Apple unveiled the all new iPad Air and iPad mini 2 with Retina display
Apple now calls its full-size tablet the iPad Air, completely redesigned, and is slimmer than a pencil. Along came with the much anticipated iPad mini 2 sporting a Retina display, and featuring a pixel count similar to the full size model.
Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller said the iPad Air is the “lightest full-size tablet in the world” and offers a “dramatically different experience when you hold it”. The new iPad is 20% slimmer at 7.5mm and weight down 28% to 1lb compared to the iPad 4. It has smaller bezels on the sides and now mirrors the iPad mini in its design.
Specifications
Powering the iPad Air is the same 64 bit A7 processor as the iPhone 5S, boasting a double in CPU performance over its predecessor. Similar to the iPhone 5S, the iPad Air also feature Apple’s M7 auxiliary processor, which helps to keep track of motion. The secondary processor takes some load off the A7 and serves the purpose of offering more accurate motion tracking as well. With the incorporation of Mimo technology, there is an improved transfer rate for internet connectivity which delivers up to double the data transfer speed over Wi-Fi.
iPad mini 2 has been updated with a Retina display, and has the same pixel density as the iPad Air. The overall design is the same as the first generation model. The iPad mini 2 also boasts a 64 bit A7 processor, and a M7 motion processor as well. Mimo technology is also incrporated in the spec.
Both iPad Air and iPad mini 2 will receive the iPhone 5S’ upgraded iSight 5 megapixel cameras with back illuminated sensors as well as a HD capable front facing camera for FaceTime calls. It will come in silver-white, space-grey and black color options.
Pricing and Release Date
iPad Air pricing will start at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model and $629 for the 4G-LTE version. It will be made available in the first week of November 2013.
iPad mini 2 will be available later in November and starts at $399 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model, while the 4G-LTE version will be available for $529.
