Apple iPad 4 - Review & specs

Apple iPad 4 - Review & specs

The iPad isn't perfect. It still gets warm to the touch under relatively minor loads. It's still a little heavier and thicker than the iPad 2 (and the Nexus 10 and Fire 8.9). iOS is not as information-dense as competitors like Android and Windows RT. And its tiny ass speaker is a sad sound compared to the Kindle Fire.

Here's what it does have, though: A beautiful screen, unquestionable build quality, and superb battery life (everything made it all day in the real life testing, but the iPad was easily the best in the standardized test). And it still has the best combined library of apps and content. You're never left wondering when something will be released for the iPad.

A lot of the iPad's comfort comes from the feeling of stability and containment in iPad apps that isn't quite there on Android. Android still feels like you're plugged into the Matrix at all times, like you can turn on a heel and be into your calendars or Google Docs on a moment's notice. iOS has gotten better at all that, but its adherence to the one-button interface (and some sneaky-handy gestures, like the five-finger pinch to close an app) make using iPad apps feel more self-contained.

The screen is beat out on resolution by the Nexus 10, but it's always pleasant to look at. You can blast it on full brightness most of the time without your eyes hating you, due in part to a few more shadows and gradients than Android has keeping you from staring at a sheer white LCD.

One advantage of Apple hardware family shines through when using the iPad as as second screen in ways its competitors can't yet match. Using AirPlay, you can control your iTunes library, or mirror to your Apple TV really fluidly. Microsoft's Surface (or any phone or tablet with the SmartGlass app) can do an approximation of this, but it's not nearly as responsive. SmartGlass more resembles the iPad's own "swipe to navigate" features for Apple TV (which also stink).

The iPad doesn't have all of the features and whistles that competitors do—though, at this point, it's got most of 'em. But for now, Apple's fourth iPad is still the most complete and effortless full-size tablet you can buy.

Apple iPad 4 Specs
Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.32 inches
Weight: 1.44 pounds
Processor: Dual core A6X
Memory: 1GB
Storage: 16, 32, 64GB
Ports: Lightning connector
Battery life: 5 hours 23 minutes
Price: Starting $500 16GB