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Apple
I can’t blame you for not being excited by the “new iPad.” With the screen turned off, there’s really nothing to indicate that it’s changed at all.
Obviously, the big update to the third-generation iPad is the vastly improved screen. We hear about product screen improvements all the time, so it’s easy to diminish what Apple has done here. I think the QXGA-resolution screen is an impressive feat, but you can choose to believe the hype or not.
But the screen’s not the whole story. Did you know that the new iPad is almost as heavy as the first? What about the latest iPad’s inclusion of Bluetooth 4.0?
Whether you’re buying your first iPad, or weighing the benefits of upgrading, here’s a chart comparing a few key specs between the first three iPad generations.
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| iPad | iPad 2 | iPad (third generation) | |
|---|---|---|---|
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|
|
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| Screen | 1,024×768 pixels | 1,024×768 | 2,048×1,536 |
| Thickness | 0.5 | 0.34 | 0.37 |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds | 1.33 pounds | 1.44 pounds |
| Processor | A4 1GHz | A5 1GHz (dual-core) | A5X (dual-core, w/ quad-core graphics) |
| Front camera | N/A | VGA | VGA |
| Rear camera | n/a | 0.7 megapixel/720p | 5 megapixels/1080p |
| Stabilization | N/A | No | Yes |
| Face detection | N/A | No | Yes |
| FaceTime | No | Yes | Yes |
| Siri | No | No | Dictation only |
| Gestures* | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular | 3G (AT&T) | 3G (Verizon, AT&T) | 4G (Verizon, AT&T) |
| Video out | Limited | HD mirroring | HD mirroring |
| Bluetooth | 2.1+EDR | 2.1+EDR | 4.0 |
*Multifinger gesture support, such as four-finger swipe to toggle apps, or five-finger pinch to close apps.
