New iPad Features
Apple has launched the new iPad, with a slew of technological upgrades but most noticeably moving away from the tradtion of naming the next generation device as iPad 3.
The most significant improvment would be the astoundingly high resolution display that boasts 4 times more pixels than the iPad 2 in a same size screen. This makes text much sharper with richer colours and coupled with a faster A5X processor, gamers will enjoy using the new iPad on the go.
An updated version of the WiFi-only model remains at $499. The most expensive 4G model, with 64 gigabytes of storage, will go for $829. The previous iPad2 with 3G also sold for $629 to $829. The cheapest model of the previous-generation iPad 2 now retails at $399.
iPad 3 Rumored Features
Higher resolution display, improved cameras, Bluetooth 4.0, A5 successor processor, redesigned interior, GLONASS support, price drop, improved speakers, no separate CDMA and GSM models, no proximity sensor.
iPad 3 Production Has Begun
According to Bloomberg, production of the Apple iPad 3 has started leading up to a targeted March 2012 launch. Among the new features rumoured are quad-core processor, high-resolution "Retina" display and 4G LTE support for faster data connectivity on the go.
As for the physical appearance, whether iPad 3 will be thinner or thicker than iPad 2, there are conflicting rumors that say if Apple adopts Sharp's IGZO technology it will allow for a thinner screen. Others say that Sharp failed to win Apple's approval and this would lead to a thicker screen in order to accommodate the light bar design to support the high-resolution IPS display from Samsung and LG.
Screen resolution is said to be vastly improved past the level of high definition television to the point that images look like printed material. Videos will play instantly due to additional graphics processing as well.
In the meantime, you may want to take a look at how to get a free iPad.
More new tablets are showing up this year. This is great news for consumers as no longer do we have to be stuck with choosing which iPad model and specification is right for us, and rather we can now focus on which brand suits our taste.
What's not to like? The Motorola Xoom, new versions of Samsung Galaxy Tab, LG Optimus Pad and the HTC Flyer are some of the best looking and capable tablet devices that have emerged in the market lately. These are big names that we have all known and trusted for years, and that Apple has finally met its match after a long winning streak in the Tablet category.
Sure, the iPad is still sitting proudly on the throne after the many favourable reviews, chart-topping sales and being crowned by Time Magazine as one of the 50 Best Inventions of the Year 2010. But the iPad is not a perfect device. This is where the competition has taken its own battle by including new features that the iPad lacks.
The iPad has set the benchmark for new generation tablet computing, and consumers now want an iPad alternative that can go head to head with the iPad. They also want those extra connectivities, the ability to run Flash, and not feeling locked down, on their tablets.
The first iPad was clearly the winner in 2010, as there wasn't much of a competition last year. The number two spot however, was successfully helmed by the more portable Samsung Galaxy Tab, but the seven inch tablet didn't really gave users a true tablet experience with its modified Android Froyo operating system.
Others such as the HP Slate, JooJoo, Archos and Wetab were no match to the iPad's sheer simplicity and revolutionary package. Lenovo and Dell also tried to pull a hybrid netbook/tablet device which didn't break any new grounds like the Apples slate, especially when its running on a desktop class operating system such as Windows 7 or Linux.
Thankfully, Google has learned so much from its first foray in the tablet market with the Galaxy Tab. Prior to the release of the iPad 2 early this year, Google unleashed its take on taking down Apple with Android 3.0, dubbed the Honeycomb, and companies like Samsung and Motorola are cranking out tablets that allow users to do all sorts of tasks.
But Honeycomb is the main reason why consumers should start considering iPad alternatives this year. Google has successfully redesigned its Android OS to be optimised for tablet devices, with the Motorola Xoom being the first Android tablet to showcase the brilliance of the Honeycomb OS.
Though the Xoom are nowhere to be found in Brunei, the first Honeycomb-powered tablet to arrive at our shores was actually the Acer Iconia Tab A500. For a price of $728, you can already grab a Honeycomb tablet today.
The Iconia Tab A500 is equipped with a 1Ghz nVidia Tegra 2 Dual Core processor, 32GB built-in capacity, dual cameras and 8-hour battery life. Those looking for an iPad alternative would be happy to know that this 10 inch tablet features an array of connectivity in which the iPad lacks; USB and mini-USB ports, a micro-SD slot and an HDMI port.
Samsung's update on the Galaxy Tab is also making its way to Brunei, and will come in two flavours, a 10 inch and an eight inch, with both featuring an even slimmer and lighter design than the iPad 2. The reviews are in, and the 10 inch version is said to be the first Android tablet that makes a credible and successful run at competing with the iPad. It could be the best Honeycomb tablet to date. Samsung's flagship smartphone Galaxy S II is already selling hot right now, so obviously the Tab will have its followers.
Now there's a tablet for everyone, so the next time you are in the market for a new tablet, you no longer have to be restricted with an iPad for your tablet needs. Although there are only about a hundred apps available for Android in comparison to Apple's thousands, the number will surely multiply in the coming months as manufacturers continue to usher in more Honeycomb tablets in the market, so you won't be missing out.
Try your hand at getting free iPads.