| Which One Should You Buy? There are a number of iPads around these days, so what are the differences between the latest models? First, a bit of history. The first iPad generation was launched back in April 2010, with the iPad 2 coming just a year later. Another year on and the iPad 3 was released and now we have the iPad 4 and the iPad Mini, both launched in November 2012. Let us take a look at the latest models and compare their specs. | .png){kind=logo} |
| iPad 3 Screen The introduction of the iPad 3 saw the so-called ¿retina display¿ screen with a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels at 264 pixels per inch (ppi). This is contained in a 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED backlit screen with oloeophobic fingerprint resistant protection. Camera The front camera is a VGA model for FaceTime video calling, while the rear camera has 960 x 720 resolution with autofocus. Processor The iPad 3 uses Apple¿s A5X dual core processor. Battery All the iPad models mentioned here claim up to 10 hours battery life surfing the web using WiFi or up to nine hours while surfing with a cellular network. Operating System Originally shipped with Apple proprietary iOS5.1, now upgradeable to iOS6.1 Connectivity The iPad 3 supports Bluetooth 4.0 with WiFi and a special Apple 30-pin connector |  |
 | iPad 4 Screen The iPad 4 uses the same retina display screen as its predecessor with exactly the same specifications. Camera The iPad 4 boasts a full FaceTime HD camera capable of 1.2 megapixel stills and 720 megapixel full HD video, with autofocus and face detection. The rear camera (known as the iSight) has the capability to take 5 megapixel stills, with autofocus, face detection, backside illumination and a hybrid IR filter. Processor The iPad 4 uses Apple¿s A6X dual core processor. This is a similar design to that used in the Apple iPhone 5, with a quad core graphics processor embedded. Battery Same as the iPad 3. Operating System Apple proprietary iOS6.1 Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0 technology with WiFi and a special Apple Lightning connector |
| iPad Mini Screen Although smaller than the iPad 3 or 4, the iPad Mini uses the same sized display screen, although the resolution is 1,024 x 768 pixels at 163 ppi. Camera The iPad Mini uses the same cameras as the iPad 4. Processor The Mini uses the Apple A5 processor. Battery Same as the iPad 3 and 4. Operating System Apple proprietary iOS6.1 Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0 technology with WiFi and a special Apple Lightning connector. |  |
| So there you have it. As the old saying goes, you pays your money and takes your choice! | |