Sam Oliver
The anticipated fifth-generation full-size iPad will employ the same thin touch sensor Apple first introduced last year in the iPad mini, according to a new report.
The anticipated details on Apple's next iPad reported on Monday by The Wall Street Journal are in line with earlier rumors claiming the device will sport the same "GF2" screen technology. That's expected to help allow the device to be thinner and lighter than its predecessors.
To date, Apple's existing full-size iPad have used GG touch tech. The new GF2 screen will also help reduce power consumption, thus allowing Apple to use a smaller battery and aiding in reducing the size and weight of the tablet.
Monday's report cited unnamed sources who indicated the same "film-based touch panel" found in the iPad mini will make its way to the fifth-generation iPad. The company behind the technology, Nitto Denko Corp., plans to double its capacity for touch sensors by the end of the fiscal year.
Apple's next iPad is expected to take other design cues from the iPad mini, including a thinner bezel on the sides of the device, allowing the overall frame to become smaller while still offering the same 9.7-inch display. It's also possible that the fifth-generation iPad will include stereo speakers, like the iPad mini.
To date, there have been a number of parts leaks corroborating those rumors that the next full-size iPad will essentially look like a bigger iPad mini. It's expected that Apple could introduce the fifth-generation iPad as soon as September.
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Wesley Hilliard
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13 Comments
I have been feeling that I am hearing the same news again and again
1. iPad design thin bezel
2. Fingerprint sensors and iPhone
3. iPhone 5C.
Something wrong?
[quote name="Chandra69" url="/t/158999/apples-fifth-gen-ipad-reaffirmed-to-use-same-thin-touch-sensor-as-ipad-mini#post_2378477"]I have been feeling that I am hearing the same news again and again 1. iPad design thin bezel 2. Fingerprint sensors and iPhone 3. iPhone 5C. Something wrong? [/quote] Actually, this particular rumor is none of the above. Of course, it just seems to have been overlooked since it's pretty obvious - the touch panel on the Mini is definitely much better than the panel on the iPad, so it was only a matter of time.
[quote name="jragosta" url="/t/158999/apples-fifth-gen-ipad-reaffirmed-to-use-same-thin-touch-sensor-as-ipad-mini#post_2378481"] Actually, this particular rumor is none of the above. Of course, it just seems to have been overlooked since it's pretty obvious - the touch panel on the Mini is definitely much better than the panel on the iPad, so it was only a matter of time.[/quote] So you have both the iPad and Mini then. Which do you personally prefer for day to day use, the larger-display and higher res iPad or the lighter and easier to carry Mini?
[quote name="Gatorguy" url="/t/158999/apples-fifth-gen-ipad-reaffirmed-to-use-same-thin-touch-sensor-as-ipad-mini#post_2378483"] So you have both the iPad and Mini then. Which do you personally prefer for day to day use, the larger-display and higher res iPad or the lighter and easier to carry Mini?[/quote] I don't have the Mini and am basing my comments on the consensus from reviews and the technology involved (I also don't have the Retina iPad - just the original). I really don't think that anyone else's opinion should matter much in choosing which one is better for you, though. It will depend on each individual's vision, hand size, strength, and what they want to do with it. Even if I gave you a clear preference, it probably wouldn't mean a thing to anyone else because their needs are likely to be different.
I have both.
iPad with Retina is great to read, and play games when at home. iPad mini - is much better to carry around, but for reading books is not so good, I get a bit frustrated that the fonts are not sharp. iPad mini is, though obviously ;), is much easier to hold in hands (or even in one hand). Not only of the weihght, but also of the size. And since it is smaller then the leverage for the weight is smaller as well - so it is like a double effect. So for iPad Retina you feel not only the weight but also the size makes the weight to hold it harder.
So I like them both. Bigger sharper screen vs much lighter and smaller form factor to carry around.