There’s no two ways about it. Without
the original Apple iPad, there would be no ‘Tablets’ section in the Buyer’s Guide
section of this magazine. Or - for that matter, any interpretation of the word
‘tablets’ beyond headache remedies and the ones Charlton H. smashed in that
film.
Having singlehandedly invented an entire
market segment, though, Apple naturally hasn’t stood still. The original iPad
launched in May 2010 and less than three years later it’s this fourth version
that’s at the top of the sales charts.
Apple
iPad (4th Gen)
Retina Display is a dozy and equally
naturally, this 4th generation iPad is the best yet. It features a pin-sharp
‘Retina Display’ (Apple claims the iPad’s 2048 x 1536 resolution gives
sufficient pixel density to make pixilation invisible at realistic viewing
distances), an A6X processor, 720p Face Time camera for video calls and
dual-band Wi-Fi for optimum wireless performance. It also uses the new
Lightning connector that’s proved so vexatious for third-party manufacturers of
speaker docks and the like.
It’s the Retina Display that initially sets
the iPad apart despite its rather eccentric resolution (which is native to nothing
at all), it makes web-browsing, movie watching or photo-editing a vibrant,
crisp and endlessly inviting experience.
There’s just no arguing with the way
that swipes, pinches and zooms are resolved on the iPad screen – it’s a
pleasure to use and sets a high bar for its (suddenly plentiful) rivals
The 4:3 screen ratio can easily be spun as
a drawback – that oddball screen resolution means widescreen movies watched in
landscape feature black bars top and bottom – but we’ll trade image size for
higher picture quality every time.
Watch a clip from Anna Karenina in HD and
edges are superbly drawn, while fine costume details are crystal clear. There’s
commendable depth to the image, and colors are nicely judged. Clean white tones
offer punchy contrasts, and while the iPad has no trouble generating deep,
convincing blacks, they’re detailed and subtle with it.
Change up from iTunes to one of the
numerous video streaming services the Apple is compatible with and the quality
remains constant. Even standard-def. videos up scaled by the iPad to match its
unique screen resolution through streaming apps look a treat. It will obviously
never look as clean and composed as high-definition content, but it’s
impressive nonetheless.
The A6X processor is a big success too: little
tasks like opening apps and switching between menus happen really quickly,
while the more memory and processing hungry jobs such as gaming are handled
without alarms. The complex gameplay and graphics demands made by the likes of
The Walking Dead pose the iPad absolutely no problems whatsoever.
The
4:3 screen ratios can easily be spun as a drawback
Where sound quality is concerned the iPad
is among the most musical tablets out there. Play an Apple Lossless file of
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ We Know Who U R through the built-in speakers
and there’s a class-leading sense of openness and separation to the
presentation – although it’s rather at odds with the physical appearance of the
iPad’s speakers.
Guitars sound textured and packed with
detail, while dynamic upheavals are communicated explicitly and handled
confidently. It’s an ongoing source of frustration that Apple doesn’t support
FLAC, but WAV is on board for those who want to make the absolute most of the
iPad’s sonic prowess (and aren’t all that fussed about metadata).
In terms of specific applications there has
been much wailing and gnashing of teeth over the idiosyncratic nature of iTunes
11, but in every other respect the slick and logical iPad operating system
makes the most of the numerous apps available in Apple’s App Store. There’s
just no arguing with the way that swipes, pinches and zooms are resolved on the
iPad screen – it’s a pleasure to use and sets a high bar for its (suddenly
plentiful) rivals.
Who will take a bite out of Apple?
With the kind of processing power the
iPad’s packing and the impeccable nature of its all-round performance it’s easy
to see a) why the iPad is so popular and b) why it’s inspired so many rivals.
Being a class-leader means you’re there to be shot at, of course, but there’s
no doubt that its rivals have their work cut out.
Protect and survive
The iPad’s a typically slick bit of Apple
design, but some kind of protective cover is in order in case it proves a bit
too slippery.
Volume controls: The volume rocker is
positioned sensibly – it’d be hard to knock it accidentally however you hold
the iPad
To have and to hold: The iPad is lovely in
the hand – not too heavy, not too light and no sharp edges, either
Button it: It’s a mark of just how good iOS
is that you only need one physical button to use it…
The
iPad’s a typically slick bit of Apple design, but some kind of protective cover
is in order in case it proves a bit too slippery
Rating: 5/5
For: Superb screen; audio quality; huge
selection of apps/music/movies; splendid build quality; battery life
Against: Charging takes time; not cheap
Verdict: Even more desirable than before
Need to know...
Apple’s iLife apps such as iPhoto, iMovie
and GarageBand let you create, as well as consume, content. The screen is good
enough to make serious movie and photo editing viable, but even beginners can
carry out tasks to impressive effect.
If you want to output your movies over
HDMI, by the way, you’ll need a Lightning Digital AV adapter – yours for a bit
extra…
Killer apps: Don’t leave home without
these…
GarageBand can turn even the tone-deaf into
a proto-Phil Spector. Composing couldn’t be simpler.
Twitter is perfect for the iPad – the
Retina Display makes those endless pictures of cats and parties look great.
Sound cloud lets you hear truly eclectic
material from artists all over the world – it’s the place for new music.
Skype uses the iPad’s great camera and
screen to give you free video telephony. The future’s finally here!
McIntosh AP1 VU meters! Backlit in
trademark cool blue! Never forget that this is a hi-fi magazine...
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Specifications
§ Price:
$670 (32GB)
§ Operating
system: iOS
§ Screen:
9.7in
§ Resolution:
2048 x 1536
§ Processor:
Dual-core A6X
§ Storage:
16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
§ Expansion
card slot: No
§ HDMI
output: No
§ Battery
life: 10 hours
§ Wi-Fi:
802.11a/b/g/n
§ 3G:
Optional
§ Bluetooth:
4.0
§ Dimensions
(H x W x D): 24 x 19 x 1cm/652g
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