Originally Posted by iannai:
“Or maybe the manufacturers can be a bit more open about the fact that their product requires 3rd party add-on components to carry out a task that 90% of other devices can do with standard current chargers without a problem.”
The charger that comes with the iPad is a 2 amp charger and obviously charges the iPad. Apple doesn't provide a car charger with the iPad and I know of no competing tablet that provides a car charger with their tablet.
Mobile devices like phones and tablets will charge at varying speeds, or not at all, depending on the capacity of their batteries and the power output of a USB outlet.
Originally Posted by iannai:
“"I own an iPad 1 and 3 and was shocked when I tried to charge the iPad3 - also the fact that even when it's plugged in the battery LOSES charge when running intensive applications (3D games for example)."”
The issue brought up was charging from a car. That can easily be done by using an inexpensive car charger rated at 2 amps. They are easy to find.
It's probably not the answer you are seeking but don't run intensive games while charging with the provided charger. The new IPad's battery has 70% more capacity than the iPad 2 but still uses a 2 amp charger. Some have said why didn't Apple provide a more powerful charger, which is a fair question to ask, but it isn't clear if that was possible considering heat issues introduced with a retina display that has more than twice as many LEDs to light it up as the iPad 2.
Consider this scenario, an iPad 3 running at full brightness, in a case that significantly restricts the iPads ability to stay cool, while playing an intensive game, while charging, while in a hot environment. As you could imagine you could conceivably run into heat issues under such a scenario, which really wouldn't be too uncommon. Overheated batteries are dangerous and maybe that's why Apple didn't provide a more powerful charger.
Every device has it's advantages and disadvantages.
Originally Posted by iannai:
“Another thing people might not know is that the iPad 3 will report 100% battery when in reality it is only charged 90%. The final 10% takes a lot longer to charge - the incorrect reading of 100% is apparently "by design" so users don't get "confused"...”
As far as I know all the iPads and iPhones are like that. What charges beyond the 100% is actually even more battery life beyond the specified battery life for the device. There is a reason why Apple, and many other mobile device manufacturers, do that but bringing up this geekcentric or techie issue only serves to confuse the average user. It isn't a relevant issue.