It's almost a month since the launch of the third generation iPad, which Apple are calling simply the "new iPad", so I thought it was about time I shared some of my initial thoughts and observations, having used the device routinely since launch day.
Display and processor
As a person with low vision, the first thing which struck me about the new generation iPad was the quality and sharpness of the new Retina display. Put simply, the display on the new iPad has four times the number of pixels when compared to the original iPad and iPad 2.
The Retina display is without a doubt the sharpest display that I have seen on a mobile device to date. This can best be appreciated when reading eBooks and also when looking at maps and photographs using the in built screen magnification. Text and images simply appear much crisper and sharper when viewed using magnification.
Of course the new iPad includes the now standard in built magnification feature called Zoom and also Apple's in built screen reader, VoiceOver. As with previous iPads, there is also the facility to turn on a feature called Large Text which allows you to increase the size of fonts in mail, messages, calendar, contacts and notes. As well as a reverse contrast option which allows you to have the display set to light on dark or dark on light, as per your preference.
The processor powering the new iPad is Apple's new A5X system on a chip. As an early adopter of the iPad since the first generation, I would say that this faster processor is most evident when playing graphically intensive games. Browsing the web and sending email however, appear to be just as snappy as on the iPad 2. But of course the new processor is powering all those extra pixels which make up the new display.
Dictation and camera
One of the most helpful new features on the new iPad is the dictation facility. Basically this takes the form of a new microphone button on the iPad on screen keyboard. You can press this button and then simply speak what you would like to type.
This new dictation feature took a little bit of practice but after a short while, it proved to be a very productive addition. Dictation has so far been very accurate, stumbling just occasionally with unusual words. But you quickly learn how to get more from the facility simply by using it.
Another very helpful new feature of the new iPad is the new in built iSight camera. The camera on iPad 2 left a lot to be desired but this time, Apple have integrated a very capable new five mega pixel sensor. This new camera has advanced optics, a backside illumination sensor, auto white balance and face detection. It's also capable of recording 1080p HD video.
The upgraded camera on the new iPad might be a major highlight if you're partially sighted and you attend lots of presentations. Having the ability to hold up the iPad and snap a quick picture of any slides or PowerPoint presentations has so far proved extremely useful. The camera is perfectly capable of capturing such images and then allowing you to zoom in at a later date to read the content in a larger font. I wish I'd had such a device when I was a student!
Overall
The new iPad is ever so slightly thicker and heavier than its predecessor but this will only be apparent when compared side by side. In daily use, the extra weight and thickness are not really noticeable. The battery capacity is also increased but this is offset by the more power hungry retina display. So in effect, battery life remains at around ten hours.
On the other hand, the higher quality display, the new dictation facility and the vastly improved camera create a much improved user experience and allow the device to have many more uses. In fact it's fair to say that I'm constantly discovering new uses for the iPad, especially given the ever growing range of apps which are available to download.
If you are primarily a screen reader user, it's possible that an iPod touch or iPhone might fulfil your mobile access needs. However if you're able to benefit from magnification, then the new iPad is certainly worth a look. I would recommend that any buyer should also purchase a case and or screen cover such as the SmartCover. Keeping the device safe from scratches and bumps will be very important for any user.
Another accessory which is well worth looking at is the Loop from Griffin Technology. This sloped and weighted plastic stand allows you to achieve a very helpful angle for reading and typing.
Robin Spinks
You can watch our iPad videos on the RNIB YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/rnibprods