How to choose an iPad? A practical guide to Apple tablets. iPad lineup Cheap Apple tablets

Having studied all the iPad models and their characteristics, you can understand how the technologies for creating Tablet PCs have developed and progressed from 2010 to the present day.

After all, these famous gadgets, both a few years ago and now, are equipped with the most modern parts. And you can see development from them.

Moreover, some analysts suggest that iPads will eventually be the first to displace a significant part of desktop computers from the market, surpassing them, if not in power, then at least in mobility and ease of use.

iPad 1

The first iPad went on sale in 2010 and became a truly revolutionary gadget that received many technologies that other tablet PCs did not have at that time - an IPS display and a powerful gigahertz Apple A4 processor.

High operating speed, a screen with a diagonal of almost 10 inches and a capacious 6667 mAh battery made the iPad 1 popular.

However, it was still just an experimental model, with a number of shortcomings and shortcomings.

Among the disadvantages of the device were the relatively short operation time on a single charge - even such a battery was not enough for the large display and the resource-intensive iOS operating system.

In addition, the iPad was quite thick by the standards of other tablets and did not come with a camera, which is why it could not be used for video chatting.

But its body has rounded edges and stylish volume control buttons on the right side.

The developers’ original solution was the button for switching lock modes and screen orientation, which lights up green when turned on.

Another impressive characteristic is the tablet’s built-in memory, the maximum capacity of which was 64 GB.

Although the rather modest RAM parameters did not allow installing more modern versions on the tablet.

Technical specifications:

• Screen size: 9.7 inches;
• resolution: 768 x 1024;
• processor: single-core, 1000 MHz;
• cameras: none;
• memory capacity: 256 MB RAM and from 16 to 64 GB built-in;
• Battery capacity: 6667 mAh.

iPad 2

The next generation of iPad, which appeared in 2011, was more advanced and had many fewer shortcomings.

First of all, this concerned the amount of RAM that had increased to 512 MB - quite enough to run modern applications and install new operating systems.

In addition, the model received two cameras at once - the main one with 0.69 megapixels. and frontal with resolution (640 x 480), gyroscope and dual-core processor.

Most other characteristics, except for a more powerful processor, remained at the same level. Visually, the gadget was distinguished by the edging of the Home button, which matched the color of the body.

Tablet parameters:

• screen: 1536x2048 pixels, 7.9 inches;
• chipset: 2 cores, 1300 MHz;
• cameras: 5 and 1.2 megapixels;
• memory: RAM – 1 GB, ROM – 16, 64 and 128 GB;
• Battery capacity: 6471 mAh.

Another plus is the most affordable price in the entire history of the series. The basic version of the model can be purchased for only $329.

At the same time, decent capabilities and quite affordable prices allow the gadgets to compete well with the top versions of other manufacturers.

And not only among fans of Apple products, but also among users who prefer high performance and modern technologies.

Apple iPad is one of the very first and, of course, the most fashionable and stylish tablet computer of the current reality. The furor was ensured even with the launch model of 2010 - however, one cannot expect anything else.

Dawn of the iPad era

The idea of ​​creating an iPad was first voiced in 2000. The world learned the intriguing name of the gadget - “prototype 035”. 4 years later, after intensive work on the design, the external concept of the device appeared before the user’s eyes. As further practice has shown, it became the basis for the implementation of the first generation iPad.

Despite the fact that the iPad first became widely sold in 2010, the public was able to see its first pictures back in 2005. The images were made public during legal disputes between Apple and Samsung - as evidence that the former brand began developing an iPad prototype long before patent rights became available. By the way, the date of the decision coincided with the official launch of the iPad. A competitor of the Apple company paid compensation for the illegal use of ideas.

iPad line: excitement and revolution

Apple was far from the first ideologist to develop: before that, prototypes of the first tablet computers appeared in science fiction movies and on store shelves. In particular, companies such as ASUS, Sony, HTC, Acer and Nokia tried to implement the idea of ​​a computer with a sensitive screen that does not have a mechanical keyboard. However, all of these devices were bulky, could not boast of particularly wide functionality, and most still needed to connect an additional keyboard.

The first generation iPad is a pioneer in the lineup

The first iPad model was shown in early 2010. A significant event took place in the city of San Francisco. The invention was still unfamiliar to the audience and the company incorporated a minimum number of its own ideas into the iPad. Thus, the audience had the opportunity to “touch” the product and evaluate it, and the developers were able to analyze the feedback and understand in which direction they should move next.

Distinctive features of the first generation iPad were:

1. Large device thickness: 13 mm;
2. Wide side edges;
3. Single color composition: black “front” and rear silver panel;
4. Weight 680 g.

Advantages:

• Accelerometer;
• A sensor that responds to light levels.

In turn, critics noted the following shortcomings:

• lack of a camera;
• not a very powerful processor.

Since the spring of 2011, the device has not been available for sale.

iPad ll generation - on the wave of fame

The second generation “tablet” was presented twelve months later - on March 3, 2011, in the same San Francisco. And already on May 11, its worldwide implementation began, and the new product “reached” the CIS countries on May 27, 2011.

It is worth noting that during the start of sales, user interest was fueled even by resellers selling their positions in queues for the device (for example, there were stories about prices of up to $800 for a place at the beginning of the queue at the Apple store). In addition, analysts noted that as many as 70% of users bought a tablet for the first time (thereby increasing Apple's share in the technology and innovation sector).

Distinctive features:

1. The body part has become more streamlined;
2. The sound “moved” to the rear side and was located under the protective perforated grille;
3. Before the release of the “airy” iPad Air, the 2nd generation tablet was considered the lightest and thinnest in the world.

Advantages:

• Faster Apple A5 processor (with 512 MB RAM);
• Lively color solution: the silver body remained in place, but the color of the “front” could be chosen between white and black;
• In addition to the main model, Apple released an additional batch of iPad Rev A with a processor modification that allows users to be protected from jailbreak;
• The main, front cameras and a gyroscope appeared.

Flaws:

• The “weak” camera is the main one - 0.7 megapixels, and the front one - 0.3 megapixels.

Implementation ended in the spring of 2012 (for 32 and 64 GB) and in the fall of 2014 (for 16).

III generation iPad (or The New iPad)

Another variation - this time the 3rd in a row - was “born” on March 7, 2012. In this version, Apple decided to move away from numbering devices and thought that it would be more logical to give them names. According to the official statement, this was done to avoid associations among users “the higher the number, the better the product.” Trading started two months later - on May 16; the gadget “arrived” in the CIS at the end of the same month.

Advantages:

• Retina display with a resolution of 1536x2048 pixels/inch.
• Saturation (largely thanks to the updated screen) increased by as much as 44%.
• Ability to create videos in Full HD.
• The new device now has the ability to use 3G.
• The new tablet has “learned” to recognize faces during video shooting, and additional sensors have been installed to stabilize the image.
• The appearance of Siri (an assistant controlled by the owner’s voice) and the ability to dictate text.
• 64 gigabytes (in addition to the usual 16 and 32 GB).

Date withdrawn from sale: November 2012.

IV generation (or iPad with Retina Display)

The 4th iPad from the line was shown to the world in San Jose in 2012 (October 23). Basically, this variation of the tablet turned out to be a modified variation of the previous, “third” model.

Distinctive features:

1. “Pumped up” Lightning USB connector.
2. Implementation of three representatives of the line: WiFi model, “American” and Cellular. The difference between all three was the support of different LTE network bands.
3. Memory has been upgraded to a maximum capacity of 128 GB.

Advantages:

• The “fourth” version integrated the A6X processor (4 graphics cores, significantly surpassing the 5 series in power);
• Can work without recharging for up to 11 hours;
• Availability of AirDrop;
• Frontal shooting in HD.

Sales were completed in November 2013. Later (March 18, 2014), it was decided to return the device to store shelves.

iPad Air - weightlessness of your favorite gadget

After the success of the classic iPad, the company chose to create a lightweight copy of its acclaimed first-born, the iPad Air. The public got acquainted with the device on October 22, 2013, at the Center for Contemporary Arts (San Francisco) under the slogan “We still have a lot to tell.” The public immediately fell in love with “zero gravity,” and within four weeks the iPad Air began to account for 3% of sales of all Apple tablets.

The distinctive features of the new product are:

1. Narrower screen frames;
2. Changed parameters: the total length of the gadget decreased by 3 mm, thickness by 5.5 mm, and width by 20.5 mm;
3. There are now two stereo speakers on the back of the device;
4. The device included one microphone built into the body;
5. The keys for switching the volume in the “air” tablet began to be divided into 2 halves.

Advantages:

• There were again three communication variations: representatives with Wi-Fi, LTE and TD-LTE (which was specially added for users in Southeast Asia).
• Thanks to the Apple A7 processor, as well as the M7 co-processor, the device’s performance has increased several times.
• Two colors became available to users: classic silver and “space” gray.
• There are 4 options for user memory to choose from: 16, 32, 64 and, respectively, 128 GB.

Flaws:

• The camera, compared to its “ancestors,” remained at the same stage of development;
• Speakers with mono sound.

The end of sales for the 64 and 128 GB models came in October 2014.

iPad Air 2: even more convenient

The new iPad Air was shown to the public on October 16, 2014. The acquaintance with the “new blood” took place at the Yerba Buena Center, already familiar to the San Francisco audience. The smallest tablet apple began to be sold on October 24, 2014.

Distinctive features of the updated device:

1. Reduction in thickness by 1.4 mm (in the new device the figure was 6.1 mm);
2. The Wi-Fi version stopped at 437 grams, and the LTE tablet weighed 444 grams.

Advantages:

• In this model, we managed to make the graphic display work twice as well, and increase the CPU parameters by as much as 40%. All this was achieved thanks to the new A8X processor.
• The M8 coprocessor became responsible for the operation of the barometer, motion control and sensor calibration.
• For the first time, Apple tablets have integrated the Touch ID fingerprint recognition system.
• You can now use Apple Pay.
• In addition, the camera has been improved: 8 megapixels, capable of shooting in timelapse and slow motion modes. In addition, the new camera can burst out several photos at a time.
• The color options have also been updated: a model in a gold case is now available to users.

Flaws:

• For the first time, they did not release a tablet model with 32 GB of memory.

iPad 2017: balance of price and functionality

iPad 2018: updating your favorite tablet

The iPad 2017 update did not take long to arrive: a year later, the public receives the 9.7-inch version of 2018. Despite the fact that the dimensions and price of the device have remained almost the same, in some aspects the device has undergone significant updates and changes.

Distinctive features of the gadget:

1. Four stereo speakers on the bottom of the camera produce loud and clear sound;
2. Mechanical “Home” button;
3. This tablet has a first-generation sensor for reading the owner’s fingerprint - a kind of “anti-theft.”

Characteristics:

Advantages:

• Availability;
• Good image quality;
• Metal body;
• The model is compatible with accessories for previous Apple tablets;
• Performance: works for a long time both when working offline and when surfing the Internet.

Flaws:

• There are practically no changes compared to its predecessors;
• High price for the Apple Pencil stylus.

iPad Mini line

The announcement of the Apple iPad Mini provoked a mixed reaction among the public. The main prerequisite for skeptical views were statements by the company itself, which previously claimed that “tablets” with a small diagonal are inconvenient and not entirely suitable for full, comfortable use. However, a mini version of the popular iPad was created and presented. Despite some “compressed” characteristics (the first mini-iPads, for example, did not have retina glass), the compact version became popular and almost immediately found its fans. The main advantages of the line were, of course, the modest dimensions, as well as the relatively inexpensive cost of the models.

iPad Mini: always with you

A small copy of the popular iPad was first introduced to the public on October 23, 2013 in San Jose. In general, the iPad Mini is a small iPad 2: the device is endowed with almost all the characteristics of its older brother.

Distinctive features:

• Narrower frames around the display (compared to earlier representatives);
• The entire gadget is made entirely in one color;
• Volume control buttons were presented as separate keys for the first time.

Advantages:

• Lightning port;
• 4G module;
• Advanced selfie camera;
• 8 or more hours of work with relatively modest initial data.

Flaws:

• Not too strong battery
• “Weak” screen (HD only)

iPad mini with Retina display

A distinctive feature: a fresh color scheme for the rear panel called “Space Gray”.

Advantages:

• Thanks to the “retina”, the picture has become much better quality;
• The top-end variation of this iPad was equipped with a large memory - 128 GB, which could already be compared with an “adult”.

iPad Mini 3: the perfection of your favorite model

After the 2nd “Mini”, the line gained very good popularity, which “hurried” the creation of the third mini-generation just a year after the release of its predecessor.

Key Features:

1. The main color palette includes a gold color for the body;
2. A small transformation in details: the color surrounding the Home key has changed, which is now the same shade as the body.

Advantages:

• Stronger processor.

Flaws:

• There is no 32 GB option.

iPad Mini 4: power in a compact size

Main advantages and differences from earlier models:

1. More robust hardware: this one is equipped with two Gigabytes of RAM, an Apple A8 processor, as well as an M8 coprocessor;
2. The silent and lock mode switch has moved from the device directly to the Control Panel;
3. Accelerated shooting has appeared, now allowing you to shoot video at a frame rate of 120 fps;
4. The battery capacity was 5124 mAh (while predecessors could offer 6471 mAh). However, this did not affect the operating time in any way: thanks to low power consumption, the device can also be used for up to ten hours;
5. The new PowerVR GX6450 graphics processor made it possible not only to watch videos in good quality, but to “drive” modern games.

Flaws:

• The thickness of the device decreased to 6.1 mm, which made it impossible to connect old ones.

Fair, not overpriced and not underestimated. There should be prices on the Service website. Necessarily! without asterisks, clear and detailed, where technically possible - as accurate and concise as possible.

If spare parts are available, up to 85% of complex repairs can be completed in 1-2 days. Modular repairs require much less time. The website shows the approximate duration of any repair.

Warranty and responsibility

A guarantee must be given for any repairs. Everything is described on the website and in the documents. The guarantee is self-confidence and respect for you. A 3-6 month warranty is good and sufficient. It is needed to check quality and hidden defects that cannot be detected immediately. You see honest and realistic terms (not 3 years), you can be sure that they will help you.

Half the success in Apple repair is the quality and reliability of spare parts, so a good service works directly with suppliers, there are always several reliable channels and your own warehouse with proven spare parts for current models, so you don’t have to waste extra time.

Free diagnostics

This is very important and has already become a rule of good manners for the service center. Diagnostics is the most difficult and important part of the repair, but you don't have to pay a penny for it, even if you don't repair the device based on its results.

Service repairs and delivery

A good service values ​​your time, so it offers free delivery. And for the same reason, repairs are carried out only in the workshop of a service center: they can be done correctly and according to technology only in a prepared place.

Convenient schedule

If the Service works for you, and not for itself, then it is always open! absolutely. The schedule should be convenient to fit in before and after work. Good service works on weekends and holidays. We are waiting for you and working on your devices every day: 9:00 - 21:00

The reputation of professionals consists of several points

Company age and experience

Reliable and experienced service has been known for a long time.
If a company has been on the market for many years and has managed to establish itself as an expert, people turn to it, write about it, and recommend it. We know what we are talking about, since 98% of incoming devices in the service center are restored.
Other service centers trust us and refer complex cases to us.

How many masters in areas

If there are always several engineers waiting for you for each type of equipment, you can be sure:
1. there will be no queue (or it will be minimal) - your device will be taken care of right away.
2. you give your Macbook for repair to an expert in the field of Mac repairs. He knows all the secrets of these devices

Technical literacy

If you ask a question, a specialist should answer it as accurately as possible.
So that you can imagine what exactly you need.
They will try to solve the problem. In most cases, from the description you can understand what happened and how to fix the problem.

Apple tablet computers are extremely popular due to their many advantages: power, functionality and ease of use. And the wide range of models available on sale allows each user to choose the appropriate option in accordance with the assigned tasks.

Which model should you choose?

Before you buy an Apple iPad tablet, decide on the required characteristics:

1. Compactness. If you need a small tablet computer, choose from the Mini 2 or 3 with a 7.9" display. If it's important for the device to also be thin, narrow your choice down to the Air versions. The cost of tablet computers of this configuration is lower than others in the line of this manufacturer.
2. Power. The Pro versions equipped with the A9X processor and an impressive amount of built-in memory have maximum performance. The screen in them adapts the color to the environment, and four speakers provide high quality sound transmission.
3. "Golden mean". If you need good performance in a compact size, take a look at the Series 4. The price of the iPad in this series, combined with the performance, is the best option.

Where is the best place to buy an Apple tablet?

The Yulmart online store offers you to buy an iPad at a competitive price. Our catalog of tablets includes models of various modifications. Delivery is made in Moscow and other cities.

Need expert help? Leave a request on the website: our specialist will contact you, clarify the prices for Apple iPad tablets, taking into account discounts and delivery, and also help you make your choice.