A new version of Apple's latest iPad with added 4G is coming to the UK, according to tipsters.
"Industry sources" speaking to the Guardian said Apple is plotting a 4G iPad that will be compatible with EE's next-gen mobile network, which is the first of its kind in the UK.
There's no word on whether such a revised device would be compatible with O2's and Vodafone's 4G networks, which are expected to launch in the spring. Those operators will dole out 4G on different spectrum bands, so not every 4G-capable device will work on every network.
The revised iPad is also tipped to feature the new, smaller Lightning connector port that's present on the iPhone 5, meaning existing chargers or docks won't work without a pricey adaptor.
Meanwhile, don't expect 4G or 3G kicks from Apple's rumoured iPad mini, as the miniature tablet is tipped to be a strictly Wi-Fi-only gadget. That could be a decision on Apple's part to keep costs down -- if a 7.8-inch iPad were to compete with Google's Nexus 7 and the Amazon Kindle Fire HD, it would need to be pretty cheap, as those rival tablets cost just £160.
That teeny-tiny tablet is tipped to be revealed before the end of the month, with some rumours even pointing towards an Apple-flavoured event invite being released today. Last week the clearest leaked pictures yet gave us a glimpse of what the mooted tablet could look like.
The 'new iPad' caused consternation in the UK and elsewhere when it launched earlier this year, flaunting '4G' capabilities even in countries where it couldn't muster up those speedy data connections -- including Britain and Australia. An Australian consumer watchdog took Apple to court over its bogus speed claims, prompting the Californian tech giant to offer refunds.
Would you buy an iPad for 4G speeds? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
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Ruffus Stone 10 October, 2012 11:47
Quote: "....flaunting '4G' capabilities even in countries where it couldn't muster up those speedy data connections -- including Britain and Australia".
Shouldn't that read "....flaunting '4G' capabilities even in countries where the 4G networks were seriously late and not yet ready -- including Britain and Australia." ??
Ruffus Stone 10 October, 2012 12:00
It's very unlikely that any iPad Mini will be marketed at the same price as the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD.
For a start, those two devices are widely considered by industry observers to be sold at cost or as loss leaders, in order to herd their owners into the respective Google Play and Amazon ecosystems.
Apart from being optimised for their respective content portals, in the Kindles case with a seriously cut down and semi-walled garden version of the Android OS, they are also fairly lacking in spec and capability.
I've just spent an hour or so playing with a Nexus 7. I had expected more than what I found. Apart from the dull screen and semi-washed out colour; the touch screen was not very responsive and the whole experience was quite disappointing.
The Nexus 7 is no iPad.
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anonymous 10 October, 2012 13:06
it will cost twice as much as the nexus 7, i bet, but that twat damien would still buy it
billfred 10 October, 2012 14:33
"the touch screen was not very responsive and the whole experience was quite disappointing." Are you joking?
But yes the colour contrast isn't as rich, but it is about 1/3 of the price.
Ruffus Stone 10 October, 2012 15:49
"Are you joking?"
Unfortunately not. I was intending to buy one as a low cost portable tablet for trips away where a more expensive or larger device might be a little unwieldy or vunerable.
I was sorely disappointed ...and yes the touch screen was intermittently unresponsive to touch or gestures.
When it worked it was quite smooth, but the inconsistency was a bit of a nuisance.
anonymous 10 October, 2012 17:04
@Ruffus Stone you are no reviewer. You cannot beat the nexus 7 for value just like you cant beat the ipad for extortion. you comments are pointless!
Ruffus Stone 10 October, 2012 22:16
Quote: "@Ruffus Stone you are no reviewer. You cannot beat the nexus 7 for value just like you cant beat the ipad for extortion. you comments are pointless!"
You certainly can't beat the Nexus 7 for value and that's why I got hold of one for more than a quick play, with a view to buying. Unfortunately it didn't impress me enough to part with the readies.
As for extortion, the iPad is actually cheaper than some of its 10" rivals.
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anonymous 16 October, 2012 12:50
The nexus is a great low cost device and was a revolution to the tablet market. Before the nexus a tablet under £200 was a very poor preforming device and was a useful as as a slim paperweight. The nexus 7 was able to bring a fast, quad-core, pure android and "quality" device for users. I totally agree that it has its downsides ie. colour, lack of rear camera, lack of sd card slot and i have noticed picture retention/burn a problem i thought only was on plasma screens. Yes you can now buy a samsung tab 7 for £199 or a kindle fire for £129 but before the nexus i remember 7" tabs for £300-£400. You cant compare a nexus to an ipad like that Ruffus, of course its not going to be as good quality as an ipad its over double the price.