The iPad mini won’t be the only star of the show at Apple Stores and resellers on Friday – a revised 4th-gen iPad with a Lightning connector will also share the spotlight. The update is a relatively minor one, and only brings minor tweeks alongside the speed improvement. Most will agree: The 4th-gen iPad is better than its predecessor, but 3rd-gen iPad owners likely won’t have any need to upgrade.
The first reviews are already in for the 4th-gen iPad – here’s what reviewers had to say!
Jim Dalrymple, The Loop
There’s not really much to say about the iPad 4. It’s really fast in both processor speed and graphics, but we knew that. For me, the iPad 4 gives developers more headroom to continue pushing the envelope of what they can produce. That in turn, gives us better products to buy for the iPad. It’s good anytime that happens.
Tim Stevens, Engadget
Twice as fast, better battery life, same cost. What more do we need to say? The new iPad is a hit on all fronts — but it of course won’t be received that way by all. Those who just made the investment in an old, new iPad are likely going to feel a bit burned, and we feel for you. Meanwhile, those still voicing their dissatisfaction with the Lightning connector will surely lament its presence here, but to you folks we say the world is moving on and now is as good a time as any to jump on board.
The new iPad is the best 10-inch tablet on the market. That said, we’d be lying if we didn’t say the new iPad mini is an incredibly compelling alternative, a device so good that perhaps this update was released so soon after its predecessor to maintain the appeal of the bigger, more expensive unit.
David Pierce, The Verge
The fourth-generation iPad is the very definition of an iterative change: Apple made important things better, but neither overhauled nor revolutionized anything. If the iPad’s history is any indication, the fourth-generation iPad’s advantages over the third-gen model will be most apparent two years from now, when apps are designed for the better processor and the Lightning connector has spawned a much larger universe of accessories. Then you’ll want the extra power and the adapter-free lifestyle.
For now, if you’re within your return window you should probably swap for the newest iPad, but if not? Rest assured you’re not really missing that much. Not yet, at least.
Tim Stevens, CNET
Should owners of the now “old” third-gen March 2012 iPad be upset? Should new buyers be wary? The answer to the first is yes. The answer to the second is no. The new iPad (technically just known as “iPad” at the Apple Store) has a few upgrades, two minor, one significantly major.
MG Seigler, TechCrunch
If you were going to get an iPad before, obviously, you’ll want to get this one now. In fact, you don’t even have a choice — Apple has discontinued the third-generation model. The prices remain the same across the board as do all of the other features (WiFi/LTE, Retina display, etc).
Yes, it is kind of lame for those of us who bought third-generation models that Apple updated the line so quickly, but well, that’s Apple. To me, the fourth-generation leap doesn’t seem to be nearly as big as the leap from the first to second generation or from the second to third generation, so perhaps take some solace in that.
In case you missed it, be sure to check out the first wave of reviews for the new iPad mini as well!
