Let's be honest, the iPad 3 was FLAWED from the start and we all know it

[noteple]

Gee Apple is still selling iPad 3 as refurbs.

They are going down the same production lines they did when they were sold as new.

And for those who love the word discontinued, did you know the original iPad 2 is not the same internals as the one that is being sold now?

I bought the iPad 3 because it added a better camera, Retina, and LTE connectivity that the iPad 2 didn't have.

I would jump at getting a 4 if I needed overseas LTE but mine works fine in the US market.

Now people are telling me my iPad 3 is twice as slow as the new and improved one.

Funny the performance doesn't feel worse since the announcement of refreshed products.

Yes I have an iPhone 5 but don't spend my days doing back to back stopwatch comparisons.
Just enjoying the applications and connectivity.

So guess what the market still divided between those
Who are enjoying their products or looking forward to a new purchase.
AND
Those who are desperately trying to convince others to be just as miserable as they are and in most cases
don't even own what they are complaining about.

 

[whitesand]

I don't think the ipad 3 was necessarily flawed....Many folks experience zero issues and it probably depends one what you use it for....The new ipad got a solid chip upgrade which is nice...Will it be noticeably faster, smoother, fluid ? Probably..But it doesn't mean the old one was bad....

 

[MrXiro]

Bad? Not at all. It's a great product. But to me clearly a half baked stop gap of a product. It should have had the A6X from the start. If the A6 wasn't ready,wait to release it.

 

[Mactagonist]

Same thing applies to the 2012 MacBook Pro Retina. All the early adopters are in denial that the GPUs are under powered. However, they will be the first to admit the "flaw" (sometimes in public forums; mostly to themselves) as justification to purchase the 2013 model.

Apple certainly has a history of releasing half-baked products. They count on their loyal fanboys to buy them in droves and come back a few months later and buy the full-baked version.

Oh definitely. But I dont put the same negative spin on it that you have in your post. This moves the industry forward. The only people who 'suffer' (if having a machine with an amazing new capability is suffering) are people who blindly buy everything new without considering trade offs.

 

[rexboe]

I have not had any problems with my 3. I did order the 4 but just like to have the newest model.

 

[Bokes]

Bad? Not at all. It's a great product. But to me clearly a half baked stop gap of a product. It should have had the A6X from the start. If the A6 wasn't ready,wait to release it.

Couldn't you say the same for the v4?
Since the 3 was out there- Apple should waited until the lighter/thinner redesign?
That would have had a much bigger impact.
Now- we all know a thinner/lighter v5 is still to come.
keep what you have and wait.
The 4 would seem DOA?

 

[MrXiro]

Couldn't you say the same for the v4?
Since the 3 was out there- Apple should waited until the lighter/thinner redesign?
That would have had a much bigger impact.
Now- we all know a thinner/lighter v5 is still to come.
keep what you have and wait.
The 4 would seem DOA?

Here's the thing, based on how they were trending iPad 1 A4 > iPad 2 A5 with redesign > iPad (3) A6 with restructure/larger battery and retina display

Which is not what happened

So the 3rd was the stop gap while the 4th is what should have been the "final product" of the 3rd gen (A6 processor, Retina Display and larger battery).

Hypothetically the actual "4th gen" would warrant a redesign and an A7 processor. But that one will be called the 5th gen now.

The "Early 2012 3rd Gen" is an incomplete design.

At least that's what makes sense to me.

 

[SpyderBite]

Apple fanboy butt hurt over the truth that apple release a flawed product

OCD is a human flaw, not a device flaw.

 

[blairh]

I sold my iPad 3 on Craigslist the day the 4 was unveiled. Not because I want the 4 or a Mini, but rather because I was both tired of how heavy the 3 was and annoyed with Apple updating the retina iPad after only 7 months. I don't think most consumers realize what a huge difference dual band wi-fi will make on the iPad 4.

My bigger gripe is the weight of the iPad 3/4. I find it really cumbersome for home use. And I'm ruling out the Mini because I can't see myself enjoying a non retina display at this point. I think I might get a Nexus 7 for now and then go iPad when the Mini goes retina or the larger iPad loses some serious weight someday.

 

[xraydoc]

I sold my iPad 3 on Craigslist the day the 4 was unveiled. Not because I want the 4 or a Mini, but rather because I was both tired of how heavy the 3 was and annoyed with Apple updating the retina iPad after only 7 months. I don't think most consumers realize what a huge difference dual band wi-fi will make on the iPad 4.

My bigger gripe is the weight of the iPad 3/4. I find it really cumbersome for home use. And I'm ruling out the Mini because I can't see myself enjoying a non retina display at this point. I think I might get a Nexus 7 for now and then go iPad when the Mini goes retina or the larger iPad loses some serious weight someday.

The resolution on the Nexus 7 is as far from "retina" as the iPad mini is. I have one. If you love your iPad you won't be happy with the N7. It's just a big phone minus the phone, if that makes sense.

 

[wasimyaqoob]

During my 7 years as a MacRumours member, I've seen some pretty stupid threads and this by far is one of the most stupid.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the iPad 3, I run many graphic intensive apps on it and works perfectly.

 

[rocknblogger]

If the iPad 2 is still on sale then apps will be developed for the 3rd gen. This means the iPad 3 will still be supported, as it is STILL a generation behind.

The reason Apple don't sell the iPad 3 is because they took the same model, changed the CPU and charge port and relaunched it as a "fourth gen" model. It was not discontinued, it was merely spec bumped.

There was no reason to keep the 3 and 4 side by side for sale, as Apple want to offer the non-Retina (cheaper) option to people. The smart money, if not buying a 4, is to pick up a "refurb" 3 on the Apple store online, cheaper than what Apple want for a 2 at retail.

Having a cheaper Retina display model alongside this "new" model would possibly cannibalise sales of the "new" model in that Apple only want ONE Retina Display model, the top end model, to entice buyers to part with the most money.

It's not rocket science.

The very notion of the 4 being a "next generation" model is almost embarrassing. It IS the same as the 3 apart from the chip, front camera, and port. Same weight, same thickness, same panel.

Give us the IGZO display, lower power consumption, thinner body, and a TRUE Quad Core CPU (A6 remains dual core CPU and triple core graphics in the iPhone 5, quad core in the iPad "4"), and THEN I'll consider it a worthwhile next gen model worth upgrading to.

I disagree. People seem to be minimizing the updated processor but it's a big difference when considering the longevity of the device. It's 1 full generation difference and it's possible that Apple drops support for the iPad 3 before it drops support for the iPad 4. Furthermore since Apple no longer sells the iPad 3 developers don't need to worry about tweaking their apps to work well with it.

And while the 3rd gen and the 4th gen are similar they are two different models. It doesn't matter whether you consider it a spec bump or full upgrade, the fact of the matter is that Apple no longer sells a 3rd gen iPad period. Since they no longer offer it, it has been discontinued.

If Apple updated the 3rd gen with the lightning port and a better front camera only, then I would agree that it's a 3S. But they didn't. They gave it a processor twice as powerful, better LTE, better camera, better WiFi and the lightning port. While not earth shattering, a respectable update. I'm sorry but you can't argue that the 3rd gen iPad wasn't discontinued.

 

[A Hebrew]

Lets be honest, who REALLY needs a better front facing camera?

Lets also be honest once more, who REALLY uses an ipad for professional use when a computer is clearly superior?

Heck, I'll add a third: Who REALLY needs lightning when the 30 pin works fine and has more accessories. Until Apple stops supporting the 3rd gen ipad OS wise in 3-4 years I will be happy with my 32gb iPad.

 

[Monssef]

Lets be honest, who REALLY needs a better front facing camera?

Lets also be honest once more, who REALLY uses an ipad for professional use when a computer is clearly superior?

Heck, I'll add a third: Who REALLY needs lightning when the 30 pin works fine and has more accessories. Until Apple stops supporting the 3rd gen ipad OS wise in 3-4 years I will be happy with my 32gb iPad.

Agree. Im tired of people who owned the ipad 3 and want to buy the 4 convincing themselves that the ipad 3 was bad in all ways and the upgrade is a necessity. I love my ipad 3 and when I see a major redesigned and a huge features change then I will upgrade.

 

[x-evil-x]

Lets be honest, who REALLY needs a better front facing camera?

Lets also be honest once more, who REALLY uses an ipad for professional use when a computer is clearly superior?

Heck, I'll add a third: Who REALLY needs lightning when the 30 pin works fine and has more accessories. Until Apple stops supporting the 3rd gen ipad OS wise in 3-4 years I will be happy with my 32gb iPad.

front facing camera on an ipad is pretty important if you like taking pictures with Photo Booth or facetime calls...

 

[MacinTosh.0]

The first iPad 3 I had, had major battery issues so I exchanged it. Second one I had was flawless. I love my iPad 3 but that new A6X processor is calling my name. Oh well.

 

[Blue Sun]

What about the majority of owners of iPad 3 who have never experienced a single issue?

Yep, my 3rd gen iPad has been flawless. Never noticed any lag.

 

[puntasonada]

Issue with 3 was connectivity

All my friends who bought the 3 were unable to use in central america for example it will not stay on 3g and shifts to edge making it useless to the carrier with sim cards we use in Costa Rica. Tech said sorry return.... well not so easy for those who make it to the US once a year...... Ie, unable for many who pay full retail including a trip to states to purchase. Costa Rica announced next ipad pricing at $1400 dollars! (ICE pricing) The fact that these do not work unlocked with any sim as do Samsungs is reprehensible. Seriouly the Galaxy 3 is better then the iphone 5 and we have both in our home.The ipad 4 is a fix but another reason why samsung is now or going to be #1 soon and I am a HUGE apple fan.... My galaxy works in Costa Rica and all of south america with various sims as well as cheap sd cards (additional owner installed memory)and up to 3 day battery life (phone only) (1day streaming data). My wife's new iphone 5 will not last half a day. Apple does not test products in the real world. I am however buying the new ipad 4 mainly due to its ability to work w/different sim cards. Its my last apple product I predict, but the upgrade was warrented as again the ipad 3 will not work in Costa Rica other than wireless. Please I am not a shill for samsung just the facts ma'm For those who wonder why the ipad 3 was pulled. so those contemplating an ipad can hope the 4 w/3g and the 4g announced for Costa Rica will be a true "world" accesable product. With so many getting burned the cool aid is starting to taste pretty bitter.

 

[puntasonada]

Issue with 3 was connectivity

All my friends who bought the 3 were unable to use in central america for example it will not stay on 3g and shifts to edge making it useless to the carrier with sim cards we use in Costa Rica. Tech said sorry return well not so easy for those who make it to the US 1X/year...... Ie, unable for many who pay full retail including a trip to states to purchase. Costa Rica announced new ipad pricing at 1400 dollars! (ICE pricing) The fact that these do not work unlocked with any sim as do Samsungs is reprehensible. The ipad 4 is a fix but another reason why samsung is going to be #1 soon. My galaxy works in Costa Rica and all of south america with various sims as well as cheap sd cards (additional owner installed memory)and up to 3 day battery life (phone only) (1day streaming data). My wifes new iphone 5 will not last half a day. Apple does not test products in the real world. I am however buying the new ipad 4 mainly due to its ability to work w/different sim cards. Its my last apple product I predict but the upgrade was warrented as again the ipad 3 will not work in Costa Rica other countries , check net, other than wireless. Please I am not a not a shill for samsung just the facts so those contemplating an ipad can hope the 4 w/3g and the 4g announced for Costa Rica will be a true "world" accesable product. With so many getting burned the cool aid is starting to taste pretty bitter.

 

[MythicFrost]

My iPad 3 was fantastic. The reason Apple released the 4 early is to sync up the release for the iPhone and iPad, why wait six months when the SoC is already available for primetime?

The very minor steps backward with the iPad 3 were slightly less battery life and slightly more weight. Which are really nothing considering you're gaining the Retina display.

The reason Apple is keeping the iPad 2 is so that there's a Retina model, a non-Retina model, and a smaller size. Perfect iPad line.

 

[seajewel]

The resolution on the Nexus 7 is as far from "retina" as the iPad mini is. I have one.

IPad mini has 163 ppi, Nexus 7 is at 216, and iPad 3 is something like 260. So your statement is hardly accurate. Unless you have the mini too and can compare, based on what we know at the moment, Nexus screen would be closer to retina.

 

[sneaky butcher]

All my friends who bought the 3 were unable to use in central america for example it will not stay on 3g and shifts to edge making it useless to the carrier with sim cards we use in Costa Rica. Tech said sorry return well not so easy for those who make it to the US 1X/year...... Ie, unable for many who pay full retail including a trip to states to purchase. Costa Rica announced new ipad pricing at 1400 dollars! (ICE pricing) The fact that these do not work unlocked with any sim as do Samsungs is reprehensible. The ipad 4 is a fix but another reason why samsung is going to be #1 soon. My galaxy works in Costa Rica and all of south america with various sims as well as cheap sd cards (additional owner installed memory)and up to 3 day battery life (phone only) (1day streaming data). My wifes new iphone 5 will not last half a day. Apple does not test products in the real world. I am however buying the new ipad 4 mainly due to its ability to work w/different sim cards. Its my last apple product I predict but the upgrade was warrented as again the ipad 3 will not work in Costa Rica other countries , check net, other than wireless. Please I am not a not a shill for samsung just the facts so those contemplating an ipad can hope the 4 w/3g and the 4g announced for Costa Rica will be a true "world" accesable product. With so many getting burned the cool aid is starting to taste pretty bitter.

dude you might want to wait and see what nexus 10 offers. Its made by samsung and has higher res screen & faster cpu than ipad 4. Don't know about 3g/4g versions need to wait for announcement

 

[iHeartsteve]

Ipad3 not flawed. Like always apple came out w an updated version. I still love my ipad3!

 

[DaReaper]

I'm sticking with my iPad 3. Don't want to downgrade to a mini losing my screen size or upgrade to a 4 for the faster chip when Im not a hardcore gamer. All I do I listen to music and surf the web.

 

[jojoba]

Im tired of people who owned the ipad 3 and want to buy the 4 convincing themselves that the ipad 3 was bad in all ways and the upgrade is a necessity. I love my ipad 3 and when I see a major redesigned and a huge features change then I will upgrade.

Yep, my 3rd gen iPad has been flawless. Never noticed any lag.

Agree with these. The iPad 3gen is still an excellent device for many people, including myself. No lag whatsoever, and for my use pattern I don't need additional support for graphic intensive apps or gaming. At the end of the day, upgrading is an individual decision based on your needs and use patterns (and wallet). For some, upgrading to 4gen might offer a great improvement. For me, there's no incentive.