New iPad 3: Top Problems to Consider Before You Buy the New Apple Tablet

Apple's new iPad barely hit the shelves just over a week ago, but complaints are already starting to pile up. While the highly anticipated tablet packs some exciting features such as Retina display, quad core graphics and 5-megapixel iSight camera, there are also a few glitches in the matrix.

Overheating

Several users have complained about the excessive warmth of the new iPad. According to several reports, including one from Consumer Reports, the new iPad heats up more than the iPad 2 - about 10 degrees Fahrenheit more - when running graphic-heavy apps or games.

When unplugged, the back of the new iPad reached temperatures as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit. It was only when plugged in that it hit 116 degrees. The hottest areas weren't evenly distributed throughout the iPad's back, but were concentrated near one corner of the display, Consumer Reports said. So when plugged in, the back of the new iPad became as much as 12 degrees hotter than the iPad 2 did in the same tests; while unplugged the difference was 13 degrees.

Apple, however, has suggested that it sees nothing wrong with the operational tendencies of the new iPad. The new iPad delivers a stunning Retina display, A5X chip, support for 4G LTE plus 10 hours of battery life, all while operating well within our thermal specifications, said a company spokesperson. If customers have any concerns they should contact Apple Care.

Battery Charging

In addition to the overheating issue, there have been many complaints regarding the battery charging of the device as well. The new iPad charges very slowly - it takes up to 6 hours to get it fully charged - and barely charges at all, if used while plugged in. Moreover, the new iPad continues to charge for an additional hour after the indicator shows it has reached 100 percent. This issue means the on-screen indicator is not very accurate, and a possible issue with the software may be causing this.

The third-generation iPad, when connected to power via the included Apple 10W power adapter, actually continued to draw 10W of power for up to one hour after reaching what is reported by iOS as a full 100 percent charge, said DisplayMate President Ray Soneira.

Weak Wi-Fi Reception

Compared to the iPad 2, the new iPad seems to have rather weak Wi-Fi capabilities, according to several reports. Some users have reported weak or no reception at all in areas where they used to get better signal strength with older iPad models.

More Frail than the iPad 2

After conducting a drop test on both the iPad 2 and the new iPad, warranty provider SquareTrade found that the third generation iPad suffered more damage when dropped from waist and shoulder heights. The new iPad's screen shattered and almost popped off, while the iPad 2's screen just shattered, reported SquareTrade.

Higher Data Usage with 4G

Streaming a lot of video via the new iPad's 4G connectivity can suck up your entire monthly data plan in a matter of a few hours. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, streaming March Madness basketball for two hours burned up a month's allotment of 2 gigabyte from Verizon. Moreover, watching an HD movie over LTE burns 2 gigabytes in just one hour, noted The Journal. Apparently, LTE connections use more data than 3G even when delivering the same information.

No Siri

Siri has become widely popular since its launch with the iPhone 4S, and most people expected to see her on the new iPad as well. Apple, however, thought otherwise and did not include the intuitive voice-operated assistant in the new tablet.

(reported by Alexandra Burlacu, edited by Surojit Chattterjee)

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