With the release of the new iPad in March, both existing iPad owners as well as prospective buyers have been debating which one to buy – iPad 2 with a slightly lower price tag or the new iPad with its more advanced features at just around $100 more (for the basic version). At first glance, the new iPad looks pretty similar to its older counterpart. However, it’s what’s under the hood that will make a difference in a consumer’s decision to trade in the iPad 2 for the newer model.

Here’s a look at what the new iPad has to offer.

What’s the same?

Price – With the new iPad falling in the same price range as its older version, the cost of the device hasn’t changed significantly. Customers can get the basic 16GB Wi-Fi version of the new iPad for $499, while the high end 64 GB model with 4G capability comes at a price tag of $829. With the release of the new iPad, the price of the older model has been reduced to $399, making it marginally cheaper.

Screen size – This is one thing that hasn’t changed. Both the new iPad and the iPad 2 have 9.7 inch touch screens. However, they do differ in terms of the resolution with that of the new iPad being far superior.

Storage – As far as storage capacity is concerned the variants offered across both models are similar. Both the iPad 2 and the new iPad offer 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB options. Neither model allows additional storage through an expandable slot.

Battery life – Although the battery used in the new iPad (Li-Po 42.5 Wh) is more heavy duty for supporting the advanced display, processing and 4G capability, there is no change in the life of the battery. The iPad 2 (Li-Po 25 Wh) works for 10 hours on Wi-Fi and 9 hours on 3G, the new iPad also works for 10 hours on Wi-Fi and 9 hours on 4G.

What’s new?

Screen resolution – This is one feature where the new iPad wins hands down over the previous model. The resolution has doubled, while the pixels have increased four times from 1024×768 at 132 ppi to 2058×1536 at 264 ppi.

Processor – The iPad 2 has a 1 GHz Apple A5 dual core processor. One of the advantages of the new iPad is its advanced capability with the 1GHz Apple A5X quad-core graphics processing capability.

Retina display – The new iPad comes with retina display, which makes it a good buy for those looking at using it as an e-book reader. Unlike the iPad 2, which always gave the feeling of reading on an electronic device, the higher resolution display on the new iPad makes it comparable to the best e-book readers in the market. The retina display feature also makes it easier for using in sunlight, making it more compatible for outdoor use compared to its predecessor.

Mobile broadband – With 4G, the new iPad offers download speeds that are approximately ten times faster than the 3G connectivity that is offered in some versions of the iPad 2.

Camera – While both models have cameras with front facing VGA, the iPad 2 camera is more basic with video recording at 720p HD compared to the new iPad that allows HD video recording at 1080p.

Voice dictation – Siri, which was launched on the iPhone 4s, was one of the features that many people were looking forward to in the new iPad. Apple has chosen instead to have voice dictation that takes away the need to be dependent on the not so friendly on-screen keyboard.

Personal hotspot – One of the coolest features that the new iPad offers, along with its 4G capability, is its ability to be used as a hotspot for linking up to five Apple devices through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.

While the new iPad has attractive features compared to the iPad 2, there are still some expected features missing, such as the HDMI out port. For existing iPad 2 owners, who are contemplating an upgrade, it’s really about whether they would need the advanced features compared to the existing ones, and this would largely depend on the type of usage such as whether they need an e-book reader or for better HD video recording, as the iPad 2 offers sufficient features for mobile browsing. For first time buyers, doubtless the new iPad is a better choice as it comes loaded with more features at almost the same price.

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More and more rumors are suggesting towards March launch of iPad 3(March 7 to be precise if reports are to be believed). Going by trends, it is very much likely that these rumors will come true. It is not just the launch date which is keeping people excited, there is a great amount of excitement over what to expect from iPad 3, what all features it will boast off.

In this post we will have a look at what to expect from iPad 3 – at least in terms of generic specs and hardware. Let’s get started.

Processor

Apple is expected to include Quad-core ARM based A6 processor in iPad 3. Quad-core designs are coming from various ARM partners and the Tegra 3 has already been launched by Nvidia, as well as the Snapdragon S4 from Qualcomm. 9to5mac has also reported to have found code references to quad-core.

Design and Display

Most experts are suggesting towards 2048×1536 Retina display on iPad 3, it may cause iPad to be little thicker. Apple is not expected to make much changes to its 10.1″ iPad otherwise. Analyst Ezra Gottheil, with Technology Business Research (TBR), told Computerworld that he expects the next iPad to have a higher-resolution display—one it’s likely to call a “Retina display,” whether that’s quite accurate or not. “That’s important to them because it means the iPad will work well in their home theater play, since it will display full HD,” he said. “And it’s an important differentiator going forward.”

4G LTE Technology

iPad 3 may also feature LTE support. Though it is more likely to be a US only version, as UK still doesn’t have LTE connectivity. CNET believes that the new iPad may feature a Qualcomm 4G LTE Gobi 4000 chip.

Operating System

iPad 3 might be the first device to carry iOS 5.1. According to reports, Apple will launch the iPad 3 and iOS 5.1 together.

More Storage

The iPad 2 has the familiar 16/32/64GB storage options. A 128GB option for the iPad 3 is expected by many.

Better Cameras

Rumors from iLounge have included better cameras, either a 5 or 8 megapixel rear camera and a FaceTime HD front camera. The current VGA quality set-up on the iPad 2 is really unsatisfactory. That’d be a massive improvement and it would also bring Apple’s slate inline with the competition.

Siri

Siri at the moment is an exclusive feature of iPhone 4S. Apple put in a lot of money in Siri, and it was one of the most talked about feature in iPhone 4S. No doubt, Apple is interested in Siri for long term. We expect Apple to make Siri available for iPad, and all future iPhones, iPad 3 is a good contender for that as well. Going forward, Siri will no doubt be a staple feature of all Apple’s mobile-oriented devices

Near Field Communication

According to a report on Cult of Mac, Apple is expected to build NFC chips directly inside its iPhone 5 and iPad 3 devices. ‘Apple appears to be gearing up for a NFC revolution. It has made a lot of NFC hires, including a leading NFC expert and has patented a lot of NFC technology.’

There you had it, our predictions for iPad 3 features. Let us know if you believe that there are more features which will be part of iPad 3. Apple is known to surprise tech world with something that nobody thought about, will it happen this time? Only time will tell.

References and Image Credit: TechRadar.com, Image Credit : Geek.com

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The post was originally published on ToolsJournal