APPLE is back with a brand new iPad that’s cheaper than any other in its line-up. The new super-slate wants to be a viable alternative to a laptop or PC. I’ve spent three weeks with it, and I’m convinced that for most people it probably can. New iPad 2019 – what is it? Since the […]
APPLE is back with a brand new iPad that’s cheaper than any other in its line-up.
The new super-slate wants to be a viable alternative to a laptop or PC. I’ve spent three weeks with it, and I’m convinced that for most people it probably can.
Since the original iPad launched in 2010, Apple’s tablet range has ballooned to accommodate as many users as possible.
Today we have the iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad Pro – all of which are laser-focused on a specific type of user.
But there’s also the iPad, which is a catch-all approach that pretty much anyone will enjoy.
Apple refreshed the entry-level device in early 2018, and then revamped it again in September 2019 with a slicker design and some handy new features.
At a glance, the new iPad looks largely the same as the old model.
You’ve got a slim and attractive metal slate with a large screen, a Home button, and cameras on the front and back.
It’s also pretty lightweight at 483 grams – that’s roughly 2.5x an iPhone 11, so your arms won’t tire after a five-minute YouTube clip.
But eagle-eyed gadget fans will notice a few key changes.
For a start, the screen has grown from 9.7 inches to 10.2 inches. No complaints here!
And it’s a pin-sharp Retina display with 2160 x 1620 pixels, which is perfect for watching a bit of Netflix.
There’s also plenty of bezel around the screen to grab on to – a neat design quirk that has all but disappeared from smartphones.
You’ll also notice three small dots on the back. That’s the Smart Connector, and lets you attach certain accessories like the Smart Keyboard – more on that later.
There are three colour options available: Silver, Space Grey and Gold.
I think the latter two are the best by a long shot, but all three options trump Android rivals when it comes to looks.
There are plenty of improvements aside from the new screen.
The most useful one is the support for Apple’s Smart Keyboard, which also doubles up as a case.
If you want to really use this iPad as a computer replacement, you’ll probably need the keyboard. It’s a must-have for students, for instance.
The tablet also supports the Apple Pencil (another premium accessory), which is great fun and genuinely handy.
Artists will already be very familiar with the benefits of an Apple Pencil, but non-creatives will find it useful too.
It’s a natural way to take notes or mark up screenshots, and it’s really intuitive and simple to use.
Not everyone needs one though, and if you don’t plan on doing any drawing or design then I’d probably give it a miss.
Perhaps the biggest change (and by no means exclusive to this tablet) is the new iPadOS software.
The problem with using an iPad as your main computing machine was that it ran on iOS – software built for the iPhone.
You’d end up on rubbish mobile versions of websites, multi-tasking was a pain and the lack of a proper file system was frustrating.
That’s all changed with iPad OS.
You can now do split-screen, hovering windows, picture-in-picture videos and more – making multi-tasking a breeze.
Safari has been overhauled to always present you with desktop websites (finally!).
And the iPad now has a proper file system that lets you navigate the local content on your tablet with ease.
The new iPad is powered by the A10 Fusion chip, which is a few years old but still extremely capable.
I haven’t noticed any performance issues with the new iPad. Apps load quickly, and even heavy photo-editing software works smoothly.
Games are also a treat. If you want a really cool experience, bag an Apple Arcade membership (about 100 games for £4.99 a month).
Oceanhorn 2 – an Arcade exclusive – looks particularly stunning, and puts console-style graphics in your hand.
And you can even connect your PS4 or Xbox controller to the iPad for playing games with, too.
Battery life is also great. Apple promises 10 hours of use, and that seems to be about right.
There’s enough juice to take you through a long-haul flight, or a full day of work or school.
I loved the 2018 iPad. It was relatively cheap, was easy to use, and looked good to boot.
The 2019 iPad is much the same story, with new tricks, a bigger screen and a similar price tag.
When you consider the quality of computing you’re getting for £349, the new iPad begins to seem like a steal.
For many Brits, this iPad is a perfect laptop replacement – especially if you grab the keyboard too.
Real power users will probably need an iPad Pro or a MacBook.
But these days, many people convince themselves that they need a laptop when an iPad would do.
The Sun says: The most accessible iPad has some new tricks that make it more of a laptop replacement than ever. It’s amazing value for money, and is the best tablet in its price range by a mile. ★★★★★
In other news, a top-secret iPad with three cameras on the back was mocked up by concept designers earlier this year.
Apple has been tipped to launch a super-fast 5G iPad with a foldable screen in 2020.
And find out why you need to download the new iPadOS update right now.
What do you think of Apple’s new iPad? Let us know in the comments!
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