iPad Air

AsSiMiLaTeD

Anyone else gonna grab one of these this Friday? It's certainly not the revolutionary change that maybe some people wanted, it won't make your breakfast for you or iron your clothes and it doesn't beam an optical image directly into your brain. It's an incremental upgrade that's lighter, smaller, thinner, faster than the previous model.

I skipped the 4th generation and still have the 3rd gen model, so this is a welcome upgrade for me personally. Lighter and faster is actually exactly what I wanted in the new model, and looks like they are delivering very well on both of those. I won't know until holding it, but I think they got the right amount of bezel on the sides, seems like just enough given it's weight.

The one thing I don't like is the new smart cover, they went with the same three fold design they used for the iPasd Mini as opposed to the four fold, it's a small thing but an important one for me. With the four fold design the cover folds back and doubles on itself, and I carry the iPad around sorta gripping that folded back and the left bezel. With the iPad Mini (and now the new iPad it seems) you have three folds and the cover doesn't fold back on itself evenly and you can't really use that to aid in holding the device. It's a small thing I know, and give the weight and size of the new model may not matter, but right now sticks out as the one thing I don't like about it.

The point here isn't really to compare with other tablets since they all have their strengths and weaknesses, but I'll say one quick thing about my preference for the iPad. I use my tablet primarily for reading (books, news and internets) and for content creation (mostly working in iMove and **** around in GarageBand). Occasionally I'll use it for watching movies, but only when I travel and even then very rarely, I'm just not a movie watcher on the go I guess. So for me, the aspect ratio of the iPad is still the best option given my use, the aspect ratio of the bigger Android tablets being widescreen just doesn't work as well for me. For movies and such though, I think the widescreen options are clearly the way to go.

AsSiMiLaTeD

It would be great if we could avoid Apple bashing in this thread, but I realize that's like asking the sun not to rise in the east tomorrow...

exalted512

I'll give you $40 shipped for the old one

AsSiMiLaTeD

I'll only go as low as $45 shipped for the old one, $40 is just too low

gdpeck

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

...With the four fold design the cover folds back and doubles on itself, and I carry the iPad around sorta gripping that folded back and the left bezel. With the iPad Mini (and now the new iPad it seems) you have three folds and the cover doesn't fold back on itself evenly and you can't really use that to aid in holding the device. It's a small thing I know, and give the weight and size of the new model may not matter, but right now sticks out as the one thing I don't like about it....

That is funny. I do the exact same thing with my 3rd generation iPad (which apparently never existed according to Apple). I like the idea of the iPad Air, depending on how much difference the ~ half pound of weight savings makes. I've been kind of waiting for an iPad Mini with retina display to come out too, but the main reason I considered the mini is weight, and I like the idea of the large screen too. I'm probably not getting either model on release day, as I need to upgrade my phone (iPhone 4) first.

jflail2

I've got the previous generation ipad (first retina display model) and I've been extremely pleased with it. I do enjoy a movie or 2 for long work trips, and it does everything I need it to do. I also have an Apple TV set up in the bedroom so the girl can go and either stream from the ipad, or just access netflix etc directly through the Apple TV.

Sounds like you'll find a lot of value there, so that's a good buy. Ignore the haters. The only thing I really can't do is manipulate spreadsheets and other office programs, but a tablet isn't exactly the best place to do that kind of work anyway.

exalted512

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

I'll only go as low as $45 shipped for the old one, $40 is just too low

Sold!! haha

I want a tablet, just can't justify the cost quite yet.
-Cody

AsSiMiLaTeD

jflail2 wrote: »

I also have an Apple TV set up in the bedroom so the girl can go and either stream from the ipad, or just access netflix etc directly through the Apple TV.

Yeah, since Amazon added AirPlay support to their streaming app on iPad I'm using the iPad to watch the free Prime video content on the Apple TV (sadly there's still no support for Amazon Prime video either on my Apple TV or TiVo boxes). I prefer the content selection on Amazon over Netflix so the ability to now watch their stuff on all my TVs is very nice indeed!

jflail2

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

Yeah, since Amazon added AirPlay support to their streaming app on iPad I'm using the iPad to watch the free Prime video content on the Apple TV (sadly there's still no support for Amazon Prime video either on my Apple TV or TiVo boxes). I prefer the content selection on Amazon over Netflix so the ability to now watch their stuff on all my TVs is very nice indeed!

Completely agreed. As much as I use prime shipping, the video access for prime accounts is just icing on the cake. I find some overlap with netflix, and they each obviously have a few things the other won't, so I'm happy to have both right now.

And as an aside, you may want to check out the new Google Chromecast, especially if you have non-Apple devices around the house. I purchased one a while back b/c it's only $35 bucks. I still haven't even opened the box yet, but apparently you can stream any device to it, instead of being restricted to Apple devices like the Apple TV.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I also tried the chrome cast without much success, using the Hulu iOS app which is supported. I appreciate the fact that Google has it open, but it needs to work for that really to be helpful.

BlueFox

I will be getting the new iPad Mini Retina when it comes out. Then I can decide which size I prefer.

jflail2

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

I also tried the chrome cast without much success, using the Hulu iOS app which is supported. I appreciate the fact that Google has it open, but it needs to work for that really to be helpful.

Good intel, thanks man. I might tinker with it this week, and if I don't see any value there "gift it out" during Christmas. Sounds like the Apple TV is what I need upstairs, and I have a HTPC downstairs, so no need for it there either.

nguyendot

I want to get the Mini Retina LTE. I will probably be purchasing it from Tmobile with their free 200mb LTE data. I just need to verify that it will also support my AT&T SIM since I have an AT&T unit right now and it's tied to my data. The new units have not verified if the LTE chip is segregated and this is the first time Tmobile has come into the tablet world. Hopefully it's just a universal transceiver except for the CDMA carriers or it will fall back on HSPDA+ 4G which isn't horrible but I like LTE coverage here.

I prefer the form factor as well. At first I thought the iPad mini was a ridiculously stupid idea, until I got one and it's so much easier to hold. The resolution is the biggest thing bothering me as it's very low 1024x768. I also have a 3rd gen iPad Retina and love it. I have it in the LifeProof case and it takes its tumbles very well. I'll likely keep it and buy and Air some time down the road as it looks cool.

Did I mention Tmobile is basically giving interest free financing on the iPads and you don't have to pay for data if you get the "Free" plan with 200mb of LTE data for life?

I'll likely take the free SIM and stick it in another device... $22/month is tempting.

woofiepaws

Going to wait fopr the Mini Retina 128 Gb. My Gen 1 iPad will be used as a reomte.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Reviews on the Air are posted, and as usual Anandtech just does a phenomenal job with their review. Their reviews can be a bit overkill for some, but I love how thorough they are, still my favorite review site.

The Air looks like a winner...

polk500

Getting one for Christmas, currently have the 3 thought about going for the mini but with the air being so much lighter and faster why go with a smaller screen. These eyes are not getting better as I age that's for sure.

Cheers
Roger

AsSiMiLaTeD

I picked up my 32gb silver this morning and it's exactly what I expected, smaller lighter and faster. You really have to hold this thing to believe how light it is, amazing!

I'm a happy camper, and I was able to order it online this morning so no waiting in line.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I do still prefer the four fold Smart Cover over the new three fold, but I'll be ok...

Strong Bad

Just ordered my 128gb iPad Air and they told me I can pick it up tomorrow at the local Apple Store.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Yeah that's what I did as well, ordered online for store pickup

[Deleted User]

Awesome guys! Now who wants to develop some bad **** apps with this!

Halen

AsSiMiLaTeD

I'm happy to report that the new Smart Cover actually works fine now for how I hold the ipad, I'm able to get the same grip that I had with the old four fold style, so my initial concerns are alleviated. The cover attaches well and holds better because the tablet is so lightweight.

I also bought their smart case and didn't like it as much as the cover, adds a bit more bulk that I don't like as much.

Strong Bad

I've been playing with my new 128gb iPad Air since yesterday. I have to say, the slimmed down size and weight do make a big difference. I can now firmly hold the iPad Air in ONE HAND. The iPad 3 was just slightly too wide to get my fingers on the sides.

Speed and performance, no shocker. It just blazes along!

AsSiMiLaTeD

You must have some large hands. Speaking of size though, I find two hand typing with my thumbs a lot better with the slightly narrower design. Previously I had to use the split keyboard, now I can use the regular keyboard and easily reach all the keys. I've tried a couple of those online typing test and am averaging about 60 wpm, probably a bit faster when I'm typing from free form vs copying something on screen. That's when typing with my thumbs, never tried really using the keyboard with the tablet laying down like you always see in commercials, that's just not how I use a tablet.

krabby5

I have the 3rd generation..the first with retina display. Although I love the thing, it pisses me off that a few months later they make another one with the A7 chip that's twice the power.

polk500

Just when and picked up the 16 gig black Ipad Air Christmas came a little early :-) as I sold the 3 and a older iPhone so I was only out of pocket $150.

Now the choice of cases are limited not a big fan of the Smart Cover but I'm sure in a few weeks the choices will increase.

For the moment I'm using the old Targus case that I used for 2 & 3 fits well length way not so great width wise but until I find one I like it will do offer good protection.

And I must say I really like this model, the reviews were very accurate well worth the upgrade.

AsSiMiLaTeD

krabby5 wrote: »

I have the 3rd generation..the first with retina display. Although I love the thing, it pisses me off that a few months later they make another one with the A7 chip that's twice the power.

It's been 18 months...

I bought my third gen in March o 2012, definitely time for an upgrade.

codyc1ark

I'm still rocking the iPad 2, but the air has me itching... Great reviews.

nguyendot

krabby5 wrote: »

I have the 3rd generation..the first with retina display. Although I love the thing, it pisses me off that a few months later they make another one with the A7 chip that's twice the power.

Release date on 3rd gen was March 6 2010. It had the A5 chip I believe. Then the 4th gen came out November 2, 2012 with the A6X. The Air is November 1 2013 with the A7. Unless you bought a 3rd gen that had been hiding under a rock, it's been like he said 18 months. That's more than a few considering the life cycle of these and the iPhone are about a year at the most.

BlueFox

Apple did release a faster iPad Retina less than a year after they released the first iPad Retina. Irritated me also, but that's life. Now I'm waiting for the upcoming iPad Mini Retina. I guess I will buy some cable that allows me to attach the current iPad to my pre, and use it for Apple radio. Hopefully there is a cable like that.

nguyendot

Their cycle will always be that way. If you buy one, expect a newer one very soon. No different than a Galaxy Phone, CPU, GPU, or any other technological device.