Apple iPad

Bottom Line

Reviewers say the fourth-generation iPad with Retina Display is the best tablet available, bar none. The battery lasts forever, the Retina Display inspires drooling, performance is among the best in its class, and the huge number of tablet-optimized apps can't be beat. However, it's not a must-have upgrade for third-generation iPad owners.

Breaking It Down

Performance

Silky smooth and super to look at. The powerful new A6X processor pushes performance so it's on par with the best Android tablets, delivering excellent game-playing abilities and smooth overall operation. The Retina Display sports an ultra-high resolution matched only by the flagship Google Nexus 10 (*Est. $400 and up), making everything crisp and clear. Onscreen text is sharp enough that you'd swear you're reading a book, reviewers say. In addition, the iPad's long battery life has been boosted to even more impressive lengths in this fourth-generation model.

Features

Apps, apps and more apps. The iPad with Retina Display includes extras like dual cameras and FaceTime video chatting over cellular networks, but as with the iPad 2 (*Est. $400), its biggest calling card is the number of iPad-optimized apps you can find in Apple's App Store. While expert estimates peg the number of Windows 8 and Android tablet-optimized apps at between 5,000 and 10,000 selections, a whopping 275,000-plus iPad-focused programs are available. However, some of those are still working to support the Retina Display's ultra-high resolution.

Models with more storage and a cellular data radio (*Est. $630 and up) are also available.

Ease of use

Doesn't get better. The powerful internals provide a super-speedy usage experience, even when playing the most demanding 3D gaming apps, while the iOS operating system is slick and simple to use. The tablet measures roughly one-third-inch thick and weighs about 1.5 pounds, but the 9.7-inch screen may be a bit too large to travel with comfortably. The 7.9-inch iPad mini (*Est. $330 and up) sports the same slightly older processor and standard-resolution screen as the iPad 2, but has full access to every iPad-tailored or -compatible app available in iTunes.

Value

Great for a device this size. The powerful components and tremendous app selection make the fourth-generation iPad a wonderful value for a 10-inch tablet, reviewers say. However, the iPad mini and Google Nexus 7 (*Est. $200 and up) also deliver great tablet experiences on smaller 7-inch screens, and for less money.