The 3rd-gen iPad is all about the display
I love my iPad. I would like to explain why and how I am amazed by this incredible device.
First and foremost, you cannot talk about the third-generation iPad without talking about the display.
I will say one phrase: everthing looks real-life. ( most texts are auto-optimised. Photos and videos do need to be in very high quality to really appreciate the Retina disaply)
What's even more amazing is that iPad makes no compromise to adopt this kind of display. Over 5 million pixels on the Retina display are driven by a power-hungry quad-core GPU and yet the battery life is kept the same at 10 hours of web browsing( I often get more than 10hours, at half the brightness, which is bright enough all the time). This is thanks to a significantly denser battery that packs 60% more juice. What's more: the A5X chip with dual-core CPU and quad-core GPU is over 100% larger than the previous A5 chip. Apple engineers have done a remarkable job of fitting all these in a device that is merely 1mm thicker and a bit heavier than iPad 2. Simply brillant enginneering.
At this point, I would like to elaborate on the increase in weight. The third-gen iPad is heavier than iPad 2, and if u hold the two devices separately in each hand, you will feel the difference. Well, this is mostly due to the larger battery. But there are two good reasons that make this increase in weight unimportant and negligible. First, the display is so good that I bet most ppl will be wlling to put on some dozens of grams on their hands. Second, whether it is an iPad 2 or the third-gen iPad, your hands ARE going to get tired after
a certain period of time. In other words, if you are switching from iPad 2 to the third-gen iPad, the only time you are going to feel the difference is when you pick up the device. After that, no more. After a few weeks, you will get used to it. Why? Because it's just some dozens of grams more! No big deal.
Furthermore, I really like the dictation feature. It works really well. And since I am Korean, I am excited about the diction and Siri support for Korean in iOS 6.
The apps designed for the iPad are also amazing. Those apps will blow the minds of those who once called the iPad an oversized iPod touch. In essence, iPad IS an oversized iPod touch( with a tweaked aspect ratio). However, the large 9.7 inch 3:2 IPS( in-plane switching: a premium display technology that provides wide viewing angle and accurate colours) 2048 by 1536 display is what makes all the difference. The apps really take full advantage of the large canvas. Twitter for iPad is an awesome example. Plus, the Retina-optimised games look unbelievable.
WARNING: There is ZERO exaggeration in every word I say here.
So all in all, starting at $499, it is highly unlikely that you will not like the third-generation iPad.