It is finally here. But first, rumors are bullshit, well at least part of it. The new iPad will just be called, iPad. Simple and short without the numerical ordering just like the iMacs and Macbooks.
iPad is the new name for the next generations of the beloved tablet. Apple announced iPad to the world in today’s event in San Francisco. Unless you are living under a stone or in a cave, it has been all over the web for the past few weeks.
So here’s a run down of major upgrades the new iPad boast:
- Retina Display with 2048×1536 resolution
- A5X processor
- 1GB RAM (unconfirmed)
- 5MP Rear camera
- 1080p video recording
- support 4G LTE
- 10 hours battery-life for wifi/3G, 9 hours on 4G
As expected, the display is 2048×1536 resolution with pixel density of 264ppi, that’s a total 3.1 million pixels in a 9.7″ screen. When viewing at a normal reading distance (take note : 15 inches), your eyeball will not see the pixels, and that is why it is still a Retina Display according to Apple. iPhone’ 4/4S screen’s pixel density is higher at 326 ppi though.
A5X is an upgrade to iPad 2′s A5 processor, its dual-core CPU with quad-core GPU. This is the brain that will process and deliver your contents by pushing it through the gorgeous 3.1 million pixel-filled screen. Apple claim the A5X processor is four times as fast as the Tegra 3.
It is long overdue iPad receive a bump in RAM. Although Apple did not disclose exactly how much memory they are putting in the iPad, we can expect 1GB is there to support the new resolution and the apps that is going to run on it.
Previous iPad camera sucks and it wont hold up to the new screen. Apple is upgrading the rear camera to 5MP and is now recording video at 1080p at 30 frames per second. Playback through the iPad’s display will be a pleasure.
As for the network connectivity speed, Apple says the new 4G LTE connectivity will give you 21Mbps on HSPA+ networks, 42Mbps on DC-HSDPA and 73Mbps on LTE. That speed won’t matter if you stay in countries that have crappy networks, but it’s a huge welcome for the folks in US and countries that have lightning speed connections.
Battery life, Apple has always rolled out devices with decent battery life, it will be no exception with the new iPad. With concerns over the potential for the new screen and data speed to suck the life out of your battery, apple is claiming the iPad will have 10 hours battery-life on 3G or wifi, and 9 hours on 4G.
The physical appearance will be very much similar to the iPad2, with 0.03 inches thicker and 0.1 pound heavier. With all the power and guts packaged in that size, it’s quite impressive.
The new iPad will retain its pricing structure: $499, $599, and $699 for 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB WiFi models, and $629, $729, and $829 will come with 4G LTE. Availability starting on March 16th. First round of countries to get it will be the US, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia on the same day.
Expect Apple fans to start setting up camps soon.
Here’s a comparison chart between the new iPad to iPad2 and other tablets:
[chart via Gizmodo]