Well, it’s finally happened – Apple have announced the next-generation iPad, the iPad 3! On a day that also saw the launch of iOS 5.1, a cheaper iPod Touch and a 1080p Apple TV, the iPad was the standout new product. Let’s get right into what makes this iPad so very different than the one that launched just one year ago.
Display
A Retina Display iPad has been rumoured almost since the launch of the iPhone 4, and now it’s finally come to fruition. With a 9.7″ display that delivers an amazingly crisp resolution of 2048 x 1536, the iPad equalises against its top-end Android opponents – and then some.
CPU, Graphics
As expected, the iPad 3 will come with an upgraded CPU – the ARM A5X chip, a faster dual core than shipped in the iPad 2. As well as a bump to the CPU itself, the improved system-on-chip also comes with a better quad-core graphics processor. This will allow games and other graphically challenging apps to run at consistent frame rates on the iPad 3’s higher resolution.
Chassis and Camera
In order to fit the high resolution display into the iPad, the chassis has been enlarged a bit – to 9.4 mm. While an increase in size is not the usual state of affairs in the fast-moving world of mobile gadgetry, it seems perfectly worthwhile in this case. The iPad isn’t much heavier than its predecessor either, so overall you shouldn’t notice that extra heft that much.
The chassis also contains an upgraded camera, which is similar to that of the iPhone 4S – backside illuminated and a 5 element lens. It’s only 5 megapixels, though it’s enough to support 1080p video.
Connectivity
The rumours were right… the iPad 3 will launch with LTE connectivity on American carriers AT&T and Verizon. It’s a big leap for Apple, and definitely points towards similar functionality for the eventual release of the iPhone 5. It’ll be interesting to see how battery life is affected by LTE, but knowing Apple they’ve got a handle on it.
Naming
There were many names for the next generation iPad floating around – iPad 3, iPad HD, iPad 2S… but now we’ve finally got our answer. It just seems to be called the iPad, plain and simple.
Release Date
As a few had theorised before, the Apple iPad 3 will be launching on March 16th, next Friday. This date coincides with a number of Apple store openings across the world, and should prove quite the spectacle.
Accessories
Of course, Mobile Fun will be providing a full range of iPad 3 accessories, including iPad 3 covers and iPad 3 cases, which you’ll definitely need to keep your thicker iPad 3 safe from harm.
What do you think?
So what do you think – is the iPad 3 going to be your next tablet? Let us know in the comments below, or talk to us via Twitter or Facebook!