Uhm.....slightly different maybe? You know, updated looks etc like most companies do.

Funny thing is, if Samsung brought out the S3 and it was identical to the S2 they would be mocked etc.

Apple do this and people say "so?". Very odd indeed!

"But how will people know we've got the latest model?"

Why change something just for the sake of it. I can't recall anyone ever saying they were unhappy with how an Apple product looked. So why change?

They can't change the look much or everyone else would sue them back

In fairness, I don't agree with changing the design for the hell of it. If the design works (and most people think it does) then no need to change it. Certainly I'd be happy with the S3 if it looked the same as S2 (but bigger screen supposedly) as long as it packed more punch and (for me) had a much better battery life.

Back on the presentation: CNET speculating that it really will only be called "the new iPad" as STILL no name revealed.

Because it needs a slightly newer look. I have had a Iphone3 and 4 and i would a slightly different face to it.


Who wants a item that looks the same each time?

I have to agree that the look is now dated and old.

So i missed the iOS 5.1 announcment.

Whats gonna be different? All i can see is a Jap Siri. Is that it?

I think that, whether you like Apple or hate them, it's got to be acknowledged that they don't really need to do very much for the iPad 3 to be a success. The iPad 2 sells in massive numbers and sales are still on the increase, not in decline.

Therefore, a screen upgrade and spec bump is all that's required. The form factor is already there - people obviously like it. The demand is already there. It's not a whole new world for the iPad, but why mess with a formula that clearly works?

I try not to flash my gadgets around, attracts thieves, but yes I can see how it might upset some people.

engadget gives release date of 16 March.

Can't see 5.1 being a particularly major release in terms of features. It was never expected to be.

I don't think you did, that was an iPad feature. While I've been following it's gone straight from Apple TV to the iPad.

So much for Apple leading the market in Innovation. They have just stalled.

Is it correct that there isn't a wifi only version?

To be honest its underwhelming. I was genuinely hoping for more to keep driving the market forward but there is nothing new there.

The retina (!) Display at that level is nothing new on a tablet. The camera is fairly standard. The chip I guess is the unknown. 4g/LTE is already about but currently pretty pointless in the UK.

And as for a microphone button on the keyboard .... now where have I seen that before?????

Nothing innovative there at first glance.

Any news on NFC as if the apple masses have access to that then it might finally take off in the UK

Oh I agree entirely. It's a midlife update. But I suspect it will lack some of the hype of a new Apple model. But I thought that about the 4s and still people queued. No doubt the competitors will also up their resolution in future.

Now, (open question) do you think people who haven't got an ipad yet for whatever reason will be won over with the ipad 3?

How is that an issue unless your buying to say "hey look at me, i've got the latest"

You buy it to suit your needs nobody elses.

They haven't stalled. This is going to be the case with most phone and tablet updates from all manufacturers for a while now, I suspect. What innovative new features are there to include?

they've not mentioned wifi only versions. They mentioned 3 price points $499,$599,$699.

well quite. I'm quoting one of their competitors adverts which takes a light hearted dig at the more rabid Apple fans.

No.

WiFi only - same prices as now.

WiFi + 3G (with 4G LTE in the US too) - same prices as now.


Pre-orders start today. Release date for the US, UK and other initial countries is 16th March.

My understanding was that the new models will be 3G and 4G.

Which other tablet has a display of 2048 by 1536 or more?

So, does it have that Home button then?

Not sure how suited it is to a tablet, really. A bit clumsy to be trying to pay for things like that. NFC is more suitable for phones IMO.