GADGET GIZMO REVIEW Apple iPad Air
PRICE 35,900 TO 65,900
SPECIFICATIONS Apple A7 processor (64-bit), 9.7-inch 2048 x 1536 pixels
LCD (254ppi), 1.2MP front + 5MP rear camera, Lightning + 3.5mm port, WiFi, (GPS
in 3G version only), 469 grams Faster than ever, much lighter and thinner,
powerful new 64-bit processor, better quality cameras Pricier than previous
version, you still need to put it in a case (almost negating the weight/size
reduction)
Now in its fifth generation, the iPad remains as desirable as ever. Ditching the numerical moniker, it’s now iPad Air, a reference to the new ultra-light and ultra-thin design.
When you first get your hands on it, you’ll be surprised at just how thin and light it is. The design is very similar to the iPad Mini. It’s still got an aluminium casing and a gorgeous Retina display but the drastic weight/size reduction almost makes it seem like it uses technology from the future. We think this is the most dramatic upgrade of the full size iPad line since it was first launched in 2010.
Having said that, you need to be a daredevil to use the iPad Air ‘as is’. Most people will still want to protect this sizeable investment with a case. You could go with Apple’s minimalist cover, but for front and back protection, a larger case is needed – which increases weight/size considerably.
Hardware-wise, iPad Air gets the same 64-bit A7 processor as the iPhone 5S. Which made us all the more disappointed that TouchID was not included – seems that Apple has deliberately held it back for the next upgrade. Everything is super-quick, especially compared to older iPads.
We were pleasantly surprised to see the quality of cameras (front and back). We may have scoffed at people holding iPads up to take a photograph before, but it’s now getting pretty good at photography, giving several high-end phones a run for their money.
Should existing iPad users upgrade? If you crave the speed and better camera, then even 4th gen iPad users should upgrade. Others might still be content, even with the iPad 2, which remains a potent competitor. If you need something smaller, there’s always the new iPad Mini with retina display. And if you need something with more creation capabilities and don’t mind some extra heft, consider Samsung’s new Note 10.1 ( 49,990).
Now in its fifth generation, the iPad remains as desirable as ever. Ditching the numerical moniker, it’s now iPad Air, a reference to the new ultra-light and ultra-thin design.
When you first get your hands on it, you’ll be surprised at just how thin and light it is. The design is very similar to the iPad Mini. It’s still got an aluminium casing and a gorgeous Retina display but the drastic weight/size reduction almost makes it seem like it uses technology from the future. We think this is the most dramatic upgrade of the full size iPad line since it was first launched in 2010.
Having said that, you need to be a daredevil to use the iPad Air ‘as is’. Most people will still want to protect this sizeable investment with a case. You could go with Apple’s minimalist cover, but for front and back protection, a larger case is needed – which increases weight/size considerably.
Hardware-wise, iPad Air gets the same 64-bit A7 processor as the iPhone 5S. Which made us all the more disappointed that TouchID was not included – seems that Apple has deliberately held it back for the next upgrade. Everything is super-quick, especially compared to older iPads.
We were pleasantly surprised to see the quality of cameras (front and back). We may have scoffed at people holding iPads up to take a photograph before, but it’s now getting pretty good at photography, giving several high-end phones a run for their money.
Should existing iPad users upgrade? If you crave the speed and better camera, then even 4th gen iPad users should upgrade. Others might still be content, even with the iPad 2, which remains a potent competitor. If you need something smaller, there’s always the new iPad Mini with retina display. And if you need something with more creation capabilities and don’t mind some extra heft, consider Samsung’s new Note 10.1 ( 49,990).
HITESH RAJ BHAGAT TNN
No comments:
Post a Comment