iPad3’s New Features — iPad3 vs iPad2

My goal here is to describe the new features of the iPad 3 (currently called “The New iPad” by Apple) in a simple way that anyone can understand.  An easy way to explain the new features of the iPad3 is by comparing it to the iPad2.

Here is a list of the most important “New” Features:

1. Higher resolution display
2. Better camera on the back
3. Faster processor
4. Faster wireless connection – 4G
5. Built in dictation support
6. Personal “Hotspot” capability

Here is what each of these differences mean:

1. Higher Resolution Display — Basically this means when you look at the screen/display of the iPad3 everything looks better.  It is clearer, brighter, and more detailed. Text is razor sharp and colors are more vibrant.  
2. Better Camera on Back – This is referred to as the iSight camera. The camera on the front is referred to as the FaceTime camera.  This iSight camera is 5MP (5 mega pixels) with advanced optics (i.e. lens).  That means that teh pictures you take will be better.  They will have more detail, better color saturation, etc.  This also means that you can crop the picture more and still get a good quality picture.  In addition to still pictures, the video capability is better.  you can record full HD (yes, 1080p HD) video.  That is the highest quality video currently on the market.  So your pictures and videos will look great even on your large screen TV!
3. Faster Processor — This means that almost everything you do will do will be faster than on the iPad 2 and will still have the nice smooth scrolling and ergonomics that you are accustomed to on Apple products.
4. Faster Wireless Connection – 4G – This is your data connection when no WIFI is around. WIFI is is what allows you to receive email and surf the internet when at home or in places that offer WIFI such as Starbucks. If you have a 4G capable iPad, you will be able to surf the web and get email etc almost anywhere.  On the old iPad1 and iPad2 this data connection was 3G.  Now the faster 4G service is also supported.  Keep in mind, that 4G is not available everywhere.  The iPad will default back to 3G if that is available.  Keep in mind, that most service providers (e.g. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc…) usually charge extra for this service.
5. Dictation – The iPad3 now supports dictation – built-in.  This is the ability to talk text instead of having to type it.  You can talk your emails, your text messages and more.  This is NOT Siri as on the iPhone.
6. Personal Hotspot – This is the ability to use your iPad3’s 4G or 3G data connection as a WIFI connection for your other devices.  That is, if you want to use a computer or other device somewhere that does not have WIFI but your iPad is 4G capable, you use it to supply a WIFI data connection for your computer.  This only works if your service provider allows it and if you are in an area where 3G or 4G is available.

There are many more differences, but most of them are not as significant.  Two such differences are the weight and thickness.  The iPad3 is 0.03 inches thicker and 0.11 lbs heavier than the iPad2.  I think both of these differences are not significant.  They won’t even be noticed by most people.