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IN a world where everything gets more expensive it may come as a surprise to find Apple is actually dropping prices.
The firm has just revealed its new 2018 iPad which brings more features and some added grunt for less cash.
So is this new tablet worth buying? StarTech picked up the new 2018 iPad straight after the launch in Chicago.
Out of the box the first thing you’ll notice is this new iPad looks like almost every Apple tablet that has gone before it.
There’s no radical redesign so don’t expect an iPhone X-style edge-to-edge screen.
The design is probably the only negative as this new iPad packs plenty of features including the ability to use Apple’s Pencil stylus on the 9.7-inch display.
Until now you’d have to spend over £600 on an iPad Pro to get this function.
We’ve been getting plenty of use out of the Pencil especially with more apps now supporting the digital accessory. It’s worth noting that the £89 stylus doesn’t ship in the box so you’ll need to add it.
Another tasty update is Apple’s A10 Fusion processor.
Apple is boasting a 50% speed bump over its predecessor and there’s little it can’t cope with. Apps react fast and even the most memory-hungry software won’t worry this new device.
Along with the new features you’ll also find all the old favourites including a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, front and rear cameras plus an aluminium design that’s definitely built to last. There’s even a new gold colour which adds to its appeal.
Spending a bit extra on the cellular model means you’ll get access to the brilliant Apple SIM which allows you to connect to local mobile networks anywhere in the world.There’s no question that this is a brilliant tablet but there are some features that are sadly missing including Apple’s Smart Connector.
This allows the flagship iPad Pro to seamlessly connect to accessories such as charging docks and keyboard covers.
The screen is also without Apple’s True Tone technology which adjust the colour depending on the lighting around you.
It’s a shame these have been left out but if it’s helped to keep that price so low we’re sure many fans won’t disagree with Apple’s decisions.
And that £319 price is really why this iPad is so brilliant and impossible not to recommend.
In fact, there’s nothing that comes close to it for power, ease of use and access to the million of apps on Apple’s expansive App Store.