So how IS the Retina Display on the new iPad?
Amazing. Seriously amazing. I really love the Retina Display on the iPhone 4/4S, but this feels like a step forward even from that. Not because it's a better display (which it may well be), but because the much larger scale of the screen makes it feel transformative to the experience of looking at a Retina Display and using an iPad.
The brightness, color, and richness were all great. I'm reasonably sure they brought the display closer to the glass like they did with the iPhone 4/4S Retina Display, but I'm not willing to commit that to the record. The resolution is what brings it home though. Let me put it this way: when I pulled up a nice, high resolution photograph on the iPad 3rd-gen, I genuinely could not tell the difference between what I was seeing onscreen, and a nice, beautifully shot, well-printed, glossy photograph. It was seriously to that level.
It's the best display I've ever seen. Anywhere, period. And it makes a meaningful difference to the experience -- it's not just a spec.
So, is it really heavier? And thicker?
Yes, and yes, it's a little thicker and a little heavier than the iPad 2, and if you used that iPad, it's probably something you'll notice right away. The good news is the iPad 3rd-gen is not so much thicker or so much heavier that you'll really care; my guess is that by day two you won't notice the difference anymore. It's definitely not what I'd call a step back.
How's the camera?
Hard to say for sure because it was a pretty closed environment to test, but it looked great -- as good or better than the 4S camera, from what I could tell. You shouldn't really be shooting photos from your iPad because you look like a huge dork, but if you need to, this rear camera is finally worthy of the iPad.
Should I upgrade?
Man, that's such a personal question. If you have an original iPad, I say sure, why not. If you have an iPad 2 and really love it, then you probably already pre-ordered before I even posted this. If you're still on the fence, I really like Blam's (from The Wirecutter - thewirecutter.com/2012/03/new-ipad/) advice: "if you use your iPad 2 fewer than 10 hours a week, don't upgrade." Seems reasonable. I am personally well above the 10 hours per week mark on my iPad.
Which version should I get?
Unless you're pretty wild with the amount of media you bring with you at any given time, I tend to recommend people get the 16GB version. I'd definitely suggest getting it with 4G, though -- that's something that, when you need it, you simply cannot do without. I'd buy Verizon, but you probably already have an idea of whose coverage is better in your area.
Any other questions I can answer? Post 'em below and I'll update!
Discussion about
iPad 3rd-gen first impressions
Only the 3G/4G models come with GPS hardware. Don't forget that when deciding on what to get. That will figure ever more prominently over time as apps use location data to greater effect -- like iPhoto does.
this should clear it up:
support.apple.com/kb/HT4995?viewlocale=en_US&l...
at the bottom
Notes:
iOS devices without a cellular connection only use Wi-Fi for Location Services (if a Wi-Fi network is available).
GPS is available on iPhone and iPad Wi-Fi + 3G models.
(date on the article is pre-LTE ipad, so add LTE to that last bullet)
support.apple.com/kb/HT4995?viewlocale=en_US&l...
at the bottom
Notes:
iOS devices without a cellular connection only use Wi-Fi for Location Services (if a Wi-Fi network is available).
GPS is available on iPhone and iPad Wi-Fi + 3G models.
(date on the article is pre-LTE ipad, so add LTE to that last bullet)
Yes, I am fairly sure it will still work as it doesn't need the celuar data to get a location. But remember without the data google maps may not update.
you mean like pinging a tower using WiFi also as an additional point of reference.
i guess it is possible but i don't know for sure. maybe thats what that assisted part of assisted GPS does.
i guess it is possible but i don't know for sure. maybe thats what that assisted part of assisted GPS does.
Yes, I just confirmed this. I loaded a map using cellular data, turned off cellular data, and watched the blue google maps dot trace my steps as I walked back and forth a street. It was a little jerky though.
But wouldn't it be using wifi to interpolate that? I'd love to know whether the GPS chip is active even if cell data is turned off. It is the same chip, I guess, but a very different function. I suspect aGPS might not work, since that depends on cell towers to triangulate, but plain GPS should only require a satellite fix.
Wifi definitely helps but no, I tested again after turning off both the Wifi and cellular data. The iPad was still tracking my location with a noticeable lag but was accurate only to about 2 blocks.
I am with you on the 4G but 16GB? it seems if you want to use the video camera or have many apps especially games you would want at least the 32GB. The recent textbooks apple came out with were between 700mb and 3GB! seems like even for a student you would quickly fill up a 16GB ipad.
A plea to your readers: as you upgrade to the new iPad, consider donating your current iPad to Teach for America.
Just take your iPad to your local Apple store and tell them you want to donate it to TFA.
arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/03/apple-stores-ac...
My daughter is with TFA in San Francisco, and the impact she and her 9000 associates are having in transforming American education is stunning. Her first grade class of children of Latin American families come speaking only Spanish, and leave reading and writing at or above the levels of peers from English-speaking families.
All over America, political forces are at war with teachers and education, and combined with the impact of the economy, those forces are having a devastating impact on the very schools where TFA places its young, idealist teachers. Show them you support and appreciate their work - give them your iPad! It's even tax deductable as a charitable contribution!
Thanks! Mel Snyder
Just take your iPad to your local Apple store and tell them you want to donate it to TFA.
arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/03/apple-stores-ac...
My daughter is with TFA in San Francisco, and the impact she and her 9000 associates are having in transforming American education is stunning. Her first grade class of children of Latin American families come speaking only Spanish, and leave reading and writing at or above the levels of peers from English-speaking families.
All over America, political forces are at war with teachers and education, and combined with the impact of the economy, those forces are having a devastating impact on the very schools where TFA places its young, idealist teachers. Show them you support and appreciate their work - give them your iPad! It's even tax deductable as a charitable contribution!
Thanks! Mel Snyder
When I got an original iPad I found it more important to go with 32 GB of storage over having 3G networking. Two reasons:
1) Unlike my phone, I only ever use my iPad in places that already have Wi-Fi. Home, work, Starbucks & other coffee shops, friend's houses, etc. I pull out my phone all the time on the bus, but I'm not about to pull out my iPad there (to easy for someone else to grab, or just bump into when it's crowded).
2) My iPhone has 32 GB, and it's nice to have the same capacity on my iPad so I can keep the same music playlists, videos, photos, etc. synchronized across them.
With the 2012 iPad it's actually going to be even more important to have a higher capacity to hold higher def videos and photos, and larger app like games that have higher resolution graphics.
BTW, I'm advocating use of the term "2012 iPad" rather than "iPad 3rd gen" or "3rd gen iPad" or something like that to distinguish it. This matches the way different generations of Macs are discussed, now.
1) Unlike my phone, I only ever use my iPad in places that already have Wi-Fi. Home, work, Starbucks & other coffee shops, friend's houses, etc. I pull out my phone all the time on the bus, but I'm not about to pull out my iPad there (to easy for someone else to grab, or just bump into when it's crowded).
2) My iPhone has 32 GB, and it's nice to have the same capacity on my iPad so I can keep the same music playlists, videos, photos, etc. synchronized across them.
With the 2012 iPad it's actually going to be even more important to have a higher capacity to hold higher def videos and photos, and larger app like games that have higher resolution graphics.
BTW, I'm advocating use of the term "2012 iPad" rather than "iPad 3rd gen" or "3rd gen iPad" or something like that to distinguish it. This matches the way different generations of Macs are discussed, now.
Apple is officially calling it the iPad 3rd generation in its store checkout process. I'm pretty sure that'll be the official technical name (kind of like how the latest iPod touch's official technical name is "iPod touch (4th generation)" -- see: support.apple.com/specs/#ipodtouch ).
"2012 iPad" is shorter and more succinct, to me. :) The 3 fewer characters in "2012" vs. "3rd gen" can make a difference in places like Twitter. :)
Anyway, iPod (and Apple TV) updates haven't synched up very well to a yearly cycle, but so far iPads and iPhones definitely have. And how old is a 2nd gen iPod touch? Few people wouldn't have to look that up. How old is a 2010 iPad (aka original iPad, aka iPad 1st generation)? Two years. How many generations back is it? Two. Simple.
Anyway, iPod (and Apple TV) updates haven't synched up very well to a yearly cycle, but so far iPads and iPhones definitely have. And how old is a 2nd gen iPod touch? Few people wouldn't have to look that up. How old is a 2010 iPad (aka original iPad, aka iPad 1st generation)? Two years. How many generations back is it? Two. Simple.
I can see your reasoning, however I went for the 64G 3G + Wifi model because;
1. If I didn't get 3G I'd regret it later. Has a SIM in it for a month then just use tethering to the iPhone now.
2. 64G because, well, you can never have too much storage. Mostly mine is full of PDFs, books, manuals, etc.
3. Playlists not an issue - I mean, I have some podcast Videos on it (@Veronica's for example) for the daily commute, but the iPhone always has the audio stuffs.
BTW, I bought the iPad 1 based on what Apple and Apple Dealers told me - iPad2 launched 2 weeks later and they wouldn't take it back (only 14 days in Australia vs 30 in the US).
Will I upgrade ? I'm seriously thinking of going Android for phone AND tablet now - all because of Apple's "walled garden" approach. Yes, I can understand they want to "protect the customer experience", but some of us don't WANT protecting !
1. If I didn't get 3G I'd regret it later. Has a SIM in it for a month then just use tethering to the iPhone now.
2. 64G because, well, you can never have too much storage. Mostly mine is full of PDFs, books, manuals, etc.
3. Playlists not an issue - I mean, I have some podcast Videos on it (@Veronica's for example) for the daily commute, but the iPhone always has the audio stuffs.
BTW, I bought the iPad 1 based on what Apple and Apple Dealers told me - iPad2 launched 2 weeks later and they wouldn't take it back (only 14 days in Australia vs 30 in the US).
Will I upgrade ? I'm seriously thinking of going Android for phone AND tablet now - all because of Apple's "walled garden" approach. Yes, I can understand they want to "protect the customer experience", but some of us don't WANT protecting !
You'd prefer to cede control of your device to the carriers? Android's "Open" approach doesn't end up benefiting customers so much as carriers. There is almost no incentive for the carreirs to test and certify OS upgrades, so what you buy is usually pretty much what you get for the life of your phone. Heck Android 4.0 is allready out and devices being sold today still come with Android 2.x.
As for tablets, the only Android tablets I've seen that aren't horrible are the ones that are as far from the stock Android interface you can get, the Kindle Fire and the nook. There is a paucity of tablet friendly Apps for Android, so what you end up with most of the time is automatically resized phone apps that don't exactlly play well (in part due to screen size fragmentation).
Finally, malware. Not an issue on iOS, definitely an issue on Android, even on the Google Marketplace (or Play or whatever they call it now?). Sure if you stick to the well known apps you'll probably be safe, but then you might as well have gone with iOS, they are available there and generally in much better shape. iOS users tend to pay for more apps, while piracy is a big problem still on Android so devs spend more time there and you get higher quality apps because of it.
Basically unless there is a specific functionality on an Android device that you MUST have, like a type of App Apple won't ever install (maybe you REALLY like game emulators for old school gaming?) I can't recommend Android at all, you are much better off going with iOS or acutally, Windows Phone which has its own unique features and approach.
Of course in the end its your money, so you know do with it what you want.
As for tablets, the only Android tablets I've seen that aren't horrible are the ones that are as far from the stock Android interface you can get, the Kindle Fire and the nook. There is a paucity of tablet friendly Apps for Android, so what you end up with most of the time is automatically resized phone apps that don't exactlly play well (in part due to screen size fragmentation).
Finally, malware. Not an issue on iOS, definitely an issue on Android, even on the Google Marketplace (or Play or whatever they call it now?). Sure if you stick to the well known apps you'll probably be safe, but then you might as well have gone with iOS, they are available there and generally in much better shape. iOS users tend to pay for more apps, while piracy is a big problem still on Android so devs spend more time there and you get higher quality apps because of it.
Basically unless there is a specific functionality on an Android device that you MUST have, like a type of App Apple won't ever install (maybe you REALLY like game emulators for old school gaming?) I can't recommend Android at all, you are much better off going with iOS or acutally, Windows Phone which has its own unique features and approach.
Of course in the end its your money, so you know do with it what you want.
You may want to look into the changes that Google is making with Android 4.0 to address your concerns regarding upgrades.
It was announced at Google I/O last year that they have agreements from both carriers and manufacturers alike to provide upgrades to the latest versions of Android for 18 months after the devices are launched. Carriers are strongly encouraged to not create their own custom UIs as they will now have to maintain them and ensure that they are compatible with new versions of Android.
www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-partners-with-o...
Also, they have followed through on establishing guidelines for developers to ensure that their apps fit into Android well, and will be easy to maintain as Android evolves. While there is still no review process to enforce this, it is in the developers interest to follow these to gain a wider audience as well as make it easier to keep their apps running on future versions. Check it out: developer.android.com/design/index.html
Yes, it's taking a bit longer to get existing devices up to Ice Cream Sandwich (my Wifi Xoom and Galaxy Tab 10.1 are still on Honeycomb), but still they are taking steps in the right direction. As a heavy user of both an iPhone and the Nexus lines of phones, I can definitely say that Google is doing a lot more work and has come a long way to being more of a mainstream device, while iOS feels stagnant (or mature, if you prefer).
It was announced at Google I/O last year that they have agreements from both carriers and manufacturers alike to provide upgrades to the latest versions of Android for 18 months after the devices are launched. Carriers are strongly encouraged to not create their own custom UIs as they will now have to maintain them and ensure that they are compatible with new versions of Android.
www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/google-partners-with-o...
Also, they have followed through on establishing guidelines for developers to ensure that their apps fit into Android well, and will be easy to maintain as Android evolves. While there is still no review process to enforce this, it is in the developers interest to follow these to gain a wider audience as well as make it easier to keep their apps running on future versions. Check it out: developer.android.com/design/index.html
Yes, it's taking a bit longer to get existing devices up to Ice Cream Sandwich (my Wifi Xoom and Galaxy Tab 10.1 are still on Honeycomb), but still they are taking steps in the right direction. As a heavy user of both an iPhone and the Nexus lines of phones, I can definitely say that Google is doing a lot more work and has come a long way to being more of a mainstream device, while iOS feels stagnant (or mature, if you prefer).
My point is *I* own the hardware, *I* make the choice as to what does and does not get installed, and *I* take the associated risks.
For those that don't want to, that's fine - I have no problem with that. They can stay inside the "walled garden" and have the illusion of security if that's what it takes to make them happy.
For those that don't want to, that's fine - I have no problem with that. They can stay inside the "walled garden" and have the illusion of security if that's what it takes to make them happy.
This is from the android cloud backup API description: The backup transport is the client-side component of Android's backup framework, which is customizable by the device manufacturer and service provider.
Which means: it's up the the carriers and the hardware manufacturer to decide if your device can or cannot backup to the cloud.
here's more from the API description: Data backup is not guaranteed to be available on all Android-powered devices.
Because the cloud storage and transport service can differ from device to device, Android makes no guarantees about the security of your data while using backup
And you want your carrier or hardware manufacturer to dictate when and if you'll get an os upgrade?
pxldot.com/post/18754186750/ios-ebb-and-flow
iOS 5 captured approximately 75% of all iOS users in the same amount of time it took Gingerbread to get 4% of all Android users. Even more astounding is that 15 weeks after launch iOS 4 was at 70% and iOS 5 was at 60% while Ice Cream Sandwich got to just 1% share at the same age.
I'd be livid if a 2 year old phone couldn't run ICS because the carrier needs the space for bloat ware. iOS 5 runs on iPhones released in 2009.
Which means: it's up the the carriers and the hardware manufacturer to decide if your device can or cannot backup to the cloud.
here's more from the API description: Data backup is not guaranteed to be available on all Android-powered devices.
Because the cloud storage and transport service can differ from device to device, Android makes no guarantees about the security of your data while using backup
And you want your carrier or hardware manufacturer to dictate when and if you'll get an os upgrade?
pxldot.com/post/18754186750/ios-ebb-and-flow
iOS 5 captured approximately 75% of all iOS users in the same amount of time it took Gingerbread to get 4% of all Android users. Even more astounding is that 15 weeks after launch iOS 4 was at 70% and iOS 5 was at 60% while Ice Cream Sandwich got to just 1% share at the same age.
I'd be livid if a 2 year old phone couldn't run ICS because the carrier needs the space for bloat ware. iOS 5 runs on iPhones released in 2009.
You know what, I have more letters after my name than I care to count but it never ceases to amaze me that people think I am some sort of sheep. It's a myth this walled garden. Don't fall for it. I have NEVER thought "Oh my god I wish Apple would let me do what I want to do with their iPad" for a simple reason: they've never, EVER stopped me. It's mine.
OK I'll bite. I own my iPad (who doesn't? At least my carrier has no logo stamped on it which, in my book, is like saying "this is OURS!").
I make the choice about what gets installed (rather than some app developer deciding to hide something in there, or Google adding some sort of personal info tracking doo-dah. Anyway if you really want to you can jailbreak your iPad though why you'd want to is beyond me).
I subsequently take no risks.
Two out of three ain't bad, and I don't much like the third ;)
I make the choice about what gets installed (rather than some app developer deciding to hide something in there, or Google adding some sort of personal info tracking doo-dah. Anyway if you really want to you can jailbreak your iPad though why you'd want to is beyond me).
I subsequently take no risks.
Two out of three ain't bad, and I don't much like the third ;)
You're right, for most people, having 550,000+ apps at their disposal from a trusted, easy to search and discover source and the 'illusion of security', as well as the best designed hardware on the market and the most optmized experience trumps 'having full control' of the device. But hey, if that's what it takes to make you happy. I'm a developer and and can run circles around 99% of the people I know when it comes to anything technical, yet I choose to use an iPad because it's simply the best device of its class and it does everything I need it to do. Does that make me a freedom-hating moron in your eyes?
No problem with getting even more storage than 32 GB. I just think 16 GB is too small, even with iCloud. And I think that if you're only going to pick one then a minimum of 32 GB is even more important than 3G/4G.
Anyway, it's easier to get yourself a 3G/4G data connection with a Mifi or tethering to a phone than is it so crack open an iPad and solder in more Flash RAM. :)
Yeah, there are WiFi hard drives, but that's not a seamless expansion of storage. A Mifi or tethered phone *IS* seamless data access, though. You'll even get location info passed along from their GPS chips.
AND, at least in the U.S., a Mifi is a lot cheaper than the added $129 premium for data hardware in an iPad.
Note: I'm NOT arguing against getting an iPad with 3G/4G, I'm just saying that if I had to pick only one enhancement over the stock 16 GB model I'd go with 32 GB of storage first.
Anyway, it's easier to get yourself a 3G/4G data connection with a Mifi or tethering to a phone than is it so crack open an iPad and solder in more Flash RAM. :)
Yeah, there are WiFi hard drives, but that's not a seamless expansion of storage. A Mifi or tethered phone *IS* seamless data access, though. You'll even get location info passed along from their GPS chips.
AND, at least in the U.S., a Mifi is a lot cheaper than the added $129 premium for data hardware in an iPad.
Note: I'm NOT arguing against getting an iPad with 3G/4G, I'm just saying that if I had to pick only one enhancement over the stock 16 GB model I'd go with 32 GB of storage first.
I'm always tempted by getting the iPad with connectivity but to be honest I've only once ever wished I had. On the flip side I've found myself wishing I had more storage on more than one occasion.
My budget means a balance between capacity and connectivity and although I'm still umming and ahhing I'm going to go 64/Wifi.
My budget means a balance between capacity and connectivity and although I'm still umming and ahhing I'm going to go 64/Wifi.
If one has a phone with 3G they have GPS for driving . Not needed in IPad
I've literally only used the 3G on my first-generation iPad once in the 18 months I've owned it, so I went wifi-only this time around. I definitely think you can never have too much storage, especially with the higher-resolution display increasing app and game sizes.
This "walled garden" is a myth told by people who want to scare other people without actually having an argument to back it up.
I've never found myself wishing my iPad or iPhone were under the "open" control of Google and the advertisers and carriers it makes its money from.
I've never found myself wishing my iPad or iPhone were under the "open" control of Google and the advertisers and carriers it makes its money from.
Your post has sunk "below the threshold" moldor, but assuming you are not trolling, which I do not think you are. I should point out that Android has a vastly inferior software library to the iPad. Being "open" has dramatically hurt the Android tablet market, not helped it. If you just want to use it to watch videos, and visit websites (things you can do better on an 2012 iPad) then Android can do those things, even if at a lower resolution with worse battery life.
But if you want to actually do anything on the tablet that requires custom software, you are literally doomed if you get an Android pad. That market is going nowhere fast, and it will get there even faster with this new 2012 iPad. I would not put money on the Android tablet market never going anywhere at all, and ceasing to exist in the mainstream in the next few years.
But if you want to actually do anything on the tablet that requires custom software, you are literally doomed if you get an Android pad. That market is going nowhere fast, and it will get there even faster with this new 2012 iPad. I would not put money on the Android tablet market never going anywhere at all, and ceasing to exist in the mainstream in the next few years.
Apple has just conquored the tablet market. The 3rd Gen iPad has got and incremental spec bump. Every single rumor that had been floating around has come true. There is no single competitor left in the market. Samsung has already said that there tablet bussiness has been slow. The kindle fire is no where close to the iPad now.
I'm pretty sure this device is set to slow down the sales of Macbook Air and many other entry level PC's. The image quality of the 5MP camera is excellent, quad core and the display make it a device not only for the consumer but for other proffessional's like automobile engineers, artists and maybe even newbie photographers.
I'd definitely want to buy a Wi-Fi only 32GB, considering there's no 4G in India. But, I already have the iPad 2 and would rather wait for the next iPhone because I'm prettty sure it is gonna follow the footsteps of the 2012 iPad.
I'm pretty sure this device is set to slow down the sales of Macbook Air and many other entry level PC's. The image quality of the 5MP camera is excellent, quad core and the display make it a device not only for the consumer but for other proffessional's like automobile engineers, artists and maybe even newbie photographers.
I'd definitely want to buy a Wi-Fi only 32GB, considering there's no 4G in India. But, I already have the iPad 2 and would rather wait for the next iPhone because I'm prettty sure it is gonna follow the footsteps of the 2012 iPad.
I found myself irritated when I hit the ceiling on storage with my 16GB iPad 2 so I've ordered a 64GB iPad 3 and a new Apple TV. I'm sure I'll find myself using it for movies(watching and editing) and photos far more than the iPad 2 and so the extra space will be essential I think. Not that I'm terribly happy paying such a premium that I'll never get come close to recouping on resale although I don't expect to upgrade this one for several years.
My thoughts exactly... I was reluctant to consider my my iPad 1 reliable enough to be considered a field backup device for RAW DSLR images. Shooting with a Nikon D300 on a 3. Week trip through Italy, I shot and viewed each day's images, deleting all but the very best to keep room on my 32GB iPad. Well, 18 months later, those images are still on my iPad. My plan now is to more actively use my preordered 64GB model as a backup device. I need to figure out exactly how to upload those RAW files to Dropbox.
As for recouping investment - why should you believe that's possible today? Technology turns over too quickly to do that. I laugh each time I see a Craig's List posting for a 4 year old camera or laptop, priced at a 10% discount off the purchase price...e,g. "This camera cost me $1000 four years ago, but you can buy it now for just $900!"
When the time comes to upgrade to a new iPad, contribute it to Teach for America, and claim what you think is a fair price as a charitable contribution on your income tax. Teach for America is transforming our education system, and its young, tech-savvy teachers will put it to great use!
As for recouping investment - why should you believe that's possible today? Technology turns over too quickly to do that. I laugh each time I see a Craig's List posting for a 4 year old camera or laptop, priced at a 10% discount off the purchase price...e,g. "This camera cost me $1000 four years ago, but you can buy it now for just $900!"
When the time comes to upgrade to a new iPad, contribute it to Teach for America, and claim what you think is a fair price as a charitable contribution on your income tax. Teach for America is transforming our education system, and its young, tech-savvy teachers will put it to great use!
Pardon my ignorance - but precisely where is the "camera import" function on Mac?
Thanks...but...
I can't "see" either my iPhone or iPad in it. I am running iOS 5.1 on my MacBook Pro and iPad, and installing 5.1 on my iPhone now. Is there a function I have to turn on in their System settings to enable it?
I can't "see" either my iPhone or iPad in it. I am running iOS 5.1 on my MacBook Pro and iPad, and installing 5.1 on my iPhone now. Is there a function I have to turn on in their System settings to enable it?
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