Seven days after the special press event in San Francisco where the iPad 3 was unveiled, the reviews have began pouring in. With the embargo lifted, various top tech and general news sites have unleashed their hands-on opinions on the device, and we have a roundup of the top reviews from the tech pundits we know and love right here.
Summing up the new iPad, Joshua Topolsky over at The Verge commented on how the latest installment in the iPad lineup will only solidify Apple’s position in the tablet market:
Let’s be clear: the new iPad is in a class by itself, just as its predecessor was. As the latest product in a lineage of devices that defined this category, the iPad continues to stand head and shoulders above the competition. With the addition of the Retina display, LTE, more memory, and a more powerful CPU, Apple has absolutely held onto the iPad’s market position as the dominant player and product to beat.
He went on to mention that if you own an iPad 2 and don’t care much about the much-improved Retina Display, or improved optics, it isn’t that big of an upgrade; but for potential tablet owners, or someone upgrading from an original iPad or Android device, it’s a must-buy.
AllThingsD’s Walk Mossberg states that the iPad is still the "best tablet on the planet":
Since it launched in 2010, the iPad has been the best tablet on the planet. With the new, third-generation model, it still holds that crown.
He also talked about the awesome new Retina Display:
It’s hard to illustrate on a Web page or in print how brilliant this new display is. You have to see it. Apple calls it a “retina” display because, at normal viewing distance, there are so many pixels per inch, the human eye can’t pick them out individually. This display packs 264 pixels into every inch, twice as many as on iPad 2. Overall, the resolution is 2048 x 1536, versus 1024 x 768 for the iPad 2.
The New York Times also notes that new buyers will be able to purchase an even better tablet, while iPad 2 users (who don’t care about Retina, improved optics, or LTE) won’t feel so obsolete:
If you’re in the market for a tablet, here’s the bright side: For the same price as before, you can now get an updated iPad that’s still better-looking, better integrated and more consistently designed than any of its rivals.
And if you already have the iPad 2, here’s an even brighter side: At least this time around, you don’t have to feel quite as obsolete as usual.
Jim Dalrymple from The Loop mentioned that the Apple experience is untouchable:
So, what did I like about the iPad? Simple — the experience. Nobody in the market today can touch the Apple experience.
If you have the original iPad, I say this is a no-brainer. If you have an iPad 2, it’s a tougher call since it still seems nearly as fast as the new iPad. But if you choose not to upgrade (or to spend $399 for the 16 GB iPad 2 now), again, treat the new iPad as if it were Medusa when you’re in an Apple Store. Do. Not. Look. At. It.
If you’re at all interested in LTE in an Apple product, obviously, get a new iPad. If you read a lot on your iPad, get the new iPad. If you take a lot of photos and videos (yeah you, the joker in the front row of the concert with your iPad in the air), get the new iPad. If you play a lot of games on the iPad, get the new iPad.
If you don’t yet have an iPad, get the new iPad.
That being said, the new iPad certainly seems like a worthy device to purchase. The verdict: If you’re tight on cash or in no rush to upgrade from your iPad 2, it isn’t that critical. Your device is certainly still suitable performance-wise, but you’ll be missing out on a display like no other, along with the improved optics and LTE functionality. But, if you own an original iPad, an Android device, or if you’re a prospective buyer contemplating a tablet, you should certainly consider purchasing.
You may also like to check out:
- First Public Unboxing Video Of The New iPad (3rd Generation) Makes Its Way To The Internet
- The New iPad Vs. Other Leading Tablets In The Market [COMPARISON]
- New iPad Third-Gen Announced – Price, Features, Availability – Everything You Need to Know!
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