As expected, Apple released it’s new iPad. They aren’t calling it the iPad 3 or iPad HD, but it comes with the expected “Retina” display resolution of 2048×1536. All Apple stock apps have been optimized for the higher resolution.
There is a huge update on the data speed side for those who purchase the new iPads with data plans – it supports up to 73 Mbps on LTE (AT&T and Verizon in the US, Rogers, Telus, and Bell in Canada). AT&T and Verizon require separate models.
Updated Features:
* As expected a “Retina” display of 2048×1536 pixels
* 44% better color saturation than the iPad 2
* A5X “system-on-chip” (SOC) with quad-core graphics
* Improved 5 Megapixel rear camera (iSight) with similar optics to the 8 MP camera in the iPhone 4S.
* 1080p video recording is supported
* Voice dictation (like the iPhone 4S) is included)
* Up to 73 Mbps on LTE mobile networks
What hasn’t changed or is barely noticeable
* Same battery life – 10 hours on Wi-Fie, 9 hours on 4G LTE.
* 0.6 mm thicker than the iPad 2
* 0.07 pounds heavier than the iPad 2
Pricing is the same:
Wi-Fi: $499 – 16 GB, $599 for 32 GB, $699 for 64 GB
4G LTE: $629 – 16 GB, $729 for 32 GB, $829 for 64 GB
Launch Dates:
March 16 – United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia.
In an interesting twist, Apple will also offer the 16 GB iPad 2 for $399 (Wi-Fi) and $529 (Wi-Fi/3G).
For more information, you can view the videos and other information on the official Apple iPad page