Image via Apple
As unsurprising as Tuesday’s iPhone SE update was the introduction of an updated iPad Air. Lots to like about the new fondle-slab, including the inclusion of the M1 chip (as seen in various Macs and iPad Pro), 5G connectivity, a new front camera with Center Stage, and more. According to Apple’s PR speak:
The 8-core CPU delivers up to 60 percent faster performance, and the 8-core GPU delivers up to 2x faster graphics performance compared to the previous iPad Air. Combined with the CPU and GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine powers advanced machine learning (ML) functions that enable next-level experiences.
Cool as the front camera is, the back camera’s not too shabby. The 12MP Wide camera can capture sharp pictures and 4K video, scan documents, and let users do that AR thing.
“+ Cellular” models include 5G connectivity. I’m assuming that’s minus mmWave connectivity, though I’m not 100% on that. Cool colors, including space gray, starlight, pink, purple, and blue. Two capacities available: The 64GB version will run $599 for wifi-only with the 256GB wifi-model running $749. Add cellular and it’s $749 for the 64GB model and $899 for the 256GB.
Given iPad’s hard to get nature of late, this will be a set your alarm device. So - set your alarm. Orders start on Friday 11 March in 29 countries, including the U.S. They’ll be out to the world the following Friday 18 March.
