“Since the original iPad was introduced three and a half years ago, Apple has churned out five iterations of its benchmark tablet — and said last month it has sold more than 170 million of them,” Michael deAgonia writes for Computerworld. “The latest generation, the iPad Air, arrived Oct. 22 and improves on every aspect of what was great about those earlier iPads. (Apple even addressed the biggest concern with every post-iPad 2 version: weight.) From the iPad mini-inspired frame to the fast 64-bit A7 chip and architecture, the new iPad Air is a stunning improvement on what was already a rightfully successful tablet.”
“I’ve now had my iPad Air for almost a month, having picked up a 128GB unit, in Space Gray, on the day they arrived in stores,” deAgonia writes. “Lesson learned: When it comes to the iPad, lighter is better… The one-pound iPad Air is a game-changer.”
“Another plus: This is the first 64-bit tablet, utilizing the architecture Apple engineers custom-developed and shipped with the iPhone 5S. Unlike the iPhone 5S, space isn’t as constrained in the iPad and so Apple engineers have clocked the A7 processor slightly higher, making the iPad Air the fastest mobile device Apple has ever shipped [make that “fastest iOS device,” as Apple does ship the MacBook Pro],” deAgonia writes. “Naturally, the iPad Air runs apps faster than previous iPads. But when an application has been written to take advantage of the 64-bit architecture, the real-world benefits are readily apparent; I’ve seen twice the performance as before when using such apps.”
deAgonia writes, “The only thing that stops me from calling this iPad the ultimate personal computer is the lack of a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, like the one found on the iPhone 5S. Touch ID is one of those features that, once you get used to it, you don’t ever want to go back. I use it constantly on my iPhone 5S and I’d like to see it on the iPad lineup as well. That aside, the iPad Air doesn’t just feel like another new iPad Apple — it feels like an entirely new class of iPad. From its performance to its look to how it feels in hand, the iPad Air offers the very best experience from a tablet with a large display.”
Read more in the full review here.
Related articles:
PC Advisor reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Power, versatility, and transformationally light – November 18, 2013
Wired reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: An immensely powerful tablet – November 7, 2013
The Verge reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: The best gets better – November 4, 2013
Ars Technica reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Very impressive – November 4, 2013
Bloomberg News reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Hands-down the best tablet on the market – October 30, 2013
CNET reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: The best full-size tablet, Editors’ Choice – October 30, 2013
AnandTech reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: In a completely different league – October 30, 2013
USA Today’s Baig reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Best of breed, superior to each and every rival – October 30, 2013
Mossberg reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: ‘The best tablet I’ve ever reviewed’ – October 29, 2013
Fox News reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Best in class – October 29, 2013
The Independent reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Super-light and most powerful – October 29, 2013
The only thing any of these reviewers ever say is wrong with the iPad Air is the lack of touchiD sensor. Pretty small complaint. In my informal survey, the iPad Air is the best reviewed Apple product of all time.
When does a Tablet cease to be a tablet?
When you drop it and shatter the glass, or when it is made by MS.
touchiD is great when it works. On my iPhone 5s this is about a 60/40 proposition, 60 works and 40 I have to key as it does not even try to scan. This becomes a pain as I used a long complicated password thinking I would not have to type it as often as I do.
You need to redo your fingerprints and it will work fine. If you can dedicate more than 1 of the 5 slots to each finger it wi also help. I have 2 slots dedicated to my right thumb, and 2 to my index finger. the last to a family member. Also try to scan a large area including the sides of the finger print.
this will boost your average success rate to very close to 100%. I had your experience before i did this. also note that when I have glue or silicone from work on my fingers it can affect the success.
I understand what your meaning is, but on face value your statement gave me thoughts of secret Doctors and Mafia dudes.
I totally agree, the iPad Air is like having a totally different device. I find it is almost addicting.
Pretty much agree with everything you said. I picked up a 64GB Air w/WIFI. if I need to attach to the internet via cell network, I’ll make a WIFI hotspot with my iPhone. I was going to get a mini until I found out they dropped the weight down to 1lb. That was a huge game hanger for me, and I’m sure for a lot of other users as well.
I think there are several reasons Apple didn’t include things like the Touch ID Scanner. Constraints in production would be my first guess. Another reason is I think Apple is going to come out with a larger more capable iPad marketed as a Pro or Business iPad. The iPad has always just been the iPad. Now we have a full sized iPad called Air. The only reason I can think why Apple did this was to distinguish it from a similar form factor. I.E., MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Air, iPad Pro. Time will tell.