the iPad 4 (and other tablets)

To no one's surprise, Apple introduced the iPad mini (lower case m, btw) at its special event last month. It also introduced a beautifully thin, new iMac, an updated Mac mini, and a 13-in version of the MacBook Pro with Retina display. All of these announcements were expected, but the major product surprise has largely been passed over, and that was the launch of what's being called iPad 4, or more accurately, the iPad with Retina Display.

I watched the event via live streaming on CNet and both CNet Executive Editor Molly Wood and CNet Senior Editor, Brian Tong, who covers Apple were more than surprised by the iPad 4, they were almost apoplectic. Coming just six months after the introduction of the new iPad (nee iPad 3), both Wood and Tong thought that Apple had completely screwed its customers. I beg to differ.

The most significant difference between the iPad 3 and iPad 4 is the addition of Apple's new A6X chip, the same one that was introduced on the iPhone 5. Suddenly, the iPad 4 has "twice the speed and graphics performance" than the iPad 3. This is important for a number of reasons: Gaming, video, FaceTime, Siri and other application function like GPS or, yes, even Apple Maps.

My son received an iPad 3 as a graduation present from his aunt and uncle back in June, and I doubt that he is upset that Apple has refreshed the iPad just four months later. He (and I since I borrowed it a lot before he left for school) loves how well the iPad functions as everything from a reader to a game platform. One of the reasons why is that the iPad 3's greatest improvement was the introduction of the Retina display as well as a faster chip than the iPad 2.

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Here's CNet's summary:

The good: The newest iPad's faster A6X processor adds extra system speed and graphics power. Improved worldwide cellular compatibility makes the LTE model a more appealing proposition. And the iOS App Store remains best in class, with the widest selection.

The bad: The fourth-gen iPad is otherwise identical to its recent predecessor -- same size, weight, and Retina screen. It's heavy to hold in one hand, and most older accessories won't work without investing in a pricey Lightning adapter.

The bottom line: The latest iPad adds several tweaks and improvements to secure its position at the top of the tablet heap. It's better all around, but third-gen owners need not apply.

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I kind of want to get one for mom (or a Kindle Fire) so she can read the newspaper on it for one thing.  (Or I can.)

[11/21/12] Or the new Google Nexus (hardware by Samsung).   Reviews: cnn, ZDNet, TheVerge, theguardian, techradar, ubergizmo, androidcommunity, engadget, businessinsider, cnet.

This looks pretty good.  The disadvantage to the iPad are the lack of apps.  The hardware is comparable (or better).  And it's $100 cheaper.  It's a question of whether you like Apple or Google (I like both).

Advantages: HDMI and youtube.  Disadvantage: not Apple (which is the standard), but then I work with PCs

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Surface vs. iPad vs. Nexus 10 (Puffin browser allows you to run flash on iPad and watch hulu, but choppy)

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I think if I were to get one device, I would get a Google Nexus 10.  But if money is no object (or not a huge object), I'd want to get a iPad 4 and a laptop running Windows 7.  I'd better go fast, don't know if they still sell Windows 7.

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A tablet comparison: iPad mini, iPad with retina display, Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Fire HD 8.9", Nook HD, Nook HD+, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Surface RT

*** [12/25/12] wound up buying a cheapie android tablet from Radio Shack on Black Saturday and returned it a few days ago

*** HP coming out with a $169 Android tablet (half the price of the iPad mini)

*** [3/11/13]

NBC News' compares the iPad Mini to the competition (it's good, but the iPad Mini 2 will be much better)

*** [3/19/13]

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 is now on sale at Costco for only $169.99.  TechRadar reviews it and others such as the Google Nexus 7 and  the iPad mini.