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iPad iPad Air HANDS ON REVIEW Thread...
- Thread starter Bossyman
- Start date
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I like it. I bought two, one for me, one for my missus.
I currently have the iPad4 and she has the iPad2....so it's a good comparison.
My decision to upgrade was really because i wanted something lighter and smaller, closer to the iPad mini but with the bigger screen.
Initial impressions as I opened the box was a slight disappointment, yes it was lighter, but not quite as much as I'd hoped for. However, only after using it for a few hours did I appreciate how much better it is. Even if you rest it on your lap, you really do notice the difference in weight. It's not that the old one was a heavy-weight, but with the new machine you do really appreciate the diet it's been on!
Also, the screen seems a big step up. It might just be perception, but for me the colours are deeper and more solid, even compared to the iPad4 with it's retina display. Some of the reduction in thickness is due to changes in the screen layers, so maybe that's it?
As for performance, I did a simple test of opening the same apps on the old and new device at the same time. Compared to the iPad4, you can hardly notice...I tried music, YouTube, Candy Crush, Infinity Blade II and although it's quicker on the Air, it ain't that much quicker. Compared to the iPad 2 it's a different story of course....much, much quicker.
So, in summary, I'm really glad I've upgraded. The display is great and the weight savings do make a difference. Oh, as it's narrower, so I can hold it in one hand more easily.
If money is tight and you have a new'ish iPad already, I'd hold fire. If you are lucky enough to have the funds available, then go for it....you won't be disappointed.
I like it. I bought two, one for me, one for my missus.
I currently have the iPad4 and she has the iPad2....so it's a good comparison.
My decision to upgrade was really because i wanted something lighter and smaller, closer to the iPad mini but with the bigger screen.
Initial impressions as I opened the box was a slight disappointment, yes it was lighter, but not quite as much as I'd hoped for. However, only after using it for a few hours did I appreciate how much better it is. Even if you rest it on your lap, you really do notice the difference in weight. It's not that the old one was a heavy-weight, but with the new machine you do really appreciate the diet it's been on!
Also, the screen seems a big step up. It might just be perception, but for me the colours are deeper and more solid, even compared to the iPad4 with it's retina display. Some of the reduction in thickness is due to changes in the screen layers, so maybe that's it?
As for performance, I did a simple test of opening the same apps on the old and new device at the same time. Compared to the iPad4, you can hardly notice...I tried music, YouTube, Candy Crush, Infinity Blade II and although it's quicker on the Air, it ain't that much quicker. Compared to the iPad 2 it's a different story of course....much, much quicker.
So, in summary, I'm really glad I've upgraded. The display is great and the weight savings do make a difference. Oh, as it's narrower, so I can hold it in one hand more easily.
If money is tight and you have a new'ish iPad already, I'd hold fire. If you are lucky enough to have the funds available, then go for it....you won't be disappointed.
Can not wait to get mine, just a couple of more hours at work! 
I am upgrading from my iPad 3, should be a big jump in performance.
I am upgrading from my iPad 3, should be a big jump in performance.I can now change the wallpaper without any lag or hang ups. Definitely much has improved in performance. Screen looks sharper than I remember it from my iPad 3 also. Definitely happy so far.
I'm reluctant, as I don't really care, but I need the 128gb, and I'm not going to buy the previous generation, even though I could save probably, $200. Just wouldn't sit well
Picked up one this morning, going from an iPad 4. Apart from the speed increase the main thing I notice is the screen scrolls straight. On all previous iPads the screen kinda goes squint/wobbles when scrolling, it's caused by the screen refresh and horizontal lines kinda go off a bit. No more on the new screens.
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Had every intention on getting the rMini but pulled the trigger today on the Air. I am amazed at the size. it's a whole other form factor from the iPad 2/3/4. You really need to see one in person to appreciate it's size/weight/design.
For me it's the absolute perfect size.
For me it's the absolute perfect size.
Going from an iPad 2 to an Air there is obviously a big jump in performance.
Weight difference noticeable for sure, great screen and much zippier.
I have a 5S, so I must admit I am missing touch ID.
Definitely worth the update though (and standing in the line so early this am!)
Weight difference noticeable for sure, great screen and much zippier.
I have a 5S, so I must admit I am missing touch ID.
Definitely worth the update though (and standing in the line so early this am!)
Picked up a 16gb LTE (T-mobile) Air today in Space Gray.
Now I am even more confused. It's compact enough that I don't know if I also need a mini. The screen is just so damn BIG and it feels like a marginally larger mini.
I would consider this a good problem but it almost seems like there is too much overlap.
Only complaint I have is my screen tint seems very uneven. Hopefully it corrects itself with use, but if not I will need to swap it out.
Now I am even more confused. It's compact enough that I don't know if I also need a mini. The screen is just so damn BIG and it feels like a marginally larger mini.
I would consider this a good problem but it almost seems like there is too much overlap.
Only complaint I have is my screen tint seems very uneven. Hopefully it corrects itself with use, but if not I will need to swap it out.
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I had the 4 and the mini. The mini I used for reading, some web surfing, some email. The 4 is what I take to conferences and continuing ed events for note-taking, watching Netflix in the hotel, etc. I used it with a Logitech bluetooth keyboard.
The Air is much lighter than the 4. I think I can get by comfortably with just the Air. I'm going on a business trip next week, so will take the Air and see how it feels reading on the plane holding it one-handed, surfing web, and taking notes. I will miss the Logitech keyboard, but I have an origami workstation and an Apple wireless keyboard that I can use if I really feel I need it.
The Air is much lighter than the 4. I think I can get by comfortably with just the Air. I'm going on a business trip next week, so will take the Air and see how it feels reading on the plane holding it one-handed, surfing web, and taking notes. I will miss the Logitech keyboard, but I have an origami workstation and an Apple wireless keyboard that I can use if I really feel I need it.
I'm coming from a 3rd gen which is just a 2nd Gen with retina. The speed and smoothness is a big upgrade. Also for some reason the screen looks a little better/brighter. I love the material on the back. I don't feel like I scratch it if I stare at it too long, like I felt with the 3rd Gen.
I picked one up at Best Buy this morning but I'm unable to set it up because apparently you have to have WiFi (work wifi is locked down). The physical changes vs my ipad 3 are great, I can't wait to use it.
One thing I can comment on is the Polyurethane Smart Cover. It is horrible. I had the leather one on my iPad 3 which I loved. The poly feels really cheap in the hand, the edges are sharp, I'm not particularly fond of the fabric hinge (the metallic hinge on the previous one felt like a quality, well engineered part, this feels cheesy). I prefer the 4 fold vs 3 fold, I would fold my smart cover inside out so that the soft fabric didn't sit on the table, which isn't really an option anymore. The Poly also sticks to the material on the wool sleeve I use, so it's a pain to get in & out now (leather slid smoothly). Overall I give the Poly smart cover a D. Hopefully there's going to be a comparable 3rd party cover in leather soon so I can return this one.
One thing I can comment on is the Polyurethane Smart Cover. It is horrible. I had the leather one on my iPad 3 which I loved. The poly feels really cheap in the hand, the edges are sharp, I'm not particularly fond of the fabric hinge (the metallic hinge on the previous one felt like a quality, well engineered part, this feels cheesy). I prefer the 4 fold vs 3 fold, I would fold my smart cover inside out so that the soft fabric didn't sit on the table, which isn't really an option anymore. The Poly also sticks to the material on the wool sleeve I use, so it's a pain to get in & out now (leather slid smoothly). Overall I give the Poly smart cover a D. Hopefully there's going to be a comparable 3rd party cover in leather soon so I can return this one.
I love almost everything about my iPad Air. Weight, size, screen and speed are great. However I can't stand the speakers. I have a much better video/music experience with my iPad 3 than with the Air. Although they both are rear facing speakers, my iPad 3 just sounds more natural and not muffled like the Air. That is unless I flip the Air around and have the speakers facing me...
Brilliant!!
Have used the mini but the air seems so much more useable and practical!
You can use it with 1 hand and you have the benefit of the big screen. Granted it doesn't fit in a pocket, but when I'm travelling or on the go I have my 5S!
Cracking device!!
Have used the mini but the air seems so much more useable and practical!
You can use it with 1 hand and you have the benefit of the big screen. Granted it doesn't fit in a pocket, but when I'm travelling or on the go I have my 5S!
Cracking device!!
Can not wait to get mine, just a couple of more hours at work!
You're setting yourself up for disappointment. It'll be faster, but from a 3rd gen. you're not going to be blown away.
I'm so happy to hear about the improved speakers, always annoyed with having to dig out a pair of headphones, mute everything in the house, or cup my hand around the old speaker.
Just picked mine up today and I'm loving it. Much less awkward to thumb type in portrait mode, and my ipad 3 feels like a boat anchor after using the Air for a while.
The black Smart Cover on a space gray ipad is a very attractive combo too. The chamfered edge is still visible from the side... Hopefully it will hold up to some wear and tear though.
The black Smart Cover on a space gray ipad is a very attractive combo too. The chamfered edge is still visible from the side... Hopefully it will hold up to some wear and tear though.
Ditto! Coming from an iPad 1st gen this difference is staggering. Snappy and light and vivid screen. This was a worthwhile upgrade for me.
Just picked up a Targus 360 case for my iPad today. Stores like Best Buy and Target may have plenty of iPad airs in stock but slim pickings when it comes to new cases.