iPad iPad Air...then what?

[kristalsoldier]

Hi all,

I have read some threads here regarding what to expect after the release of the iPad Air. They have been informative, nevertheless, I want to ask this question again, because I am now actively thinking about moving from my iPad4 to the Air (despite what I may have mentioned earlier in this regard).

The way I see it is this: The Air did one key thing - its reduced the weight of the previous generations thereby making the iPad a truly mobile device. Don't get me wrong, while I have no real issues handling my iPad 4, but it does get wearisome because I am reading for about 4-5 hours a day, which is my typical use scenario.

So, what more can Apple do to the iPad? I am not sure they can make a significant difference in weight - there are logical limits to what they can do in this regard. Yes, they can include more RAM - but for my reading purposes, which is what I would use the iPad for, a bump in RAM is largely irrelevant. They could have a larger screen - not sure that would be of any benefit for my use case especially where mobility is concerned. I don't know how they can make the screen any better than what it already is (technically, perhaps they can).

Why am I asking this? Because I would not like to buy the iPad only to find out that 8-9 months down the line Apple has made a significant change to the device. And since I am new to Apple (though I have had my iPad 4 for about 6 months), is what I am asking similar to what happened in the transition between the iPad 3 to iPad 4?

Last question: My iPad 4 is about 6 months old. So, technically, it has 6 months of warranty left. If I sell the device would the warranty transfer onto the new owner?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DesertEagle]

I think the next generation will have 2 GB of RAM, and maybe a faster processor too. Although Apple may reduce the weight even further down the line, it won't be their first priority - and it's unlikely to change significantly this year already.

I was close to buying the iPad 4 last summer already. Now that I see how it was worth it, I'm glad that I waited until the iPad Air was out. I wouldn't have waited for a whole year, though, and I doubt the next generation will be worth waiting for that long.

 

[sonicrobby]

Well the "what more can it do" is all up to Apple. They could do a refresh of just bumping up the internals, or they can do something revolutionary; either way, we won't know until the new one is released.

My opinion though, since you have something to gain from the iPad air in a lighter weight, I would say to upgrade now. If your main purpose is reading on the iPad, I don't think a refresh, even if it did include something revolutionarily new, would change your your reading experience for better or worse. Even so, normally after a major refresh (such as iPad 4 to the air), the next refresh after that usually is just a bump up in internals, but may lack in one major gimmicky feature. Such as iPhone 4 to 4s, not really a major redesign, but Siri was the big difference. So it is possible that the second generation iPad air could have something like the touchID on it.

As for the warranty, I believe it stays with the device. So If you sell it, it will transfer the 6 months left of warranty to the new owner.

 

[Donoban]

Hi all,

I have read some threads here regarding what to expect after the release of the iPad Air. They have been informative, nevertheless, I want to ask this question again, because I am now actively thinking about moving from my iPad4 to the Air (despite what I may have mentioned earlier in this regard).

The way I see it is this: The Air did one key thing - its reduced the weight of the previous generations thereby making the iPad a truly mobile device. Don't get me wrong, while I have no real issues handling my iPad 4, but it does get wearisome because I am reading for about 4-5 hours a day, which is my typical use scenario.

So, what more can Apple do to the iPad? I am not sure they can make a significant difference in weight - there are logical limits to what they can do in this regard. Yes, they can include more RAM - but for my reading purposes, which is what I would use the iPad for, a bump in RAM is largely irrelevant. They could have a larger screen - not sure that would be of any benefit for my use case especially where mobility is concerned. I don't know how they can make the screen any better than what it already is (technically, perhaps they can).

Why am I asking this? Because I would not like to buy the iPad only to find out that 8-9 months down the line Apple has made a significant change to the device. And since I am new to Apple (though I have had my iPad 4 for about 6 months), is what I am asking similar to what happened in the transition between the iPad 3 to iPad 4?

Last question: My iPad 4 is about 6 months old. So, technically, it has 6 months of warranty left. If I sell the device would the warranty transfer onto the new owner?

Thanks in advance.

My advice, and that's all it is. Keep your ipad 4 and buy the next generation of ipad air when it is released sometime late this year.

My thinking is this, the first version establishes the form factor, etc. the second and third iterations are improvements to short comings in the design.

The current gen ipad air seems to suffer some display issues which I would be willing to bet will be resolved in the next iteration of the ipad air. The camera, ram, etc all remain unchanged from the ipad 4. You're really just paying for an updated form factor.

Using my logic, these short comings should be resolved and improved upon in the next version.

I accept you could wait forever for the perfect device, but I would rather skip version 1 and wait for a more polished version 2 device.

Having said all that, if you're the kind of person that has money to burn then sell your ipad 4 and get an air. Repeat again each time a new model is released.

Warranty details would be on the apple site and probably specific to which country you live in.

 

[ozaz]

I think the design, weight etc will stay the same in 2014. It will get the standard internal specs bump, but I hope it will also get the fingerprint scanner.

Since you have an iPad 4, I would hold out until the 2014 refresh. I don't think there is any point upgrading every year.

 

[Ludatyk]

I've had the iPad 2 and each generation on going.

It's all a matter of preference, I always feel if your going to be using the device and it's not going to be going to waste... Then by all means it's worth it. And given the weight difference over the iPad Air, you'll take more pleasure in holding while reading.

Technology waits for no man, the upcoming next generation iPad will surely have an updated RAM and more than likely a touch ID, better camera and all the incremental improvements.

But in your use cases.. Reading various text, I'll say take the plunge.

 

[kristalsoldier]

@ DesertEagle: Thanks. I was in a similar situation. However, I opted to buy it because I could not wait for the release fo the Air. I had to get on with my reading (work-related).

@ sonicrobby: I hear you! Which is why I posed the question! I just got through a few hours of concerted reading, after which I had to give even more thought to the prospect. What you say about the upgrade is very true. Essentially, I am upgrading only for the weight, which sounds silly, I know, but is integral to my use scenario.

@ Donoban: Very good point. While money is not really a problem, I don't like to squander it. One question that I do have is that if I do wait for the release of this year's edition (v2, if you like), would that not affect the resale price of my device? I was thinking of selling my iPad and making up the difference in cost, which would be around 100-120 pounds (I am in the UK). Also about waiting for the second gen of a product - I experienced this recently with the Surface RT. My workplace offered to buy me a device and I opted for the Surface RT. When I got it, I thought it was not a bad device, but I noticed a lot of lagging. The experience was not that good. When the Surface 2 was released, I bought my own and it has been an excellent buy. The upgrades were - compared to the original version - phenomenal! I guess the same would apply in the case of the Air (or indeed about any device really).

Connected to this, I have another question: Is the iPad 4 and not the 3 discontinued? If yes, why?

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I think the design, weight etc will stay the same in 2014. It will get the standard internal specs bump, but I hope it will also get the fingerprint scanner.

Since you have an iPad 4, I would hold out until the 2014 refresh. I don't think there is any point upgrading every year.

I agree. Upgrading every year is not something that I can do - nor do I wish to. As for the spec upgrade - that will happen, I guess, but as I mentioned in my original post and as you mention, it will not be something out of the ordinary. Not very enamoured by the fingerprint scanner though!

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I've had the iPad 2 and each generation on going.

It's all a matter of preference, I always feel if your going to be using the device and it's not going to be going to waste... Then by all means it's worth it. And given the weight difference over the iPad Air, you'll take more pleasure in holding while reading.

Technology waits for no man, the upcoming next generation iPad will surely have an updated RAM and more than likely a touch ID, better camera and all the incremental improvements.

But in your use cases.. Reading various text, I'll say take the plunge.

Hmmm...You make the case for getting the Air stronger. This leads me to ask - noting that I am based in the UK - if I put up the iPad 4 for sale (remember it still has 6 months warranty on it) + the Smart Cover + the Speck SmartShell case + a Logitech BT Keyboard for the iPad, what should I expect - realistically speaking - for the whole package. Note that there are no cosmetic blemishes of any kind or any problems with the device (or the accessories)?

Thanks.

 

[Ludatyk]

Hmmm...You make the case for getting the Air stronger. This leads me to ask - noting that I am based in the UK - if I put up the iPad 4 for sale (remember it still has 6 months warranty on it) + the Smart Cover + the Speck SmartShell case + a Logitech BT Keyboard for the iPad, what should I expect - realistically speaking - for the whole package. Note that there are no cosmetic blemishes of any kind or any problems with the device (or the accessories)?



Thanks.

Not entirely sure, that all depends on which platform your planning on selling it at. And I'll look at the going price of everything, do some research and go from there.

I've always gotten my iPads on discount through Craigslist, never paid full price for it. Granted, I live in the US.. I picked up my iPad Air Cellular model for nearly $200 off when I looked into the price including taxes... It was still sealed.

I didn't get it as soon as it was released, I waited until I could find a deal... But just look at the market your planning on selling it at, that will dictate on how you should price each item.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

IMO they nailed the form factor. From here on out it's a matter of keeping the specs updated.

I've had issues with the iPad's design since day one, and the Air is when I went "yes this is how a tablet should look". There's really no need to do anything else with it. At this point Apple's focus should be on the internals and the operating system. Put the R&D into the user experience.

 

[ozaz]

There's really no need to do anything else with it.

On the hardware side, I think they should add an active digitizer, although I don't hold much hope of that happening until 2015. I suspect they want to perfect this in-house rather than use wacom tech.

At this point Apple's focus should be on the internals and the operating system. Put the R&D into the user experience.

On the software side, I really hope they add multi-user accounts in iOS 8 given they it is a feature of both Android and Windows.

 

[osofast240sx]

On the hardware side, I think they should add an active digitizer, although I don't hold much hope of that happening until 2015. I suspect they want to perfect this in-house rather than use wacom tech.



On the software side, I really hope they add multi-user accounts in iOS 8 given they it is a feature of both Android and Windows.

Why multi user accounts ? It's too much of a personal device.

 

[JGWolven]

In my opinion, just buy the Air. There's always going to be a new release. If you're going to wait 9 months to buy a new one, there will just be a newer iPad that will make your pockets itch 12 months later. Buy it, enjoy it, then sell your 4 to recoup some of your cost. When the iPad 6 comes out, do the same and enjoy the (hopeful) upgrade of RAM inside.

 

[ozaz]

Why multi user accounts ? It's too much of a personal device.

I suppose I don't really mean full blown multi-user accounts. However, what I would definitely like is guest mode/account so that I can let others use or borrow my ipad for short periods without access to my email and other apps with personal data.

 

[kristalsoldier]

I suppose I don't really mean full blown multi-user accounts. However, what I would definitely like is guest mode/account so that I can let others use or borrow my ipad for short periods without access to my email and other apps with personal data.

I agree. I would also like this feature since it appears that often some of my colleagues ask for my iPad for a few hours at a time - though I have no personal information on it.

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In my opinion, just buy the Air. There's always going to be a new release. If you're going to wait 9 months to buy a new one, there will just be a newer iPad that will make your pockets itch 12 months later. Buy it, enjoy it, then sell your 4 to recoup some of your cost. When the iPad 6 comes out, do the same and enjoy the (hopeful) upgrade of RAM inside.

True, there will always be something better on the horizon, but I am not sure about this yearly upgrade cycle though. To me - and this is just a personal opinion - the ROI in most cases is not justified.

Having said that though while thinking about the move from the iPad4 to the Air, I do think there may be a ROI claim that is justifiable. My aching forearms are testimony to that, I guess. But I am not sure which is why I was asking the question. And, there is the other matter. I would prefer to sell my iPad 4 before I buy the Air rather than the other way around.

 

[charlituna]

If I sell the device would the warranty transfer onto the new owner?

They warranty the device, not the owner. So yes it transfers

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I've had issues with the iPad's design since day one, and the Air is when I went "yes this is how a tablet should look".

After the iPad 2 came out my only real issue was the speaker placement

 

[SusanK]

Weight

If the weight of the iPad 4 bothers you enough to change it may be worth it. The weight in my hand is significant. I bought the mini for the weight and balance. I would have preferred the iPad 4 but the feel in my hand bothered me.

The feel of the iPad Air is wonderful. I have not yet come to terms with iOS 7 so I didn't buy one. My iPad mini is six months old so I'm good. Would love retina and the large screen.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[charlituna]

On the hardware side, I think they should add an active digitizer, although I don't hold much hope of that happening until 2015. I suspect they want to perfect this in-house rather than use wacom tech.

Unlikely since it is not really needed by all. If they do it hopefully it comes after a better oleophobic coating, something to improve outdoor viewing and smaller touch points for clearer handwriting and built in palm detection. These are more likely to be useful to all folks.

And even if they go active don't count on hundreds of levels of pressure like a Wacom does. 100 tops if that much. Too much of a possible battery/processor burn.

On the software side, I really hope they add multi-user accounts in iOS 8 given they it is a feature of both Android and Windows.

They haven't don't it yet and 'it's on Android' is hardly reason enough. Best we might get is saved restrictions profiles that can be triggered with a special passcode or certain fingers. And being able to restrict more items. You put in your passcode and everything comes up. Junior puts in his and he only sees His Toca Boca games and the video app with only his copy of Monsters Inc

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I agree. I would also like this feature since it appears that often some of my colleagues ask for my iPad for a few hours at a time - though I have no personal information on it..

If it is work issued and policy is they are to be shared fine.

If it is your personal one, say no. If they want to check one out they can go to the local shops.

 

[s2mikey]

Why multi user accounts ? It's too much of a personal device.

Yeah, I agree with this even though before my kids had their own the sharing thing was a hassle at times. My wife still uses my Air here and there but not enough to where I'd need a different user account for her.

Like someone once said: it's not called a WEpad, it's called an iPad.

As for what to buy? The Air is a great device and IMO is quite polished as it is. Next gen units will have more RAM and a few other odds and ends but I doubt you'll see anything groundbreaking. Just get an Air and have some fun.

 

[ozaz]

Unlikely since it is not really needed by all. If they do it hopefully it comes after a better oleophobic coating, something to improve outdoor viewing and smaller touch points for clearer handwriting and built in palm detection. These are more likely to be useful to all folks.

And even if they go active don't count on hundreds of levels of pressure like a Wacom does. 100 tops if that much. Too much of a possible battery/processor burn.

Fair enough. An accessory device would be better for the reasons you give.

There was talk at some point of an apple patent for some kind active pen for use with a capacitive screen, as oppose to an active wacom-like panel.

 

[rajpatel]

Maybe it's a stupid thing to say and maybe it points up the reason I'm a loser and not an inventor, but I personally believe even half a century from now you will be holding essentially the Air of today. Sure it may be marginally thinner with slightly smaller bezels but that is it. The human eye already can't discern a pixel on the screen, so no improvement to be had there. Battery life could probably be improved but already it is at the point where all u gotta do is charge it while you sleep and you can use it all ur waking hours and then some.

Ultimately, it's a screen. Nothing more or less. And I believe evolutionary technology, mainly pioneered by apple, has led to the point where things have been reduced to their most basic elements. The Air is about as basic in this regard as you can get. It's you and the screen. That is it. In terms of weight, thickness, display, performance......there really is not much of anywhere to go. Can you seriously point to one way the Air could be improved that real people and not techno geeks and video and audiophiles care about? Nobody cares about that fingerprint gibberish and 4k tv.

 

[darngooddesign]

Lets say the next iPad has a similar jump as the 4 > Air, will that improve the things you use your iPad for? If not, just get the Air.

 

[charlituna]

There was talk at some point of an apple patent for some kind active pen for use with a capacitive screen, as oppose to an active wacom-like panel.

Yep. And that might be where things like the Pogo connect came from.

 

[kristalsoldier]

If the weight of the iPad 4 bothers you enough to change it may be worth it. The weight in my hand is significant. I bought the mini for the weight and balance. I would have preferred the iPad 4 but the feel in my hand bothered me.

The feel of the iPad Air is wonderful. I have not yet come to terms with iOS 7 so I didn't buy one. My iPad mini is six months old so I'm good. Would love retina and the large screen.

Good luck with your choice!

Thanks. I'll give it not more than 5 days and then decide. Meanwhile, someone has expressed interest in buying my iPad + a number of associated accessories (I think I listed them somewhere on this thread). If that works out then upgrading is most likely. On another note, I tried other 7-8" tabs, but they just don't look right to me - just a personal thing, I guess.

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Lets say the next iPad has a similar jump as the 4 > Air, will that improve the things you use your iPad for? If not, just get the Air.

That is precisely what I was asking. What aside from 2 GB of RAM, perhaps a little better battery performance, a different/ more powerful processor etc. could Apple do to the iPad? Not much more, I think. Of course, they could (and most likely, will) add stuff like fingerprint scanners etc. but I don't expect them to include active digitiser support (as someone mentioned above). They can't make the device significantly thinner (they might as well just sell the screen then for that is pretty much what is left!). They can probably make it a bit lighter - by again by how much - they have to account for the battery and other internal. They most likely won't have a SD card slot - probably will go against the original design philosophy.

In many ways, I think - and this is where I am really going out on a limb so all you people who are experienced in matter relating to the iPad in particular and Apple in general please correct me - the iPad as a device has virtually matured and it is now the best that it can be unless some radical breakthrough in tech takes place that is relevant to the iPad.

If this is correct, then it matters little if I buy the device now or when the next Gen is released (except perhaps for the reason that any wrinkles - someone mentioned the issues with the screen as has been reported on this forum etc - would probably be worked out by then). This also means that I won't feel like what I did when I bought the iPad 4 and the Air came out, if you know what I mean!

I guess, as you folks can see, I am tending towards buying the Air - as long as my iPad 4 gets sold at a good price first!

 

[osofast240sx]

Yeah, I agree with this even though before my kids had their own the sharing thing was a hassle at times. My wife still uses my Air here and there but not enough to where I'd need a different user account for her.

Like someone once said: it's not called a WEpad, it's called an iPad.

As for what to buy? The Air is a great device and IMO is quite polished as it is. Next gen units will have more RAM and a few other odds and ends but I doubt you'll see anything groundbreaking. Just get an Air and have some fun.

I'm betting on 6gigs of ram for the next round of iOS devices.

 

[Chevelle]

Maybe it's a stupid thing to say and maybe it points up the reason I'm a loser and not an inventor, but I personally believe even half a century from now you will be holding essentially the Air of today. Sure it may be marginally thinner with slightly smaller bezels but that is it. The human eye already can't discern a pixel on the screen, so no improvement to be had there. Battery life could probably be improved but already it is at the point where all u gotta do is charge it while you sleep and you can use it all ur waking hours and then some.



Ultimately, it's a screen. Nothing more or less. And I believe evolutionary technology, mainly pioneered by apple, has led to the point where things have been reduced to their most basic elements. The Air is about as basic in this regard as you can get. It's you and the screen. That is it. In terms of weight, thickness, display, performance......there really is not much of anywhere to go. Can you seriously point to one way the Air could be improved that real people and not techno geeks and video and audiophiles care about? Nobody cares about that fingerprint gibberish and 4k tv.

There are crazy things coming out. Scrolls that a screen rolls out from and the screen becomes rigid. Screens that fold like paper. The ipad air is going to seem ancient.