Until now, the iPad was on a yearly refresh schedule with a springtime release. Just 7 months after the 3rd generation iPad, we now have the 4th generation model. Is this newest, full-size iPad a good buy? I own the 3rd gen iPad. Perhaps you do too. Should you purchase and upgrade? The 3rd gen iPad offered major improvements versus the iPad 2, including speed, camera quality and the terrific, high-resolution Retina display. This latest, full-size model does offer a faster processor, better graphics performance and improved front-facing camera. However, these features don’t measure up to the jump from iPad 2 to iPad 3. My advice? If you have a nearly new iPad 3, there’s little need to upgrade. If you have an iPad 2 or earlier, you’ll notice a big improvement with the latest full-size iPad.
Keep in mind this iPad and the iPad mini use a smaller connector called Lightning, so your old accessories will need an adapter. More on Apple’s Lightning technology for the iPad in the next article.