Apple set to launch smaller iPad

Simon · Oct 23, 2012, 13:02:29

Apple is expected to launch a smaller, more affordable iPad at an event in San Jose later on Tuesday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20040540

Lance · Oct 23, 2012, 14:55:12

It will be interesting to see how different it is in terms of power and battery life.

Steve · Oct 23, 2012, 16:21:07

I'm more interested to see whether there's a minor update to the iPad itself.

Simon · Oct 23, 2012, 17:09:53

Do they usually put out updates for one device?

Rik · Oct 23, 2012, 17:11:21

No, they put them out for everyone who's bought one.

Simon · Oct 23, 2012, 17:12:00

Rik · Oct 23, 2012, 17:24:33

Lance · Oct 23, 2012, 21:49:02

Quote from: Steve on Oct 23, 2012, 16:21:07
I'm more interested to see whether there's a minor update to the iPad itself.

There is: http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/23/3540226/apple-refreshes-9-7-inch-ipad-lightning-a6x

Steve · Oct 24, 2012, 06:40:26

I may think about that, I note it should be 4G compatible as well. The mini probably doesn't interest me as I think the screen will be too small.

Technical Ben · Oct 24, 2012, 08:38:11

Wait, if a nano sim and a small connector allow them to shrink the phones and Ipads, does that mean if they go simless and wireless the devices they release next year are atomic in scale?

Gary · Oct 24, 2012, 08:50:17

Having just got a 'iPad 3' two days ago I'm going to see if they will swap it out for a new iPad. Typical timing

Technical Ben · Oct 24, 2012, 10:21:04

Welcome to the world of PCs. Everyone you buy, a new model comes out next week.

Lance · Oct 24, 2012, 10:21:43

Quote from: Gary on Oct 24, 2012, 08:50:17
Having just got a 'iPad 3' two days ago I'm going to see if they will swap it out for a new iPad. Typical timing

I'm surprised you didn't wait given the rumours.

Gary · Oct 24, 2012, 10:57:25

Quote from: Lance on Oct 24, 2012, 10:21:43
I'm surprised you didn't wait given the rumours.

The iPad 4 came as a surprise to many as the iPad '3' had not reached a year old, I have to confess I don't read tech sites for news really anymore, and the buy now or not for Apple products site said it was fine which was the only site I did check just to make sure. The iPad was also partly my birthday present, so the day it was bought was not really under my control as I had a small window to order so I received it for my birthday. Anyway it will be sent back and I will re-order so no harm done really.

Steve · Oct 26, 2012, 16:54:08

I went for the full size iPad it will be arriving late November. I wish I knew which data provider to use, I think it will be O2 unless coverage by the rest has changed at work recently.

Gary · Oct 27, 2012, 08:47:26

O2 have awful 3G coverage compared with the likes of EE I find. I just went with another WiFi one as I only use it at home instead of the iMac now. If I need a mobile connection for it I'll used the iPhone 5.

Steve · Oct 27, 2012, 08:56:54

I'm a bit stuck with coverage at work, although I could use the phone as the personal hotspot and use another provider on the iPad. My original iPad is WiFi only and I'm beginning to wonder why I'm replacing it , it's A1 condition although I do find it slow compared to the phone and I suppose it's now stuck on a legacy OS ie IOS 5. Nevermind I can still ponder my decision until late November with no cost to me!

Gary · Oct 27, 2012, 09:15:31

Quote from: Steve on Oct 27, 2012, 08:56:54
I'm a bit stuck with coverage at work, although I could use the phone as the personal hotspot and use another provider on the iPad. My original iPad is WiFi only and I'm beginning to wonder why I'm replacing it , it's A1 condition although I do find it slow compared to the phone and I suppose it's now stuck on a legacy OS ie IOS 5. Nevermind I can still ponder my decision until late November with no cost to me!

Having two data plans seems such a pain, also the extra cost of a celluar iPad is something I cannot justify for the extra £100. The iPad 3 is fast, the front VGA camera is not up to much compared with the iPhones though. Also the new Ipad retina (iPad 4) uses channel bonding at last so you can really get decent speeds over a 5Ghz network now. Just have to wait till November now...

Steve · Oct 27, 2012, 09:21:04

I'm not sure I can justify the order at all

plenty of time to ponder. The additional data plan I'm not worried about I've a small data allowance with the phone plus I use the MiFi with my current iPad, I may see if Three will swap the SIM or cancel and go with EE.

Gary · Oct 27, 2012, 09:24:36

Quote from: Steve on Oct 27, 2012, 09:21:04
I'm not sure I can justify the order at all plenty of time to ponder. The additional data plan I'm not worried about I've a small data allowance with the phone plus I use the MiFi with my current iPad, I may see if Three will swap the SIM or cancel and go with EE.

Mine was partly a birthday present so no extra cost for me

The person in Apple was fine about the fact I had the thing one day then it was upgraded though. I have to say I do use it a lot more than the desktop now, that has come as a bit of a surprise, and I can type just as fast and make as many typos too. I'm tempted to move to EE for better 3G coverage on the iPhone, but the simplicity plan I have on O2 is good, if they put up a 3G mast near me I would be happy to stay. I'm am not however tempted by the new imacs, the 21.5" has been crippled with no ram slots you can expand yourself, and I do still use my optical burner.

Steve · Oct 27, 2012, 13:29:34

I've got very used to the touch screen so mainly use the iPad and MBP. I love the big screen quality of the iMac even though I rarely use it as the MBP is relatively quick. When the iMac dies maybe an Apple monitor maybe an option instead if of course my wife who is the iMac user is agreeable.

Gary · Nov 03, 2012, 09:20:05

New ipad 4 arrived yesterday (that's what I shall call it) no problem in swapping units so happy days

Gary · Nov 03, 2012, 09:42:44

Quote from: Steve on Oct 27, 2012, 13:29:34
I've got very used to the touch screen so mainly use the iPad and MBP. I love the big screen quality of the iMac even though I rarely use it as the MBP is relatively quick. When the iMac dies maybe an Apple monitor maybe an option instead if of course my wife who is the iMac user is agreeable.

Im not sure on the new iMacs Steve. Thin is not a desktop necessity considering it has the same footprint, also a 5400rpm drive as base is awful, to upgrade to the fusion drive, and a better GPU costs a fortune considering they are £100 more expensive this year, and you cant change ram yourself on the 21.5"

only the 27" model allows that luxury and they are huge not ideal for my needs.

The lower end iMac seems a downgrade, form over function yet again, although the new screen looks great. I do have CD's and do import via superdrive, yes I could buy a external drive that's faster but at the price I should not need to and sticking the SD memory card slot on the back, thats just dumb. even though mine is only USB 2 I'm happy with my 2011 i7 quad core iMac with ram I can change myself, and a 7400rm drive and my firewire 800 port.

Buying a new Mac would mean replacing perfectly good equipment I have already, getting adaptors for the thunderbolt port for firewire etc at silly prices, I may well have to think beyond Apple when this unit is retired. If indeed I need a desktop at all.

Steve · Nov 03, 2012, 09:45:37

Quote from: Gary on Nov 03, 2012, 09:20:05
New ipad 4 arrived yesterday (that's what I shall call it) no problem in swapping units so happy days

I've probably got another three weeks until I need to make my mind up whether I need to make the upgrade or not, I think I will but it's whether I go for the 3G or just WiFi (as I've got). I've already ordered a micro sim swap for my MiFi so that cost will continue however it's heavier iPad plus another £100 on top.

Steve · Nov 03, 2012, 09:49:38

I was thinking since most of my wife's and certainly my computing needs can be catered for by a reasonably powered laptop that if a large screen is required an Apple monitor would do the job nicely with the laptop plugged in and tucked out of the way. Any other devices ie keyboard etc we have already and will connect via bluetooth.

Gary · Nov 03, 2012, 10:00:47

Quote from: Steve on Nov 03, 2012, 09:45:37
I've probably got another three weeks until I need to make my mind up whether I need to make the upgrade or not, I think I will but it's whether I go for the 3G or just WiFi (as I've got). I've already ordered a micro sim swap for my MiFi so that cost will continue however it's heavier iPad plus another £100 on top.

I just got a 32gb wifi model, Steve. Tbh using a MiFi would suit me, or even tether it to the iPhone. The new iPad is much faster and the improved camera on the front is a bonus. Having all lightning connectors for me is useful as well now.

Gary · Nov 03, 2012, 10:01:53

Quote from: Steve on Nov 03, 2012, 09:49:38
I was thinking since most of my wife's and certainly my computing needs can be catered for by a reasonably powered laptop that if a large screen is required an Apple monitor would do the job nicely with the laptop plugged in and tucked out of the way. Any other devices ie keyboard etc we have already and will connect via bluetooth.

I think thats a good way to go, a great screen can be got at far less than the Apple ones as well, but the Apple monitor does look gorgeous so I would be tempted.

Steve · Nov 03, 2012, 10:24:44

I think your right I don't need an Apple monitor either, The Apple monitor situation is a bit difficult at present as the Thunderbolt monitor will only work with Thunderbolt equipped laptops (no adaptor cable is available), probably the reason they still sell the LED version. Hopefully I won't need to think about this for another couple of years, I will be disappointed if Apple withdraws future OS X updates for my current iMac, my intention was a minimum 5 years use from it.

Gary · Nov 03, 2012, 11:59:58

Quote from: Steve on Nov 03, 2012, 10:24:44
I think your right I don't need an Apple monitor either, The Apple monitor situation is a bit difficult at present as the Thunderbolt monitor will only work with Thunderbolt equipped laptops (no adaptor cable is available), probably the reason they still sell the LED version. Hopefully I won't need to think about this for another couple of years, I will be disappointed if Apple withdraws future OS X updates for my current iMac, my intention was a minimum 5 years use from it.

For the price you could get a much cheaper monitor that is great quality that's not so locked down, Steve.

I think Apple seem to be a little off balance now, maybe Tim Cook is not quite the visionary and really is a money man. With Forstall gone and Ives now in charge of design and human interface things hopefully will pick up. I have to say I am not happy with 1 year updates to the OS though. I have to say the Surface may be the answer for many, MS could have this right and Apples relentless push in times where people don't want to upgrade hardware may be their downfall. The Galaxy note 2 is truly innovative and a bit to big for me, but with iPhone sales down in Europe, people are looking for something new and the note 2 is fully loaded with great useful tech.

I can see my iMac not supporting all the features of the next Mac OS though, tbh who can replace a computer every three years! Who knows what's ahead but with so many household gadgets being Internet capable maybe a quad core smart TV and a tablet is all we will need

On a more serious note Samsung devices with similar features as the note 2 but in tablet form or even MS Ones may be he way forward.

Technical Ben · Nov 03, 2012, 17:41:16

I use to do that with my HP laptop. Old CRT on the desk, extra mouse + keyboard, and the laptop tucked away under the desk. It was just to save space, but did come in handy when away from home.

Steve · Nov 21, 2012, 15:21:10

Quote from: Gary on Nov 03, 2012, 09:20:05
New ipad 4 arrived yesterday (that's what I shall call it) no problem in swapping units so happy days

Mine apparently is on it's way.

Gary · Nov 21, 2012, 20:33:46

Quote from: Steve on Nov 21, 2012, 15:21:10
Mine apparently is on it's way.

I was pleased with mine, Steve. I use it more than my iMac tbh and the extra speed with some apps is useful. Battery life is excellent although I still hate the new app store on iOS 6. You will find if you hook it up to iTunes it wont show the iPad icon in the main iTunes window where it lists the iPads details, we have to wait for iTunes 11 for that. Which looks like next week now as its Thanksgiving tomorrow in the USA. I have to admit its better having the lightning connector for both iPhone and iPad as the 30 pin connector seems clunky next to the new adaptor. I grabbed a MiFi as well as Three are strong with the force in this area with HSPA+

Steve · Nov 21, 2012, 21:32:13

I think the MiFi is a useful bit of kit and of course allows you to connect multiple devices

Gary · Nov 22, 2012, 08:31:48

Quote from: Steve on Nov 21, 2012, 21:32:13
I think the MiFi is a useful bit of kit and of course allows you to connect multiple devices

Its great, since O2 have lousy 3G in this area I can hook up the ipad, iPhone via that when I'm out and have emergency access at home via the Mac as well.

Steve · Nov 22, 2012, 08:54:59

I've got one of the original ones which can be a bit of nuisance as it has three buttons and you have to time it right to get WiFi and log on right. It's currently running a micro sim which I'm hoping will be a straightforward swop later today.

Steve · Nov 22, 2012, 15:55:02

Straight forward SIM swap and everything is fine, I just wish I'd not connected it to iTunes spent time deleting the bloody app sync afterwards.

Gary · Nov 23, 2012, 07:48:48

Quote from: Steve on Nov 22, 2012, 15:55:02
Straight forward SIM swap and everything is fine, I just wish I'd not connected it to iTunes spent time deleting the bloody app sync afterwards.

I did that as well

Steve · Nov 23, 2012, 07:55:41

I guess when you've not used iTunes on the Mac for a sync since March mistakes happen. I'm an iCloud user so iTunes on the desktop for iOS devices is fairly redundant.

Gary · Nov 23, 2012, 08:29:07

I just wiped mine and started again when that happened, I don't use iCloud, I have no trust in my info being on a server nowhere near my machine tbh Steve. Also I use my iDevices for different things and have no need for them to be linked via the cloud either.

Steve · Nov 23, 2012, 10:19:18

Must admit I'm a Cloud fan, whether that be Apple,Google or Amazon. I may live to regret it but likewise data sitting at home is not safe either.

Gary · Nov 23, 2012, 10:41:31

Quote from: Steve on Nov 23, 2012, 10:19:18
Must admit I'm a Cloud fan, whether that be Apple,Google or Amazon. I may live to regret it but likewise data sitting at home is not safe either.

I tend to think multiple copies backed up and in a fire proof, and hidden elsewhere in my home or on my own pretty secure (I have my meds in the safe so I put backups in there too) Also hopefully

my safe wont get hacked