In 2012, to replace the iPad2, Apple released a new iPad 3 mobile PC. Reviews of this premium device, its technical specifications, the relevance of the computer and the cost are discussed in detail in this material. User reviews are also included.
Prehistory of appearance. Equipment. Specialization
In 2011, the cutting-edge tablet computer iPad2 was introduced. He became so successful that no analogue could compete with him. In 2012, Apple was forced to upgrade its already successful computing solution. At the same time, support for 4G networks, an updated Retina screen and an advanced processor have become key innovations. This is how the hero of this review appeared on the shelves of computer equipment stores.
The mobile computer in question includes the following:
- Tablet.
- Charger.
- Communication interface cord for PC synchronization and battery charging.
- User manual.
- Set of promotional booklets witha detailed description of the capabilities of this device.
The iPad 3 is the most suitable for creating mobile entertainment computing systems. Reviews, specifications and description indicate exactly this application.
Design. Features
The key element of the front panel is the screen. In this case, its diagonal is 9.7”. A fairly thick bezel surrounds the entire perimeter of the screen, which increases the dimensions of the device to 241 mm in length and 185 mm in width. The thickness of the device is 9.4 mm and the weight is 662 grams. Above the display, strictly in the middle of this frame, is the front camera. Below is the only control button. The front panel of the gadget is fully protected by shock-resistant glass.
The back cover of the tablet is made of aluminum sheet. On the bottom edge is a wired connector. With its use, the battery is charged or synchronized with a personal computer. On the opposite side, there is a regular audio port for connecting external speakers. On the left edge of the device in question there is a slot for a SIM card. But it is impossible to install a memory card in this case for the reason that there is no tray for it. Therefore, the most optimal amount of internal storage for iPad 3 is 64Gb. Reviews indicate that in this case there is enough memory space for everything. A lock button is displayed on the opposite side of the case.
Directly on the back of the case, you can only findcompany logo and main camera eye.
Processor
The presence of the A5X semiconductor chip was indicated by the characteristics of the iPad 3. The reviews highlighted a sufficient level of its performance. This microprocessor included only two computing units. The highest frequency of the latter was 1 GHz. Again, during operation, this parameter dynamically changed depending on the complexity of the processed software and the degree of heating of the silicon base of the CPU.
If such specifications were not enough for “Android”, then for iOS it is quite enough. This operating system has a high degree of optimization and therefore puts forward not so critical requirements for hardware.
The A5X semiconductor crystal was manufactured using 45 nm technology, which was considered advanced in 2012. Separately, it should also be noted that the computing cores of this chip are based on the Cortex-A9 architecture. The latter indicates that this tablet can only run 32-bit software. At the moment, it is completely outdated, both in terms of performance and energy efficiency.
Graphics accelerator
Also, a discrete accelerator was part of the iPad 3. Reviews focus on the high level of its performance. But in terms of energy efficiency, this adapter is quite acceptable. Video card model - PowerVR SGX543MP4. It includes four independent GPUs and can handle resolutions as high as 2048 × 1536 without any problems.
Screen. Its characteristics
The Apple iPad 3 is equipped with a very high-quality screen. Reviews focus on the complete absence of graininess on it. This is ensured by increasing the resolution of the touch screen to 2048 × 1536. At the same time, its diagonal, as previously noted, is 9.7”. The screen matrix is made using IPS technology. This circumstance provides high quality color reproduction and the maximum possible viewing angles at the moment, which are almost equal to 180 °.
Cameras
As previously noted, two cameras are part of this tablet computer. One of them is located on the front panel of the mobile device. It has a 0.3 megapixel sensor, and the picture quality is simply disgusting. But there is nothing more than VGA resolution. Therefore, its only possible use is video calls, and then with a big stretch.
But the main camera is based on a sensitive element of 5 megapixels. As a result, in this case, the photo quality improves by an order of magnitude, and video can be recorded in 1080p format. Its only drawback is the lack of a LED, with which you can take pictures in the dark.
Memory
The memory subsystem in this mobile gadget has been significantly redesigned. In previous models, RAM was part of the microprocessor. Moreover, the RAM consisted of 2 segments of 256 MB each, and this made it possible to get 512 MB already. In this case, the developers of the RAM took out separately. Now the RAM consists of 2individual chips of 512 MB. That is, this device already has 1 GB of RAM installed. Again, this layout of the RAM subsystem indicates the presence of a 2-channel controller and a performance increase of 15 percent.
Nominally, the main volume of integrated storage for iPad 3 is 64Gb. Owner reviews indicate its sufficiency. That is, in this case, there will certainly be no problems with installing software or storing personal data. But there is also a modification of this device with a memory capacity reduced to 16 GB. In this case, there may well be problems with the availability of free space on the integrated drive.
Also, the disadvantages of this mobile computing system include the fact that there is no possibility of installing an external memory card. But this is a typical problem with Apple devices.
Communications
The developers of the Apple iPad 3 tablet equipped the developers of the Apple iPad 3 with a really impeccable communication list. Reviews point to the complete absence of flaws in the list of supported interfaces. It includes the following:
- Extended set of modern cellular networks. In addition to the usual GSM / 2G and HSUPA / 3G, it also has LTE / 4G. At the same time, the highest information transfer rate can reach 150 Mbps. The presence of such a list of supported cellular networks allows this mobile computer to be used not only as a multimedia center, but also as a smartphone. Only in the latter case it will not be so convenient to talk. At least not without headphones.
- Another very important way to get information in this case is Wi-Fi. This transmitter is capable of transmitting information at a rate of 150 Mbps. The list of supported 802.11 interfaces in this case includes its subversions a/b/g/n.
- Communication capabilities of this mobile solution are complemented by a Bluetooth 4.0 wireless transmitter. It is used when connecting wireless speakers or exchanging files with various similar devices.
- The navigation capabilities of the device are implemented using an A-GPS transmitter. In this case, using the nearest cell towers, the location of the mobile gadget is determined quite accurately. But there is no support for satellite navigation systems.
- The main wired connection method is the Dock Connector port. It is universal and allows you not only to charge the battery, but also to synchronize the device with a personal computer.
- Another important wired connection is the audio port. It allows you to output sound to various external speakers.
Battery. Degree of autonomy
Significantly increased battery capacity requires upgraded iPad 3 64Gb 4G hardware. At the same time, reviews highlight the small thickness of this computing device, which, as noted earlier, is only 9.4 mm. The declared capacity of the built-in battery is 42.5 Wh. At the same time, previous devices were equipped with a battery for25 Wh. That is, such an increase in battery power should, in theory, increase autonomy by 1.7 times. But the increased power consumption of the microprocessor and memory subsystem leads to the fact that the battery life will be the same 17 hours with a 3G connection.
Complete charger is capable of delivering 10 watts per hour. That is, one battery charge will take more than 4 hours. And somehow it is not possible to speed up this process.
Program features
Initially, the iPad 3 tablet operated under the iOS version 9.2.1 operating system. Reviews emphasize its reliable and stable operation. In the future, a number of updates to this software appeared. Officially, the latest version of iOS that can be installed on this tablet is 9.3.5.
Then Apple released a series of operating systems 10. X. X. But it is impossible to install any of them on such hardware. For example, it will not install on iPad iOS 10.3.3. Reviews of this feature of this device are classified as disadvantages. But this is the standard order for this manufacturer, and outdated devices at a certain stage simply stop receiving updates. And this approach is quite simply explained: new software requires new hardware. It simply won't work with old hardware.
Mobile device cost. Its relevance
In a new state, it is currently impossible to purchase an iPad 3. Reviews, however, indicate that used modificationssuch a computer can be bought at a price of 2000 to 5000 rubles. At the same time, the cost depends on the degree of wear of the mobile solution. Also, the capabilities of the battery greatly affect the price tag. The longer the battery lasts, the more expensive the tablet will cost.
Again, the body of the device is non-separable, and in this case it is very problematic to replace the battery without outside help. Therefore, before purchasing a used tablet of this model, it is strongly recommended to check the battery condition. The longer the battery “holds”, the better the autonomy of the computing system.
Owner reviews. Strengths and weaknesses
Certain flaws were inherent in the iPad 3. Owner reviews highlighted these:
- Overheating of the central processor and periodic shutdowns of the device for this reason. This issue has been resolved by updating the system software.
- Long-term battery charging. This shortcoming, alas, cannot be eliminated.
- The hero of this review is not able to work with all cellular networks of the 4th generation. At least in the US or Canada, connection problems were not found. But in Australia, with LTE networks, this device did not always work correctly.
- Slightly larger device than its predecessor. But this is a forced measure, which is due to the increased capacity of the battery.
- High value in new condition.
- Mediocre front camera image quality due toVGA resolution.
The advantages of the device in this case include:
- The quality of the screen, which in this case is simply beyond competition. The increased resolution eliminates the appearance of graininess. But the IPS matrix provides a really excellent level of color reproduction in the picture.
- High autonomy combined with an excellent level of performance.
- Extended communication list.
- Excellent case build quality.
It is also necessary to note the presence of the iPad Mini 3 tablet computer in Apple's model range. User reviews indicate that these are completely different tablet devices. The latter was released much later and has improved hardware.
Conclusion
Of course, certain innovations were implemented in the iPad 3. Reviews of the owners repeatedly highlight them. Also, they are mainly attributed to the advantages of this tablet model.
Now such a device has no manufacturer support and is completely outdated. At the same time, the price tag of 2000–5000 rubles makes its purchase affordable for many users. But the question of the expediency of such an acquisition in a used condition is still open. For the same amount, you can find an analogue of this Android-based mobile computer in a new condition, and it is this solution that is recommended to purchase today. At the same time, the version of the system software will certainly be up-to-date.
