For local iPad lovers itching to lay their hands on the new iPad, the wait is almost over and now, local prices for all versions have been confirmed.

 

According to the Core Group, the South African distributors for Apple products, recommended retail prices range from R4999 (16 GB, Wi-Fi) to R8299 (64 GB, Wi-Fi + 4G).

 

In the middle of that range, the 32 GB and 64 GB Wi-Fi only versions will cost R5999 and R6999 respectively, while the 16 GB and 32 GB Wi-Fi + 4G versions will lighten your bank account by R6299 and R7299 respectively.

 

However, the company notes that retailers are responsible for determining their own prices for the resale of the tablets, clarifying that these are suggested retail prices only.

 

Owing to the fact that 4G LTE networks have yet to be rolled out, the Wi-Fi and 4G versions will instead work on 3G networks. A full list of all retailers who will sell the new iPad can be viewed here.

 

 

The new iPad (Apple refrained from calling it the iPad 3) boasts a 9.7" (2048 x 1536) Retina display that delivers four times the number of pixels compared to the iPad 2’s 9.7" (1024 x 768 pixels) LED-backlit IPS LCD touchscreen.

 

It is this which has been the new iPad’s greatest claim to fame, and has been met by widespread enthusiasm. Additionally, the new iPad differs from the iPad 2 thanks to the addition of a A5X processor, which sports a dual-core CPU (like the iPhone 4S and iPad 2), but boasts enhanced quad-core graphics.

 

The company explained that this new application processor doubles the graphics performance of its A5 chip. Also new is the 5 MP iSight camera that features advanced optics, allowing it to capture high-resolution photos as well as full HD (1080p) video. This new snapper sports backside illumination (BSI), enabling users to take detailed shots even in low-light conditions.

 

 

As previously reported, the 16 GB Wi-Fi and 16GB Wi-Fi 3G iPad 2 models will continue to part of the iPad product range and available locally. Both are currently available for purchase at recently discounted prices of R3999 and R5299 respectively.  

 

One factor to be aware of before making a purchasing decision is that there have been reports of heat and battery issues with the new iPad by some users.   

 

 

While it was disappointing that South Africa was not included in the earlier rounds of launches, the new iPad’s local launch has reassuringly come not too far after the rest of the world, and the prices are comparable to that which the iPad 2 retailed at when it was first launched.