For anyone interested, here's a review of the latest iPad.
First, the generation thing is a little confusing. You'll mainly hear
about the iPad 3rd gen hen searching. Since this was released apple quietly
updated the iPad along with the much more widely announced Macbook pro updates
and the devices are a bit different.
The iPad 4th generation with Cellular is about the same size as the 3rd
generation. The main differences are the latest iPad has an Apple A6X
processor which is dual core, a quad core graphics processor, 1 GB of DRAM
instead of 512MB, a cellular radio (one of two types explained later),
bluetooth 4.0 and the latest 2.4 and 5.0 ghz WiFi support. The weight is
between 1.4 and 1.8 pounds, about a third of an inch thick and a 10 inch
display. The new lightning port is also used instead of the old 30pin
connector.
When you buy one of these, there are two cellular types to pick from. One is the AT&T
version which supports GSM UMTS, HSPA/ HSPA+,, GSM and LTE. Frequencies including
AT&Ts LTE bands in the 700 mhz range as well as other normal 1900 mhz 3G channels. The
other version is the everyone else iPad. This supports Sprint / Verizon and provides evdo
rev A and B support, and gsm /LTE connectivity. The difference is each version of the iPad
supports different frequencies that match their carriers requirements. I went for the
AT&T version since my cell phone was already set up with their service.
Memory sizes for the iPad include 16, 32 and 64 GB versions. I decided
to go with the 64 GB version to carry a lot of content, especially videos
internally.
In the box you'll find 1 iPad, one charger block, a USB to lightning
cable and an instruction book. No cover is included so I bought the magnetic
cover that snaps on to the side of the iPad and locks / unlocks your display
automatically when opened or closed. Make sure you get something to protect
the glass like this cover.
REVIEW
The initial setup as you'd expect from Apple, very simple and exactly
the same as their other devices. Simply plug in, wait a minute, triple press
the home button and VO starts. All I did was answer the questions and start
using the device as a new iPad.
Activation of the cellular was equally simple. I called 611, asked
fora rep and added the iPad to my share everything plan. I have full LTE
service sharing my same data pool for a $10 monthly access fee.
Use of the iPad is as you'd expect. It takes some getting used to
however. With so much more screen real estate you'll find the screen split up.
Application output might happen on the upper right with the upper left having
controls as an example. The keyboard is larger and appears / disappears.
One suggestion is to lock the screen orientation. The iPad flips from
portrait mode to landscape very easily. Locking the orientation makes everyday
use easier in my opinion.
Speed is very very good. You can have lots of applications open with
out a noticeable decrease in performance. Flipping between applications is
very quick. Voice Over responsiveness is also very snappy.
Network performance is quite good. In UMTS / GSM 4G mode I have
reached approximately 12 megabits / second. On LTE as much as 45 but 15 - 20
reliably.
Is it useful? Yes, I think so. I had an iPad 1 but wasn't blown away.
With the new levels of performance, SiRi and the great network speeds I have
to say it does feel like a smart piece of glass. Using services like Netflix
or Hulu on the cellular network felt just about the same as on fast WiFi or
your home network. Becareful because it's easy to use up your limit in your
plan but mobile wireless connectivity is really getting very good.
Over all, you'll find it different and it will take time to get used to
the touch interface but it's worth it. The improved performance and amazing
battery life really make the iPad worth the money. Battery life is north of 10
hours continuous when connected to WiFi or LTE. Stand by is days and days.
Average use for me is I charge the device every 3 - 4 days. It's not
inexpensive, cellular models start at 629 and the version I have cost $829 with
almost 900 by the time you added a case and cover. Can you do everything with
an iPad on a phone, yes but if you have the means the iPad is worth while. I
give it 4.75 out of 5 and think it's a great tablet. Let me know if you have
any questions.
Thanks
Scott
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