Notably, that SD card slot and higher resolution display won’t make it into the new model (the latter we’d been hearing rumblings about for a little while). What’s the cause of the switch? Well our sources weren’t crystal clear on the exact reasons, but the gist of what was explained to us centered around vague “engineering issues” which may have forced some changes at the eleventh hour.
It’s almost been a foregone conclusion at this point with reports from the WSJ and others that there would be no Retina Display on the March iPad.
My thinking is that the version Engadget first reported on could still be the rumored September iPad. If Gruber is right about this addition to the iPad line, features like a Retina Display and a possible SD slot would seem very “Pro”. I still don’t think Apple will be able to sell a Retina iPad for under $499, which lends credence to the fact that this model would be an enhancement to the line.
Let’s say the March iPad comes in at $499, or even $399. Same great battery life, thinner and now with FaceTime. September rolls around and Apple announces an iPad Pro with Retina and also an SD slot. Perhaps even Thunderbolt. Would that iPad be able to boast a 12 hour battery life? I doubt it. But who cares at that point? a Retina iPad with just a 7 hour battery life? For shame, Apple! I would think that model would need to be priced around $599 or higher to start, too.
I don’t think Engadget’s source was wrong. I just think those specs are still possible for the September iPad.
