Guessing time’s over for the name of the latest slate since apple had just released the 3rd Generation of iPad called “the new iPad”, it might not sound as the real name but Apple has addressed it that way. They may have screw up with its nomenclature this time but let’s just give proper credit to the makers of this new iDevice, afterall it’s their prerogative. So who cares about the name when you have edgiest specs on the best iPad yet?
Retina Display in 9.7-inch screen
It may not be named as the iPad 3 or iPad HD but its display is a bump on what we can “High Definiton” due to the 2048 x 1536 resolution (higher than HDTV’s has 1920 x 1080 standard resolution). The Retina Display on this new iPad has a stunning 264ppi pixel density (that’s 4 times the resolution of the iPad 2). Thus, very enticing as it is, you can now imagine your iPhone 4S’ screen in a 9.7-inch slate.
The new A5X Processor
Going into the processor, we may have the speculated the A6 but for sure we have an upgrade here with A5X that is running on a double performance basis compared to the A5 chip that we have on iPhone 4S and iPad2. Likewise, A5X is “good enough” for movie addicts and mobile gamers. To what Apple had said, A5X is even faster than NVIDIA’s quad-core Tegra 3 processor. Specifically, that would be four times faster.
The iSight Camera
Yes it may have a 5MP rear camera but this thing doesn’t impress most of the Tech Sites. Apple called it iSight camera which features advance optics for snapping pictures and HD video recording. It also has backside illumination and video image stabilization feature.
4G Connectivity and Hardware
The HSPA+ and LTE connectivity are also in the package of this iPad. That is why this device’s hardware is a bit thicker (9.4 mm compared to iPad 2’s 8.8mm) and a bit heavier (1.46 lbs from iPad 2’s 1.33 lbs). However LTE models will be for North American only, Philippines will have HSPA+ model instead. This LTE Version is called iPad WiFi + 4G and just like the iPhone 4S, “the new iPad” could now be a personal hotspot.
iOS 5.1 Update, No Siri
Siri maybe a snub for this new iPad but Apple gave it a dictation App instead. Aside from the redesigned camera app and video stabilization technology; this latest OS update will feature the ability to delete photos from Photo Stream. The dictation app supports for English, French, German and Japanese. Likewise, improved settings in Personal Hotspot and iCloud are also included. Good thing about this dictation app is that you can use it in third-party apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Pricing and Availability
It will be released starting March 16 in the United States with the following prices:
iPad WiFi Prices:
16GB – $499
32GB – $599
64GB – $699
iPad WiFi + 4G LTE Prices:
16GB – $629
32GB – $729
64GB – $829
This new iPad might hit other markets including the Philippines in March 23 or maybe sometime in April. And if you wonder how it will be priced when it reach the Philippines, check the list below.
16GB WiFi – Php23,990
32GB WiFi – Php28,990
64GB WiFi – Php33,990
16GB 4G + WiFi – Php30,990
32GB 4G + WiFi – Php35,990
64GB 4G + WiFi – Php40,990
New 3rd-generation iPad specs:
9.7″ IPS LCD Retina Display
2048×1536 pixels @ 264ppi
Apple A5X chip dual-core
Quad-core graphics
5MP autofocus rear iSight camera
1080p full HD video recording
VGA front-facing FaceTime camera
Built-in microphone
4G LTE 73Mbps
HSPA+ 21Mbps, DC-HSDPA 42Mbps
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.0
Assisted GPS
Personal WiFi Hotspot
iOS 5.1
