Apple has introduced a new iPad 4 successor model dubbed as the iPad Air. Featuring the 9.7-inch Retina Display, the iPad Air takes the design cues from the iPad mini model. Apple has designed the iPad Air to be 20 per cent thinner and 28 per cent lighter weighing just one pound. Apple has housed the new A7 chip with 64-bit architecture support and runs iOS 7 update out of the box. Apple iPad Air will be offered in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+Cellular options starting $ 499 from November 1.
Apple has taken the design cues from the iPad mini and power feature from MacBook Air to bring a new generation tablet – iPad Air. Packing the new Apple A7 multicore chip with M7 Motion Processor, the iPad Air supports the 64-bit architecture through the iOS 7 software update.
Apple iPad Air measures 7.5 mm thick compared to the 8.8 mm thick iPad 4. Also the iPad Air weighs 469/478 grams compared to the iPad 4 weighing 601/613 grams.
The iPad Air offers the same 9.7-inch Retina IPS panel Display with 2048×1526 pixel resolution. The display offers 264 pixels per inch Pixel density like the previous version and comes with finger resistant oleophobic coating.
At the rear, the iPad Air has a 5 Megapixel iSight camera with five-element lens that also includes hybrid filter. This 5 megapixel back side illumination sensor has f/2.4 aperture, autofocus, and can click HDR Photos. The camera can be used to record full 1080p HD videos with video stabilization, tap to focus while recording, face detection and 3x Zoom. There is a 1.2 megapixel Front Facing iSight camera to support FaceTime HD. This camera can record 720p HD videos along with HD video calling support.
Apple has offered the Multiple-in-Multiple-Out technology based dual-channel (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi network support for fastest downloads and web browsing experience. Other features include Ambient Light Sensor, Accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, and 32.4 watt hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. This battery offers 10 hours of run time and is non-removable.
Apple will offer the iPad Air in Silver and Space Grey colour options. The iPad Air will be sold as Wi-Fi only models starting $ 499 (Rs 30, 275) for 16 GB, $ 599 (Rs 36, 720) for 32 GB, $ 699 (Rs 42, 835) for 64 GB and $799 (Rs 48, 955) for 128 GB. The nano-sim supporting Apple iPad Air will be offered starting 16 GB for $ 629 (Rs 38, 550), 32 GB for $ 729 (Rs 44, 670), 64 GB for $ 829 (Rs 50, 790) and 128 GB for $ 929 (Rs 56,910). Do note that the prices in INR presented are merely an estimate and not final prices.