The newest device from Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi review
The newest device from Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi review
The newest device from Apple iPad 4 Wi-Fi review
This product is amazing. It's not
perfect, but considering that I'll have iPad 4 for at least 2 years and I've used iPad 4 every day so far, I certainly get my $.40
worth each day! It's very sturdy and I know it will hold up well, as my other
Apple products have. I have friends who still use their original iPads (they
work just fine, but many applications don't run on the operating system). I
have a Kindle (an old version), and still love my Kindle as a reader. It's the
only way I can read in the sunlight and it's SO lightweight. Eventually, I'll
upgrade to a new Kindle reader, but I see them as having different purposes.
The iPad is a mini computer, and the non-Fire Kindle is the equivalent of
carrying around a book (or a thousand).
iPad 3 vs. iPad 4:
I purchased the version right
before this one--the iPad 3--several weeks before the announcement of this
version. I called Apple a few days after the announcement, and they immediately
set me up with a way to return the iPad 3 to repurchase the newest version. I
realize that some people were angry about the announcement, but there has to be
a cut off date for new technology at some point, and I thought that Apple
treated me as well or better than I've seen from any other technology company.
Yes, both the iPad 3 and 4 have
very crisp, clear screens (which are stunning for video quality compared to my
Macbook from 2010). However, the increased speed of the iPad 4 makes the video
quality seem clearer. It's difficult to explain, but movies definitely got a bit
crisper. Also, the increased speed really is incredible when opening apps and
running a lot at once. I'd say the time it takes to open large applications is
cut in half. But, I was so impressed with the iPad 3 when it came, and if I
hadn't been able to exchange it, I would still give iPad
4 a 5-star review--it's definitely not
"obsolete."
Finally, what makes the iPad
special? First, no one *needs* one. But now that I have one, it's sure useful
and I wouldn't want to go back to life before I got one. Here's why:
*
I sit at school or at work in
front of a computer all day. I am always typing or reading on the screen.
Coming come to something different is nice--it's refreshing. I'd rather watch a
tv show on a 10" iPad than any other non-TV device (laptop, tablet, phone,
etc.). The picture quality is great for movies and browsing, and the 10"
screen is big enough to share if a friend and I want to watch something
together. A 7" isn't enough for that or big enough to basically serve as a
TV replacement.
*
iPad 4 is functional enough to REPLACE a computer.
Don't get me wrong, I still need my computer for editing files, serious typing,
spreadsheets, etc. But right after I got the ipad, I went on a 10-day trip. No
computer, no problem. I could take care of all of my emails from work and
school, keep in touch, keep up with my finances, etc. iPad
4 was anything I'd need for a non-work trip. Web
browsing works just as well as a laptop for 95% of sites, and there's an app
for many that even improves the browsing experience.
*
Given the first two points, I
think owning an iPad will greatly extend the life of my laptop. I probably use
my laptop 50% less now that I have an iPad, so I'll probably get an extra year
of life out of my laptop as a result. That, in itself, makes the purchase of an
iPad worth it in my eyes.
*
Integration with other Mac
devices. This doesn't apply to everyone, but if you're a Mac user for a laptop
or an iPhone, I'd highly recommend the iPad over alternatives, even if it's
more expensive. If you're hooked on Windows products or Google products, I'd
consider those devices.
*
The number of apps. I know that
apps are everywhere these days, but, iPad 4 seems at least, that there are still the most applications for Apple
devices. The difference is especially noticeable in non-retail applications.
For example, I've tried dozens of "to do" and organizer apps, and my
favorite, Errands, is only available on iOS. Another of my favorites, Fotopedia
Heritage (a gorgeous display of UNESCO World Heritage photography), is only on
iPad. So far (and this may change), a lot of companies also choose to release
new iOS versions of applications first. This edge will decrease with time, but
for now it is still a significant "plus" for an iPad over other
tablets for those who are into applications. Also, I can run most iPhone apps
on the iPad, and there's an easy way to tell the difference (e.g. you can
search just for iPad apps or for iPhone/iPad/iPod apps). Not sure if you can do
this on other tablets, but I've found it useful (e.g. my bank only has an
iphone app, but I can still run it on my iPad). Finally, though, just to be
clear, this is NOT just a device for running applications. I could do almost
everything I choose to do through applications just by using a web browser.
*
The number of accessories. Many
won't care about this, but some will. If you like to have cases to protect your
electronics, the sheer number for iPad is a draw (not a huge one, but the
sprinkles on the cake). Everything's out there, from cheap plastic covers to
the smart cover (the one that folds as a stand) to professional-looking leather
folios to designer soft zip cases. iPad 4 can be a fashion statement, but it's more likely just a way to make sure
to keep your device safe.
*
Finally, and this may be petty,
but it's the most professional device. In the field I know (law), partners at
law firms and federal judges use iPads, not other devices to read briefs, send
emails, etc. I've never seen anyone doing work on a Kindle device and I've
never even seen another tablet in a professional setting. Part of this may be
that it's a well-established product, and part may be that the 10-inch screen
is nice for reading, even if it's bulkier. Being able to feel comfortable that
you can carry your device in a professional environment may matter for some,
and the iPad definitely delivers above other devices there.
Here
are the Tech Specs for those who don't know
----
Hardware:
Height 9.5 inches
Width 7.31 inches
Thickness 0.37 inches
Weight 1.44 pounds
Color Silver / Black, Silver /
White
Speakers Mono
Display:
Screen size (diagonal) 9.7 inches
Technology IPS LCD
Resolution (X) 2048 px
Resolution (Y) 1536 px
PPI 264
Touchscreen type Capacitive
Multitouch Yes
Software:
Operating system iOS
Launch OS version 6
Media streaming AirPlay
Processor:
CPU brand Apple
CPU model A6X
Clock speed 1.4 GHz
Cores 2
Memory:
RAM size 1 GB
Storage:
Internal size 64 GB, 32 GB, 16 GB
Connectivity:
Wi-Fi Yes
Wi-Fi support 802.11n, 802.11g,
802.11b, 802.11a
802.11n frequencies 5GHz, 2.4GHz
Bluetooth Yes
Bluetooth version 4.0
Front Camera:
Effective pixels 1.2 megapixels
Video resolution 720p
Video framerate 30
Rear Camera:
Effective pixels 5 megapixels
Focus type Autofocus
Video resolution 1080p
Video framerate 30
Ports:
Video out Yes
Headphone 3.5mm
Data connections Lightning
Sensors:
Sensors Ambient Light, Gyroscope,
Accelerometer
Battery:
Capacity 42.5 Wh
Removable No
Quoted use time 10 hr
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