iPad Air is the Cupertino-based company’s latest highly-anticipated device, and it’s no surprise that people are waiting for the review of the iPad Air. Apple, instead of calling it the iPad 5, named it the iPad Air as it is thinner, lighter and faster compared to all previous generations.
Apple gave the device to only a few selected journalists for review, and thanks to those fine individuals, we can now read reviews on the iPad Air.
iPad Air specs
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s first learn remind ourselves just what we’re dealing with. The iPad Air, just like other iPads, has a screen size of 9.7 inches, but it is significantly lighter and thinner than those old models. It weighs 1 pound and is 7.5 mm thick. The device is powered by Apple’s new A7 processor, the same processor that’s powering the iPhone 5S. For comparison’s sake, the A7 chip is twice as fast as the chip Apple used in previous generation iPads.
So without further ado, let’s jump in and find out what the reviewers have to say about the iPad Air.
iPad Air reviews around the web
Tim Stevens, CNET
“Web pages render more snappily, and overall responsiveness of the operating system is improved. The fourth-gen iPad remains a great performer, but the new Air takes that to a new level — despite not suffering on battery life.
Though it brings no new functionality to the table, and we can’t help being disappointed about the lack of Touch ID, the performance increase and solid battery life show that progress is still being made on the inside. It’s the new exterior design, however, that really impresses.”
Brad Molen, Engadget
“Aside from a couple animation glitches (freeze frames) related to iOS 7, the Air runs smoothly. Apps load a little quicker than they did before, but again, the areas where you’ll notice the biggest improvement involve more-intense, processor-heavy activities.
The iPad Air is the best iPad we’ve reviewed. In addition, though, it’s also the most comfortable 10-inch tablet we’ve ever tested.”
“In my tests, the iPad Air far exceeded Apple’s claim of 10 hours of battery life. For over 12 hours, it played high-definition videos, nonstop, with the screen at 75 percent brightness, with Wi-Fi on and emails pouring in. That’s the best battery life I’ve ever recorded for any tablet.
I’ve been testing the iPad Air for about a week and found it a pleasure to use. This new iPad isn’t a radical rethinking of what a tablet can be, but it’s a major improvement on a successful product. It is the best tablet I’ve ever reviewed.”
Damon Darlin, The New York Times
“If you decide you need the bigger screen, you will find a lot of benefit in the iPad Air. In addition to being light and slim, it loads apps and web pages quickly — faster than the old iPad, because Apple tailored software to mesh with the custom A7 processor and vice versa.”
