IPad (3rd Generation)
Hold up, buddy.
The new iPad, also known as IPad (3rd Generation) and iPad 3, was released March 16, 2012. Key new features to the model include the all-new Retina Display, an update to the A5 processor (dubbed A5X) and a new quad-core graphics chip.
Tech Specs
| Height |
|
| Width |
|
| Thickness |
|
| Weight |
|
| Storage Size | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB |
| Screen |
|
| Processing |
|
| Wireless |
|
| Camera |
|
| Battery |
|
| Audio |
|
| Video Output |
Pre-Announcement Rumors
This section needs condensing.
Retina Display
Users have been clamoring for Apple's retina display technology to find its way into the iPad series since it was first introduced. In June 2011 Bloomberg reported that the iPad 3 would be sporting a new high-resolution display, similar to the one found int the iPhone 4.
Source: Report: Retina Display-Enabled iPad 3 Coming This Year - IGN.com
In November 2011, an analyst for DisplaySearch said that Apple was preparing a 2048x1536 resolution display for the iPad 3.
Source: Report: Apple iPad 3 to Sport Retina Display - IGN.com
An iPad 3 display was allegedly obtained by MacRumors in February 2012. Examination under a microscope revealed four times the pixels of the iPad 2, resulting in a 9.7-inch display with a 2048x1536 resolution.
Source: Alleged iPad 3 Screen Analyzed, Reveals Retina Display - IGN.com
4G LTE Connectivity
In January 2012, it was reported that Apple had begun initial production for the iPad 3, which would feature 4G LTE networking. No information about which carriers would support the device was revealed, though it is expected that the company's current partners would continue to supply network connectivity, including Sprint, Verizon and AT&T.
Source: Report: iPad 3 Arriving in March with 4G LTE - IGN.com
7-inch or 8-inch Variant
Despite Steve Jobs' vocal opposition to 7-inch tablets, rumors of Apple's development of one have been persisted since the iPad was first introduced. In 2011, however, analysts and insider reports were frequent, lending more support to the concept.
In the same report supporting claims that the iPad 3 would feature a retina display, DisplaySearch's Richard Shim said that Apple was considering a 7.85-inch version of the iPad to take on Amazon's Kindle Fire.
In November 2011, code allegedly found within the developer release of iOS 5.1 made reference to iPad3,1 and iPad3,2, suggesting that two versions of the next iPad were in development. While its possible that the numerology could have referred to GSM- and CDMA-enabled models, many believe they represent the 10- and 7-inch versions.
Source: iOS 5.1 Reveals iPad 3 and New Apple TV - IGN.com
The Wall Street Journal reported in mid-February that sources within Apple's supply chain in Asia are testing 8-inch displays for a smaller iPad. The smaller tablet will reportedly utilize a resolution similar to the iPad and iPad 2's 1024x768 display.
Source: WSJ: Apple Working on 8-Inch iPad - IGN.com
Pricing and Release
Given the incredible success of the iPad and iPad 2, Apple is likely to maintain its pricing structure for the iPad 3, beginning with a $499 version. 4G LTE-enabled models are likely to sport a $129 markup and variation between prices will otherwise be dependent on storage capacity.
It has been rumored that Apple plans to address the Kindle Fire's meteoric rise in the tablet market with a new $299 variation, either by introducing the smaller 7-inch version or by cutting the price of the iPad 2.
Source: Report: New iPad Lineup to Include $299 Offering - IGN.com
As for release, production of the iPad 3 allegedly began in February and shipments are expected to begin in March for late-month release.
Source: Report: iPad 3 Arriving in March with 4G LTE - IGN.com
Multiple sources have suggested that Apple will reveal the iPad 3 during the first week of March, with other pinpointing the exact announcement date as March 7. The event is expected to be held at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco.
Apple confirmed that the event on March 7 at 10:00 a.m. at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center. Invitations to the press went out on the morning of February 28. The invite included a close up picture what is presumed to be the iPad 3. This shot stirred up prior rumors of Apple omiting the home button in place of a "Touch" home button.
- Source: Report: Apple Hosting iPad 3 Event First Week of March - IGN.com
- Source: Report: iPad 3 Event Taking Place on March 7 - IGN.com
- Source: iPad review, tips and tutorials
- Source: Apple Confirms March 7 iPad 3 Event - IGN.com
Open References & Sources (11)
You must be logged in to post a comment.
blog comments powered by Disqus