NEWS ANALYSIS: Apple's new iPad is now firmly in the grasp of columnist Don Reisinger. Here's what he learned about Apple's new tablet during the first weekend.
It was a quiet Friday afternoon
for me on March 16 until the UPS delivery person arrived with a fresh package.
It was small, not heavy, and I was asked to sign for it.
Those who had similar
experiences know that it was my new iPad. Apples latest tablet and the device
that could very well go down as one of the most popular consumer electronics to
hit store shelves this year.
Nearly immediately, I popped the
device out of the box and marveled at its beauty. Ive seen (and owned) many
tablets over the last couple years, but
the new iPad is the best-looking option Ive seen yet. The set-up was simple and easy, and after inputting some
information for my 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) service through Verizon Wireless, I was ready to use
the tablet as I saw fit.
What follows are my initial
reactions to the new iPad after my first weekend with the device. Apples new
iPad is by no means groundbreaking and will not prompt a seismic shift in the
tablet market. But the device is notable, nonetheless.
1. The Retina Display is
pretty great
The
most striking thing about the new iPad is its Retina Display. The devices
screen is the very best Ive seen in the tablet space, and while not the huge
shock that some said it would be, was enough for me to get excited about the
possibilities. What sort of apps and games will take advantage of the screen? I
look forward to finding out.
2. 4G LTE is a must-have
When I bought the
first-generation iPad, I decided to get only the WiFi model, since I didnt see
myself traveling with the tablet. It was a mistake.
With the new iPad, I
decided to get the 4G LTE option, and I can say it was the smartest move I
made. Verizons LTE network is incredibly fast and its available nearly
everywhere I go. Not bad for $20 a month.
3. I dont think iPad 2 owners
should upgrade
I have several friends and family
that currently own the iPad 2. And as one might expect, they wanted to find out
if they should dump the old option to get the new one. I told them without
thinking twice that jumping to the new iPad wouldnt make much sense. Sure, the
Retina Display is great and the LTE is a welcome addition, but theyre not
worth another $629 and up. Current iPad 2 owners should stick with their
favored tablet.
4. iOS 5.1 is great, but not
groundbreaking any longer
Apples iOS 5.1 comes bundled
with the new iPad. And although its a solid operating system with few quirks,
strong security and responsiveness, its no longer groundbreaking. In fact,
for current iPhone or iPad owners, moving to the new iPad with iOS 5.1 cuts down
on the awe felt the first time you boot up an iOS-based device.
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