iPad Third Generation Features
- Processor Type: Apple A5X
- Processor Speed: 1.0 Ghz, 2 cores
- Maximum OS: iOS 9
- Display: 9.7-inch Multi-touch
- Maximum Resolution: 2048×1536 (264 ppi)
- Input Type: 30-pin Dock Connector
- Graphics Card: PowerVR SGX543MP4
- Cameras: FaceTime camera with VGA-quality photos and video at up to 30 frames per second and 5-megapixel iSight camera
- Ports: Headphone jack
- Bluetooth: 4.0
- Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n
System Requirements
- Mac System Requirements: Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later.
- Windows System Requirements: Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
Note: Pre-owned iPads are supplied with a USB to appropriate iPad connector cable and a wall plug power adapter.
Pre-owned iPads come with a 90-day warranty. An extended warranty that extends the warranty to six months can be purchased for only $49.95
Differences between iPad generations
All of the full-sized iPads have a 9.7-inch diagonal screen, it's only the resolution (number of pixels) can vary. While we list the features above, here is an encapsulated comparison of the first four generations of iPad:
Each new generation of iPad added speed and features to its predecessor, so assume as you move up in generations that the iPad will be faster. However, that will only make a difference to certain people and with certain apps. When we tested a first generation against a fourth generation in terms of email, internet and apps that were originally downloaded for the 1st generation iPad, there was not much of a noticeable difference to the user. Higher-end games and apps will be much more inclined to take advantage of the speed differences.
Battery life is very similar between all models especially since the amount they've been used is indistinguishly varied from unit to unit. The later OS's tend to also deplete the iPads a little more between charges. Batteries on all iPads are replaceable- just not user replaceable.
Generation by Generation
The first generation is limited to iOS 5.1.1 or earlier. This may pose problems with newer programs designed only for newer OS's. But if you're mostly surfing the web, reading email, and aren't pushing the envelope with applications, the first generation makes an awesome e-reader and much more, especially for the price. It weighs in at 1.5 lbs.
The second generation (iPad 2) can run with the latest OS and added cameras on the front and back. The shape of the second generation is a little different than the first, and matches the 3rd and 4th, so any case that works with a 2nd gen will work with the 3rd and 4th. It weighs in at 1.34 lbs.
The third generation (Originally named the "new iPad"), improved on the cameras and increased the pixels (calling it a Retina Display). This is the last generation that used the 30-pin dock connector. It weighs in at 1.46 lbs.
The fourth generation (here Apple kind of gave up calling them anything except iPad… to us they became the "fourth generation") improved the cameras again, and also added the lightning connector. It weighs in at 1.46 lbs.
The iPad Air (which will end up getting dubbed either the iPad Air 1st generation or the iPad 5th generation when the next generation comes out) is the first case design change since the 2nd generation. The cameras were also upgraded yet again, but the main distinguishing feature is its lighter weight, coming in at just about a pound. The iPad Air 2 improved upon that with both speed and weight, as well as adding the Touch ID technology to the home button.