The other big iPad changes are hidden inside. First, the fourth-generation iPad features a dual-core A6X processor with quad-core graphics, a significant upgrade over the A5X processor in the third-generation iPad. The new version also has upgraded Wi-Fi circuitry: Apple claims that the fourth-generation iPad provides up to twice the wireless performance of the third-generation model. Specifically, the new iPad supports , which means that it can use two adjacent bands of the wireless spectrum, allowing a theoretical doubling of the data rate. Channel bonding can work in the 2.4GHz frequency band, but youre much more likely to get its full advantages in the 5GHz band. (In fact, Apples own Base Stations, and many from other companies, dont support channel bondingalso known as in the 2.4GHz range at all, so you benefit only when using the 5GHz range.)

Speaking of wireless, the new iPad also has upgraded LTE circuitry thats compatible with more carriers around the worldand with Sprint in the United States.

No. As usual, Apple has updated the iPad line but kept prices the same. This means that the entry-level fourth-generation iPad, which includes 16GB of storage and Wi-Fi, is $499. $599 gets you 32GB of storage, while $699 buys 64GB. If you want LTE cellular data, you tack on $130, for a total of $629, $729, or $829, respectively. The 16GB iPad 2not the third-generation iPad, which has been discontinuedis still available at $399 for the Wi-Fi version and $529 for the 3G cellular-data model.