All iPads iPad Air - how severe is the RAM problem?

[JackieInCo]

William I went to Staples yesterday to try out the iPad Air, iPad mini Retina and iPad 2. I used your recommended sites Amazon and Engadget. All 3 models reloaded the tabs. Some people think this is dedicated to the latest iPads. It's not.
Well after speaking with the Apple genius who also has an Air and is well aware of the tabs reloading I've just come to the understanding that this is the way it is for iOS and I've decided not to bother getting my Air exchanged. The screen is perfectly uniform and zero bad pixels so I'm good with this one.

Realize that this has been happening on iPhones for several years now.

 

[HenryDJP]

Realize that this has been happening on iPhones for several years now.

Yes, I didn't even realize this until this thread. My iPhone 4S also reloads tabs. What I don't understand is this doesn't seem to be something new since it happens with older devices so why are some people in this thread in denial that the tab reloading isn't unique to just the latest iPads?

 

[petvas]

Yes, I didn't even realize this until this thread. My iPhone 4S also reloads tabs. What I don't understand is this doesn't seem to be something new since it happens with older devices so why are some people in this thread in denial that the tab reloading isn't unique to just the latest iPads?

Because with iOS 7 it became even worse, but yeah, you are right. People forget easily sometimes and like to think well about the past..So somehow iOS 7 became the first version that did that, but in reality this has always been an issue in all iOS versions. Some times it was a bit better, but other times it was worse...

 

[Max(IT)]

I was having tab reloading on my iPad Air while chatting with Amazon Customer Service. REALLY annoying. I had to just stick in the one tab and use my iPhone to look up information the CSR needed. Total joke. Couldn't even switch between two tabs.

It's a real shame the RAM issue is so prevalent, for whatever reason. It's the one serious downer of the iPad Air.

I say again: if you have TWO tabs opened and your browser are reloading constantly ,your iPad has a problem. That's just not normal behavior ....

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We don't know for sure it's a RAM issue, but it seems likely with the additional memory overhead of the 64bit CPU in the iPad Air/mini.

That's for sure, but two tabs reloading are a different matter ....

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I think some people just don't notice/care. For me it's EXTREMELY bothersome. It absolutely interrupts my ability to put the iPad Air's excellent power to good use. It's an utterly worthless web browser if preserving the content of web pages is your intent.

Care or not care, I tested it ! I was trying to made the browser reloading tabs .... and I can say for sure that with iOS 7.1 and two tabs, it doesn't happen.
Could you give me the link for the two websites you were browsing ? I will check them ...

 

[JackieInCo]

Yes, I didn't even realize this until this thread. My iPhone 4S also reloads tabs. What I don't understand is this doesn't seem to be something new since it happens with older devices so why are some people in this thread in denial that the tab reloading isn't unique to just the latest iPads?

I'm not sure if the tabs reloading started with the 3GS or the 4S but yes, it's not because of 64 bit CPU. It's an old problem if Apple considers it one.

 

[Max(IT)]

Apple should then remove their demo iPads from sale at their stores, since I've repeated this on their devices, too.



You're absolutely right.



Given the right circumstances, I guarantee you have the same issue. I don't just browse text-based web pages. Engadget + Amazon.com and a little browsing in either of those tabs almost guarantees a reload of the other tab. It's just a crock! It's a little better if I don't have ANY apps open in the background, or just after a fresh reboot, but it's ridiculous to have to reboot an iPad to make it browses the web with two tabs. Quite frankly, even on a fresh reboot, if I browse heavily in one of only two tabs open, it ALWAYS reloads the second tab.

Bottom line: I should be able to have two tabs open and be able to swap between them without them reloading. At ANY point, no matter HOW heavy the tab is with graphics etc.

Now I'm sure your iPad is defective since I can keep several Engadget tabs opened at the same time without any reloads ....

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You haven't used it long enough. It will happen.

It happens .... just not with two tabs ! Right now I have this forum, ars technica and gsmarena opened and I can switch between them without any reload.

 

[Count Blah]

Now I'm sure your iPad is defective since I can keep several Engadget tabs opened at the same time without any reloads ....

Did yo use my video? Sounds like others experiences are similar to what I captured.

In fact, three tabs open, only safari running, I was in the middle of typing a response in macrumors, and wanted to get a link to paste. Found it in a few clicks in another tab, came back and all was lost to a reload. I didn't even visit the third tab.

This is NOT a quality experience, and I don't think,it's a defective iPad. It's crappy safari code, and strained RAM using 64 bit CPU. I showed you my reloading experience using KBB.com with two tabs. I'm waiting for your video showing safari with multiple tabs, other apps, running, and no refreshes.

It happens .... just not with two tabs ! Right now I have this forum, ars technica and gsmarena opened and I can switch between them without any reload.

Did you watch my video that you had asked for?

 

[Max(IT)]

Yes, I didn't even realize this until this thread. My iPhone 4S also reloads tabs. What I don't understand is this doesn't seem to be something new since it happens with older devices so why are some people in this thread in denial that the tab reloading isn't unique to just the latest iPads?

There isn't any denial .... I'm using iPad since the first model released, and I know it can't handle multiple tabs without reloads. And I know that iOS 7 made things worst, especially with 64 bits Safari.
What I'm saying is that iOS 7.1 is a great improvement in this aspect and that I can't see reloads with only 2-3 tabs opened on my Air.

 

[Max(IT)]

Did yo use my video? Sounds like others experiences are similar to what I captured.

In fact, three tabs open, only safari running, I was in the middle of typing a response in macrumors, and wanted to get a link to paste. Found it in a few clicks in another tab, came back and all was lost to a reload. I didn't even visit the third tab.

This is NOT a quality experience, and I don't think,it's a defective iPad. It's crappy safari code, and strained RAM using 64 bit CPU. I showed you my reloading experience using KBB.com with two tabs. I'm waiting for your video showing safari with multiple tabs, other apps, running, and no refreshes.



Did you watch my video that you had asked for?

Can't test it on my iPad now (battery was empty and I put it to recharge) but I tried on my nexus 7: that site is a nightmare ! Freezes and images reloading also on the nexus (that has 2 GB of ram).
Tomorrow I'll try with my iPad Air.

 

[JackieInCo]

Now I'm sure your iPad is defective since I can keep several Engadget tabs opened at the same time without any reloads ....

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It happens .... just not with two tabs ! Right now I have this forum, ars technica and gsmarena opened and I can switch between them without any reload.

They usually don't reload just by switching between tabs. People here are complaining that they reload after using other apps for awhile and then coming back to safari. They will usually reload then. Try it.

 

[Max(IT)]

They usually don't reload just by switching between tabs. People here are complaining that they reload after using other apps for awhile and then coming back to safari. They will usually reload then. Try it.

Tomorrow I will try this scenario: open a couple of Engadget tabs, write and send and email, return to Engadget ....
I'm not expecting reloads, but I'll see.

The website linked by Count Blah is a mess also on my nexus 7: several pictures are reloading switching between tabs and the browser became unresponsive during the scrolling.

 

[Count Blah]

They usually don't reload just by switching between tabs. People here are complaining that they reload after using other apps for awhile and then coming back to safari. They will usually reload then. Try it.

Only safari running - 2 or 3 tabs - lots of reloads. As I said a couple minutes ago - three tabs, one being macrumors with a partially completed post. I went to one other tab to get a url(google search found it in two clicks), come back to post the link - reload of macrumors. I didn't even visit the third tab. And again - ONLY SAFARI RUNNING!

I expect tabs to reload when I run other apps, then come back to safari. That is the way iOS should work, in order to maximize the amount of RAM, all programs can utilize. Thee problem is constant tab reloads with only safari running, and tab reloads with only 2-3 tabs open.

 

[Max(IT)]

Ok I've made a short video, with three tabs opened (two different KBB and this forum), Mail and App Store updating in background and no reloads ...
Situation worse than what you did show in your video, but on my iPad I have no reloads.

I'll post that later on, but I don't know what to say: your iPad seems to be different than mine

EDIT: here is the short video

http://youtu.be/BB_yrGVB9eA

Sorry for the low quality I'm on the go

 

[sracer]

Ok I've made a short video, with three tabs opened (two different KBB and this forum), Mail and App Store updating in background and no reloads ...
Situation worse than what you did show in your video, but on my iPad I have no reloads.

I'll post that later on, but I don't know what to say: your iPad seems to be different than mine

EDIT: here is the short video

http://youtu.be/BB_yrGVB9eA

Sorry for the low quality I'm on the go

I watched your video, you're using an iPad mini and a non-Safari browser, correct? That is different than Count Blah's video.

 

[JackieInCo]

I watched your video, you're using an iPad mini and a non-Safari browser, correct? That is different than Count Blah's video.

Tabs still reload in Safari on the Mini so there is no difference in that regard. Yes, this person needs to try again using Safari.

 

[Max(IT)]

I watched your video, you're using an iPad mini and a non-Safari browser, correct? That is different than Count Blah's video.

Nope.
It's an iPad Air ... The browser actually is Mercury, I don't use Safari so I made the video with it, but it doesn't matter since we are discussing about the 1 Gb of ram here. Btw mercury browser use the same engine of Safari ...

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Tabs still reload in Safari on the Mini so there is no difference in that regard. Yes, this person needs to try again using Safari.

Listen guys, the thread's title is "How severe is the RAM problem", not the Safari problem .... So the use of Safari or Mercury doesn't count.
I've demonstrated the ram problem is not so severe with iOS 7.1 .... Now I'm gonna try Safari.

 

[JackieInCo]

Nope.
It's an iPad Air ... The browser actually is Mercury, I don't use Safari so I made the video with it, but it doesn't matter since we are discussing about the 1 Gb of ram here. Btw mercury browser use the same engine of Safari ...

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Listen guys, the thread's title is "How severe is the RAM problem", not the Safari problem .... So the use of Safari or Mercury doesn't count.

It does count because that is the biggest complaint that I can see so far.

 

[HenryDJP]

I say again: if you have TWO tabs opened and your browser are reloading constantly ,your iPad has a problem. That's just not normal behavior ...

Care or not care, I tested it ! I was trying to made the browser reloading tabs .... and I can say for sure that with iOS 7.1 and two tabs, it doesn't happen.
Could you give me the link for the two websites you were browsing ? I will check them ...

Tomorrow I will try this scenario: open a couple of Engadget tabs, write and send and email, return to Engadget ....
I'm not expecting reloads, but I'll see.

It's an iPad Air ... The browser actually is Mercury, I don't use Safari so I made the video with it, but it doesn't matter since we are discussing about the 1 Gb of ram here. Btw mercury browser use the same engine of Safari ...


Listen guys, the thread's title is "How severe is the RAM problem", not the Safari problem .... So the use of Safari or Mercury doesn't count.
I've demonstrated the ram problem is not so severe with iOS 7.1 .... Now I'm gonna try Safari.

Actually since you're suggesting that some people's iPads are defective if the reloading happens with just 2 or 3 tabs then it does matter since you went through the trouble of creating a video to prove a point. You should've used Safari. We are all here trying to solve this issue.
You also said you were going to use Engadget in your test. You didn't. In fact try it with Amazon and Engadget with a 3rd tab like one of your car sites using Safari.

 

[Max(IT)]

It does count because that is the biggest complaint that I can see so far.

Nope. The thread is about RAM problem.
If you wish to speak about how buggy is Safari be my guest, but in another thread.

Btw I did a video with Safari also. It seems to be less fluid than Mercury , but no reloads.

http://youtu.be/seK32q8bxuE

 

[AppleRobert]

Nope. The thread is about RAM problem.
If you wish to speak about how buggy is Safari be my guest, but in another thread.

Btw I did a video with Safari also. It seems to be less fluid than Mercury , but no reloadsi

http://youtu.be/seK32q8bxuE

Winner, winner. Chicken dinner!

Not enough for countless returns and Apple to bump it up in the last go round cause they knew it would not be.

 

[Max(IT)]

Actually since you're suggesting that some people's iPads are defective if the reloading happens with just 2 or 3 tabs then it does matter since you went through the trouble of creating a video to prove a point. You should've used Safari. We are all here trying to solve this issue.
You also said you were going to use Engadget in your test. You didn't.

Ok now I know for sure: you are just another Apple basher trying to justify a defect that doesn't exist (at least on MY iPad, or to a lesser extent ).
I use KBB because Count Blah asked for that, and KBB is much more heavy than Engadget ....
You spoke about a ram issue, I demonstrated it is not so severe.
But it doesn't count because it works, right ?

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Winner, winner. Chicken dinner!

No, no, they are going to keep going on until I will abandon the playground ....

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By the way, I tried also with Engadget and Safari .....

http://youtu.be/ZurNwSq2WnM

Do I have an iPad Air special edition ???

 

[Count Blah]

Nope. The thread is about RAM problem.
If you wish to speak about how buggy is Safari be my guest, but in another thread.

Btw I did a video with Safari also. It seems to be less fluid than Mercury , but no reloads.

http://youtu.be/seK32q8bxuE

It is still a question of ram. Is there enough for safari to work in an acceptable manner? Programs are allowed a certain amount of ram. You and the others would point to the fact that other apps can run OK on the air. We'll yeah, they are written to run inside the allotted amount of ram. But safari? I don think there is enough ram to give an adequate experience.

How can you excuse away the crappy experience I showed in the video? Of course you will point to the "busy" site I am using. But what of other, less busy sites? I'll find another example, something involving a response in macrumors refreshing and one other tab.

How is this acceptable?

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Winner, winner. Chicken dinner!

Not enough for countless returns and Apple to bump it up in the last go round cause they knew it would not be.

So let's praise apple for knowingly produce a product that isn't horrible for MOST customers. Yeah!!!

SMH

 

[Max(IT)]

Winner, winner. Chicken dinner!

Not enough for countless returns and Apple to bump it up in the last go round cause they knew it would not be.

Don't get me wrong: I strongly want the next iPad and iPhone to have 2 or more gigabytes of ram, for sure.
I'm just saying the current generation is far from being unusable.

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It is still a question of ram. Is there enough for safari to work in an acceptable manner? Programs are allowed a certain amount of ram. You and the others would point to the fact that other apps can run OK on the air. We'll yeah, they are written to run inside the allotted amount of ram. But safari? I don think there is enough ram to give an adequate experience.

How can you excuse away the crappy experience I showed in the video? Of course you will point to the "busy" site I am using. But what of other, less busy sites? I'll find another example, something involving a response in macrumors refreshing and one other tab.

How is this acceptable?

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So let's praise apple for knowingly produce a product that isn't horrible for MOST customers. Yeah!!!

SMH

I posted THREE VIDEOS, two of them with Safari and the same site you had problems.
All of them with other apps on background and all of them without any refresh on my iPad Air.
What else do I have to do to demonstrate that something is wrong with your iPad or your connection ?
I opened KBB also on my nexus 7 and the websites is a resource hog, lagging like hell also on a quite powerful 2 Gb android tablet.
There are websites that are just not designed with a tablet in mind, iPad or android doesn't matter.
A tablet today has limitations, this is not a novelty for me.
I'm just saying the iPad after iOS 7.1 is far from being unusable. With mercury browser things are even better.

 

[Rodster]

There are websites that are just not designed with a tablet in mind, iPad or android doesn't matter.

That to me sums up this whole discussion. That's exactly what i've found as well. On my laptops there are websites that are just plain resource hogs. It's the same reason why many websites such as ESPN have their "Tablet Version" because of the resources they require.

I can make any of my iPad's reload pages or crashes and I can pretty much do the same to my Android tablets as well. Hopefully in the future websites can slim down the bloat and code for tablets.

 

[Max(IT)]

That to me sums up this whole discussion. That's exactly what i've found as well. On my laptops there are websites that are just plain resource hogs. It's the same reason why many websites such as ESPN have their "Tablet Version" because of the resources they require.

I can make any of my iPad's reload pages or crashes and I can pretty much do the same to my Android tablets as well. Hopefully in the future websites can slim down the bloat and code for tablets.

I'm with you but I think that in the future tablets will sports 4+ Gb of ram, so lazy web designers aren't going to code nothing better ....

Websites that are resource hogs for device with 5-600 Mb of free ram are just bad designed, tablet or not tablet involved.