The Apple iPad 3 is Apple’s third-generation tablet, and it improves on what was already the tablet to beat with an impressive specification set. It is not as revolutionary or outlandish as some rumours were suggesting – this latest iPad is more of a logical evolution of the previous device, but it must leave competitors wondering how they are going to catch up.

iPad as a personal hotspot.

Now for the first time, you can share the high-speed data connection on your iPad. If your carrier supports it, iPad can act as a personal hotspot for connecting up to five devices — such as a MacBook Air, an iPod touch, or another iPad — over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB.

As before, there’s either a WiFi-only version or one that also supports cellular networks – we used to call that the 3G option, but (in the US at least) the new iPad is a 4G device capable of running on AT&T or Verizon’s LTE networks. These versions are different from each other inasmuch as the Verizon one also has support for CDMA/EVDO in addition to the GSM/EDGE/HSPA+ support found on the AT&T one.

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Changes

The biggest change is perhaps not noticeable until you start using it – the iPad 3 now has a 1536 x 2048 pixel 9.7″ display, with four times the pixel of the old iPads. As with the iPhone 4 and 4S, Apple call this a “retina display”, meaning that the pixels are too small to see. The first iPad had a pretty much off-the-shelf panel that must have been very cheap to develop, but Apple can be sure that this new iPad will sell in enough quantities to justify creating a completely new class of display. You can compare below.

IPAD2 & IPAD3 or The New IPAD

Battery life spared.

The new iPad features a Retina display with four times the pixels of iPad 2 and quad-core graphics. How much of an effect does that have on battery life? Almost none. You still get up to 10 hours of power to read, watch, play, write, and create whatever you want, all you want.

The world’s most advanced mobile operating system.

iOS is the magic behind iPad. It lets you see and do everything using Multi-Touch. It includes all the powerful, innovative, and fun built-in apps you use every day, many times a day. It’s the preferred choice for app developers. And it’s yet another reason no other device comes close to iPad

Talking is the new typing.

Write an email. Send a text. Search the web. Or create a note. And do it all with only your voice. Instead of typing, tap the microphone icon on the keyboard. Then say what you want to say while your iPad listens. Tap Done and, just like that, your spoken words become written words. Dictation also works with third-party apps, so you can do things like update your Facebook status or share a thought on your Twitter feed.

Make that face and it’ll stay that way, courtesy of Photo Booth on iPad. It lets you take some downright nutty pictures of yourself. Or of your friends. Pose for the camera, apply an effect, and dare yourself to share it.

Apple iPad 3 Specs