The original iPad Air shows all you need to know about Apple’s changed approach to tablets - with a 43% thinner bezel and a 28% lighter device than the iPads that came before it, the iPad Air is championing the’easier to live with’ ideal.
Although the iPad Air’s successor, the iPad Air 2, has launched it doesn’t mean that the original iPad Air isn’t worth considering if you’re after a tablet, especially since that the price has dropped now that there’s a new iPad Air on the block.
The original iPad Air took many of its design cues from the iPad mini 2. It’s got the same smooth back design, thinner bezel and more attractive speakers at the bottom of the slate to make it look like more of a family with the cut down tablet from Apple’s stables.
While it’s a clear copy of that smaller device, I’m not going to get upset about that as the mini already had a stunning design, and the Air takes that message and brings it to the big leagues.
It also has machined buttons that don’t feel loose when shaking, bringing up the premium feel to the device.
On top of the improved design, it’s also using Apple’s A7 chip, bringing with it 64-bit processing power and reams of battery saving techniques to keep your tablet going even longer in day to day use.
And the greatest thing about the iPad range in my eyes is the price - Apple is starting the 16GB Wi-Fi-only model at the same cost as its rivals, and while that outlay does spiral up as capacity and connectivity increase, for an Apple device to not charge an( unnecessary) premium is something I’m really happy to see.
Even better, since the arrival of the iPad Air 2, prices for the original iPad Air have fallen.
You’re looking at a price range of$399 -$579, starting from the 16GB version( Wi-Fi only) to the 32GB cellular option.