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]
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]
