iPad 4: specs and features that keep this slate above waters

The launch of the iPad 4 made the iPad 3, mere months after its launch, look like a second grade device. The changes made are not major, a boost to the CPU and a change to the front camera and the  implementation of a Retina display. With that in mind, should the differences determine a buyer to upgrade to the iPad 4? And why would anyone want an iPad 4 anyway when we’ve got the iPad Air 2 already?

The answer to that lies in pricing and needs. You can buy the iPad 4 for around $350 if you settle for 16 GB internal storage and it would be the perfect tablet for you if you are more of a media consumer than anything else. The slate has a big enough display to make it worth the money and the decent processor and battery life warrant its use for average media consumers and those who commute a lot. Even though Apple’s 4th generation iPad is already 2 years old, it still is a practical device that alongside the new iOS 8 OS can do most things you would want it to. You can play popular games, as long as they don’t abuse high quality graphics, as well as watch and read all the media you would like to.

The Retina display for one is a game changer, the screen is as sharp as it gets. The camera on the rear remains unchanged compared to its predecessor, 5 MP, while the front facing one is upgraded to a 1.2 MP HD shooter. Another interesting update regards the CPU, which comes with an upgraded A6X chip that performs much better. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the iPad 4 can be easily updated to iOS 8.

Design wise, the iPad 4 doesn’t bring much of a change. The noticeable difference comes when you take it into your hand. It is aproximately 60 grams heavier than the iPad 2 and only slightly thicker. Not something that will rip your arm off while holding it, but nonetheless a small degree of strain on the arm is noticeable, if used for prolonged periods of time. The tradeoff with the extra weight comes in when we talk about build quality for the iPad 4. And that is what most device manufacturers are looking for; stronger builds to lessen eventual damage done to their products.

The Retina display is equipped with a decent resolution for the 9.7 inch screen, more exactly 1536 X 2048. It is worth noting that the pixel density for the iPad 4 is roughly around 264 PPI (pixels per inch), which is considerably lower than that of a iPhone 4s, which counts in at 330 PPI.

In the long run there are still things that need considering. There are some features on the new iPad 4 that should be looked at for further improvement. The fact that the device will still heat-up might leave users with a sour taste, even though this issue is less of a worry compared to the older models. The 16GB storage model should not be taken into consideration if one wants to purchase the iPad4 to store data on it. All in all, looking at pros and cons of the iPad 4, one can perceive this device as still scoring good amongst the new generation of tablets.