Well the updates are most definitely nice changes, but it's not like you are getting any new real features or capabilities with it. Apple's track record is to implement changes as slowly as possible every year.

What I mean by that is the iPhone was great. Revolutionary. BUT, you didn't get another big step forward until the 4 (which was playing catch up to pther phones) and even it fell short by not being a 4g phone.

Then you look at the iPad line. The first came out shortly before the 4 released and lacked man of the feature changes that came on the 4. Even the iPad 2, which added the forward facing camera (should have been on the first one....) still did not have a flash like the 4 and still was not 4g capable.... Now you get the iPad 3 (or whatever they want to call it) and it is 4g capable (should have been on the first one although I would not get it) with the retina display (should have been the 2 but not upset ot wasn't) but still lacks a flash.

So yes, it is a product update and we all love them, but I at least expect more effort from the world's largest, most innovative company. Hence, I'm stickin with my 2. :p

Meh, the screen alone is a pretty huge move, not to mention the graphics to back it up. I think 4g + the screen is a pretty solid update...

Spikuh, you are looking at it from a tech side where you expect X features, but would you be willing to pay over 1,000 for an iPad with 16GB and wifi only with a retina display/front camera/etc. last year?
Apple has found the balance between bringing new features to market, not always first, and price. Now, Apple is by no means cheap but they are not top end on the price scale either. Many Android tablets, and soon Windows 8, are much pricier.

I will say, I have the original iPad, and really have liked the upgrades over the years the iPad has gotten and almost bought the 2 when it came out but I knew the better screen was coming someday and waited.

Its amazing how everyone expects to be blown away with the next release. It's like we have become this society of spoiled brats that want the latest and greatest thing. I have the iPad 1 and its still amazing and works great for me. I might pick up a cheap iPad 2 if the price is right, but mostly because money is tight right now.

First people were dissappointed with the iPhone 4S, now the new iPad. Why does everyone expect these hugh improvements? These are great updates, the only thing I would of liked to see is Siri but I guess having it on the iPhone is good enough.

I was expecting full Siri, but instead they just added voice dictation which is nice but the iPad could be great with Siri.
Though I bet with many of the rumors of Siri getting integrated into more apps and maybe third party apps they want to keep it limited still. Remember Siri is still defined as a beta/test product currently.

You'll never get Siri without a mandatory data plan

release date:stirthepot: march 16th

I agree, Apple very rarely releases a completely revolutionary new device or upgrade, they have found that if you build hype around smaller improvements you can sell just as much. If they released all their tech improvements in one device then that would raise the bar for their next release.
People always start to expect more than what's reasonable. If Apple releases everything at once, then peoples expectations for the next release will be more improbable and outrageous.
Personally, I'm waiting for the day when your phone becomes a key for everything, using close proximity tech, not unlike our Z key fobs. When you get home, your phone detects your garage door opener and activates it. You get to your front door and the motorized deadbolt detects your phone and automatically unlocks. Walk up to your car and it unlocks and turns on for you. And of course using your phone as a credit card has already been possible in Japan for years.
If Apple were to implement all these things in their next phone they would not be able to handle the demand in sales, but then when the next phone comes out the masses will be expecting something just as big, and tech isn't developing this quickly. The next phone would be a huge flop.


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Huck, a lot of those ideas are already around there are just apps for them. Home automation has been around for years and with the iPhone and now Android you can control your entire home from your cellphone. Downside is it still requires user input as RFID & NFC is just getting rolling in the US.

I agree, and I didn't even get into the internal upgrades and out of the box applications.

Part of me doubts a 16gb wifi would run that high with those extras included, but then again I do not have access to the cost of materials, etc for the new one so I may very well be wrong. Reports on the iPad 16gb wifi had costs to Apple around the $270 mark and they sold it for $499. So they enjoy a very sizable markup on their products. That said, the other tablet producers may enjoy the same markup, I do not know.

To answer your question though, at $1,000, I would not buy even a fully loaded iPad much less the low end one.

Understand that I am in no way dogging Apple's products. I love my iPhone 4 and iPad 2. They are amazing devies and I would not trade them for better varients from another maker. However, their chosen upgrade path and rollout of features on newer models has always annoyed me since the iPhone 3g. To me, it shows their emphasis is on making as much profit as possible which makes business me happy but angers the techy in me.

He probably refering to the Apple Fanboys....

Well, OK - I did order one. I'll hand my original iPad down to my son. I ordered a 32gig this time instead of a 16gig. WiFi only. With the new retina display and more camera resolution, I was worried I might need more space. I tether the iPad to my D300 when I shoot. It's a much better proof than the small camera LCD.

It has really replaced my laptop as well for just about everything else. I'm hooked.

can you expand on how you tether your camera to your iPad?

Yeah, I just bought this nifty dooddad right here:

Apple iPad Camera Connection kit

It allows you to plug the DSLR into the iPad with a USB cable. The iPad sucks 'em right in and displays them as you shoot, leaving the RAW files on the D300. Slick.