Apple unveils iPad with doubled memory

Technology Jan. 30, 2013 - 06:52AM JST ( 35 )

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35 Comments

-1

LostinNagoyaJan. 30, 2013 - 09:51AM JST

Tim Cook is really putting oil in Apple engines: a out of blue 128g model caught everyone by surprise. I wonder if iPhone6 will come this first half of the year. Hope so.
3

zichiJan. 30, 2013 - 10:33AM JST

welcome news for those professionals like doctors, engineers, designers, architects who all need the extra disk space and the 128GB iPad will have about 120+GB for personal files, unlike the Windows Surface Pro which is about to be released which has a very bloated OS needing 45GB of space, leaving 83GB for personal files on the 128GB model.
1

lostrune2Jan. 30, 2013 - 01:05PM JST

It's cheaper just to add a memory card reader slot.
-1

Peter PayneJan. 30, 2013 - 03:05PM JST

lostrune2, maybe, but it's not Apple's style. Removable batteries and memory slots are for the "other guys."
0

lostrune2Jan. 30, 2013 - 03:47PM JST

Mr. jlist,

Yeah I know it's not Apple's style because it would introduce another gate in their tightly controlled walled garden - a gate that they may not be able to control how or what goes thru. They're doing it for company interest, not necessarily for the consumers' best interest. But that's just the way it is, shoganai. (And yeah, Macbook no removable batteries.)
-1

basroilJan. 30, 2013 - 04:41PM JST

lostrune2Jan. 30, 2013 - 01:05PM JST

It's cheaper just to add a memory card reader slot.

Yup, those 128gb SD cards with UHS-I are pretty damn cheap and fast enough to load any video or app you can throw at them. A $800 ipad is completely pointless for anyone considering they can't access any of their files without special software!
1

zichiJan. 30, 2013 - 05:16PM JST

The Surface Pro 64GB base model, out of the box will have a mere 23GB of disk space for personal files the 128GB top model, out of the box, 83GB of disk space for personal files. The base model costs $899 plus the cost of the keyboard cover plus the cost of all those additional Micro SD's and the top model costs $1000 plus all those extras.
1

zichiJan. 30, 2013 - 05:17PM JST

It's cheaper just to add a memory card reader slot.

That would require redesign of the case. Upping the disk space to 128GB don't need anything.
0

Knox HarringtonJan. 30, 2013 - 06:24PM JST

losteune2:

They're doing it for company interest...

Really?! Why would they want to do that? That's weird...

Your post is filled with the same, tired old clichés we see over and over. Walled garden? What does that actually mean? Apple is a company, just like any else, and are out to make money. I know it must hurt that you can't bring a backpack full of extra batteries and memory cards.

Problem with your upset style, though, is many people seem to not actually care. I have never, ever brought a backup battery for example. Be it a Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola. It's just not necessary.

Regarding harddisk space, double space is certainly welcome and good for some people...
1

badsey3Jan. 30, 2013 - 09:40PM JST

Walled garden:

Memory that cannot be upgraded (no memory slot for memory card) Battery that cannot be replaced (easily) Stuck with one screen size. (one size fits all mentality) New iPhone has a different dock connector (old accessories you have may not work)

If the iPhone was an open concept -memory choice and memory slot -screen size options -internal battery choice(s) and upgrades

=the iPhone is not so great and the iPad Mini is too big (and not so great). =I am stuck with a iPhone 3GS, but I can use all of my accessories and I could care less about the 3-4yr lithium battery failing because I use a external battery case. =You are stuck in the iPhone walled garden (looks pretty and it works until forced to upgrade)
-4

basroilJan. 30, 2013 - 10:54PM JST

Knox HarringtonJan. 30, 2013 - 06:24PM JST

Problem with your upset style, though, is many people seem to not actually care. I have never, ever brought a backup battery for example. Be it a Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola. It's just not necessary.

Those examples are cellphones, ipad is closer to a laptop in purpose. If you've never wanted to swap a laptop battery, you've never actually needed a laptop.
-1

LostinNagoyaJan. 31, 2013 - 12:12AM JST

Those complaining about USB, batteries...are the very ones whom Cook hinted at, the ones with old mentality that are slowing the arrival of the next generation of computers, no matter what brand. The ones who can't let go of CDs, DVDs, cables, and help cloud computing being adopted. The cyber dinosaurs. Let Apple move on with thinner, more powerful devices. Keep using your clumsy thick heavy devices. Keep hoarding unnecessary paraphernalia if that makes you satisfied. In other words, ignoring Apple is best for you.
0

bunta714Jan. 31, 2013 - 01:47AM JST

Why are some people comparing the iPad to the Surface Pro? They are two completely different beasts.

Compare the iPad to the Surface with Windows RT all day if you like, but the Surface Pro is nothing like either, except in form factor.
3

zichiJan. 31, 2013 - 01:58AM JST

The iPad isn't a laptop replacement, its a tablet with the primary function of providing content on the go, and it fulfils that function very well. The Surface Pro aims to be a laptop and desktop replacement but with the very limited disk space I wonder how many it'll actually appeal to? 23GB of disk space on the 64GB model will soon disappear with a few movies. What's Microsoft thinking about?
1

bunta714Jan. 31, 2013 - 02:05AM JST

I agree that it's pretty ridiculous that the OS and all of their bloatware takes up so much of the free space on the SSD, but this is also most likely including the restore partition, the hibernate file, page file, and a handful of extra garbage programs as always. Once these are moved/removed, there will most likely be quite a bit more space available.

Of course, this shouldn't have to be done in the first place just to access the majority of advertised space.
1

bunta714Jan. 31, 2013 - 02:05AM JST

I agree that it's pretty ridiculous that the OS and all of their bloatware takes up so much of the free space on the SSD, but this is also most likely including the restore partition, the hibernate file, page file, and a handful of extra garbage programs as always. Once these are moved/removed, there will most likely be quite a bit more space available.

Of course, this shouldn't have to be done in the first place just to access the majority of advertised space.
-3

basroilJan. 31, 2013 - 01:26PM JST

bunta714Jan. 31, 2013 - 01:47AM JST

Why are some people comparing the iPad to the Surface Pro? They are two completely different beasts.

Compare the iPad to the Surface with Windows RT all day if you like, but the Surface Pro is nothing like either, except in form factor.

Some people drink so much applejuice they are envious of a clearly superior business product. (no comment on consumer side)

bunta714Jan. 31, 2013 - 02:05AM JST

I agree that it's pretty ridiculous that the OS and all of their bloatware takes up so much of the free space on the SSD, but this is also most likely including the restore partition, the hibernate file, page file, and a handful of extra garbage programs as always. Once these are moved/removed, there will most likely be quite a bit more space

One of the largest parts is actually printer drivers, whole 300-600mb worth of them, fonts at 600mb, other keyboards and input methods are 250mb, hibernate and page make up another 4gb, default apps are 1.3GB, and drivers are in the 1.5-2gb range. If you reinstall you can easily get it down to the 16gb range and still have all the functionality you need, it just so happens that they left the OS in the way that everyone can have all they need (and plenty they don't). You can still just get a microSD card and use NTFS linking so that your 64-128gb drive has 80-220gb for the same price as the new 128gb ipad.
0

lostrune2Jan. 31, 2013 - 07:03PM JST

It's cheaper just to add a memory card reader slot.

That would require redesign of the case. Upping the disk space to 128GB don't need anything.

True, but not by much though. Card readers can be quite small these days (just look at your laptops).

Maybe they should consider it then in their next version re-design, when this should not be an issue.

Walled garden? What does that actually mean?

Whoa, anybody even just related with the tech industry knows this - it's not exactly a secret. Here's a wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walled_garden_(technology)

I have never, ever brought a backup battery for example.

Oh, I've brought extra laptop batteries in some long travels because, in 3rd world countries, ya never know how reliable the electrical availability is. Just because ya can't think of your own uses doesn't mean my options should be limited.

Regarding harddisk space, double space is certainly welcome and good for some people...

Exactly, the more, the merrier. And I have a lot more merry memory cards that could more than double the space if given the option, so it should be welcome, as you say?
0

lostrune2Jan. 31, 2013 - 07:13PM JST

Those complaining about USB, batteries...are the very ones whom Cook hinted at, the ones with old mentality that are slowing the arrival of the next generation of computers, no matter what brand. The ones who can't let go of CDs, DVDs, cables, and help cloud computing being adopted.

Oh, I also have a very thin light ultrabook that has neither CDs, DVDs, cables (except power cable), and extensively uses the cloud. Yet it still has the option to change batteries. Being able to do some things does not preclude being able to do the others. Why would you want less options?
2

zichiJan. 31, 2013 - 07:24PM JST

Of course, this shouldn't have to be done in the first place just to access the majority of advertised space.

There's a lot of noise on the tech websites about the bloated OS that comes on the new Surface Pro, and complaints about the advertising it at 64GB and 128GB and they Microsoft haven't even sold them yet.

The beauty about Apple devices, you buy them, connect them, turn them on, do a few simple registration steps and you are away within 10 minutes. No need to try and reinstall the OS to try and claw back some GB's on the disk space.

To those giving misleading price quotes, the 128GB surface pro is $999 plus the cosy of the cover keyboard plus the cost of the extra Micro SD cards that will be needed while the 128GB iPad is $799 for the wifi model.
2

zichiJan. 31, 2013 - 07:27PM JST

@Lostrune2

It's cheaper just to add a memory card reader slot. That would require redesign of the case. Upping the disk space to 128GB don't need anything. True, but not by much though. Card readers can be quite small these days (just look at your laptops). Maybe they should consider it then in their next version re-design, when this should not be an issue.

The iPad does not need a SD slot since you can already use a SD card on an iPad.
2

zichiJan. 31, 2013 - 07:33PM JST

According to Forbes, "It's Time For Windows Tablet Manufacturers To Advertise Usable Storage Space"
2

zichiJan. 31, 2013 - 08:42PM JST

@lostrune2

Oh, I also have a very thin light ultrabook that has neither CDs, DVDs, cables (except power cable), and extensively uses the cloud. Yet it still has the option to change batteries. Being able to do some things does not preclude being able to do the others. Why would you want less options?

I have owned laptops since 1996 and never once did I ever change the battery which is usually good for at least three years by which time I upgrade. I still have a 2003 G3 iBook with the original battery which is still good for about 2 hours of use.
0

lostrune2Jan. 31, 2013 - 09:47PM JST

The iPad does not need a SD slot since you can already use a SD card on an iPad.

Yep, with the $30 adapter. So Apple should just build it in then, especially when multi-card readers can be manufactured for a few bucks. (I predict they'll build it in one day, mark my words. And then everybody would be praising them for it, even previous detractors.)

@lostrune2

Oh, I also have a very thin light ultrabook that has neither CDs, DVDs, cables (except power cable), and extensively uses the cloud. Yet it still has the option to change batteries. Being able to do some things does not preclude being able to do the others. Why would you want less options?

I have owned laptops since 1996 and never once did I ever change the battery which is usually good for at least three years by which time I upgrade. I still have a 2003 G3 iBook with the original battery which is still good for about 2 hours of use.

That's good for you, zichi, but I'd like to have the option (as one explanation I gave above in 3rd world countries). Does me having that option hurt your predicament?

(BTW when a notebook is going to be unused for a long period of time, it's advisable to separate the battery from the notebook in order to keep the battery's life-charge (watt-hours), since as long as the battery is connected, it's still considered "in use" and thus counting against its lifetime expiration.)

And also, when I buy top-of-the-line computers, I'd like the option not to have to upgrade every few years. That's why I bought top-of-the-line in the first place, so it'd last me longer for my use if I so choose, especially when all I need to replace is a simple battery so that I don't have to send the computer away when I could just do it myself.
0

SerranoJan. 31, 2013 - 10:48PM JST

This will probably help Apple remain the world's most valuable company.
2

zichiJan. 31, 2013 - 10:55PM JST

@lostrune2 The iPad does not need a SD slot since you can already use a SD card on an iPad.

Yep, with the $30 adapter. So Apple should just build it in then, especially when multi-card readers can be manufactured for a few bucks.

Has with other manufacturers you don't need to buy an Apple adapter which I agree are usually too expensive for what they are. You can find plenty of others on Amazon for much less. I paid less than ¥1,000 for an adapter.

Whatever you buy whether its a computer or a car we will have personal priorities and in your case being able to change the battery on a laptop is one of your priorities. Not all PC laptops now have changeable batteries. The thinner and lighter they become the less likely the battery will be changeable. So buy the brands which best fit your priorities.

Oh, I also have a very thin light ultrabook that has neither CDs, DVDs, cables (except power cable), and extensively uses the cloud. Yet it still has the option to change batteries. Being able to do some things does not preclude being able to do the others.

I'm happy you have been able to buy what fits into your priorities.

Why would you want less options?

Again its just about personal priorities.

(BTW when a notebook is going to be unused for a long period of time, it's advisable to separate the battery from the notebook in order to keep the battery's life-charge (watt-hours), since as long as the battery is connected, it's still considered "in use" and thus counting against its lifetime expiration.)

Yes, I agree with that point. Also when a battery can't be removed like in a tablet then its better to run it on a battery and only connecting to the mains for charging and not leaving it connected enough.

And also, when I buy top-of-the-line computers, I'd like the option not to have to upgrade every few years. That's why I bought top-of-the-line in the first place, so it'd last me longer for my use if I so choose, especially when all I need to replace is a simple battery so that I don't have to send the computer away when I could just do it myself.

Like I have said, there are plenty of laptop models which would fit your priorities but I'm not sure you'll find the same with tablets. You can't change the battery on an iPad or the new Surface but with some struggle and skill you could change the battery on a Nexus?
0

zichiJan. 31, 2013 - 10:57PM JST

A built in SSD will be faster for reading and writing than a Micro SD in a slot.
0

zichiJan. 31, 2013 - 11:21PM JST

The latest version of OS X 10.8 fits onto a 8GB memory stick.
-2

basroilFeb. 01, 2013 - 03:25AM JST

lostrune2Jan. 31, 2013 - 09:47PM JST

Yep, with the $30 adapter. So Apple should just build it in then, especially when multi-card readers can be manufactured for a few bucks.

And not only that, but new UHS-I cards (cheap, at maybe $50 for a 64GB) are actually faster than the built in drive! iphone 4s (mostly same components) gets only 20-30mb/s write speeds, which are lower than the 45-90mb/s available for SD cards
2

zichiFeb. 01, 2013 - 05:33AM JST

The read and write speeds on my iPad 3 are 200MB/s and 50MB/s. The iPad 4 is even faster.
3

zichiFeb. 01, 2013 - 05:53AM JST

The 128GB iPad will give a big boost to the iPad sales. The iPad 5 probably released in Oct will have a smaller border around the screen just like the iPad mini. Apple may decide to do that with the iPad 4 this spring? The iPad 5 will be a little smaller and thinner than the current models.
3

zichiFeb. 06, 2013 - 08:45AM JST

Now available from Apple stores. The wifi model is ¥66,800, cheaper than Microflop's Surface Pro with its limited disk space for personal files.
0

blackrockFeb. 06, 2013 - 09:01AM JST

Now available from Apple stores. The wifi model is ¥66,800, cheaper than Microflop's Surface Pro with its limited disk space for personal files.

Hear hear, happy playing angry birds on your 128Gb maxipad. while us making money on our Win8 tablets
3

zichiFeb. 06, 2013 - 09:17AM JST

Microflop pussies cringe at the successes of Apple but can only miaow with envey of the iPad being the No1 tablet device.
3

zichiFeb. 06, 2013 - 09:19AM JST

Next to come iPad Mini retina with 325 dpi.