As promised, we now bring you the new iPad user reviews.
We wanted to find out what users had to say about the new iPad and ascertain if she was worth buying/waiting for.
So we canvassed a few online forums and got these results.
1) Interestingly we found that people outside of the US - especially those in Australia, are referring to new iPad as the iPad 3.
2) Some People are in Love with New iPad. Specifically, They Like:
a) The screen resolution - they say its crisp and sharp and they love watching HD videos on it.
E.g. user Davie. on Whirlpool.net Forums (Australia) had this to say:
"Using my 32GB Wifi White which I just bought this morning to type this.
First iPad that I've owned. Absolutely amazing. Screen is so sharp and crisp. This thing is amazing to use for reading stuff.
Watched a HD YouTube video and it looks stunning on the high res screen.
As its my first iPad it's hard for me to compare its size and weight. I find it fine though, it certainly isn't too heavy.
Very happy with my purchase. Just need to wait for all the apps to be updated."
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b) The ability to view 1080p video games seems to have also been a big boon.
User "shades" on forum: Whirlpool.net Forums (Australia) says:
"Tried some 1080 video and don't know how I can go back :( I'm a bit concerned by the comments about colour as I don't have any issue whatsoever. Working in the graphics arena I have a reasonable eye for this sort of thing :) I wonder if there are some dodgy screens floating around. Mine is outstanding.
Also having owned all 3 iPads I'm very happy with this upgrade and if you're considering upgrading go right ahead."
However, an Increasing No. of Users had the Following Concerns
(We have provided a summary of the concerns here, very aptly expressed by users of Whirlpool.forum.au, an Australian Internet and Technology discussion forum)
1) The device overheats - this is a common complaint
However user "gp28k" on forum Whirlpool.net Forums (Australia) made a valid comment in response to this complaint. Here's what he had to say:
"Guys/girls – the heat is expected. A simple energy preservation law from school physics books – the device has a battery twice more powerful than iPad 2. This energy dissipates into heat and light. The light energy depends on brightness, not resolution so it's the same that means that the new iPad has to emit twice more heat than iPad 2. :)
A longer charging time is not a surprise either. (I thought though they might put a more powerful charger but there might be some tech problems to allow extra charging current – heat is one of them)."
2) Redness of screen of some new iPads - in that the red color in the color scheme is exaggerated.
This is a problem for especially professional photographers who use it to store pictures taken.
Here's what "Ray33" from Whirlpool.net Forums (Australia) had to say re this:
"I returned mine after comparing it the models on display as they all ran warm and the display was not colour accurate on all of them (red channel exaggerated).
Interestingly the iPad2's on display also are too red... seems the original iPad is the best by far in terms of colour accuracy. I noticed the iPad2's on display were cool to touch whereas the iPad v3's were all warm.
The running warm issue doesn't bother me so much but the lack of colour accuracy I can't live with. For most I assume this wouldn't be an issue but it's a priority for what I use the iPad for (photography portfolio)."
"Trivialise the colour accuracy all you like but for creatives (professional photographers, graphic designers etc) that use the device as a portfolio it is an issue. That it seems to run hotter than the original doesn't really bother me but the colour accuracy is a show-stopper for what I use it for."
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3) More jerky scrolling when compared to the iPad2:
This was the feedback from user "masand's" on forum: Whirlpool.net Forums (Australia) re this:
"...The weight is slightly higher but not noticeable. The performance is at least at fast as the iPad
2. People who say the browser is Android-share right though. It definitely has much more jerky scrolling. It completely hangs on The Verge. Apart from that, its extremely zippy.
Enjoy your iPad's people."
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4) Battery takes long to charge (this is responded to by user "gp28k" in concern no.1 above).
5) Unlike the iPad 2, the magnetic screen doesn't cause the new iPad to automatically shut down.
Here's what djcallyman on Whirlpool.net Forums (Australia) had to say re this issue:
"...The magnetic screen auto-lock doesn't seem to be working on mine. I have a Cynett Lavish Folio case with a built in magnet so the screen would shut off automatically on my iPad 2, the same as it would with a smart cover.
However this doesn't work on my new iPad. Despite the added thickness, the new iPad fits in the old case just fine, but the screen will not shut off when I close the case.
I did some googling and found a suggestion that I try using a fridge magnet to activate the option in settings. This doesn't work either (even though the magnet sticks perfectly in the center to the right of the screen, so it is definitely finding the magnet in the ipad.
Any suggestions? I guess I need to try it with an actual smart cover, I just hope I don't need to get a new case."
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6) Compatibility problems with 4G networks outside the USA:
Although new iPad is touted as being able to run on 4G networks, users outside of the USA have been complaining that it just won't work on 4G networks in their country.
According to Donald Meek, who responded to this complaint in a comment re article, "New iPad Sparks Debate Over 4G Overseas"
"The LTE connection is not available outside the US and Canada but the iPad will connect at 3G speeds using either UTMS, HSPA, HSPA+, or DC-HSDPA (only available outside the US by the way) which is just as fast or faster than any iPad 1 or 2 can connect anywhere in the world.
Here's the connection information for the current 'international' Wifi +4G model: 4G LTE (700, 2100 MHz); UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)."
(So if this is a concern for you, then you do have the option of using the new iPad at 3G speeds or exchanging the 4G version for the WiFi-only version).
7) For the WiFi models, initial connection to the WiFi network is initially strong but then drops.
From Apple Community Support forum, user "Texas Mac Man" suggested:
"Look at iOS Troubleshooting Wifi networks and connections http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398
Additional things to try.
Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.
Change the channel on your wireless router. Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-network.html
If none of the above suggestions work, look at this link.
iPad Wifi Problems: Comprehensive List of Fixes
http://appletoolbox.com/2010/04/ipad-wi-fi-problems-comprehensive-list-of-fixes/
"
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The above are just a snippet of the reviews we analyzed.
While some new iPad users seem overjoyed re their new iPad purchase and conclude that she was worth buying...
...There are an increasing number of concerns (e.g. those expressed above), that users - especially those outside of the USA, are having with this tablet.
These must be addressed by Apple if they want to experience continued sales growth of this tablet...especially outside of the USA.
For ease of reference, we summarized the concerns from users on the Whirlpool.net Forums (Australia)... but if you take the time to go through the entire sets of comments expressed on this forum, you'll observe that over 50% of these users were dissatisfied with their purchase...
Dissatisfaction that is contagious...with a few users deciding to delay purchasing new iPad, until the problems are sorted out.
What should be noted is that Apple does provide fixes for most common problems being encountered, via their Apple Support Community forum:
E.g. the WiFi connectivity problem in point 7) above, has a simple solution suggested by Texas Mac Man, but if users are experiencing problems, the best solution is to go to your nearest Apple Store and get help.
Users can also visit the Apple Support Community forum to get help from the Apple community of knowledgeable users or leave an online ticket and they'll respond.
Users should also be reminded that if they have a faulty unit, they can also have it replaced within 14 days of purchase.
The reality is that the new iPad is new, and as with all new releases, it will have flaws.
What is germane to the new iPad's profitability is the length of time that Apple takes to address these and other concerns that users are having.
Gillian
Sources Include
1) Whirlpool.net Forums (Australia), accessed March 29,2012
2) Apple Community Support Forum/iPad, accessed March 29,2012
3) Article, "New iPad Sparks Debate Over 4G Overseas", by Robb M. Stewart Wall Street Journal|Asia Technology,March 29,2012
4) Wikipedia article on 1080p, accessed March 29,2012
Gillian
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