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It's appropriate that Apple Inc. is calling the updated version of its hit tablet simply "the new iPad," rather than "iPad 3."
That's because the differences between this iteration and the last, while significant, aren't really enough to merit a new number.
Instead,
Considering that the older iPads typically offered a download speeds no faster than about 5 megabits per second on AT&T's 3G network and much slower on Verizon's, the new LTE connection feels blazingly fast. With that kind of speed, you should be able to download movies, apps and songs when you are on the road about as fast as you can when you are connected to your Wi-Fi router at home.
But you have to pay $130 extra for the versions of the iPad with the LTE antennas, and many consumers in the past have chosen to instead get the less expensive, Wi-Fi-only versions.
Even if you buy the LTE version, you may not benefit from the speed enhancement. LTE isn't yet available nationwide from either carrier. And while the LTE antennas will work in Canada, they won't work overseas.
The third big change in the new iPad is a much better rear-facing camera. Not only does it have more megapixels - 5 versus less than 1 - it does a much better job in low light situations. And Apple added an automatic image stabilization feature that helps prevent shaky videos. The new camera allows the new iPad to take pictures and video that are about as good as you can take on most cell phone cameras these days.
But Apple didn't upgrade the front-facing camera; it's the same low-resolution one as before, which makes for grainy pictures and video calls. And it didn't add a flash to the new back camera, which means you won't be able to take decent pictures at night.
