Review: the new iPad

Well, I finally broke down. I purchased a new iPad last night.

I was trying to choose between the LTE version and just a plain Wi-Fi version, but the decision was made for me. The Best Buy where I purchased my iPad did not have any Wi-Fi versions. So, I decided to go for the 32 GB LTE version from Verizon.

Great Expectations
I've read a lot about the new iPad over the past several weeks. Most reviews were typically the same. New screen, faster processor, a bit more bulky. The common denominator most reviews with that you had to see the new Retina display screen to really appreciate it. I would have to agree with that.

In my earlier posts, I had mentioned that I was not impressed with the minor upgrades to the new iPad. I really did want to see this new iPad and hold it and see the new screen before deciding whether I make a purchase. I don't know if it was a mental game or not, but the screen on my iPad 2 begin looking more pixelated and more fuzzy. So, when I finally got to the store and was able to actually hold a new iPad I was very impressed by the crisp, clear picture that is available on the new Retina screen.

Here's my conclusion. If you do a lot of reading on the iPad, then it's worth the upgrade. There is a noticeable difference in the clarity of fonts and text at a variety of different sizes. Even the HTML screens in the Safari browser are much more clear. With these aging eyes, I need all the help I can get in this new screen is a great addition.

A thicker iPad
The new iPad is noticeably thicker to me. While some reviews say that it's not that big of a deal, I can tell by holding this new iPad that it is thicker and heavier than my iPad 2. One review I read says that the new iPad feels more dense. I totally agree with that! It's a little heavier and it's a little thicker because it's got that big battery packed in there, but I think I'll get used to it.

Battery life
I don't know if it's me or if it's the battery, but this iPad seems to use more power than my iPad 2. I've been using the device since 8 AM this morning and it is 7:30 PM right now. After using this new device for almost entire day, I have about 26% of battery life left. That seems to be a faster drawdown than my iPad 2. It will take some time to see if the battery life on this new iPad is comparable to the iPad 2, or the iPad 1 for that matter.

Performance
The new iPad is just as slick and speedy as its predecessors. Throughout the day, I have not encountered any lag time whatsoever in my use of the device. The iPad is snappy and it is quick in its delivery. The new graphics processor is obviously working, because my iPad does get warm when I use video applications or am playing a video game. It is very comparable and performance to both the first iPad in the iPad 2.

Dictation
Probably one of the best new features on the new iPad is the dictation feature. I'm surprised at how much I like this new feature. As a matter of fact, I'm actually writing this blog post by using the dictation feature in my blogger application. The one drawback to the dictation feature on the new iPad is that you have to have a Wi-Fi or LTE connection. However, that's not a big deal because I'm usually online when I'm using my iPad. I have found that if you just speak slowly and clearly, the dictation feature will take down your words and type them out for you in a very smooth and efficient manner.

Overall first impressions
The new iPad is not much different than the iPad 2. The retina display is truly superior. However, one ironic thing that I found is that non-HD material online and in non-HD compatible apps looks even worse on this display that it does on the iPad 2. It will be interesting to see how web developers and app developers overcome this new phenomena.

If you have an iPad 2 and are thinking of upgrading the new iPad think twice.

However if you read a lot of stuff, play video games, or love to look at photographs in high resolution then the new iPad is something that you want to strongly consider.

-- Post From My iPad