a feature of the newly released iOS 5.1. AT&T won't immediately support the iPad's use as a hotspot. They're still working on something with Apple.
 

RobRed

Explorer
I think I may just go for an ipad2. I have the original ipad (macbook air, imac27, iphone 4s) and was waiting for this announcement. the screen resolution is impressive but don't know if it is worth the extra $$$ for my needs.

You wouldn't be getting much by going from iPad original to ipad2. The only iPad 2 left in the line up is the 16gb wifi @ 399.


If you are planning to use an iPad for offload nav get at least 32gb for map cache.


Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk
 

Fester

Observer
RobRed

Would you recommend the 64Gb over the 32Gb? I'm fixin to pull the trigger on a new iPad. :)

Yea, I've been waiting for a while and might as well get enough storage.
 

haven

Expedition Leader
"The only iPad 2 left in the line up is the 16gb wifi..."

This is true if you're buying a new machine. Apple continues to sell refurbished iPad 1 and iPad 2 models, in all option and memory configurations. See this page
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

Apple provides a 1 year warranty on refurbished gear. You can purchase an Applecare+ service contract for a refurb, just like you can with new gear. All refurbished iPads come with a new shell (not including the screen) and a new battery.

My experience with refurbs from Apple has been excellent. The refurbs I've purchased have been in great condition, with no sign of wear or use of any kind.
 

Fester

Observer
Ok, I watched your vid you posted on the media hub thread. 64 Gb it is. New question.
I have an iphone 4s and was going to use it for tethering to the New iPad. Would this work or should I pony up for the "4G". Which is better for gps, native connection or tethering.
 

haven

Expedition Leader
new iPad reviews online now

Apple seeded some members of the press with new iPads; hands-on reviews are showing up today.

Rather than publish their own review, Gizmodo editors are collecting the best observations of other reviewers into "meta-reviews" of iPad features.
Q: Are 4G and the Retina Display really that great? A: Yes.
http://gizmodo.com/5893431/new-ipad-meta+review-are-4g-and-retina-really-that-great-short-answeryes


Here are a few full reviews that appeared this afternoon.

Loop In Sight
http://www.loopinsight.com/2012/03/14/review-ipad-third-generation/

Daring Fireball
http://daringfireball.net/2012/03/ipad_3

The Verge
http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/14/2870533/ipad-review

Techcrunch
http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/14/the-new-ipad-review/

USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/story/2012-03-14/apple-new-ipad-review/53535790/1

Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304459804577281472610072322.html

Slashgear
http://www.slashgear.com/new-ipad-review-3rd-gen-14218465/

TechCrunch
http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/14/the-new-ipad-review/

MacWorld
http://www.macworld.com/article/1165849/review_the_third_generation_ipad.html
 

haven

Expedition Leader
Despite the hardware upgrades in the new iPad, performance seems to be about the same as the iPad2. The high res screen and the LTE modem absorb the improvements in graphics coprocessor, more RAM, and bigger battery.

So should we upgrade from the iPad 2 to the new iPad? Best comment so far: MG Siegler, writing for Techcrunch,
"...treat the new iPad as if it were Medusa when you're in an Apple Store. Do. Not. Look. At. It."

The new screen is that much better.
 

off-roader

Expedition Leader
You don't need the 3G unit to navigate. You can use a wifi unit with an external gps (Bluetooth, etc) and save $50 or so.
 

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