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iOgrapher: An inexpensive hand-held mount for iPad moviemaking
TUAW has previously reviewed the Padcaster (US$149 or $189 with lens), a tremendously useful tool for mounting an iPad in a sturdy aluminum frame that includes multiple tripod mounts as well as cold shoes for mounting lights and microphones. It's such an iPad moviemaking powerhouse that it recently appeared in one of Apple's "Verse" advertisements. At present, there's no Padcaster for the iPad mini with Retina display, although Padcaster boss Josh Apter currently has a Kickstarter project underway to fund manufacturing of one. For those who have the mini and might not want to spend the bucks for the high-quality professional Padcaster, there's the iOgrapher (US$65). The major difference between the Padcaster and iOgrapher is in the material used for the frame. The iOgrapher uses black polycarbonate to encase the tablet rather than aluminum. Instead of multiple threaded mounts and cold shoes around the exterior as on the Padcaster, the iOgrapher has three cold shoes for popping on those lights and mics. On the bottom is a single brass-lined threaded tripod mount. Another difference is that the iOgrapher is designed for easy hand-held videography. On either side of the landscape-oriented iPad mini is a handle that makes carrying and handholding the device a snap. The mini is light enough that you'll be able to use a single hand to grip the iOgrapher while using your free hand for controlling your video or photography app. Inserting the iPad mini into the iOgrapher is a literal snap, and while it holds the tablet securely, there's no problem removing it quickly for other uses. In practice, I found the iOgrapher nicely suited for tripod-mounting an iPad mini and attaching several accessories that I had on hand -- a shotgun mic and an LED light, both of which use standard hot/cold shoe mounts. That being said, I'm certain that it would not be as useful to a professional videographer or photographer as the Padcaster. The Padcaster is incredibly sturdy and can be tripod-mounted in a number of orientations thanks to the numerous tapped holes. If you somehow run out of space for an accessory, there's probably space to clamp it or even tape it on with gaffer's tape. Not so with the iOgrapher -- I wanted to use a Samson mic with a spring clip with my iPad mini. While it clips easily onto a naked mini, I couldn't find a spot on the iOgrapher that would hold it without it getting either in the way of my hand or moving unexpectedly. For the amateur iPad mini moviemaker, the iOgrapher is perfect. On the other hand, professionals should throw their support behind the Padcaster Mini Kickstarter. You may have to wait a while, but you'll have a much more versatile mount for your videography.
Steve Sande02.10.2014
Shopping in the iOS device bargain bin
Although we're not expecting refurbished iPad Airs to hit Apple's online store for a month or two yet, it's still a terrific time to shop for all things iOS. At US$500, the bottom-line iPad Air may not be discounted, but it still provides excellent value for the dollar. Light, thin and super fast, this latest Retina-based iOS tech offers a lot to the buyer. The intro model Retina mini starts at $400. But what about those of us with a more limited budget? You won't go wrong picking up an original (non-Retina) iPad mini from Apple's online refurbished and clearance store. All items sell with a one-year warranty and refurbished iPads include both a brand-new battery as well as a new outer shell. It's that battery guarantee in particular that makes buying refurbished devices from Apple such a great choice. Right now, you can pick up a refurbished first-generation 16GB WiFi iPad mini for just $250. Stock varies, but on any day you're likely to find units with varying memory configurations and onboard cellular support listed for sale as well. Yesterday morning, a 64GB non-Retina WiFi mini was just $419. Although the iPod touch tends to get short shrift in glamour, it provides surprisingly sophisticated kit. A fifth-generation refurb with an A5 chip, a 4-inch screen, excellent cameras and more starts at just $189. That's particularly attractive to developers looking for an extra work unit with modern screens and geometry without having to pay that costly phone premium. Like iPads, refurbished iPods sold direct from Apple contain that all-important new battery. If you're focused on Retina and shopping for a full-size iPad, your best bet is probably a refurbished fourth-generation unit, which starts at $379 for the 16GB WiFi model. While Apple is still selling third-generation devices, with an admittedly spotty collection of stock, we'd suggest choosing the latest-but-one version instead. It was an excellent model and while it weighs more than the Air and has a larger frame, it's still a great iPad all around. Compared to a new iPad 2, which sells for $20 more, the refurbished iPad 4 gives you that Retina screen, better battery life and all-round stronger computing.
Erica Sadun01.17.2014
ClamCase Pro for iPad mini appears at CES, available to order
If there's one accessory that I've been waiting for, it's the ClamCase Pro for iPad mini. Sure, there are a lot of keyboard cases for the iPad Air and iPad mini that have blossomed onto the market in the past few months, but I've been waiting for the ClamCase product for one good reason -- their ClamCase Pro for the iPad 2/3/4 is absolutely the best keyboard case I've ever used. It provides wrap-around protection for the iPad, while offering long battery life and a top-notch keyboard. Now the company has opened up orders for the ClamCase Pro for iPad mini. The $129 keyboard case looks like its bigger brother, but with a keyboard that is scaled down to fit the petite tablet. Noticeable changes include moving the various bracket keys, tilde and accent keys to function-enabled keys on the QWERTY row, some oddities with the comma, period, question mark and forward slash keys, moving the plus and equal signs out of the number row, and moving the colon and semicolon keys up to the right side of the QWERTY row. Whether those changes -- which are a necessity for almost any iPad mini keyboard -- make it difficult to type on is something that will have to wait for a full hands-on review. Like the existing ClamCase Pro for iPad and the upcoming ClamCase Pro for iPad Air, the mini keyboard case has a hinge that rotates a full 360 degrees for incredible flexibility in usage. The keyboard is made out of solid aluminum, while the case is hard polycarbonate with soft-touch accents. We'll be publishing a full review of the ClamCase Pro for iPad mini in the near future; in the meanwhile, if you have an iPad mini or iPad mini with Retina display, you should jump on the opportunity to order the case today for delivery later this month.
Steve Sande01.11.2014
Engadget Giveaway: win an iPad mini courtesy of Numbridge!
The holidays are upon us and the New Year is rapidly approaching, so it's probably time to ditch the cryptic text messages and get on the horn for a proper chat with friends and family. The folks at Numbridge are offering some incentive for those who choose nice over naughty by giving away a svelte new iPad mini with Retina display to one lucky reader. Numbridge is the iPhone and Android app that's "redefining proximity" by making all international calls into local ones and freeing you from WiFi and broadband dependence. The rates are said to be some of the lowest on offer, with access to 50 countries around the globe, smart caller ID and even local callback numbers. So while you're listening to that distant relative tell the "longest story ever," you could also be enjoying a session of Plants vs. Zombies 2 on one of Apple's latest slates -- just don't forget to turn the sound off! All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below and enter for your chance to win. Winner - Congratulations to Noah B., Arcata, CA
Jon Turi12.17.2013
Retina iPad mini shipping estimates improve to 1 to 3 days
Just in time for the holidays, Retina iPad mini shipping times have improved to just 1 to 3 days on Apple's online store. The 1 to 3 day ship time is now given in many countries around the world including the United States, Mexico, Canada, and several in the Asia Pacific region. The notable exceptions are European countries, where the Retina iPad mini still has a ship time of 3 to 5 days. Apple released the Retina iPad mini with a soft launch on November 12th. Since then the Retina iPad mini has seen shipping times ranging from several weeks before dropping to 5 to 10 days. The new 1 to 3 days ship time includes all models of the Retina iPad mini ranging from the 16 GB version to the 128 GB in both Wi-Fi only models and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. Apple's holiday shipping guide says those that want the Retina iPad mini by December 24th should order it with standard shipping by December 16th and with Next Day shipping by December 18th.
Michael Grothaus12.14.2013
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Tablets
Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Tablets are right up there with 3D-enabled 4K TVs in terms of gift appeal; no one can resist firing them up the moment they've been unwrapped. Maybe it's their super-thin form factors; maybe it's because they make great couch companions; or maybe it's because they're just plain fun. Whether it's an Android, Windows 8.1 or iOS slate you're shopping for, you'll find suitable picks across all budgets below.
Engadget11.27.2013
Slip Stopper keeps your iPad mini in your hand or on the dash
iPad mini owners who want to eliminate the need for bulky protective cases by minimizing the chances of dropping the device in the first place are going to be happy with Slip Stopper's latest product for Apple's littlest tablet. The Slip Stopper iPad mini Gel Skin Case (available for US$29.99 in midnight black or marble white) originally started out as a Kickstarter project by Mark Zhang back in 2012, and the company is now making the "almost naked" iPad mini and iPhone skins available online. The Slip Stopper comes adhered to a backing in three pieces. One covers the back of the device, leaving a "hole" for the Apple logo, another covers the bottom bezel of the device, and a third covers the top bezel. It's made from a epoxy resin material, but that shouldn't scare you away from putting it onto your iPad mini -- it uses a 3M-produced backing that allows you to take it off and put it back on as often as you'd like. Installing the Slip Stopper takes no time at all -- I was able to line up the three pieces and stick them to the iPad mini in about a minute. Once installed, you'll find that your mini will no longer slide out of your hand! It's not sticky to the touch, but the material just keeps things from sliding. Put the mini on a smooth desktop, and you'll have to tip the desk at an ungodly angle to get it to slide off. Even more amazing, you can take your iPad mini and literally stick it to a glass door or window! Don't believe me? Watch the video below for proof: Seriously, you could probably put a Slip Stopper-encased iPad mini or iPhone onto the hood of a car and drive around without it sliding off (Note: do not try this unless you have a device that you do not care about losing!). I took a "test drive" with my iPad mini perched on the dashboard of my car and it didn't move an inch, even when I took some corners at pretty high speeds. What's really cool is that the Slip Stopper doesn't add any weight and adds just a little thickness to your mini, so it's not as if you're putting it into a case. In fact, I was able to put the iPad mini -- dressed in a marble white Slip Stopper -- into two different cases with no problems. I hate to say it, but I was really skeptical about the claims back when the iPhone version of the Slip Stopper was on Kickstarter. Count me in as one of the converted -- it's quite the amazing product for keeping your iPad mini from sliding off of a surface, improving the grip of the device in your hand, and even for sticking it to windows or doors. Conclusion If you don't need or want 360-degree protection for your iPad mini, but do want a way to improve your grip on the device, then the Slip Stopper is the answer. Pros Inexpensive Can be removed and re-installed numerous times, and is easy to install Great for slapping an iPad mini up on a window temporarily Will keep your device from slipping on most surfaces Adds an amazing amount of grip to your iPad mini without feeling sticky Cons Doesn't protect the sides or the display of the iPad mini (you can use the Slip Stopper with Apple's Smart Cover for the iPad mini) Who is it for? Anyone who uses an iPad mini in a car or on a surface that's slick
Steve Sande11.26.2013
Belkin's LEGO Builder Case for iPad mini arrives in time for Christmas
One of the more unique cases I've had the opportunity to review over the past year was the LEGO Builder Case for iPhone 5 from Belkin. The case literally turns your iPhone 5 into a brick -- well, a base for building LEGO brick-based creations for a totally customizable look. It might not be the most comfortable iPhone 5 case you've ever used, especially if you've made a LEGO creation with lots of pointy edges, but it's certainly different! Now Belkin is going big with the LEGO Builder Case with a version for the iPad mini (US$59.99). Coming in base colors of red, green and yellow, the LEGO Builder Case for iPad mini not only provides a fun play surface when you become bored playing LEGO Lord of the Rings, LEGO Batman or LEGO Harry Potter, but it's also quite protective. The case uses a Smart Case-like cover to turn the iPad mini on and off, and it can also fold over to provide a stand for watching episodes of LEGO Legends of Chima. Our review case is the beautiful green and blue model, featuring a bright green case with a blue cover and LEGO brick pad. As you'd expect, LEGO bricks snap right onto the case and turn your iPad mini into an anchor for your construction efforts. If there's one gift that you should consider for that LEGO-loving iPad mini user on your shopping list, it's the LEGO Builder Case for iPad mini. We might be able to even help you out with holiday gift-giving, as we're giving away our review case to one lucky TUAW reader. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before November 29, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Belkin LEGO Builder Case for iPad mini valued at $59.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Steve Sande11.25.2013
This poor little iPad mini has had a tougher life than you
Did you get thrown in the dirt today? How about slammed into concrete multiple times or had someone attempt to drown you? The iPad mini in the video below has endured all of that -- oh, and it also took a few bullets for good measure. The video comes from YouTuber RatedRR, who normally focuses on slow-mo videos of firearms exclusively, but decided to make an exception and dish out some brutality to Apple's tiny tablet. As you might imagine, the ultra thin, ultra light mini doesn't take a bullet very well, but it does pass the dirt and concrete portions of the test with flying colors. The water test goes about as well as you'd expect (not spectacularly) though the screen appears mostly intact. For a device that is, at most, about a year old, it's been subjected to a lot of pain and suffering.
Mike Wehner11.21.2013
The new iPad mini's Retina display isn't quite as colorful as it could be
Apple's new baby iPad comes with a pixel-pushing Retina display, but the stat sleuths at AnandTech have now declared that while the screen is indeed a fantastic addition to the smaller iPad, it's a bit color-blind. According to the test results, the iPad mini w/ Retina is only marginally better than its non-Retina predecessor in terms of things like saturation and contrast, and in some categories (like white-level brightness) it's actually a small step down from the original mini. When Apple revealed that the Retina mini would come with the same A7 chip as is found in the iPad Air, the line between what the two higher-resolution iPads were capable of became extremely blurred. Now, it seems we can add overall color performance as one of the few things the iPad Air has to hold over the head of its little brother.
Mike Wehner11.18.2013
Talkcast tonight, 7pm PT/10pm ET: Mini Retina Edition!
All-new dial-in experience! See below -- do not call into Talkshoe, we won't be there. Be sure to set up Fuze Meeting before the show if you want to join in live. Another Sunday, another TUAW talkcast! Tonight we'll be discussing the retina iPad mini, and beginning to look ahead to the Year End Gift Giving Event Of Your Choosing. We'll add whatever other items come up from those who join us in the live call. Reminder on new-style talkcasting: With some help from the fine folks at Fuze, we're using a new system to record the show. This should let everyone listen in live -- and, if you want, raise your hand as you would in the Talkshoe room to get unmuted and chime in. You can join the call in progress (meeting # is 20099010) at 10 pm ET from any computer via this link; if you download the Mac or Windows Fuze clients ahead of time, you'll get better audio and a slicker experience, but browser-only will work fine. Just click the phone icon to join the audio once you're in. Using an iPhone or iPad? Grab the native clients from the App Store and get busy. (Even Android users can join the party.) Still feel like using the conventional phone dial-in? Just call 775-996-3562 and enter the meeting number 20099010, then press #. While the Fuze web and native clients have a chat channel, we'd like to reserve that for host participants, requests to talk and other real-time alerts... so the full-on chat for the show will appear in this very post at 10 pm tonight. You'll need Twitter, Facebook or Chatroll credentials to participate in the chat. We'll remind everyone to check back in at that time. Your patience and forbearance with our new tech is appreciated in advance. For the time being, the podcast feed of the show will continue to originate from Talkshoe and should be there within 24-36 hours. See you tonight!
Kelly Guimont11.17.2013
Weekly Roundup: PlayStation 4 and Retina iPad mini reviews, Coin startup and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Andy Bowen11.17.2013
Why was the iPad Mini with Retina Display released with little fanfare?
With little to no fanfare, Apple this week released the iPad Mini with Retina Display. There were no slickly produced videos accompanying the launch nor were there any grand pronouncements from Apple. Indeed, if you don't regularly follow Apple blogs, you might have been completely unaware that the iPad Mini with Retina Display was even available yet. Apple, for its part, simply updated its online store and issued a press release early on Tuesday morning. Naturally, some folks began wondering why Apple didn't create more of a hoopla surrounding the iPad Mini with Retina Display launch. While Apple has been known to implement subtle product upgrades from time to time, the iPad Mini with Retina Display is a highly anticipated product that is without question a step above its predecessor. You would think that a launch of such a product would be accompanied by a little bit more pomp and circumstance. So what gives? What might have prompted Apple to seemingly roll out its second-gen iPad Mini under the cover of darkness, so to speak? Addressing that very question, Ed Dale offers a theory which I think is spot-on. The last thing Apple wants is 100's of customers turning up everyday to be dissapointed in a store which is meant to be a happy place – Apple does not want their stores to be associated with disappointment and frustration!! From the get-go, we knew that supply of the iPad Mini with Retina Display was going to be constrained. Tim Cook admitted as much during Apple's October earnings conference call, noting that it wasn't clear if Apple was going to "have enough" stock of the new iPad Mini at launch. As it already stands, finding the right model iPhone 5s is still a taxing endeavor, and that device was released nearly two months ago. While new Apple products tend to be in short supply at launch, the limited availability of the iPhone 5s really took things to an entirely new level. As Dale astutely observes, Apple wants its stores to be places where people can go and have a positive shopping experience. The last thing they want is to create a dynamic where new product releases are greeted by lukewarm responses along the lines of, "eh, why bother trying to get one when they'll be out of stock for 2 months anyways." By releasing the iPad Mini with Retina Display somewhat under the radar, Apple, to a certain extent, can limit the disappointment that necessarily accompanies the "sorry, we're out of stock" response.
Yoni Heisler11.17.2013
iFixit opens up iPad mini with Retina display
The diminutive powerhouse known as the iPad mini with Retina display has just been pulled apart by the evil geniuses at iFixit. In one of its patented teardowns of new Apple technology, the team took Apple's latest iPad mini and subjected it to a mock autopsy, looking at each and every component and determining how the device is put together -- ostensibly for the purpose of learning how repair shops will (or will not) be able to fix the mini. Some of the highlights of the surgery include finding out that the new mini is 0.3 mm thicker than the original model, that the Retina display is made by LG and that a lot of the components are identical to those used in the iPad Air. Of course, the iFixit teardowns all come down to one thing: the repairability score. The new iPad mini gets a dismal score of 2 out of 10 for repairability -- it should be noted that the quite similar (in size and capability) Kindle Fire HDX received a 7 out of 10 score. As usual, iFixit offers a lot of comments, fascinating insights and links to humorous YouTube videos, so be sure to get yourself to its website for a quick look.
Steve Sande11.13.2013
Retina iPad Mini now on sale on Apple's online store
The new iPad mini with Retina display is now on sale at Apple's online store. Both the 16 GB and 32 GB WiFi models have an available to ship date of one to three business days. The 64 GB and 128 GB WiFi models and all of the Wi-Fi + Cellular models have an available to ship date of five to 10 business days. The immediate availability of the new Retina iPad minis is something of a shock as Apple gave no indication that they were to go on sale today and has made no announcement regarding their launch. These iPads feature a 2,048 x 1,536 resolution display, an A7 processor and the M7 motion coprocessor. The iPad mini with Retina display begins at US$399 for the entry level 16 GB WiFi version.
Michael Grothaus11.12.2013
Some Lunatik has made a Flak Jacket for your iPad mini
Whether you have one of the original iPad minis or you're planning on getting the new Retina display model when it arrives later this month, you're going to want some protection for it. Lunatik has a really basic -- but very protective -- sleeve for your iPad mini called the Flak Jacket (US$49.95) that you'll want to take a look at. The Flak Jacket is made of microfiber to cradle your iPad mini softly, but has a tough exterior with a 3D grid-like surface in one of three colors -- black, mint (kind of a teal) or pink -- that provides a good grip for carrying. When you slip your mini into the Flak Jacket (with or without Apple's Smart Cover), you can be sure that it's not going to slide back out thanks to a magnetic closure at the top. The protection isn't going to weigh you down, either. The Flak Jacket weighs in at just three ounces on my postal scale. I'd love to see Lunatik make a Flak Jacket for the iPad Air, as it would be the perfect minimalist sleeve to accompany Apple's newest tablet. Conclusion Want relatively inexpensive, but tough protection for your iPad mini? This is it. With the Flak Jacket covering your iPad mini and a Smart Cover, you're carrying an incredibly thin package. Pros Tough exterior keeps the protected iPad from sliding from your hand or from slanted surfaces Magnetic closure keeps your device inside Microfiber interior cradles your iPad mini in softness Works with an Apple Smart Cover in place Cons A little on the pricey side at $50 Who is it for? Anyone who wants to keep an iPad mini protected without the weight and thickness of some of the cases that are available. Giveaway C'mon, I know some of you are probably waiting for a new Retina display iPad mini. Keep it protected from day one with a nice mint Lunatik Flak Jacket that we're giving away. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before November 10, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Lunatik Flak Jacket for iPad mini valued at $49.95 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Steve Sande11.06.2013
iPad trade-in numbers more than double since 2012
Today sales of the iPad Air began at Apple (and other) retail stores around the world. If trade-in numbers at Gazelle and Nextworth are any indication, many of those who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new device will be happily trading in their older iPads to help pay for the new equipment. Anthony Scarsella, the "chief gadget officer" at Boston-based Gazelle told Computerworld that trade-in quotes for iPads were up 130 percent over October 2012. The numbers are almost identical at Billerica, Mass.-based NextWorth, where Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Trachsel reported that quote volume is up 127 percent. Both of the trade-in companies cited the redesign of the iPad Air for the increased interest in turning in older iPads for cash. The new device is 20 percent thinner and 29 percent lighter than the fourth-generation iPad, catching the eye of consumers who may have held onto first- and second-generation devices until now. What's the most popular device people are turning into cash? The third-generation iPad. Nextworth says those accounted for 35 percent of all iPad quotes in October, while Gazelle says they're about 31 percent of their total iPad quotes for last month. iPad mini quotes are relatively flat, primarily because users appear to be waiting for the device to ship later this month before deciding whether or not to make a trade-in. Are you trading in an old device this month to help pay for a new one? Let us know in the comments.
Steve Sande11.01.2013
Three to carry iPad Air and new iPad mini in the UK
With the iPad Air but a day away from launching in the UK, it's high time that the nation's cellular networks began crowing about which ones will carry the device. Three is the first to pipe up, saying that you'll be able to snag both the Air from tomorrow and the iPad Mini with Retina when it arrives later in November. The cheapest package will set you back £7.50 a month with 1GB of data on a monthly contract, plus £499 up-front for the 16GB model -- while you can grab 15GB a month if you pony up £25 every four weeks. Don't forget that while you'll initially be stuck with just 3G signals, the network will begin its LTE rollout in December, so factor that in when you make your decision.
Daniel Cooper10.30.2013
Why the iPad Air makes rumors of a 13-inch iPad a bit more believable
Apple rumors are a dime a dozen, and an overwhelming majority never materialize. So, when the rumors of an almost-13-inch iPad made the rounds earlier this year, it was easy to dismiss it as just another whisper in the endless hum of Apple conjecture. But then Phil Schiller took the stage in San Francisco and showed off the iPad Air for the first time... and the mega-iPad rumors suddenly make a bit more sense. An odd lineup Right now, Apple is selling four tablets: iPad 2, iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina, and iPad Air. The iPad 2 and standard iPad mini are arguably the "budget" options, while the Retina iPad mini and iPad Air are the top-of-the-line models -- at least for now. The new iPad mini and the iPad Air are so remarkably close in terms of specs, the only important distinction between them is the screen size (9.7 inches vs. 7.9 inches) and even that isn't really all that big of a choice. They're both powered by the A7 chip, the camera capabilities are identical, they are both shockingly lightweight, etc. At just $100 USD difference between the two base models, it all comes down to how big you want your display to be. It's not out of the ordinary for Apple to occasionally allow two of its products to come dangerously close to each other in terms of specs, but the company uses these moments as an opportunity to once again widen the gap with a ridiculously desirable new device. You need only look at Apple's notebooks for proof of this: For a time, the MacBook Air was encroaching on the MacBook Pro's turf, and some questioned the feasibility of both products existing side by side. That is, until Apple showed us the MacBook Pro with Retina, and the tech world collectively nodded its head in understanding. Room for more While the iPad Air is currently being billed as the big dog in the iPad cage, it doesn't set itself apart from the rest of the company's tablet offerings -- especially the Retina iPad mini -- in any truly meaningful way. But why not? Why doesn't the top-of-the-line iPad offer some of the company's newest toys like Touch ID and slow-motion video capture? Why does the bigger and heavier of the two newly-minted tablets carry the "Air" label? Maybe it's because the iPad Air isn't meant to be Apple's most feature-filled tablet. Maybe there's an iPad Pro on the horizon. If it exists -- and that's a remarkably huge "if" -- it follows that the device may be bigger (13 inches, for example), faster, heavier, and more pricey. It would also probably include Touch ID, slow-motion video, and some other bells and whistles, and its existence would put the iPad Air in a place it would make sense: A lighter, smaller, less feature-packed alternative to the top-of-the-line Apple tablet. So, does an iPad Pro really exist? As easy as it is to pretend that these factors point to a new, larger iPad, reality has a way of reminding me that I've never wished a 13-inch iPad exists. The biggest argument against the iPad as it stands now is that it's significantly more expensive than its modern competitors, and introducing an even more expensive version of the device wouldn't exactly help the brand to appear more consumer friendly. Of course, neither does a $2,999 über-powerful desktop computer, but Apple's got one of those, too. If there is a market for larger tablets -- and I imagine there is, especially among creative types -- a super-iPad would probably do quite well in that space. But will Apple tempt fate and look to capitalize on a new, possibly mythical class of consumer? The iPad itself is proof that they've had the guts to do it in the past, but the untold number of failed prototypes in Apple's basement suggests that they could just as easily ignore it altogether. In short, I have no idea, and neither does anyone else (save a few Apple folks, of course). But if it does come to fruition, it would be a fantastic way for the company to once again set a new standard in tablets, and we could probably hold our breath for as long as it takes Apple's competitors to introduce their own mega-tablets as well.
Mike Wehner10.23.2013
Top 39 apps for the iPad Air and Retina iPad Mini as highlighted by Apple
Apple introduced the new iPad Air and the iPad Mini with Retina display at its October Special Event on Tuesday. Part of the presentation focused on the stellar apps in the iOS App Store that make the iPad such an incredibly useful tool. Below you will find 39 apps that Apple singled out as being best in their class. Avokiddo Emotions - Playful learning for kids A zany zebra, shy sheep, and jolly giraffe help kids discover emotions. Using over 100 props, kids can make animals laugh, cry, or feel any way they want. Coolson's Artisanal Chocolate Alphabet Sampler This is an addictive, fast-paced word game full of charming narrative and hand-drawn graphics. Play alone or against friends. Either way, it's a world of words and whimsy. Concepts: Smarter Sketching Concepts helps you capture, explore, and communicate ideas quickly. It's an easy way to sketch freehand. Or use Shape Guides to create perspective lines, templates, storyboards, and more. Cubasis Cubasis makes mixing music a breeze. Record tracks in CD-audio quality, edit with the Key and Sample Editors, and use the included mixer and audio effects to get the perfect sound. DC Comics Download great comic books, from the newest to the classics. Follow every adventure with a comic-friendly Guided View or the traditional full-page view. djay 2 djay transforms your iPad into a full–featured DJ system with direct access to all your favorite songs and playlists. Perform live, record mixes on–the–go, or let djay create a mix for you. Figure Slide your finger across your iPad to create and record a bass line. Play drums by tapping. Tweak the rhythm, range, and scale to get the sound you're after. Flipboard: Your Social News Magazine It's your own beautiful magazine, customized with the news you care about - your favorite websites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and more. Flip through updates from around the web and around the world. Fly Delta for iPad Spin an interactive globe to explore destinations and fare specials. Experience a whole new view with the amazing Glass Bottom Jet, which lets you see what you're flying over through photos and landmark information. View and plan upcoming trips with an interactive map. Fotopedia Reporter Publish stories to the Fotopedia community or share them on Facebook or Twitter. Follow great photographers, collaborate on story drafts, and get advice on your own work. Real Estate by Zillow - Homes & Apartments, For Sale or Rent Find homes for sale and for rent. Swipe through photos without leaving your search map. Get notifications when new listings hit the market. It's your personal real estate broker on iPad. Galaxy On Fire 2™ HD It's 3D space combat, and you're a space war veteran. Your job is to save the galaxy from devious alien raiders, ruthless space pirates, and power-crazy madmen. Gilt for iPad - Shop Designer Sales Shop for the most coveted brands with Gilt. You can find designer brands at insider prices for women, men, kids, home, and more. And discover great deals for things to do right in your city. The Human Body by Tinybop Kids can explore a working model of the body to discover what we're made of and how we work. Every part is animated and interactive - the heart beats, guts gurgle, and lungs breathe. Infinity Blade III The power of the Infinity Blade is yours to discover in this timeless adventure. Along with villains, champions, and sword fighting. And love, betrayal, and redemption. Interactive Alphabet Teach the alphabet in so many ways. For babies, it's a guided, touchable tour of A to Z. Kids can learn to write the ABCs with interactive letter toys and word drawings. Intro to Letters, by Montessorium Based on the Montessori method, this app helps kids learn to trace, read, and write. Students can also record letter sounds, names, and phonograms to practice their words. Letterpress - Word Game Find words, steal tiles, and color the board. It's the perfect blend of words and design. Play against your friends or foes on Game Center to keep the game colorful. Memory of Colors presented by Fotopedia This masterpiece by Jaime Ocampo Rangel is a collection of 1300 high-resolution portraits of people from 40 unique cultures, as a celebration of the diversity of humankind. The portraits span 18 countries (from Algeria to Yemen) and 5 continents. Cooking Light Recipes: Quick and Healthy Menu Maker Build a simple menu with a few swipes. Explore more than 300 easy, delicious entrées - then add sides and desserts to make healthy meals you and your family will love. AutoCAD 360 View and edit 2D and 3D DWG drawings with this easy to use drawing and drafting app. Add notes and suggest changes with powerful review and markup tools. Then seamlessly share your drawings with others. National Parks by National Geographic An award-winning interactive guide to 25 of the most-visited U.S. national parks. Includes beautiful photo galleries, maps, and special tips like What to Do and Park Secrets. NBC It's your favorite NBC shows, anytime, anywhere on iPad. Watch full-length episodes, easily keep track of them all, and find out what's coming up. Paper by FiftyThree Paper is where ideas begin. Capture your ideas as sketches, diagrams, illustrations, notes, or drawings and share them across the web. Personal Capital Money and Investing See your entire financial picture at a glance. Monitor your personal finances with easy-to-understand charts and graphs. And get help from expert advisors. Popular Science+ It's the re-imagined digital magazine on what's next in technology, science, gadgets, space, and more. Access special iPad-only features like photo galleries, videos, and other interactive content. Sketchbook Pro for iPad This is serious sketching on iPad. Customize your canvas and use a brush library and color library to draw. Save your sessions with time-lapse recording, then store them in a gallery. Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders It's the ultimate WWII air combat game. Engage in dogfights, protect cities, and bomb enemy structures. Do it all in accurately recreated locations like the Coast of Dover and Pearl Harbor. Status Board Make your life's data beautiful. Use the easy built-in panels to see your calendar, tweets, email, weather, news, and more. You can also see relevant data about your business or organization. StockTouch This app will change the way you understand the stock market. As you watch the market unfold, you can uncover insights on companies and sectors and study historical information. Sky Guide: View Stars Night or Day Just hold your iPad to the sky to automatically find stars, constellations, planets, satellites and more. It's stargazing fun for all ages. Tayasui Sketches Designed by artists and made for everyone, Sketches is perfect for jotting down ideas, illustrations, watercolor painting, or anything your creative mind can imagine. Bloomberg for iPad Take advantage of up-to-the-minute business and finance news so you can grow your portfolio. Track, manage, and analyze your personal holdings with easy to understand performance and summary charts. Hotel Tonight The spontaneous traveler can find last-minute deals on hotel rooms - for that very night. Pre-selected hotels are rated Luxe, Solid, Charming, Hip, and Basic. Access hotels across the U.S. and in over 12 countries. Traktor DJ This pro DJ software brings high-impact DJ-ing to iPad. You'll see the mixer layout with crossfader, 3-band EQ, and filter on each channel. Create stunning mixes in seconds. Diptic PDQ PDQ (short for Pretty Dang Quick) is the fastest way to create photo collages and share them with friends. On your iPad Retina display, collages look pretty dang great. Where's My Water? 2 Cut through dirt and guide purple water and steam to help Swampy and his friends. This sequel to the physics-based puzzler includes three new locations: the Sewer, the Soap Factory, and the Beach. The Whole Pantry Access easy, inspiring whole-food recipes and lifestyle and wellness guides. It's all designed with whole-food benefits in mind: to improve sleep, lose weight, get clear skin, and get more energy. Writing Wizard - Kids Learn to Write Letters & Words Kids learn how to trace letters in a fun and motivating way. The Writing Wizard is customizable to suit every kid's needs. And you can use reports and profiles to check progress.
Kelly Hodgkins10.23.2013