Fourth Generation iPad with Retina display, in-depth analysis

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Not content with the release of the long-awaited iPad mini , the Californian company Apple also wanted to show off a new product. It is a new iPad, called fourth generation , which is presented to the large market equipped with a Retina display . This is, without a doubt, one of its main benefits and differential values ​​with respect to other products. Apple wo n't call it the iPad 4 , but it does call it the fourth-generation iPad with a Retina display . The truth is that it is a new device, more modern and equipped, with a 9.7-inch panel- identical to the rest of iPad - but running with the latest technologies from Apple . Yes, actually what the firm has done is to integrate all the improvements of the iPhone 5 into the tablet, definitively presenting an iPad with a Lightning connector , the new standard of the company in terms of  connectivity .

He was one of the guests that nobody expected , but the truth is that he has sneaked into the presentation, and in what way, gifting Apple fans with a new piece of authentic luxury and considerably expanding the range of proposals in the league of tablets . For the occasion, the fourth generation iPad is presented with an A6X processor , faster and more powerful compared to the A6 chip of the iPhone 5 and with a quad-core GPU . These features will have a significant impact on the final quality of the Retina display , one of themost striking elements of this new generation . Next, we offer you a detailed analysis with photos and opinions.

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Design and display

It seems clear that for the occasion, as in all the others, Apple has wanted to maintain the characteristic design of the firm. Not surprisingly, this is one of the main reasons why its customers are authentically loyal to the brand . In any case, there is something especially distinguishes this edition: the Retina display , which would be synonymous with a panel with three million pixels . It has, first of all, a Unibody body : a casing that is made up of several elements but that is presented as a single, thin and light piece , which does not excessively increase the weight of the device. In fact, its measurements are as follows:24.12 x 18.57 x 0.94 centimeters . Its weight is 662 grams (for the Wifi + 3G version) and 652 grams (for the Wifi version). It is a somewhat heavier edition if we compare it with the iPad mini , but there is little to say here, since the screen exceeds that of this small tablet by a few inches . As has become traditional in the Apple factory , the device has been made of aluminum and comes in two different colors: white and black , with a metal back cover.

As we said, the screen is one of its most important components. In this case, we need to talk about a Retina display with a resolution of 2,048 by 1,536 pixels . For the occasion, Apple engineering has worked hard to find a solution to the exchange of signals that occurred in the pixels when they were illuminated. In this way, the images offered through this screen are much sharper and have a truly higher resolution. On the other hand, we have to indicate that we are facing a 9.7-inch (diagonal) multi-touch screen with IPS technology and LED backlighting.. Retina technology offers higher resolution, high color saturation and 3.1 million pixels , four times more pixels than the iPad 2 . In this way, it is more pleasant to read a text, see a picture or enjoy a game.

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Connectivity

The new fourth-generation iPad does well when it comes to connectivity. To begin with, it must be said that it operates on the following networks : GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1,800 and 1,900 MHz), MTS / HSPA + / DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1,900 and 2,100 MHz) and LTE (bands 4 and 17). For the occasion, and as usual in Apple , two versions have been presented. One that only incorporates a Wi-Fi connection, intended for those users who will connect to the Internet from a site with guaranteed wireless networks; and another with 3G + Wifi , for those who are going to contract a data rate with their main operator. In this way, in addition to connecting to the Internetfrom home, work or any space with enabled networks , they can also do it in the subway, on the bus or on the beach. All versions, of course, are compatible with the Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n protocol and with Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology , essential for many users who want to transfer content to other devices or tools. The devices have a compass and assisted GPS and GLONASS , interesting when interacting with maps and using the device as a navigator. Here, without a doubt, Apple Maps will play a fundamental role .

And now we go for the external connections. And is that one of the main novelties of this device is the 8-pin Lightning connector . The same one that replaced the classic 30-pin connector built into all the devices that Apple had presented to date. After the change of course with the presentation of the iPhone 5 , all users who have old devices will have to buy an adapter that is already on sale and that costs 30 euros. The same thing will happen with the new Apple devices , since from now on they will all arrive equipped with this new connector. Additionally, the device incorporates a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack, built-in speaker and microphone. The 3G edition also has a slot for Nano SIM cards , essential for the mobile data connection that our operator will serve.

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Photographic and multimedia camera

The camera has the same features as the one installed in the iPad Mini . In fact, we can indicate that it incorporates a five megapixel iSight sensor capable of capturing snapshots in a more than acceptable definition. Also available as indispensable features such as autofocus , the face detection , focus on touch to videos and photos, touch exposure control video or photos and geotagging of photos and videos . To improve capture, it incorporates back lighting, a five-element lens, a hybrid infrared filter and a focal aperture f/ 2.4 . See, on the other hand, you can record videos in high definition (HD 1080p) and you can enjoy the feature video calls Facetime HD via the front camera of 1.2 megapixels .

At this point, we must also indicate that the tablet is perfectly compatible with multimedia playback . Supports, in fact, in most file formats most commonly used in photo, video and audio . As noted in the spec sheet itself, the iPad handles well with the following audio file formats : AAC (8 to 320 Kb / s), Protected AAC (from the iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 ( 8 to 320 Kb / s), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4, Audible Enhanced, AAX and AAX +), Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV. In video the following are noted: H.264 video up to 1080p, 30 frames per second, High Profile level 4.1 with AAC-LC sound up to 160 Kb / s at 48 kHz and stereo in the .m4v, .mp4 and .mp4 file formats. mov; MPEG-4 video up to 2.5 Mb / s, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC sound up to 160 Kb / s at 48 kHz and stereo in file formats. m4v, .mp4 and .mov; Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mb / s, 1,280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, ulaw sound and PCM stereo in .avi format.

Logically, the device is also capable of reading texts and images and it does so in the following formats: .jpg, .tiff and .gif (images); .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word); .htm and .html (web pages); .key (Keynote); .numbers (Numbers); .pages (Pages); .pdf (Preview and Adobe Acrobat); .ppt and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint); .txt (text); .rtf (rich text format); .vcf (contact information); and .xls and .xlsx (Microsoft Excel).

Users who wish can also enjoy file syncing via AirPlay service , via Apple TV , in 720p and 1080p , but also via a Lightning to Digital AV and VGA connector adapter . These adapters will have to be purchased separately, since they do not come in the fourth generation iPad sales package .

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Memory, processor and operating system

The iPad will be distributed in three versions - both in Wifi and Wifi + 3G - which will be distinguished by a fundamental element: memory. As usual in the company's catalog, we will have the 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB editions at our disposal . Furthermore, the user will not be able to expand the memory of the device through microSD cards . Nothing is further from reality. Any extension must be done through the iCloud cloud storage service, which also allows the user to have their files available anywhere and on any device . The piece in question is also presented equipped with a brand newA6X dual-core processor and quad- core graphics processor, powerful to support the performance of the powerful Retina display , even in the most delicate situations: running heavy applications, games and other denser-than-normal multimedia content. This capacity is compatible with 1 GB of RAM .

This processor will be helped by the new edition of the iOS 6 operating system, presented on the occasion of the launch of the iPhone 5 . The version arrived with many problems in tow, but at this point it seems that most of the problems have been resolved or will be corrected with an update that should arrive immediately. It is expected, in fact, that during the next few weeks all the problems will be corrected and its performance can start in a clean way in the new fourth generation iPad and iPad mini just presented . Do not lose sight of the fact that these devices will go on sale from November 2 .

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Applications

Applications are a fundamental element for devices like the iPad . In fact, you already know that Apple has a large and large application store for iPod , iPhone and iPad users . Currently, the firm has approved a whopping 700,000 applications for iOS , with a total of 275,000 apps created specifically for iPad . If you propose, you can make any download (free or paid) through the App Store . There you will find a lot of applications distributed in different categories, which are the following: Economy and Business, Education, Entertainment, For the whole family, Food and drink, Games, Lifestyle, Music, News, Newsstand, Productivity, Social networks, Sports and Travel . So you can download iWork programs to create corporate and academic documents or presentations, games of all kinds, tools to connect through social networks and even applications to count the kilometers you run every day. Another thing is the programs / functions that are already installed as standard on the device.

On the desktop of your fourth-generation iPad you will find the following: Safari (browser), Mail (email tray), iBooks (book reader), Photos (galleries and photo editing), FaceTime (free video calls over Wi-Fi or 3G), Maps (tools for navigation and the search for interesting places), Siri (virtual assistant to give voice commands), Kiosk (virtual subscription to media) or Messages (free instant messaging between Apple users). You will also be able to use tools as interesting as they are essential within the Cupertino universe: Calendar, Reminders, Contacts, App Store, iTunes, Music, Videos, Notes, Camera, Photo Booth, Clock and Game Center .

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Autonomy

The autonomy is one of the most controversial sections. In fact, the iPad comes with a built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery, with a stated maximum consumption of 42.5 watts / hour . According to these forecasts, marked by Apple's own tests , the iPad can offer a range of up to 10 hours of browsing through Wi-Fi networks and playing multimedia content . In the case of users who access the Internet through mobile networks, a maximum autonomy period of up to 9 hours is established. Users who obtain this device will be able to charge the device through a normal power adapter or using a USB cable that connects to the computer. Charging will be slower but just as effective.

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Availability

The fourth-generation iPad with Retina screen can also be reserved starting this Friday , October 26 . In fact, Spanish customers can also do it without any problem and not only American ones, as it used to happen these last times. The iPad in question will be physically available from November 2 at 8:00 a.m., through the Apple online store and all authorized stores . It will be, this must be clarified, the Wifi version. The edition with Wifi + 3G will go on sale at the end of November , but Appleyou have not specified the exact date yet. We will be attentive to notify you. On prices the company has also been clear.

The free edition of the model with Wifi costs 500 euros (16 GB), 600 euros (32 GB) and 700 euros (64 GB) . The versions with 3G + Wifi will go on sale for 630 euros (16 GB), 730 euros (32 GB) and 830 euros (64 GB) .

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Data sheet

StandardGSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1,800 and 1,900 MHz)

MTS / HSPA + / DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1,900 and 2,100 MHz)

LTE (bands 4 and 17)

Weight and measurements24.12 x 18.57 x 0.94 cm

662 grams (Wifi + 3G)

652 grams (Wifi)

Memory16/32/64 GB of internal memory

1 GB RAM

screen

Retina display

LED-backlit Multi-Touch display

9.7 inches (diagonal) with IPS technology

2,048-by-1,536 resolution at 264 pixels per inch

Oil-repellent anti-fingerprint cover

Camera5 megapixel photos

Autofocus

Face detection

Back lighting

Five element lens

Hybrid infrared filter

Æ '/ 2.4 aperture

Touch focus for videos and photos

Touch control of exposure in video or photos

Photo and video geotagging

1080p HD video recording

1.2 megapixel FaceTime HD camera

MultimediaPlay music, video and photos

Supported audio formats: AAC (8 to 320 Kb / s), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kb / s), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4 , Audible Enhanced, AAX and AAX +), Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV

AirPlay Mirroring on Apple TV

Streaming video with AirPlay on Apple TV

Controls and connectionsIOS 6 operating system

A6X dual-core with quad-core graphics processor

Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n

Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology

Digital compass

GPS and assisted GLONASS (3G + Wifi)

Lightning connector

3.5mm stereo headphone jack

Integrated loudspeaker

Microphone

Nano SIM card slot (3G + Wifi)

AutonomyBuilt-in 42.5 watt / hour rechargeable lithium polymer battery

Up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi browsing and playback

Up to 9 hours of browsing through mobile networks

Charging by power adapter or USB to a computer

+ infoManzana