iPADS

As Tim Cook would say, next up is the iPad. Right off the bat they are changing the name, the new iPad Air is 1 pound versus 1.4 pounds for the old device. At this time it is the lightest full-size tablet in the world and 43% thinner than the previous version. It has the Apple A7 chip from the iPhone 5s inside and the M7 motion coprocessor is included as well. Other features include the 5MP iSight camera, 1080p HD video, new FaceTime HD camera with larger pixels, improved backside illumination, dual microphones, and expanded LTE support. It is the first iOS device with MIMO (multiple input and output of data streams) so your wireless router that is rated “802.11.n” will give you more speed. The iPad Air began shipping on November 1. Same price as the old units WiFi only: 16GB $499, 32GB $599, 64GB $699; if you want cellular add $130 more to the prices.

Last but not least is the iPad Mini with faster A7 chip and Retina screen but that screen bumps the price from $329 for a 16GB to $399, again add in the $130 for cellular. The word from vendors is supplies are going to be very limited on these devices for several months so unless you’re lucky don’t count on one under the holiday tree.