In Case You Didn't Notice There's a New iPad

..... and it's called the New iPad

So the hype of the new iPad is still hot on forums, blogs and websites. It's been trending like crazy and everyone has been updating status', but what are Apple bringing new to the table? What can the iPad bring you? And should you buy it?



So What Are They Talking About?


So as always, lots of buzz words and technology named by marketers are flying around. But what I always find interesting is how a lot of Applites will throw them around and don't actually know what any of it means. I have a degree in Electronic Engineering and sometimes I have to do a bit of research to find out what jabbering on about. So here is a bit of a guide.

Retina Display: As resolutions get finer and finer, there actually is a limit to what the human eye can reach. Around 300 pixels per square inch is what the eye can perceive. What Apple uses is an LED display over this so the image is clear, although it is back lit, unlike OLED or AMOLED screens.

A5X chip is only dual core

A5X Chip: This is a chip the has been design and branded by Apple and manufactured by Samsung for the new iPad and a few of it's predecessors. It is dual-core processor but I couldn't actually find how fast it is so if you know please comment below. But many devices currently on the market (tablets, phones and netbooks included) do boast higher specs, and have been out for quite a while now.

4G: The new mobile data connection network, but here in the UK there is no 4G network, and won't be widely available until 2015.

iCloud: An online storage of all kinds of files and will sync to your other devices automatically, iPhone, Mac and other Apple devices. This however is not full Cloud computing that is available from other services.

Transmit wireless over AirPlay

Airplay: Wireless streaming to TV with Apple TV and most probably iTV (not the channel). Airplay works all iOS devices and can be a way to play downloaded content on a bigger screen, but not quite the flexibility as DLNA.

There are more features included, but what I was trying to show is that you can have a lot of the experience that Apple claim to be new, right now with your current tech.





The Problems with Tablets


There are a lot of problems with using iPads, and for that matter any kind of tablet PC. They are inherent and no matter if you think of the new iPad, or the new galaxy tab or those cheap dodgy tablets in electronic stores is different then you are wrong and here is why.

• Functionality. So using a tablet you do away with the conventional mouse for swiping and gestures. But even though the UI is often design in respect of this fact it doesn't give the flexibility and accuracy that you from a HID.
• Ergonomics. The basic premises of the tablet is that everything happens on a touch screen. This includes typing. The on-screen keyboard not very tactile and slows you down in comparison. Simple ergonomics show you eye line and keyboard presses are around right angles. Whereas on a Tablet you force that into 0 degrees, straining your neck or wrists.
• Cost. A decent tablet is around £400 - £500, with the new iPad at £650 for the top version. Really?
• Applications. All the apps in the App Store and Google Play combined is nowhere near the number of all the software applications on the internet for common OS.

Chill Pill or Cool Tablet


So I could say things like iPad is a big con don't bother. Or do a comparison of hardware to a superior device. Or explain why Android is better than iOS. But it is pointless because people buy the iPad because they are loyal to Apple. Regardless of the quality and usefulness of a product, if it had an Apple logo on it people will buy it. Apple are a marketing powerhouse, and this is why people buy these products. If they released the new iPad, and it was worst than its predecessor I think people would still purchase a huge amount of units.

So to Purchase or Not


You are not really looking at anything too new with the new iPad, my prediction was slightly better screen, slightly better camera, slightly thinner, and slightly faster and a few more Apps, and well 4 out of 5 ain't bad. Apple are very good and making their product seem new and innovative when really its something we have all seen before, and it is part of the model.

I have a netbook. 3 years old it still works, dual boots Windows 7 and JoliCloud OS. And I can do everything on it for light and everyday usage. £190 in 2010. Now with a Tablet you take away all of the functionality of a full OS, ability to type with speed and accuracy and being able to connect other devices, and pay 3-4 times for the privilege.

Most importantly though is that none of the arguments matter, because even though there are better Tablets, and all tablets come with a lot of drawbacks compared with laptops/netbooks (which are a fraction of the price), the Apple fans wanting to buy the new iPad will, for the shiny, touchy device with the Apple logo to make them feel happy. Social, brand loyalty will sell the new iPad not the technology and functionality of the product.

Dom