iPad Air - the iPad in the 5th generation.

1. Introduction
2. Weight
3. Form Factor / feel / externals
4. Inner values
5. iOS 7, Setting, Integrated Apps
6. Scope of delivery / Accessories / supplements Purchases
7. Prices
8. Criticism
9. Conclusion

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1. Introduction
After I had me at all for the first time decided with the iPad previous generation (iPad 4) for the new class of devices (tablet), I have the introductory phrase of my report from last year not (you need the iPad does not really want it but still within a short time give more) after one year of tablet usage (and now but correct for 3 weeks and the iPad Air) something: -. the tablet for me is the interplay of various electronic devices in the household actually indispensable. From the time described ideal gap closing between smartphone, laptop or desktop, a tablet for me has become the mediating device between Desktop / Notebook, TV, NAS (Network Attached Storage, English for grid-connected storage) and even the system camera (integrated WLAN).
Before I talk about new features and further developments of technical specifications, I would first like to respond to general, achieved and felt first impressions, which are striking but the new iPad:

2. Weight
Even after 3 weeks I feel with every In-the-hand-take of the new iPad so that I think the actual-but-slightly. I am amazed at what rd. Can make 180g (469g with the new iPad; iPad 4 still weighed 652g). When iPad 4, I had the first impression emphasized larger-and-heavier-than-imagined it-works. Probably Apple has called the new tablet therefore Air. The lighter weight makes me happy first.

3. Form Factor / feel (haptics) / externals
Fed by the still significantly lower weight and the altered forms of the iPad Air (BSW thin. 7.5mm vs. 9.4mm) was my very first thought simply plastic. The severity and the thicker the display (the so-called Gorilla Glass) of the iPad 4 have here but more solidity conveyed. However, this is offset by the elegant-looking display because the iPad has become much narrower by the thinner side edges (approx. 16,9cm vs. 18,6cm). Overall, it works changing as a 16: 9 display, in fact, it still has an aspect ratio of 4: 3 (bars in 16: 9 movies as before).
By the way, the new iPad is also to keep the narrower side frames very well, a smart touch panel control (filtering out false touches by thumb / finger on the rim) works amazingly well, so that the narrow holding-frame is offset in this way. Like other changes in the exterior (steeper radii on the sides of the back or the chamfered circumferential edge of the Air) me well or better than the 4p. Overall, the iPad Air thus the form factor of the iPad Mini fits.

Because we have operated in the family, the aging and new tablet (iPad 4 and 5) for 2 weeks still parallel, fell by direct comparison even more differences, about maybe some will smile: the swipe your fingers on the touch display has become louder (the tablet sounds so even after plastic. It seems despite compact construction, more resonant available. Tap once (at ambient silence) with your fingernail on the screen of the iPad Air and parallel (if possible) on a 4-I just wanted to mention Now please think not: who has not all of for louder sounds or touch, the no other problems.
I really want to point to another point: as with the Air you are dealing with a comprehensive concept-revision by Apple. This well (since the first presentation in early 2010) been clearly revised the iPad is for me the real successor to the iPad 2 (yes is officially going to sell Apple Ipad 3 and 4, there is also to buy but not directly from Apple ). The form remained at the previous models, apart from a few nuances, hitherto always the same (when 3 came the Retina display, the 4-it was actually even a better processor).
I suspect (besides the smaller battery) one of the main reasons for the lower weight, the new built-in display. Here the manufacturer has for the first time put on the so-called IGZO Diplays (indium gallium zinc oxide). This, in comparison with silicon, new semiconductor material and a better conductor is thinner. This has made it possible to construct the cover layer of the display (in comparison to the previous Gorilla Glass) significantly thinner. The case significantly better efficiency (> 50%) of the new display technology is the perfect transition to the

4. Inside (n) values ​​(n)
The new, more efficient display (display as the main consumer in tablet and smartphone) enables a significantly smaller battery with lower capacity to obstruct (32,4Wh vs. 42,5Wh). I think here Apple has a good compromise of the found (size, weight, capacity) which is possible currently with batteries. In the case of the Air, the goal was probably focused on size and weight reduction as a result of lower capacity. The terms are to the iPad 4 namely almost identical. I have not noticed any improvement here. What is clear, however, I noticed: the lower battery charging time. Where he has conspicuously long loaded at 4p 6-8 hours, there are now partially (the previously almost empty state) only 4 hours (also a result of lower capacity).
Among the new innards of course includes the new A7 processor (1.4GHz and quad-core graphics processor, ARM v8-based and 64-bit dual-core). What is now apparent and is striking, based on this technology for most cryptic vocabulary: the graphic, or the structure is felt a little faster, but nothing more. Any wonder things are not to be expected here. I have read about and studied benchmarks (comparative analyzes) in magazines or on portals. However, I can only say what I noticed compared to 4s, just a little faster point.
Like the iPad 4 there are the variants (white and black; Apple: silver and space gray) and in the versions with WiFi (ie WLAN) and cellular (ie including simcards storage compartment or G3 or mobile network functionality) or in execution only WiFi. The storage options are also available in the memory sizes 16, 32, 64 and 128GB.
Like the iPad 4, I again for the variant Wifi decided for the same reasons (without Cellular), 64GB in white. Without SIM card functionality because of the Internet in the rare case that there is no Wi-Fi is available via tethering (Smartphone becomes the hotspot) can be assured with an existing smartphone. I have here, BSW. on holiday, very good experience gathered. Whether now, this opportunity to use Android or iOS smartphone, the Internet (outside the home), works just fine.

5. iOS 7, Setting, Integrated Apps
The establishment of the new iPad is how, very easy also run at 4p. Since I had the 4-a whole year not connected 1x wired with iTunes (all firmware updates, apps etc. via the local wireless loaded) I have this time decided by the initial adjustment of the Air for the route via iCloud. That said, I have taken a backup in iCloud before resetting the iPad 4 and transfer the backup from the old to the new iPad in the establishment process of the iPad Air. Who will change from an older to a new device, which I can only recommend this route. All Apps, the sorting in the folders, all settings within the apps, and of course, all device settings themselves are transferred to the new. Overall, one goes through when setting up (no matter whether you're an initial or subsequent unit) exceeds a predefined questionnaire with five steps to the answers you need more than 2 minutes. Helpful in establishing the existence of the domestic wireless password and an existing Apple ID. For example, asked about the language and the country of the user. The questions about locating, iCloud Keychain can first answer "no" and does not need the same to make it a matter of conscience. All with no or yes answer questions about device settings can be easily corrected in the settings of the device later. In the final step of the setup process you will be asked if the device as a new device-, or whether you want to load a backup of a previous device. Within seconds were all the settings of the old people on the new iPad. You can get started with the iPad now immediately. The apps themselves are loaded for a period in the background.
With the new generation of devices, Apple has implemented something I really think this is a matter of course to be able to work reasonably productive with the device to. Namely the free addition of the iWorks apps such as Pages (word processor), Numbers (spreadsheet), Keynote (presentation), "iPhoto" or "iMovie" (photo / video editing). These programs used to have to buy from the AppStore for sometimes up to 8.
For operating system (firmware) iOS 7 will I, the text for reasons - to keep still readable, not omit large - because of length. With the change to iOS 7, there were extensive changes in terms of appearance and design. It is ultimately a question of taste and habit. Some I like better, some not. I'll be there as long as the actual function of the operating software is guaranteed (and this running around), relatively unemotional and will not say better or worse.

Digression "Backup to iCloud" - who does not care for this, can follow more in chapter 6!
Some may wonder: How will this run, a backup in the cloud, my iPad (16-, 32- or 64GB) is nearly full. Now dozens GB uploaded by uploading to the cloud? For frequently existing bandwidths of 6-or 16Mbit / s (mind you in the download) and in accordance with often only 1 to 2 Mbit / s upload speeds can calculate how each take long that would (we have a 6Mbit / s line). However, running something like this: before (only) backup of the old appliance is analyzed by the firmware, how big the amount of memory the entire backup will be. Many photos or videos on the iPad, the free memory variant of each customer with an Apple ID (5GB) is reached quickly. In my case it was: my 64GB iPad 4 was with approx. 38 GB (of which 5GB photos) so filled mediocre. Including the photos should be approximately 5,6GB large backup. ICloud I was asked if I would like to expand the memory plan (course fee) or whether the backup should be carried out without photos. I have the second variant in the affirmative (Photos can be loaded on the way SD card -Lightning adapter quickly on the iPad) and at one time the backup was only approx. 650MB in size (remember 5GB available free of charge, so 650MB = just over 10% of total storage capacity). From the big difference two things are clear: 1. photos / videos are logically the memory requirements ago 1: 1 stored in iCloud and 2. Apps are stored only with their settings in the cloud. During the subsequent loading of the backup from the cloud the App physically reloaded (some apps are so over 1GB in size) and parallel from iCloud personal settings to the App. Therefore, the complete uploading takes some time (several hours). As I said, by the way, you can already use the iPad (Internet), etc. If the expression to the last detail was not quite correct now technically, I beg your understanding here only the basic principle should be clear.

6. Scope of delivery / Accessories / supplements Purchases
The scope of supply is, as with all iPad predecessors, very spartan: besides the iPad itself only the Lightning to USB cable and AC adapter (12W USB Power Adapter) is included in the box. Further additions are a Quick Start Guide in several languages ​​and the (inevitable) Apple sticker. I would like to see here at least the addition of earphones. For other Apple mobile devices including iPhone and iPod these are also included.

I count here therefore simply want to supplement my purchases:

- Belkin sleeve / hardcover for the back
- SD card (Apple) -Lightning Adapter
- USB to (Apple) -Lightning Adapter
- Holder for iPad FlipBlade among others Tablets
- Booq Cobra sling messenger bag for iPad (mini, Air) or 10-inch tablet, gray

For the Hardcover (Hard Plastic Case) Belkin I decided, because there was the end of November not much choice and all my needs were met: hard plastic (I do not like the soft silicone cases), soft-touch surface (better grip for Hold) and the color clear / transparent.
The adapter (SD card Lightning), the holder (FlipBlade Belkin) and the bag I had already used the iPad 4 with good experience. The four listed with Link supplement purchases, see my separate reports / reviews for more details.
Smart Cover: Why Apple has no leather Smart Cover longer available? When I took advantage of 4 nor the black leather. However, as I found out to have not so often used it (iPad was mostly stored separately without SmartCover upright in the holder), I initially ordered none. In 4- and now the Air I decided against mounting a display sheet. Why: if you use regular holder, bag, Cover or Smart Case, the display is easily protected adequately. I have the iPad 4 in any case can by specifying sell no visible traces on screen and back.

7. Prices
It was addressed rather rare in the media. But you noticed that the air compared to the iPad 4 has become a little cheaper? Depending on the (storage) -Facilities (at least in the versions without Cellular) in a range of 2.25% to 6.25%. For example, in my device (excluding Cellular, White, 64GB) is the EIA price now 659 = approx. 5.75%. When iPad 4 there were 699th

Complementing here all official EIA prices of the manufacturer.
Wi-Fi:
16GB = 479; 32GB = 569; 64GB = 659; 128GB = 749
Wi-Fi + Cellular:
16GB = 599; 32GB = 689; 64GB = 779; 128GB = 869

Clear, the devices are (still) too expensive. Again, everyone pays a premium for the name. Regularly to the new release of this equipment disassembled and the items analyzed. The total sum of the market prices of the items correspond to only a fraction of what is paid at the end of each buyer. Even if the expenditure on R / D (research and development), marketing and the (Chinese) wages with reckons. Profit margins, which realizes Apple here, are enormous.

8. Criticism
Even with an Apple device (I have to chuckle softly) you can not get to this point. Who is such a device, and, moreover, for a lot of money just buying because it is just chic and many others have it and is then surprised after the first unpacking it or just not a SD or miniSD card slot for memory expansion the data transmission has, has no HDMI port and the iPad is sometimes just not easily detected SO from notebook or desktop computer as a regular hard disk has previously may not be sufficiently informed.
The reasons are manifold: economic (profit maximization), safety reasons (no malicious software), the user experience from the mere use of focus (technical details in the background to the user in its use not distract This can, depending on your usage demands and perspective. demand but also have advantages Some limited use options (restrictions on the part of Apple) I see a critical An example:.. why is the Lightning-SD card adapter available only for the iPad, and not for the iPhone One has to know that the adapter yes. further limited even with the use of working on iPad by software limitations in the use is (only transfer photos u. restricted videos in one direction, no data transmission.)

What I recommend: The potential users / buyers should be aware of the limitations and potential drawbacks before buying clear.
Ultimately, everyone has the choice to decide on the basis of sufficient preliminary information to.

9. Conclusion
Even when voiced criticism and comparatively high equipment prices. The iPad is still or again a great piece of technology.
I use the iPad like. But all want to recommend to inform not only about the benefits- but also about possible drawbacks or limitations.

Please do not be surprised: I, apart from the Cellular functionality, the retaining devices for comparable, I make a report with the other Air iPad versions (without Cellular).

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Finally, I would note that the report reflects my purely subjective opinion and personal impression. I hope the text is still fair and was for one or another useful or helpful. Possible questions can be made happy about the comments.