iPad Who is considering picking up a 4th gen iPad? I am....

[calvol]

I would actually go get another iPad2 (refurb) and wait for the iPad6. I equate the iPad5 to the iPad3, lots of new features in terms of size/wt reduction, but incomplete-- especially with regard to 1GB RAM instead of 2GB, and 16GB storage instead of 32GB. Look at the competition, all have higher specs. Apple's 64-bit O/S with only 1GB RAM is an abomination, actually shoots the performance in the foot since the larger size address blocks choke the 1 GB RAM, requiring paging access.

Anyway, there are some steals on iPad2's now, that's what I'm buying.

 

[ZBoater]

By the time 64 bit makes any kind of difference there will be a more powerful iPad to take full advantage of it. Swings and roundabouts.

Maybe. Or more likely a developer or Apple going to release a very cool 64 bit app tomorrow that wont be compatible with older iPads. Or at least not have as much functionality or perform as well. The transition to 64 bit on iOS is not going to mirror the painful Windows transition. The closed environment does have its advantages.

 

[RebornProphet]

Maybe. Or more likely a developer or Apple going to release a very cool 64 bit app tomorrow that wont be compatible with older iPads. Or at least not have as much functionality or perform as well. The transition to 64 bit on iOS is not going to mirror the painful Windows transition. The closed environment does have its advantages.

Unlikely.

As I said in another thread, experience has taught me that a new iOS device buys you potential and longevity in the first 6 months. You know that in 12-18 months your device is still going to be utilising the best apps to a reasonable and very usable level. The outgoing generation is never "out gunned" in the initial 6 month period. Developers haven't pushed the A6X to it's limit yet, never mind began to tap into the A7. The performance gulf is slow and gradual. Always been the way.

64 bit may change things, but I wouldn't hold your breath for anything dramatic in the first iteration. The 64 bit in the iPad Air could just as easily turn out to be a "test bed" for 64 bit just as the iPad 3 was a test bed for Retina on iPad.

 

[ZBoater]

...Developers haven't pushed the A6X to it's limit yet, never mind began to tap into the A7. The performance gulf is always slow and gradual. Always been the way.

We've haven't had such a fundamental shift in platform structure before. Just because it happened like that in the past may not indicate how it plays out. The challenge will be convincing developers to forgo the revenue from older iPads while creating an app that only new iPads can run. What will likely happen is something like Infinity Blade. Yes, it plays on older iPads, but it SHINES on the Air.

 

[RebornProphet]

We've haven't had such a fundamental shift in platform structure before. Just because it happened like that in the past may not indicate how it plays out. The challenge will be convincing developers to forgo the revenue from older iPads while creating an app that only new iPads can run. What will likely happen is something like Infinity Blade. Yes, it plays on older iPads, but it SHINES on the Air.

The only difference between A6 and A7 devices on IB3 is lens flare from the sun over the edge of hill tops. To dismiss the iPad 4 as only "playing" IB3 is ridiculous as you insinuate it's a huge gulf.

Anyway, I have no wish to partake in a debate when it's becoming a little too apparent you're looking to self justify your new purchase by putting down others more than capable and, at the time of writing, more than comparable in performance devices.

Enjoy your Air, I may look you up next year when my Air II makes my apps "shine" and I too need some back patting.

 

[ZBoater]

..Anyway, I have no wish to partake in a debate when it's becoming a little too apparent you're looking to self justify your new purchase by putting down others more than capable and, at the time of writing, more than comparable in performance devices...

I think you have it backwards. I have no need to justify my iPad Air purchase. I skipped the 4 and went from 3 to Mini to Air. It is more like 4 users justifying NOT upgrading. Either way, pointing out improvements is not putting the others down. If the others feel put down, that's their business.

 

[RebornProphet]

I think you have it backwards. I have no need to justify my iPad Air purchase. I skipped the 4 and went from 3 to Mini to Air. It is more like 4 users justifying NOT upgrading. Either way, pointing out improvements is not putting the others down. If the others feel put down, that's their business.

I don't have anything backwards, I'm simply replying to how your tone comes across on screen.

It's a common sight on many forums when something new comes out, there is always someone who feels the best way to "feel good" about their purchase is to run down the outgoing model and brag about their new toy.

I have already said I cannot justify going from a 4 to an Air for two very important reasons. Firstly, I bought an iPad 3 then an iPad 4 the following year due to the performance issues with the A5X and Retina Display. The stripped down version of iOS 7 on iPad 3 has justified that decision. Secondly, I've just paid £2000 for 7 days in Sorrento, Italy next year with my wife for our sixth wedding anniversary so I quite happily and unashamedly admit I am unable to afford yet another new iPad. That's not to say I want an Air and would have bought one had I not paid for an expensive holiday, because until I see my iPad 4 considerably slow down I won't consider upgrading again.

As I said, some people have this way of enjoying their device that it involves needing to brag on forums about how great and powerful their new toy is and how now poor and under-performing the out going generation is. These people get as much, if not more, enjoyment out of telling others how good their device is rather than just using it.

Remember the old saying, "Don't let your possessions possess you"? I apologise if that's not your intention but that is exactly how you have come across.

 

[ZBoater]

I don't have anything backwards, I'm simply replying to how your tone comes across on screen.

Then you need to learn to "read tone" on the internet a lot better and not get so ruffled by your perception of it.

It's a common sight on many forums when something new comes out, there is always someone who feels the best way to "feel good" about their purchase is to run down the outgoing model and brag about their new toy.

I suggest you go back and actually READ the thread before you come here banging your keyboard about your perceived slight.

Remember the old saying, "Don't let your possessions possess you"? I apologise if that's not your intention but that is exactly how you have come across.

Apology accepted. Hope you continue enjoying your iPad 4 for a long, long time.

 

[vmaniqui]

Hmmm - as much as some of the iPad air features/improvements intrigue me I cant get away from the pretty good deals(likely to get even better) on the 4th gen iPad refurbs. I could save hundreds of dollars and/or get more storage/cell support for the same money as a new Air.

Portability isnt a huge thing for me and Ive never minded the weight of the my iPad 2. Im likely going to pass my 2nd gen ipad to my daughter so Ill need something to replace it.

Just curious if any other prospective iPad buyers are actually leaning towards a 4th gen iPad at these good prices? Im like 80% leaning that way. Can get a 32gb verizon model for like $550 bucks shipped from Apple(refurbed). Its $200+ less than an Air.

that's a good price. grab it. it the end it's all about savings....

 

[ZBoater]

t.. it the end it's all about savings....

Ummmm, no it isn't.

 

[RebornProphet]

Apology accepted. Hope you continue enjoying your iPad 4 for a long, long time.

The next 12 months will do just fine.

 

[DFZD]

The iPad 4 destroys the 3 in terms of performance. I've owned both and even without checking the benchmarks you can see and feel the difference. I would never tell anyone to pick up a 3 nor call it "similar" to the 4 (other than build and appearance) because it just cannot handle that display unfortunately.

I have had the iPad 3 for 18 months, it handled it well.
Sold it because I couldn't handle it while watching a movie in bed, it would keep slapping me on my face, and boy that weight.

 

[RebornProphet]

I have had the iPad 3 for 18 months, it handled it well.
Sold it because I couldn't handle it while watching a movie in bed, it would keep slapping me on my face, and boy that weight.

When the iPad 3 couldn't handle Real Racing 3 without dropping significant frames and NOVA 3 made me choose between effects or resolution I knew it time to move on. When the 4 begins to stutter on new games, I'll move on also. I'm a pretty keen iOS gamer, so the 3 presented a problem for me.

iPad 4 was always going to have more longevity than the 3 unfortunately. The 3 was a mistake that Apple would never admit to, it turned out in retrospect to be a "Guinea Pig" for Retina Display on iPad.

As for dropping it on my face in bed, well I am thankfully not clumsy enough to experience that problem!

 

[s2mikey]

Ummmm, no it isn't.

I agree - if it was all about savings.... Id find a used iPad 1, right?

Its really about a combination of what my user needs are versus expenditure and what will work best for me taking a few different things into consideration. Im not a power user and wont be doing photoshop or video editing on the unit but Im not a total "sissy" user either. I like gaming, I DO use my iPad for some work, documents, stuff like that. I do stream content from it. I surf. Read a few magazines.

Portability(maybe 10% of the time) is NOT a high priority so the Air's sveltness would be mostly wated on me. Its the A7 chip & the graphics processing that are the important upgrades. Screens are the same. usability will be about the same. Thats why this isnt so easy for me

I have to decide if the A7 processor & 64 bit architecture are worth an extra $250 or so versus what I would have to pay for a refurbed 4th gen unit with the same specs. Seeing as I still have my iPad 2 its obvious that I do NOT suffer from upgrade-itis either. I happily skipped the 3/4 gen units and they had some nice updates over mine.

 

[DFZD]

When the iPad 3 couldn't handle Real Racing 3 without dropping significant frames and NOVA 3 made me choose between effects or resolution I knew it time to move on. When the 4 begins to stutter on new games, I'll move on also. I'm a pretty keen iOS gamer, so the 3 presented a problem for me.

iPad 4 was always going to have more longevity than the 3 unfortunately. The 3 was a mistake that Apple would never admit to, it turned out in retrospect to be a "Guinea Pig" for Retina Display on iPad.

As for dropping it on my face in bed, well I am thankfully not clumsy enough to experience that problem!

Pretty keen iOS gamer. Can iPads really handle really long gaming sessions? I really felt that they get too hot too easily.

Well games always require the latest tech, in that sense the iPad 4 makes a lot more sense than Air, since Air might also be the Guinea Pig for the new form factor, and Air 2 might be the real deal.

 

[Fozziebear40]

Well I decided to get a refurb 4, it was 25% lighter than the Air!

(Wallet weight )

 

[s2mikey]

Well I decided to get a refurb 4, it was 25% lighter than the Air!

(Wallet weight )

Nice choice - Im still torn between the two. Its like if I get the Air Im afraid Ill feel bad I spent the money for no reason. If I get the 4, I might get buyers remorse. Both is the clear-cut right answer.....

 

[s2mikey]

OK folks... I caved in and just picked up an iPad Air 32GB with AT&T support. Very pleased so far. No problems - and restore was a snap. Its a screamer too... I can feel the speed improvements over my 2nd gen unit. Its quite a bit lighter too.

I really did consider the 4th gen and I still feel its a fine device. But, eh, I just had to jump on the Air. If anyone else decides on a 4th gen you made a great choice with that unit too. Hard to go wrong.

Im gonna miss my iPad 2 for sure. Its a damned fine machine, damned fine. My daughter is going gaga over it so for her its new again

Sorry - gotta run...must play with new toy!

 

[DFZD]

OK folks... I caved in and just picked up an iPad Air 32GB with AT&T support. Very pleased so far. No problems - and restore was a snap. Its a screamer too... I can feel the speed improvements over my 2nd gen unit. Its quite a bit lighter too.

I really did consider the 4th gen and I still feel its a fine device. But, eh, I just had to jump on the Air. If anyone else decides on a 4th gen you made a great choice with that unit too. Hard to go wrong.

Im gonna miss my iPad 2 for sure. Its a damned fine machine, damned fine. My daughter is going gaga over it so for her its new again

Sorry - gotta run...must play with new toy!

I hope it's not crashing Safari, as a lot of people on MR are claiming.

 

[Robster3]

OK folks... I caved in and just picked up an iPad Air 32GB with AT&T support. Very pleased so far. No problems - and restore was a snap. Its a screamer too... I can feel the speed improvements over my 2nd gen unit. Its quite a bit lighter too.

I really did consider the 4th gen and I still feel its a fine device. But, eh, I just had to jump on the Air. If anyone else decides on a 4th gen you made a great choice with that unit too. Hard to go wrong.

Im gonna miss my iPad 2 for sure. Its a damned fine machine, damned fine. My daughter is going gaga over it so for her its new again

Sorry - gotta run...must play with new toy!

Better option, 4 is a hot dead weight. Selling mine and ordered a Air.

 

[waynema]

ipad 4 is 8.5% heavier than ipad 2, its heavy

 

[Ladybug]

I thought about buying a 4 or just sticking with my 3. Went into BB today and walked out with an Air. I was totally just going to look at them to see what all the fuss was about. Plus, I wasn't very happy that Apple didn't put in 2 gigs ram. After playing with the Air and seeing that it was indeed faster than my 3, checking out the improved wifi, and feeling how much lighter it was I caved in and bought one. Now I'm broke and the crow I'm forced to eat is a bit tough going down, but I'm happy so far. I haven't had any crashes all day and the screen on my Air is just beautiful. Anyway that's my story, hope it helps someone.

 

[palmerc2]

Apple's marketing department sure does a fine job of making the previous generation apple product seem obselete. Truth is, it still works absolutely fine.

I didn't upgrade to the iPhone 5S for instance. But I bet many people on here watched the keynote and thought immediately their 5 was obselete.

Same goes for the iPad, I may just get an iPad 4 refurb for my first iPad....

 

[s2mikey]

I hope it's not crashing Safari, as a lot of people on MR are claiming.

So far, no - but I dont have a ton of time on it yet either. probably about 4-5 hours total use. Played some Real Racing 2, Pinball, did some web surfing, watched Netflix, read Sound & Vision mag, and a few other odds and ends.

Very pleased thus far. I will say this though - it DOES feel a tad flimsier than my iPad 2 but its not just the weight factor. Its the way it feels sometimes when holding it. The iPad 2(my beloved baby ) had great weight distribution and felt very solid in hand. The Air is lacking some of that, IMO.

Super smooth operation though, and that Retina screen

 

[RGC1981]

I bought a 4th gen refurb this time because:

1. It was $150 less for a wifi 32gb model compared to the air.
2. I can use the same $80 Waterfield case sleeve from my 3rd gen that I like a lot.

I sold my 1st gen and was left with my 3rd gen that the kids are starting to beat up.

Now the 3rd gen is at 100% kids duty and the 4th gen is for me.

Maybe when they announce the 6th gen I will sell the 3rd and pick up an Air 64gb refurb, who knows!

I am on the same boat. I have a Ipad 3 16GB that I just sold. I had every intention to upgrade to the Ipad Air. However, I am not fully convinced I should go for the Ipad Air now that I went to the apple store to see it personally.

I have been looking at the ipad 4 refurbished prices and it seems I can get almost the same product with more storage for cheaper. I also have a DoDocase I really like and an Ipad 4 will allow me to continue its usage.

As of right now, I am leaning towards a refurbished 64gb or 128gb Ipad 4.