Perfection Is Demanded Of The New iPad

Too hot, too fast, or just too much attention? In the short time since its inception, the new iPad has been the subject of two separate, high-profile controversies questioning Apple's hardware decisions. The first, by Consumer Reports, discussed what was presented as an over-heating issue; the second suggested 4G LTE iPad users were now finding that they were having a tough time keeping under their data limit for the month, blaming the Apple slate's newfound ability to connect to this faster data network for their high monthly bills.

In the first article, Consumer Reports offered up the images below, and featured users speaking about increased heat in the new iPad over previous models. The tests they ran included an "uninterrupted" 45 minutes of the game Infinity Blade II run on the iPad 2 and the new iPad, the results being that the new iPad became 12 degrees hotter than the iPad 2 if the devices were plugged in during the experience, 13 degrees if not.

This test was done while Wi-Fi was active on the tablets and no 4G LTE connectivity was used during the full 45 minutes it was run. This Consumer Reports test has never been done with a tablet PC before, but they have mentioned that they are now considering doing so on legacy devices.

The Wall Street Journal published an article this week which showed several individuals in the USA speaking on how they were disturbed at how fast their data bills had been stacking up after they started using the new iPad's 4G LTE connectivity. One of these individuals, web developer Brandon Wells, noted that:

"It streams really fast video, but by streaming really fast video you tend to watch more video, and that's not always best." – Wells

The Journal discusses how 4G LTE has customers using up their allotted amount of data faster than they expected. Similar, in fact, to how a person might blame their new super-speedy expensive gas-using car for emptying their pocketbook, it concludes that the iPad itself is the reason why people should be up in arms about their newfound ability to use up their data in no time flat.

The new iPad, as with the two iPads that came before, is certainly going to see more coverage than any other tablet-like device, simply because it is the most famous and best-selling slate on the planet. There lies the question: are we digging for "problems" or are either of these issues legitimately concerning? And, more importantly perhaps, are they sufficient to make you second-guess buying a new iPad in the first place?