iPad (Third Generation) Review

Last week, Apple introduced its third generation model in the iPad line. While many were expecting it to be dubbed the iPad 3 or iPad HD, Apple has decided to go with just iPad from now on. The new iPad features major improvements in several notable areas: an improved camera, increased processor speed, faster internet connectivity, and an all-new high density Retina display.

At first glance, the new iPad might not appear to be any different than the iPad 2. It’s slightly thicker and a tiny bit heavier, but otherwise the form factor is the same. Once you power it on though, everything changes. The new Retina display sports a whopping 3.1 million pixels (2048 x 1536)! In other words, it features four times as many pixels as the iPad 2, but crammed into the same 9.7″ screen. This results in a picture that is so crisp and clear that you will not be able to see any pixelation.

The next big upgrade from the iPad 2 is the camera. The iPad still has front and rear cameras, but the rear iSight camera has been seriously improved. Instead of shooting video at 720p and photos at 0.7 megapixels, the new iPad records in 1080p and can take 5 megapixel pictures. And the front camera looks much better when using FaceTime.

The new iPad has a faster A5X processor. The A5X is a dual-core CPU, custom designed by Apple for the iPad. It uses very little power and supports quad-core graphics. You will notice a definite difference compared to the iPad 2 – everything just feels snappier.

The other major speed boost is thanks to the new 4G LTE support. 4G is significantly faster than 3G, capable of reaching speeds of 21-42Mbps. That’s faster than most DSL connections. The iPad is also world ready, so you can connect to 4G networks wherever you travel. And if you have other devices like a MacBook Pro or iPod touch, you can now use the iPad as a personal hotspot for up to five devices (although you may need to get a special plan from your 4G service provider).

If you are considering an upgrade from the original iPad or the iPad 2, I would recommend the new iPad to all original iPad owners and any iPad 2 owners that average 1-2 hours of daily iPad use. The iPad still comes in the same three sizes – 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB – with Wi-Fi or Wi-FI + 4G options. Pricing is the same at $499, $599, and $699 for Wi-Fi or $629, $729, $829 for Wi-Fi + 4G. Depending on where you live, you might be able to save a little on sales tax by shopping through Apple Sliced!

See all the pricing options for the iPad family.