Apple’s new iPad shows all you need to know about its changed approach to tablets – with a 43% thinner bezel and a 28% lighter device, the iPad Air is championing the ‘easier to live with’ ideal.
If you haven’t seen a picture yet, then imagine an iPad mini that you’ve just held a little closer to your face, and you’re largely there with the Air.
It’s got the same smooth back design, thinner bezel and more attractive speakers at the bottom of the phone to make it look like more of a family with the cut down tablet from Apple’s stables.
While it’s a clear copy, we’re not going to get upset about that as the mini already had a stunning design, and the Air takes that message and brings it to the big leagues.
It also has machined buttons that don’t feel loose when shaking, bringing up the premium feel to the device.
On top of the new design, it’s also rocking Apple’s A7 chip, bringing with it 64-bit processing power and reams of battery saving techniques to keep your tablet going even longer in day to day use.
And the greatest thing about the iPad range in our eyes is the price – Apple is starting the 16GB Wi-Fi-only model at the same cost as its rivals, and while that outlay does spiral up as capacity and connectivity increase, for an Apple device to not charge an (unnecessary) premium is something we’re really happy to see.
We’re looking at a price range of £399 – £739 ($499 – $929 or AU$598 – AU1049), starting from the 16GB version (Wi-Fi only) to the 64GB cellular option.
Add to that the fact Apple is lobbing in a lot of useful free software, as well as bringing a more refined experience with iOS 7, and you can see that it’s put a lot of effort into making the iPad Air the tablet that shows it’s not losing its relevancy in the market.
