The iPad
Apple is set to unveil this week a refreshed line-up of 9.7-inch new iPad devices equipped with Retina displays and Lightning connectors alongside a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina and the new iPad mini, which is expected to start selling at €249.
Apple this week is set to reveal a whole array of portable computing technologies after inviting media to a product launch on Tuesday, 23 October. The invitation carries the words: “We’ve got a little more to show you.”
The new iPads equipped with Lightning are expected to keep the same price points as the original models, which were launched in March at US$499, US$599, and US$699 Wi-Fi-only and US$629, US$729, and US$829 for Wi-Fi and LTE, according to 9to5Mac, which published a screen grab of an inventory list for retailers.
A similar list emerged in Germany last week for 7.8-inch iPad mini devices. The basic model starting at €249 will be Wi-Fi only with 8GB capacity. The most expensive model at €649 will have 64GB of storage capacity and will be Wi-Fi and cellular.
Rumours circulated last week that the tech giant would reveal a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina, following the launch of the 15-inch MacBook Pro in June at the WWDC.
At 220 pixels per inch, the Retina display’s pixel density on the 15-inch is so high the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels from a normal viewing distance, so text and graphics look incredibly sharp. The Retina display uses IPS technology for a 178-degree wide viewing angle, and has 75pc less reflection and 29pc higher contrast than the previous generation.
The 80pc smaller 9-pin Lightning connector was announced alongside the iPhone 5 and new iPod range recently. All of these devices, as well as future products in Apple’s range, will use the new connector, which is necessary for building slimmer models. The Lightning connector also connects in any orientation and Apple claims it is faster than its previous cable.
