Apple New iPad (3) hands-on

[chris888222]

I know this topic is going to be pretty 'meh' for most of you, but I'm posting this just for some who are curious. I got my hands on the new iPad (I'll just call it iPad 3 throughout my post) today. Mods please move/lock/delete this post if needed.

• Starting off, the graphics are gorgeous. I didn't really expect the iPad 3 graphics to be special, but it shocked me. A lot. It was stunning and possibly the best display on a tablet. Still it could be best for you to go see it for yourself. For me, once I saw it - I never want to look at my iPad 2 again. Even my iPhone 4 screen looks inferior compared to the 9.7" Retina Display.

• I did some iBooks stuff and web browsing and I must say the speeds are slightly faster compared to the iPad 2. Graphics (images/videos) wise - its all very fluid. It's far juicier than the iPad 2.

• The camera is still... meh. However I must admit its a far tremendous improvement from the iPad 2. It's just decent, not fantastic. If a flash were added it could change the experience further.

• The keyboard hasn't changed much, but there is dictation, which worked horribly at the store. I won't say much as the store was very noisy with Lady Gaga music playing in the background. Nope, Siri isn't on iPad 3. However I see no reason why Apple won't include it in later iOS updates on the iPad 3.

• I have yet to try its ultrafast 4G, as M1's 4G LTE spectrum runs on 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz. So far all my experiences are on Wi-Fi and it's pretty good - no disappointments.

• From far, it's literally impossible to tell between the iPad 2 and iPad 3 (unless you turn on the screen duh). They look near identical from the front. The iPad 3 has a slightly bigger camera and the weight difference is noticeable. It's 1.46 pound weight really felt like a brick on the hand. If you are a long iPad 2 user, you could take some time getting used to the weight difference.

At $838 (in Singapore) for the 4G version iPad 3 (16GB), it's pretty much worth for the first buyer. It is slightly cheaper than the iPad 2 at launch and has all the basic fundamental stuff.

Will I upgrade? Yes. I will sell my 2 and get the 32GB Wi-Fi + 4G, and possibly squeeze in a review after a few weeks of use. So far the iPad 3 hasn't proved to be much of a disappointment, and the screen is simply beautiful. It really sold me.

That's about it I guess.

 

[Originality]

Meh, LTE is not true 4G, only LTE Advanced is. Too early for me to start caring about it, but then again I've got the iPad 2 and Britain only has LTE in 2 locations (for testing).

 

[chris888222]

Meh, LTE is not true 4G, only LTE Advanced is. Too early for me to start caring about it, but then again I've got the iPad 2 and Britain only has LTE in 2 locations (for testing).

I don't really bother which is which. I am sick of the BANDS they come in, just like how 3G first started.

 

[spotanjo3]

It is good for business. I am not interesting in it. Also, it is not substitute for laptop at all. Just saying.

 

[DarkShadow96]

Kinda odd they'd release it without Siri =S.

They must have something in store for the iPad 3 with a new IOS update that includes Siri and much more.

 

[chris888222]

Kinda odd they'd release it without Siri =S.

They must have something in store for the iPad 3 with a new IOS update that includes Siri and much more.

I personally believe they WILL add Siri.

Why not now?

Remember Apple hates 'stretched out mobile apps' for tablets? Perhaps that's why they didn't implement it first.

 

[DarkShadow96]

Kinda odd they'd release it without Siri =S.

They must have something in store for the iPad 3 with a new IOS update that includes Siri and much more.

I personally believe they WILL add Siri.

Why not now?

Remember Apple hates 'stretched out mobile apps' for tablets? Perhaps that's why they didn't implement it first.

That could be it.

Not really a big time fan of Apple so I'm not sure how they roll haha but yeah that can be a reason.

 

[chris888222]

It is good for business. I am not interesting in it. Also, it is not substitute for laptop at all. Just saying.

Actually if you are a really casual user (like my dad who only surfs web/email/some docs), a tablet is more than enough to replace a laptop.

He is happy with his Galaxy Tab 10.1, so yeah.

 

[spotanjo3]

Sure but indeed replaced the Laptop, specially the "travel laptop". A laptop is good for people who need adobe flash or download a program such as Gimp, Photoshop or many more.That's all.

 

[chris888222]

For present iPad 2 owners reading this, if you have no intentions of upgrading, I suggest NOT looking at the new iPad display. Well, I'm not exaggerating. You will (very likely) really be shocked by its quality. Even at 264ppi, it blows a lot of electronics out of the water.

 

[finkmac]

For present iPad 2 owners reading this, if you have no intentions of upgrading, I suggest NOT looking at the new iPad display. Well, I'm not exaggerating. You will (very likely) really be shocked by its quality. Even at 264ppi, it blows a lot of electronics out of the water.

I looked at an iPhone 4 display, I still think my iPod Touch 1G has a nice looking display...

 

[chris888222]

For present iPad 2 owners reading this, if you have no intentions of upgrading, I suggest NOT looking at the new iPad display. Well, I'm not exaggerating. You will (very likely) really be shocked by its quality. Even at 264ppi, it blows a lot of electronics out of the water.

I looked at an iPhone 4 display, I still think my iPod Touch 1G has a nice looking display...

That's why I added 'very likely' - not everyone will feel the same.

Seriously though, I tried holding the new iPad super close to my eyes and there doesn't seem to be even a slight bit of pixelation. Maybe a little, but it's not noticeable.

 

[finkmac]

That's why I added 'very likely' - not everyone will feel the same.

Seriously though, I tried holding the new iPad super close to my eyes and there doesn't seem to be even a slight bit of pixelation. Maybe a little, but it's not noticeable.

Not saying it's bad though.

How do (Hmm... iPad was "HD", so what is are new iPad called? "HHD"?) games look on this thing, anyway?

However, there is an unfortunate sideffect... the .ipsw file is probably a Gig or two in file size...

 

[chris888222]

That's why I added 'very likely' - not everyone will feel the same.

Seriously though, I tried holding the new iPad super close to my eyes and there doesn't seem to be even a slight bit of pixelation. Maybe a little, but it's not noticeable.

Not saying it's bad though.

How do (Hmm... iPad was "HD", so what is are new iPad called? "HHD"?) games look on this thing, anyway?

However, there is an unfortunate sideffect... the .ipsw file is probably a Gig or two in file size...

Did I claim that you said it's bad?

Games look washed out (for now) as graphics are upscaled. Twitter already got updated and I have to say it looks awesome.

And yes. Retina apps = more memory needed. 16GB is definitely not enough unless you're really casual.

It's simply called the iPad. (although announced as the 'new' iPad to avoid confusion) However in Singapore, everyone is so accustomed to call it the iPad 3, everyone knows what's that.

EDIT: my rephrasing sucks ttm. Sorry.

 

[finkmac]

That's why I added 'very likely' - not everyone will feel the same.

Seriously though, I tried holding the new iPad super close to my eyes and there doesn't seem to be even a slight bit of pixelation. Maybe a little, but it's not noticeable.

Not saying it's bad though.

How do (Hmm... iPad was "HD", so what is are new iPad called? "HHD"?) games look on this thing, anyway?

However, there is an unfortunate sideffect... the .ipsw file is probably a Gig or two in file size...

Did I claim that you said it was bad?

Games look washed out (for now) as graphics are upscaled. Twitter already got updated and I have to say it looks awesome.

And yes. Retina apps = more memory needed. 16GB is definitely not enough unless you're really casual.

Have you tried any Retina games?

My iPod is 16GB, so last year I made sure to get the 32 Gig model.

 

[chris888222]

That's why I added 'very likely' - not everyone will feel the same.

Seriously though, I tried holding the new iPad super close to my eyes and there doesn't seem to be even a slight bit of pixelation. Maybe a little, but it's not noticeable.

Not saying it's bad though.

How do (Hmm... iPad was "HD", so what is are new iPad called? "HHD"?) games look on this thing, anyway?

However, there is an unfortunate sideffect... the .ipsw file is probably a Gig or two in file size...

Did I claim that you said it was bad?

Games look washed out (for now) as graphics are upscaled. Twitter already got updated and I have to say it looks awesome.

And yes. Retina apps = more memory needed. 16GB is definitely not enough unless you're really casual.

Have you tried any Retina games?

My iPod is 16GB, so last year I made sure to get the 32 Gig model.

So far no. I only tried Twitter. Angry Birds HD looks horrid when upscaled, but colors are more vibrant.

 

[finkmac]

I'm surprised that Angry Birds wasn't Retina at the new iPad launch... They were HD for the iPad 1 launch...

 

[310301288]

the ipad 3 is a complete waste. ppl shouldnt be wasting $400-$600 for a newer tablet which only upgrades its ram, graphics, and a bit of the camera...i don't understand why apple wanted to rush the release of ipad 3, when they should have taken their time, and made something amazing out of it...there is practically no difference between the ipad 2, and the ipad 3.

 

[D34DL1N3R]

Could care less if the home screen and apps look sharper or have little to no pixelation, who holds it an inch from their face anyway? Games are upscaled & look washed out but the new Twitter looks fantastic? Really? Twitter looks better? OMGZORZ!!! MUST BUY!!!

No thanks. I'll keep my 64GB jailbroken iPad 2.

Edit: Here's a post I read elsewhere that pretty much sums up the new display:

"I've been an apple user since well before it was the 'it' company (I sometimes still call them Macintosh). If there's one thing that can always be said for them, it's that they have the uncanny ability to make your purchases obsolete within 6 months. Obviously you can't wait out these things forever, but the iPad 3 doesn't really seem like a quantum leap forward. Yes it's got a crazy new super-hi resolution screen. But for a digital device that you hold no more than a foot or two from your face, is it really necessary? I'm a firm believer in the better the resolution the more enjoyable the experience, but there is certainly a limit to that. This retina display boasts a better resolution than HDTV's. Where exactly is the demand for that type of clarity in the tablet community? This is not exactly a power PC here, and as such the games are not going to be these hugely intricate, big-budgeted, insane graphic masterpieces. So why do you need the Retina? I say wait them out. They usually make the big jumps every other iteration. Wait for 4."

 

[chris888222]

Could care less if the home screen and apps look sharper or have little to no pixelation, who holds it an inch from their face anyway? Games are upscaled & look washed out but the new Twitter looks fantastic? Really? Twitter looks better? OMGZORZ!!! MUST BUY!!!

No thanks. I'll keep my 64GB jailbroken iPad 2.

Edit: Here's a post I read elsewhere that pretty much sums up the new display:

"I've been an apple user since well before it was the 'it' company (I sometimes still call them Macintosh). If there's one thing that can always be said for them, it's that they have the uncanny ability to make your purchases obsolete within 6 months. Obviously you can't wait out these things forever, but the iPad 3 doesn't really seem like a quantum leap forward. Yes it's got a crazy new super-hi resolution screen. But for a digital device that you hold no more than a foot or two from your face, is it really necessary? I'm a firm believer in the better the resolution the more enjoyable the experience, but there is certainly a limit to that. This retina display boasts a better resolution than HDTV's. Where exactly is the demand for that type of clarity in the tablet community? This is not exactly a power PC here, and as such the games are not going to be these hugely intricate, big-budgeted, insane graphic masterpieces. So why do you need the Retina? I say wait them out. They usually make the big jumps every other iteration. Wait for 4."

I have absolutely nothing against your opinion.

However from the quote you gave, that guy will probably wait for the 5, 6 or even 7th generation iPad and gets nothing in between.

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