There’s nothing radically different about Apple’s latest iPad, which went on sale in Taiwan two weeks ago. But a few upgrades and new features are keeping this tablet computer at the top of the heap.
Two things stand out on the “new iPad” (Apple has officially avoided calling it “iPad 3”). It’s faster, thanks in part to a slightly upgraded processor and added RAM memory (1 gigabyte from 512MB). You’ll notice this clearly when surfing the Web, as pages load quicker in Safari in comparison to the previous iPads, especially the first generation model. In general, apps feel snappier and as silky smooth as ever, thanks to iOS, the solid operating system software that powers the iPad and iPhone.
But the show-stealer on the new iPad is its bright, crystal-sharp “retina” display. Apple describing the new iPad as “resolutionary” on its Web site may have certainly been cringe-inducing, but the 2048-pixel-by-1536-pixel resolution screen is indeed fantastic.
Photo courtesy of ipevo Taiwan
If you have an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, you are already familiar with the retina screen that is being touted on the new iPad. Put your face close up to the screen and you won’t see be able to the jagged dots that make up text and images as you would on most computing devices. The colors are vibrant and pop out at you, which are especially evident when viewing photos and high definition videos (the new iPad supports 1080p).
This screen is a boon for those who read a lot on an iPad. The text is crisp and pin-sharp rather than “computer like,” with a print-like quality. I would like to think that my eyes don’t get as tired when I read for long periods of time on the new iPad compared to the first generation model, but maybe I’m still wowed with the display. But it is safe to say that the screen is the best around on any computing device at the moment.
However, none of this means you need to run out and get one, especially if you have the iPad 2. The speed bump on the new iPad makes it noticeably faster, but the iPad 2’s speed and screen quality are still very respectable. So if the model’s screen doesn’t do it for you, then stick with the iPad 2.
Photo courtesy of M-edge
Size-wise, the difference is negligible. The second and third generation iPads look virtually identical — the new iPad is a tad bit heavier, at 652g vs 601g for the WiFi models, but barely enough for you to notice. And it’s even a hair thicker, by 0.6mm. The reason for this is to make room for a bigger battery in order to support the power-hungry retina screen.
As for the first iPad, an upgrade might be in order if you’re into graphics-intensive games, which usually require maximum processing power. But if you’re an occasional user who just browses the Internet for a few hours a day, then there’s no point in getting the new iPad.
Of course, Apple is doing its utmost to convince us that we want the latest and greatest. So what might sway us to the new iPad other than speed and the best screen around?
Photo courtesy of DODOcase
The new iPad’s 5 megapixel camera with 1080p video recording offers a significant leap in quality over the fuzzy shot-producing lens of the iPad 2. I found photos taken on the new iPad to be just as good as the photos on the iPhone 4, which is no surprise, since it also has a 5 megapixel camera. The camera app loads faster than that of the iPhone 4, but it’s hard to imagine doing a lot of serious or even casual photography with a metal slab the size of a large book. As for the more practical front-facing camera, the new iPad still has the 0.3 megapixel version found on iPad 2. It does the job very well for video chats on Facetime, but I would rather seen this camera upgraded instead.
The new iPad doesn’t have Siri, the voice recognition software built into the iPhone 4S that accepts simple commands and talks back to you, but it does have speech-to-text capabilities. By pressing the microphone button in the keyboard, you can dictate e-mails, search terms in Safari or whatever text in whichever app that allows you to use the keyboard.
I found “Dictation,” as the feature is called, to be surprisingly accurate. Dictation occasionally flubs if you don’t speak clearly enough, but it’s very usable and handy for writing longer e-mails. However, there is one glaring problem for Taiwanese users: Dictation doesn’t yet support Mandarin, which is a disappointment, unless you want to look at this as an opportunity to practice your English, French, German or Japanese, the only languages currently supported.
Photo courtesy of ipevo Taiwan
If you’re a Taiwanese user choosing a new iPad, don’t get too excited about its 4G cellular capabilities. (The “Cellular + WiFi” version keeps you online all the time when you subscribe to a monthly data plan, with a SIM card inserted in the iPad, as if you were using a mobile phone subscription). Sure, you can use a 3G SIM card, but you won’t get 4G speeds because Taiwan telecom providers have yet to upgrade their networks.
We were very content with the 16GB, WiFi model, which costs NT$15,500 and is available in black or white. The 32GB model is NT$18,500 and the 64GB model is NT$21,500. Add NT$4,000 for the cellular option for each model.
Battery life also remains the same, another spec that keeps iPad at the top. On the new WiFi model, I averaged between 9 and 10 hours between charges, as I did on my first generation iPad.
Photo courtesy of ipevo Taiwan
If you’re holding out for a smaller tablet, there’s always one of the many Android devices from Samsung or HTC, but if you’re looking for the best combination of hardware and smooth-running software in a tablet computer, the iPad is still the one to beat.
CASES
There are an endless number of choices when it comes to iPad cases.
Photo courtesy of ipevo Taiwan
■ IPEVO, a Taiwanese company that specializes in high-end computer accessories, teamed up with local DJs and artists for its “Taiwan Street Art” series of cases for the iPad 2 and the new iPad. These snap-on back cases (NT$2,480) are made of walnut and sport designs that include impressive art work by tattoo artist Dawanbao (大萬寶) and DJ Noodles. Ipevo’s online store shows them to be sold out, but there are still limited quantities available — contact the company through its Web site, www.ipevo.com.tw
■ My favorite cases are a little hard to find in Taiwan, but they can be ordered directly from the US. Factor in around US$20 for shipping from the following companies. The M-edge Trip Jacket (US$39.99, www.medgestore.com) balances the iPad’s futuristic vibe with a natural canvas cover and leather binding. I’ve tried many cases for my first generation iPad, but have always gone back to the M-edge.
■ If you’re a fan of Moleskine journals, then you’ll probably love the DODOcase classic (US$59.95, www.dodocase.com) for both the iPad 2 and the new iPad. I found it to be actually nicer in quality than a Moleskine — the case is bound using traditional book-binding methods (it looks like a library book) and the iPad sits in a bamboo frame. The only strike against it (and the M-edge too) is that it doesn’t prop up at an angle suitable for watching videos.
Photo courtesy of ipevo Taiwan
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