Remember how Apple was planning to launch a low-cost iPad? Yeah, um, that’s over.
During a Tuesday event in Chicago, Apple released its low-cost iPad, but unfortunately, now that we know the price, it’s pretty obvious that it’s not low-cost at all… even if the device itself sounds pretty cool.
Mashable reports that while the iPad will be offered at a lower price point for schools ($299), for the rest of us, it will cost a cool $329 — AKA not any different than the cheapest iPad Apple currently offers.
This new, so-called low-cost iPad does offer some pretty cool features, though, such as FaceTime HD, TouchID, 32 GB of space, up to 10 hours of battery life, and an 8-megapixel camera that shoots in HD. But even though all of that is pretty awesome, we’re not sure that this is going to play out the way that Apple wanted it to… especially if the company is trying to advertise this as a cheaper, more accessible product for those of us who aren’t exactly rolling in cash.
Oh, and if you want the cellular version (i.e. the one that allows you to connect to a cellular data network, not just WiFi), it’s going to cost you even more — $459. Yikes!
Basically, if you’re feeling bummed about the (not so) low-cost iPad right now, you’re not alone.
However, if you’re into the new device, there’s good news: it also supports Apple Pencil, which, of course, will need to be purchased separately for the usual price of $99.
You should probably check out all the specs before purchasing one of these, too — even though the new features are definitely cool, the iPad is missing a few things, like a slower TouchID, smart connector, and 4K video recording, which are things users of the iPad Pro have grown familiar with by now.
It does sound great for educators, because this new iPad can do so much to help students learn in a more exciting way, especially since schools are getting perks, like extra cloud storage, for using the tablets. But for those of us who aren’t in school and just want the latest tech? Yeah, this announcement was not for us.
Sigh. Guess when it comes to an actual low-cost iPad, we’ll just have to keep dreaming… or shop for a refurbished or used model instead. Or, you could even just keep waiting. Hey, you never know; one day, Apple could finally drop an iPad that everyone can afford. Stranger things have happened!
Originally created from here.