How much did an iPad cost in Russia before? Complete history of Apple tablets: All iPad models Types of apple tablets

The 21st century is the age of information technology and every person has gadgets. Tablets are especially popular. This is simply an irreplaceable thing that will help you store all your personal information and provide quick, convenient access to it. But there are a huge number of them on the market. However, the best offer is Apple's product - iPad. The time has come for the iPad generation. This is what we will talk about in our text.

History of the line

iPad line

The history of Apple tablets dates back to the 2000s. It was then that Steve Jobs got the idea to get rid of the keyboard. The idea was to place buttons on the device's screen. Jobs approached the team and proposed inventing a multi-touch display. However, after the appearance of the prototype, the tablet project was postponed and returned only after the presentation of the iPhone. Let's take a look at the iPad line of tablets.

iPad

Appearance of the first device

The first iPad appeared in 2010. It had a rectangular shape with rounded corners. It had similar functions to the iPod, but was designed for different purposes. The iPad stood between the laptop and the smartphone. The display resolution was 1024 x 768 and the screen size was 9.7. It also had Wi-Fi and 3G modules and the size of the built-in memory from 16 to 64 GB.

iPad 2

Comparison of 2 generations

In March 2011, this device appeared on store shelves. The tablet has become 4.6 millimeters thinner and 79 g lighter. The processor has become more powerful and has two cores with a frequency of 1 GHz. I was also pleased with the presence of front and rear cameras. It would later become the prototype for the creation of the first generation iPad mini.

iPad New

On this device, it was decided to remove the numbers in the name. This product was called The New iPad. Visually, it was no different from its predecessor. However, the filling was better. The tablet featured a new Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels and a pixel density of 246 ppi. It also received support for 4G networks and an increased amount of RAM up to 1 GB.

iPad 4

4th generation appearance

Appeared in October 2012. Got a more powerful processor with a frequency of 1.4 GHz. The resolution of the front camera has increased and the range of fourth generation networks has been expanded. Also equipped with a Lightning connector. Later a version with 128 GB on board appeared.

iPad mini

This version became the first generation iPad mini. It was presented along with the fourth generation iPad. It was smaller in size. It had a 7.9-inch screen. It is now possible to hold the device with one hand. However, there was no Retina display. At its core, it is a smaller version of the second generation iPad.

iPad Air

It was released in 2013 and was the company’s flagship device. The word Air emphasizes lightness. The gadget has become smaller in size. It was 2 mm thinner and 28% lighter. The size of the side frames has also been reduced. It had a processor with a frequency of 1.4 GHz and RAM of 1 GB.

iPad mini second generation

iPad mini 2nd generation

The second representative of the reduced series appeared before us along with the iPad Air. This time it is a smaller version of the flagship device. Only the screen has changed, now its size is 7.9 inches. The filling of the device is identical to its progenitor. However, the processor frequency has decreased by 100 MHz, which is not critical. In general, this iPad mini is similar to the iPad mini 1, but has more powerful hardware.

iPad Air 2

Comparison of 2018 device and Air 2

This version of the iPad was shown in October 2014 in San Francisco. This device was distinguished by a reduced thickness of 1.4 mm and a reduced weight. It is worth noting that the version with a Wi-Fi module differed in weight from Wi-Fi with LTE. Weight without LTE is 437 g, and with LTE - 444 g. Work was done on the processor and graphics display. Namely, it was possible to increase the speed of the processor by 40%, and the display twice. It is now possible to use the Apple Pay service and purchase a device in gold color.

iPad mini 3

After the release of the second generation iPad device, this product gained great popularity. A gold-colored case appeared. The “Home” button has become the same color as the body. A more powerful processor was also installed.

iPad mini 4

Project appearance

This device was introduced in September 2015. It had a number of differences from its predecessor. It had an A8 processor and an M8 coprocessor. An accelerated shooting mode appeared, which made it possible to record video at a speed of 120 fps. The tablet has a new GPU PowerVR GX6450, which allows you to play modern games.

iPad Pro

This line of iPad tablets has more powerful hardware. It is now possible to run two applications at once. Thanks to 4 stereo speakers, watching movies has become more enjoyable. It also featured an increased amount of RAM and a large screen diagonal of 12.9 inches. This product is recommended for office workers and designers.

iPad 2018

This product appeared in 2018. However, this was a kind of relaunch of its predecessor. The device received an improved processor, an improved operating system, a larger battery capacity and an increased amount of RAM up to 2 GB. There was also a Touch ID fingerprint, which made unlocking the gadget quick and convenient, and also added security.

Now let's talk about the company's modern devices and take a detailed look at the comparative performance characteristics and compare the performance of all generations.

Have you decided to buy an iPad, but don’t know which one to choose? Below is a list of current devices. Today there are several models that can be purchased in stores. Let's look at them.

iPad 2018

A prominent representative of the Apple iPad tablet lineup. The tablet comes in beautiful packaging, like any Apple device. In appearance we resemble Air. The main difference in design is the thinner frames and sizes.

Equipment and prices

2018 model

When you open the box with the device, you will find the gadget itself, charger, cable and a set of instructions. The unboxing process is no different from any other gadget from the Cupertino company. The tablet is available in several colors: gold, space gray, silver. The price has not changed compared to the previous device. The price is $329.

Ease of use

The device is convenient to use. For greater convenience, we recommend installing a Smart Cover, which will protect the gadget during transportation. Since the tablet weighs half a kilogram, a stand is simply necessary. Unfortunately, there is no Smart Connector, which provides connection to various devices. For example, keyboards. Only the Pro version has this feature.

Display

The first iPad was equipped with a 9.7-inch screen. This figure remains the same in new devices. Except that the frames on the sides have become thinner. It has a Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels and a pixel density of 263ppi.

Sound

Unfortunately, stereo speakers are still only available on the Pro version. This version has only 2 speakers, which are located on the bottom. The lack of stereo doesn't make them uncomfortable. But when watching a movie, hearing sound from only one side will still cause inconvenience.

Performance

The filling has still undergone minor changes. A new A10 chip was installed. The RAM is only 2 gigabytes, but this is enough to perform everyday tasks. Disk space starts from 32 GB and goes up to 128 GB. In synthetic tests, the device shows 3459 parrots in the single-core test and 5828 in the multi-core test.

Autonomy

Frameless concept

Perhaps one of the most important indicators for a portable device. The battery capacity is 8827 mAh. The manufacturer claims 10 hours of continuous work on the Internet. And indeed it is. In the PCMark test, the device lasted a full 9 hours. However, there are also disadvantages. With such a capacity, it will take a lot of time to charge the battery. It takes approximately 4 hours to fully charge the gadget. If you travel frequently, don't forget to charge your iPad.

Camera

A lot of people don't use tablet cameras, but they still need them. Mainly for video calling. Compared to the previous generation, the camera has not undergone any changes. The resolution of the front camera is 1.2 MP, and the main one is 8 MP. It may seem small compared to smartphones, but this is not a smartphone. The camera has learned to record video in Full HD at a speed of 30 fps. However, shooting with a tablet is not very convenient due to its size. There is also a fast shooting mode.

iPad Pro

2018 model

Unlike a regular iPad, the Pro version has better hardware and a larger diagonal. There are two versions. The first with a diagonal of 11 inches, and the second with 12.9. It has a thin body and narrow frames. The latest A12X Bionic processor is installed. The maximum amount of internal memory is 1 TB. The capacitive battery will allow you to use the browser for 10 hours. Unlike a regular iPad, standard USB-C is installed here. Thanks to this, the device can now be connected to a monitor with a resolution of up to 5K. Improved cameras have also been installed. The main camera is 12 MP, and the front camera is 7 MP. Prices in Russia start from 65,990 rubles and up to 153,990 rubles.

iPad mini 4

We already mentioned this “baby” in the history section. Suitable for lovers of compact solutions. The tablet works for quite a long time, due to the minimum discharge when the screen is off. Prices start from 33,000 rubles and up to 59,000 rubles.

Results

In this article, we looked at the history of the line of tablets from Apple, and also learned about their modern devices and how they differ. We hope you choose the gadget you need.

The iPod Touch line of multimedia players (including) has already been the topic of our articles. Today, at the request of our readers, we will talk about the development of Apple tablets and the differences between them. After reading this article, you will be able to freely answer the question: “What is the difference between the iPad 4 (iPad with Retina display) and the iPad 3 and other Apple tablet models.”

At the moment, Apple is positioning only three models iPad, as relevant and officially available: , iPad 2 and , and the “kopeck piece” is only available in a Wi-Fi modification with 16 GB of memory. On the secondary market and on the Internet you can find all generations of iPad in any modifications.

iPad original

First iPad(or iPad original) was a pilot and revolutionary project for Apple at the same time. It was presented at a presentation in San Francisco on January 27, 2010. As it turned out later, the idea of ​​releasing a tablet is not new and has been exciting the brain for quite some time. And so, his dream came true and the world saw the first Apple tablet. The pilot project was based on the fact that not all the developments were applied in the first iPad, as if Apple were afraid of a negative reaction from users and did not make a too expensive and technological device.
Despite this, the “Apple magic” worked once again and tablets were swept off store shelves. The first pancake didn’t turn out to be a big deal, but critics blasphemed the first iPad for its weak processor, lack of camera, and all the other limitations of iOS.

iPad 2

Having worked on the mistakes, on March 2, 2011, Apple announced iPad 2. The model received two cameras and became a little lighter and thinner than its predecessor, and its improved version iPad 2 (Rev A) with a more advanced processor, it is still Apple's best-selling tablet.

iPad 3 (The New iPad)

On March 7, 2012, a real revolution awaited the iPad line in the form of The New iPad. The creators specifically did not mark the tablet with the number “3,” explaining that the new model is a rethinking of the entire line. became thicker than its predecessor, however, this made it possible to hide a more capacious battery in its body. This was done for the stunning Retina display. The filling has also improved The New iPad.

iPad 4 (iPad with Retina display)

The happy owners of the third iPad, after all, just half a year later, on October 23, 2012, Apple released . It became an exact copy of its predecessor with a new connector and slightly more advanced hardware internals.

It was presented at the same time. For the first time, Apple reduced the screen size from 9.7″ to 7.9″ and dressed the tablet in a matte black shell. This is how Cupertino entered the budget “tablet” market. iPad Mini Mostly criticized for the lack of a retina display. Analysts suggest that the smaller first-generation tablet is a tentative step into a new niche, and the next model will already boast .
Half a year later, without much fanfare, Apple announced (all previous models only have modifications of 16, 32 or 64 GB).

Separately, it is worth mentioning the 3G/4G (radio) module. All versions of iPad are available in versions with a 3G module, they are called cellular, and without it. It is quite easy to distinguish this modification by the black plastic roof on the rear panel and a small slot for SIM cards on the side.
Such modifications are more expensive and have the ability to access the Internet through the networks of mobile operators. Of course, this requires a SIM card and costs money, but here lies the second difference between the models, which is not advertised by Apple. All iPads with a 3G module have a built-in GPS module, which is missing in the Wi-Fi model. This allows cellular tablet versions determine location without an Internet connection and use applications for navigation and geolocation. Wi-Fi versions of the iPad can only do this when connected to the Internet.

In order to determine the model by appearance iPad use a simple algorithm. With its help you can always determine which model it is. iPad in front of you. If you have never held in your hands iPad 2 or iPad 3, then a little difficulty may arise in identifying them. If both tablets are nearby, the difference is obvious, but when only one sample is visible, you will have to take a closer look. In other cases, you can easily distinguish one version of the tablet from another.

In conclusion, we present a comparative table with the characteristics of all Apple tablets.

	iPad	iPad 2	iPad 2(Rev 2)	iPad 3(The New iPad)	iPad 4 (With Retina Display)	iPad Mini
Model name	A1219 (Wi-Fi) A1337 (GSM)				A1460 (GSM+CDMA)	A1455 (GSM+CDMA)
Generation name
Start of sales	April 2010				November 2012 February 2013 (128 GB)	November 2012
End of sales				November 2012
Case colors(back/front)	Metal/black	black or white	black or white	black or white	black or white	Metal or black/ black or white
Required versioniTunes
Minimum versioniOS					6.0.1 others	6.0.1 others
MaximumversioniOS
Battery (mAh)
Length (mm)
Width (mm)
Thickness (mm)
Weight (g)
CPU					Proprietary architecture
Frequency (MHz)
RAM
Display resolution
Pixels per inch
2 G(GSM/GPRS/Edge)
3G (UMTS/ HSDPA/HSUPA)
4G (LTE)					+* (13/700, 17/700)
Glonass
Wi-Fi b/g/n
Bluetooth
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Light sensor
Rear camera(Mpix)
Front camera(Mpix)
Access Point Mode
AirPlay Mirroring
Connector
Siri

* - only models with GSM (cellular) module

** - CDMA models only

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.

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight	Camera
Apple A5	With RAM capacity of 512 MB		Lithium polymer technology	Width - 18.5 cm	Camera resolution - 0.7 megapixels
Processor frequency - 1 GHz		Screen diagonal - 9.7 inches	Battery capacity - 25 W per hour	24.1 cm	Front camera - 0.3 megapixels
		Screen resolution - 1024x768, screen format - 4:3		Depth - 0.9 cm
			Charge from an autonomous source - external power adapter	Weight - 0.6 kg

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.

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight	Camera
Apple A5X CPU		Screen diagonal - 9.7 inches	Battery life - up to 10 hours	Width - 18.5 cm	Resolution - 5 megapixels, front - VGA
Processor frequency - 1 GHz	Storage capacity - 16, 32 or 64 GB	Screen resolution - 2048x1536, screen format: QXGA - 4:3		Height - 24.1 cm
				Depth - 0.94 cm
				Weight - 0.6 kg

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.

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight	Camera
CPU - Apple A6X	RAM capacity - 1024 MB	Screen diagonal - 9.7 inches	Battery life up to 10 continuous hours	Device width - 18.5 cm	5 megapixel camera,
					front - 1.2 megapixels
Processor frequency - 1.4 GHz	Storage capacity -128 GB			Height - 21.4 cm
		Screen Features: Capacitive		Depth - 0.94 cm
				0.662 kg

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.

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight	Camera
CPU - Cortex A8X	16, 32, 64 and 128 GB of storage capacity	Screen diagonal - 9.7 inches		Width - 16.9 cm	5 megapixels, front - 1.2 megapixels
Processor frequency - 1.3 GHz		Resolution and screen format - 2048x1536; QXGA 4:3		Height - 24 cm
		Screen Features - Capacitive		Depth - 0.75 cm
				Weight - 0.478 kg

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.

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight	Camera
Apple A7 1400 MHz	RAM - 1 GB	Screen diagonal - 9.7 inches	Battery capacity - 8827 mAh	Length - 240 mm
	Number of cores - 2	Resolution - 2048x1536	Ability to charge the tablet using USB	Width - 170 mm
		Pixels per inch - 264
		Screen type - TFT IPS, glossy, scratch-resistant glass	Battery life - up to 10 hours	Depth - 8 mm	The main camera has autofocus capabilities
		Capacitive screen, multi-touch		Weight - 469 g

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:

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight
CPU - Apple A10 Fusion	2 GB RAM	Screen type - liquid crystal IPS	Lithium Polymer Technology (Li-Pol)	Width - 240 mm
4 cores		Diagonal - 9.7 inches	Battery capacity - 32.4 W/hour	Height - 169 mm
Built-in M10 processor		Screen resolution/format - 2048x1536	Battery life - 10 hours	Depth - 7.5 mm
				Weight - 469 g

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.

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight	Camera
CPU - Apple A5	RAM capacity - 512 MB	Screen diagonal - 7.9 inches	Up to 10 hours of battery life	Width - 13.4 cm	5 megapixels, front - 1.2 megapixels
Processor frequency - 1 GHz	Storage capacity - 16 GB	Resolution and screen format - 1024x768; XGA 4:3		Height - 20 cm
		Screen Features - Capacitive		Depth - 0.72 cm
				Weight - 0.312 kg

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”.

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight	Camera
	Storage capacity - up to 128 GB	Screen diagonal - 7.9 inches	Up to 10 hours of battery life	Width - 13.4 cm	Camera resolution - 5 megapixels, front - 1.2 megapixels
Processor frequency - 1.3 GHz		Resolution and screen format - 2048 x 1536 QXGA 4:3		Height - 20 cm
		Screen type - capacitive		Depth - 0.75 cm
				Weight - 0.314 kg

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.

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight	Camera
CPU - Apple A7	RAM - 1 GB		10 hours of battery life	Length - 200 mm	Main camera - 5 megapixels
		Retina display, Screen type - TFT IPS, glossy	USB rechargeable	Width - 134.7 mm	Front camera - 1.2 megapixels
		Screen diagonal - 7.87 inches, Pixels per inch - 325		Depth - 7.5 mm	Main camera with autofocus capability
		Scratch-resistant glass, multi-touch		Weight - 331 g

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.

CPU	Memory	Image	Supply system	Dimensions/weight	Camera
Apple A8 processor	RAM - 2 GB	Screen type - TFT IPS, glossy	10 hours of battery life	Length - 203.2 mm	Main camera - 8 megapixels
Apple M8 coprocessor		Screen diagonal - 7.85 inches, number of pixels per inch - 326		Width - 135 mm	Front camera - 1.2 megapixels
		Screen resolution - 2048x1536		Depth - 6.1 mm	Main camera autofocus capability
		Touch capacitive screen, multi-touch		Weight - 304 g

Flaws:

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

Apple iPad tablets first appeared on the world market in 2010 and in 4 years they have already released 6 generations of the device:

• 2010: iPad 1 (2 modifications) * .
• 2011: iPad 2 (3 modifications).
• 2012: iPad 3 (3 modifications).
• 2012: iPad 4 (3 modifications).
• 2013: iPad Air (2 modifications).
• 2014: iPad Air 2 (2 modifications).

Today we will talk about each of them, taking into account their features, advantages and disadvantages.

* By “modification” we mean equipping tablets with Wi-Fi and additional communication modules (the ability to use a SIM card).

The first iPad prototype appeared at Apple back in the early 2000s and was called “prototype 035.” According to Jonathan Ive, between 2002 and 2004, active development of the external concept of the device was carried out, which later became the basis for the creation of the first generation iPad.

Photos of the prototype were made public during litigation with Samsung as evidence that the device was being developed long before the patent rights arose (2005). By the way, the court made a final decision only in 2012 and ordered Samsung to pay Cupertino a tidy sum for illegally borrowing ideas.

Returning to the “035” model, we can immediately note that it is much thicker than modern tablets and lacks the usual “Home” button. There is also an opinion that a full-fledged OS was installed on board the prototype, like on Mac computers.

The first iPad was introduced on January 27, 2010 in San Francisco. The project could be called a pilot: Apple implemented a minimum of its ideas and gave the buyer time to evaluate the new offer on the tablet device market. Critics immediately pushed the device into dusty corners for its lack of camera, weak processor and iOS capabilities. But fans appreciated the new Apple device - in the first day, sales exceeded 0.5 million devices, and by the end of the year, a total of 7 million gadgets were sold.

The first generation iPad is strikingly different from its future reincarnations: clear edges, prominent walls and the impressive thickness of the device (13 mm) immediately catch the eye. Moreover, iPad 1 is the heaviest tablet in the entire Apple line. Its weight is 680 grams.

The lineup consisted of two offers: with Wi-Fi support and Wi-Fi+3G. The tablet offered three variations of memory capacity (16, 32 and 64 GB) and one color scheme - a black front panel and a silver body.

The first generation iPad is powered by the A4 processor. The total amount of RAM is 256 MB. Its power is quite enough for surfing the Internet, communicating on social networks, business correspondence, taking notes and supporting simple applications. Modern games, unfortunately, are too tough for him. The latest supported OS is iOS 5.1.1.

It is also worth considering that the “pilot iPad” only received an accelerometer and a light sensor.

Sales end date: spring 2011.

Second generation iPad

iPad 2 was introduced on March 3, 2011 in San Francisco. It is noteworthy that this is the last presentation that Steve Jobs attended. Global sales started on May 11; the tablet reached Russia only on May 27, 2011. The excitement during sales was so strong that speculators were even in demand, selling their place in line at Apple stores. According to some rumors, the rate for first places reached $800. According to analysts, 70% of iPad buyers purchased the tablet for the first time, which indicated an increase in Apple's share in the high-tech market.

The second generation iPad got rid of the protruding back cover - the body became smooth and streamlined. The speaker has moved to the back cover of the device, where it is securely hidden under the protection of a mesh with perforated holes. Before the advent of the iPad Air, it was considered the thinnest (8.6 mm) and lightest (from 601 to 613 grams) in the line of Apple tablets.

The lineup was the same as its predecessor: devices with a Wi-Fi module and gadgets that received mobile Internet in addition: GSM and CDMA models.

The second generation iPad received a faster Apple A5 processor with 512 MB of RAM. Moreover, the second batch of iPad 2 Rev A tablets was released. The main difference was in the modification of the processor: Apple actively protected itself from jailbreakers. It was possible to distinguish between batches only after connecting the device to the computer. The technical perfection of the device was expressed in the appearance of a gyroscope, rear and front cameras.

iPad 2 received a little more color variety: a silver body and a choice of white or black front panel. The amount of internal memory remains unchanged.

Sales end date: spring 2012 (for 16 and 32 GB), autumn 2014 (for 16 GB model).

Third generation - The new iPad

March 7, 2012 was the date of the official presentation to the world of the third generation iPad tablet. The official name of the tablet caused understandable confusion. After the presentation, Phil Schiller, answering questions from journalists, noted: Apple just wanted to do something unpredictable. According to other sources, Cupertino decided to abandon product numbering so that the user would not form an associative series: “a larger number means a better device.” Global sales began on May 16; the tablet appeared in the Russian Federation at the end of May. It is believed that the start of sales was a failure for our country. Among the main reasons were the active activities of resellers and the subsequent sale of “gray products.”

Externally, the iPad 3 was fully consistent with the second generation tablet. They could only be distinguished by the model number, which was located on the back cover. The gadget became heavier by more than 50 g, which users immediately felt during prolonged use of the device. Moreover, many noted that the iPad is “the hottest” among the entire Apple line - the rapid heating of the case also caused discomfort during long-term use of the device.

The main advantages of The new iPad are:

• A gorgeous Retina Display that supported a resolution of 1536 by 2048 pixels per inch. At the same time, the overall color saturation increased by as much as 44%;
• Work in 4G networks;
• The rear camera performance has been improved to 5 mpx;
• Video in Full HD format;
• For the first time, it became possible to recognize faces during video shooting, as well as additional image stabilization sensors;

The new iPad runs under the strict guidance of the Apple A5X processor. RAM capabilities have increased to 1024 MB. It featured the Siri voice assistant and dictation capabilities for the first time.

The offered memory capacities (16, 32 and 64 GB) and color solutions (black/white silver) remained unchanged.

Sales end date: November 2012.

Fourth generation - iPad with Retina Display

On October 23, 2012, another presentation of new products from Apple took place, where the iPad with Retina Display was presented. In fact, it was a well-developed version of the iPad 3. It is noteworthy that for the first time in many years the presentation was held in San Jose.

The main external difference between the iPad 4 and previous models is the updated Lighting USB connector. From that moment on, the model range consisted of 3 varieties: Wi-Fi model, “American” and “global” Cellular. The difference is in the supported LTE network bands.

The tablet is the proud owner of the Apple A6X processor, which is twice as powerful as the 5 Series and has four graphics cores on board. The dual-core processor operates at a clock frequency of 1.5 MHz.

Despite the increased capabilities, iPad 4 Gen is able to work without additional recharging for more than 10 hours. The gadget also boasts a front-facing HD camera and AirDrop support.

For the first time, Apple has expanded the amount of possible user storage to 128 GB.

Sales end date: November 2013.

Fifth generation - iPad Air

On October 22, 2013, Apple introduced the iPad Air. The presentation took place at the Contemporary Arts Center in San Francisco. The event was held under the mysterious slogan “we have more to tell.” The Cupertino team showed a tablet that is capable of conquering airspace: “Air” - lighter than air. Already in the first month of sales, iPad Air took 3% of the share of all Apple tablets on the market. It is noteworthy that the tablet officially appeared in Russia on November 13.

With the fifth generation, significant external metamorphoses occurred. The first thing that catches your eye is that the frames around the screen have become much narrower. The overall dimensions are impressive, especially compared to previous generations. Since the release of the first iPad, the overall length of the gadget has decreased by 3 mm, width by 20.5 mm, and thickness by 5.5 mm. Since 2010, the device has lost 201 grams (for the wi-fi model) and 202 grams (for the cellular model), which can be equated to a full glass of semolina. Two stereo speakers and one internal microphone were added to the back cover. And the volume buttons are divided into two halves.

The model range again included three positions: Wi-Fi, LTE and TD-LTE. The latter is intended for countries in Southeast Asia.

The device's production capacity has increased tenfold thanks to the coordinated work of the Apple A7 processor and M7 co-processor. While the amount of RAM remained unchanged (1024 MB), its clock frequency jumped to 800 MHz.

iPad Air is available in two colors: silver and space gray. The amount of user memory is presented in 4 variations and ranges from 16 to 128 GB.

Sales end date: October 2014 (64 and 128 GB models). 16 and 32 GB can still be found on store shelves.

Sixth generation - iPad Air 2

By October 16, 2014, the Yerba Buena Center (San Francisco) had once again transformed itself and introduced the world to the world's thinnest tablet: the iPad Air 2. “Can you even see it?” - asked Tim Cook, demonstrating the new product to the audience. For the first time, Russia was secretly included in the list of countries of the first wave - official sales started on October 24.

The length and width of the Air tablets remained unchanged. But the thickness was 6.1 mm (-1.4 mm), and the weight was 437 (Wi-Fi) and 444 grams (LTE).

Combining the display with a touchscreen made it possible not only to significantly reduce the thickness of the device, but also to add an anti-glare coating to the screen.

The main production load fell on the A8x processor, in which it was possible to increase CPU parameters by 40% and improve the performance of the graphic display by 2 times. The M8 co-processor took over the functions of motion control, barometer and sensor calibration.

A long-awaited update was the appearance of Touch ID fingerprint recognition sensors and Apple Pay support in iPad tablets. The quality of photography has increased due to the implantation of an 8 megapixel camera. Additional features include shooting in slo-mo and time-lapse modes, as well as the ability to take a series of pictures. The device was equipped with a lever, which was responsible for switching modes.

It is noteworthy that for the first time the 32 GB model will not be on sale. But a model with a gold body color appeared in the line.

Sales end date: currently on sale.