Should you
splurge on The New iPad?
The new
iPad is a coveted gadget for many. But the more affordable and still very
capable iPad 2 is still around. Whether you're a new user or keen on upgrading,
weigh all your options before putting down the cash
At first glance, it's hard to tell the new iPad apart from its predecessor. It still has a 9.7-inch touchscreen, home button, cameras and an attractive aluminium finish. But power it on and you can't help but gawk at the new retina display. The resolution has been bumped up to 2048 x 1536 pixels. In a nutshell, it has more pixels than a full HD television. The older iPad looks great on its own, but pales next to the brilliance of the new screen. Apple has also added quad core graphics to the 1Ghz dual core processor, required to drive all those extra pixels.
As you would expect, apps scale up flawlessly and the handling of HD content, even with such a massive resolution, is excellent. Other upgrades include a 5MP rear autofocus camera (with face detection and full HD video). The battery life is the same 9.5 hours but it is slightly heavier (662g vs 607g) and thicker (9.4mm vs 8.6mm) than the iPad2. The new iPad also offers 4G connectivity, but this hardly matters since 4G availability is sparse.
But the big question is — should you upgrade? Users of the iPad 2 can wait a while, though the display is hard to resist. The argument becomes more compelling if you have the first gen iPad. The new range starts at 30,500 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version and goes up to 50,900 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + 4G. As a complete package for a new user, the new iPad is irresistable and there is no other tablet that can match what it offers.
WHY THE DISPLAY MATTERS SO MUCH
For any tablet, a lot rests on the quality of the display. While the iPad 2 was no slouch in this department, it was being showed up by the newer crop of tablets, high-end phones like the HTC One X and phablets like Samsung's Galaxy Note. Now, with the increased number of pixels (four times the number of pixels as compared to iPad 2), everything is super-sharp — and yes, individual pixels are not discernible with the naked eye. This does mean that apps have to be updated to take advantage of the increased resolution, but it's only a matter of time. The point is, once you use the new screen, every other screen will seem pedestrian in comparison.
WHICH IPAD SHOULD YOU BUY?
This question could put existing users in a quandary. Firstly, there's no doubt that an owner of the original iPad should upgrade. There's also no doubt about the fact that the iPad still sets the benchmark for tablets — not just because of the hardware, but also the quality of apps and the whole ecosystem that surrounds it. But the new iPad is not a very big jump up from the iPad 2. The good news is that you can get a brand new iPad 2 for 24,500 now (even lesser at some online retailers). To put it simply, buy the new iPad for the gorgeous screen and improved performance for gaming. Else, the iPad 2 will serve your needs fine too.
ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR NEW IPAD
Seagate GoFlex Satellite Seagate's Satellite drive addresses the problem of limited iPad storage. It creates its own Wi-Fi network & you download a free app to access data on it wirelessly from your iPad. Costs Rs, 10,500 (for 500GB).
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover Who said Bluetooth keyboards need to be bulky? Logitech's newest doubles up as a case too, looking darn sleek while it does it. Available for US$ 99.
Belkin Grip 360°+Stand This one from Belkin is a protective case and kickstand rolled into one. It also includes a handstrap — for secure onehanded use. The handstrap and kickstand can be easily swapped. Costs US$ 20.
Griffin Crayola Colour Studio When used with the free companion app called Colour Studio, Griffin's Crayola becomes an intelligent stylus that doubles up as a marker, crayon or brush. Get it for Rs.2,549.
JBL Onbeat Xtreme When you need to get your iPad tunes heard in a larger gathering, JBL's OnBeat Xtreme is up to the task. It also charges and proudly displays the iPad (vertically or horizontally) for everyone to see. Get it for Rs.25,000.
At first glance, it's hard to tell the new iPad apart from its predecessor. It still has a 9.7-inch touchscreen, home button, cameras and an attractive aluminium finish. But power it on and you can't help but gawk at the new retina display. The resolution has been bumped up to 2048 x 1536 pixels. In a nutshell, it has more pixels than a full HD television. The older iPad looks great on its own, but pales next to the brilliance of the new screen. Apple has also added quad core graphics to the 1Ghz dual core processor, required to drive all those extra pixels.
As you would expect, apps scale up flawlessly and the handling of HD content, even with such a massive resolution, is excellent. Other upgrades include a 5MP rear autofocus camera (with face detection and full HD video). The battery life is the same 9.5 hours but it is slightly heavier (662g vs 607g) and thicker (9.4mm vs 8.6mm) than the iPad2. The new iPad also offers 4G connectivity, but this hardly matters since 4G availability is sparse.
But the big question is — should you upgrade? Users of the iPad 2 can wait a while, though the display is hard to resist. The argument becomes more compelling if you have the first gen iPad. The new range starts at 30,500 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version and goes up to 50,900 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + 4G. As a complete package for a new user, the new iPad is irresistable and there is no other tablet that can match what it offers.
WHY THE DISPLAY MATTERS SO MUCH
For any tablet, a lot rests on the quality of the display. While the iPad 2 was no slouch in this department, it was being showed up by the newer crop of tablets, high-end phones like the HTC One X and phablets like Samsung's Galaxy Note. Now, with the increased number of pixels (four times the number of pixels as compared to iPad 2), everything is super-sharp — and yes, individual pixels are not discernible with the naked eye. This does mean that apps have to be updated to take advantage of the increased resolution, but it's only a matter of time. The point is, once you use the new screen, every other screen will seem pedestrian in comparison.
WHICH IPAD SHOULD YOU BUY?
This question could put existing users in a quandary. Firstly, there's no doubt that an owner of the original iPad should upgrade. There's also no doubt about the fact that the iPad still sets the benchmark for tablets — not just because of the hardware, but also the quality of apps and the whole ecosystem that surrounds it. But the new iPad is not a very big jump up from the iPad 2. The good news is that you can get a brand new iPad 2 for 24,500 now (even lesser at some online retailers). To put it simply, buy the new iPad for the gorgeous screen and improved performance for gaming. Else, the iPad 2 will serve your needs fine too.
ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR NEW IPAD
Seagate GoFlex Satellite Seagate's Satellite drive addresses the problem of limited iPad storage. It creates its own Wi-Fi network & you download a free app to access data on it wirelessly from your iPad. Costs Rs, 10,500 (for 500GB).
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover Who said Bluetooth keyboards need to be bulky? Logitech's newest doubles up as a case too, looking darn sleek while it does it. Available for US$ 99.
Belkin Grip 360°+Stand This one from Belkin is a protective case and kickstand rolled into one. It also includes a handstrap — for secure onehanded use. The handstrap and kickstand can be easily swapped. Costs US$ 20.
Griffin Crayola Colour Studio When used with the free companion app called Colour Studio, Griffin's Crayola becomes an intelligent stylus that doubles up as a marker, crayon or brush. Get it for Rs.2,549.
JBL Onbeat Xtreme When you need to get your iPad tunes heard in a larger gathering, JBL's OnBeat Xtreme is up to the task. It also charges and proudly displays the iPad (vertically or horizontally) for everyone to see. Get it for Rs.25,000.
Karan Bajaj
& Hitesh Raj Bhagat ET120502
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