iPad 3 vs iPad 4

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The Apple store has returned 3's for about $370. Is the any reason to spend the extra for the 4?
I didn't look too deep but looks like the major difference is the processor? Both have the retina screen.
 

chscag

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The only "real" difference between the models is that the iPad 4 has a much faster processor. The capacities and screen are exactly the same. I guess it depends on how fast you want your iPad to be. I'm perfectly satisfied with the speed of my iPad 3.
 

RavingMac

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Will add that I like the Lightning connector, but I certainly wouldn't switch or pay a lot just for that.
 
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chas_m

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Actually, that's not true.

The primary differences between the iPad 3 and the iPad 4 are a 2X faster processor, a 2x faster GRAPHICS processor, 2x the amount of RAM. Also, the front-facing camera has been upgraded, the wi-fi is now dual-band for significantly better speed, and of course if you buy the cellular-equipped model you can use LTE -- which for many people is actually faster than their home connection.

Whether you think these things are worth the $130 difference between the 3 and the 4 is your own decision, but at least now you know what the real differences are.
 
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In the US - LTE was available on the iPad 3 also. (Not sure of worldwide stats)

The 4 is definitely noticeably faster when sitting next to the iPad 3. Just like computers - if you get the 4 you are future proofing yourself for some extra money - that being said my kids are still running the iPad 1 and many of the apps (including the most intensive games) still run albeit slower than the newer iPads.

Even if the RAM was upgraded - I still had crashing with some apps - including the App Store when I tried viewing my purchased items (I have a lot of Apps) but probably not as many crashes as on previous versions of the iPad.
 
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chas_m

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In the US - LTE was available on the iPad 3 also.

You're right, my mistake. The third-gen iPad had LTE that was compatible with the bands in used in North America, but not with the bands used in most other countries. So it was TECHNICALLY capable of LTE but unless you lived in NA, not really. :)
 
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If I were buying new definitely the 4 if I had a 3 then I would wait for forced obsolesce to make my upgrade decision.
I came from an iPad first gen to a 4 and what a difference in speed and picture besides being upgradable with newer iOS.
 

chscag

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And at the rate Apple is refreshing the iPad, you may as well wait for the iPad 5 or iPad Mini # 2. :$
 
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And at the rate Apple is refreshing the iPad, you may as well wait for the iPad 5 or iPad Mini # 2. :$

This is what I'm thinking of doing, but I wonder if a refresh will come in March/April as it was with the iPad 1 - 3, or if the latest iPad has set a new annual refresh rate. I'm in the market for a new iPad, but not sure I want to wait 8 or 9 months. I wouldn't mind waiting 2 or 3 more months if it means an even better/faster iPad.
 

chscag

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If you believe the rumors from the local rags and internet mills, it appears Apple is planning on refreshing the iPad line every 6 months. That may sound extreme, but with all the tablet craze going on, it makes sense from a business perspective.
 
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chas_m

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It's a silly internet rumor I wouldn't put much stock in. I don't agree that there is any "tablet craze" going on -- the iPad line is still CRUSHING everything else in all size categories. The Surface is officially a huge flop.

The Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7 will continue to do modestly well, but there's NO sign of any serious shift away from iPad. So there's no particular fire to get another one out very quickly.

I'd guess fall for the iPad "5," I think Apple reset the iPads on purpose to become hot xmas presents and that worked gangbusters, so the next significant refresh will likely come next fall.
 
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I'd guess fall for the iPad "5," I think Apple reset the iPads on purpose to become hot xmas presents and that worked gangbusters, so the next significant refresh will likely come next fall.

That's pretty much what I was guessing. I suppose we'll all know for sure by April.
 
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I have an Ipad 2 and an Ipad 4. Sure i can tell the difference but not appreciatively. Plus I hate the lightning connector. Mine is hard to get inserted.
 
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I have an Ipad 2 and an Ipad 4. Sure i can tell the difference but not appreciatively. Plus I hate the lightning connector. Mine is hard to get inserted.
I think the days of large bulky connectors are over and really have been on a diet since HDMI.
 

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