“A rundown of the specifications for Apple’s new ‘budget’ iPad indicates that its performance is roughly comparable to the iPhone 7 line, which uses the same A10 processor —and that it has just 2 gigabytes of RAM, limiting its multitasking versus the iPad Pro,” Roger Fingas reports for AppleInsider. “”
“The tablet can handle iOS 11’s Split Screen mode, and Slide Over while keeping the original app in view, but trying to combine the two modes results in the Split Screen windows being dimmed, iMore‘s Serenity Caldwell noted,” Fingas reports. “The 10.5- and 12.9-inch iPad Pros are able to run three apps simultaneously, thanks to having double the RAM.”
“The amount of memory was discovered through Geekbench Geekbench 4 benchmarks run in the process of testing,” Fingas reports. “The new iPad also lacks True Tone ambient color temperature matching, and ProMotion, Apple’s term for the iPad Pro’s 120-hertz refresh rate. Storage options are limited to 32 or 128 gigabytes, versus the 64-, 256-, and 512-gigabyte options for Pros.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: As usual, Apple skimps on the RAM. (They do sort of offer the rugged case and physical keyboard via Logitech’s Rugged Combo 2 which will be available this summer. The case looks great, especially for schools, but it’s an additional $99.99.)
An “education” iPad, bundled with a rugged case and physical keyboard and with enough RAM for a change, would go a long, long way to delivering iOS to classrooms interested in teaching and learning as opposed to those looking for nothing but disposable test-taking machines. — MacDailyNews, March 26, 2018
SEE ALSO:
How Apple lost its place in the classroom – March 28, 2018
Apple bids for education market with new software, new iPad – March 27, 2018
Apple takes aim at Google Chromebook with $299 iPad with Apple Pencil support for schools – March 27, 2018
Did Apple do enough to grab back education market share? – March 27, 2018
Apple unveils new 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support starting at $329 – March 27, 2018
Apple unveils ‘Everyone Can Create’ curriculum – March 27, 2018
Apple’s iWork update brings drawing, book creation and more to Pages, Numbers and Keynote – March 27, 2018
MacDailyNews presents live coverage of Apple’s March 27th ‘Field Trip’ event – March 27, 2018
Google’s Chromebooks are still spying on grade school students – April 21, 2017
Newsflash: Apple sells premium products at premium prices to premium customers – October 23, 2012
Does it have improved sound?
One of the big advantages the Pros have over the regular iPad previously was the volume and quality of the built in speakers.
I agree. The iPad Pro speakers are quite amazing considering the size of the device. It’s something every iPad user would appreciate and enjoy.
I also with the iPad had the antireflective coating. The iPad Air 2 had it and I was very disappointed to see it go.
It would have been nice of Apple to give this entry level iPad at least 4GB ram. Not impressed with Apples tight / low RAM policy
2GB RAM isn’t even enough for an iPhone.
it would have been nice as well if Apple had seen fit to actually offer a 64GB version instead of a $100 jump to 128 which many people might not want to do.. $329 to $429 if I recall.. $379 would have been a reasonable middle ground… but no, 32GB & 128GB…
Another wasteful product. Damn shame. Apple needs to pull its head out of its as_
Smoke and mirrors. We will offer a budget ipad! Yay!
What they don’t tell you is it is hobbled.
Way to go richest company on Earth! Yeah! Whoo hoo!
I’ve had a 32g iPad 3 first retina iPad. I still have a lot 8 gigs of space left. With iCloud, 32 gigs is fine. For many users.
I’m the potential non student customer of this iPad. I just wish they would do the same with the iPad mini.