Communications
Cosmetics aside, the biggest difference to consumers and resellers of the new iPad is in its communications capabilities. Like prior iPad models, it will be available for both AT&T and Verizon networks, but devices will not be interchangeable between networks and may not be network-compatible between iPad generations. Check with the carrier.
A new version of iOS now allows the iPad to be configured as a Wi-Fi hot spot for as many as five devices. What's more, iPad 2 offered Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, while the new iPad is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0, which adds high-speed and low-energy protocols and is backward-compatible. Wi-Fi capabilities are identical between old and new models. Pricing starts at $499 for Wi-Fi-only models and $629 for 4G. Availability is set for March 16.
Next Slide >
