Apple iPad 2020 (8th Gen): Unboxing & First Impressions
Retail Price: $329.00
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First Impressions
This is the new 8th gen iPad. It’s the 32 GB model that retails for $329. Out of the box, there’s not too much of a difference compared to previous iPads we’ve seen before. As always, the iPad comes with some paperwork and Apple stickers. Seeing as how we are provided a Lightning to USB-C cable and USB-C power adapter in the box, this means Apple is still sticking to proprietary charging this generation. The new iPad does not ship with iPadOS 14 installed out of the box. I had to update it to the new iPadOS 14, which is the latest Apple software update that all iPads should be receiving. The update took me roughly 10 minutes with a restart.
In terms of look and feel, nothing has changed too much in this 8th gen iPad. On the bottom are the stereo speakers alongside the Lightning port. On the right side of the frame, the comfortable and clicky volume rockers are placed near the top. Up at the top is a 3.5 mm headphone jack and the power button. Rounding out the aluminum frame on the left side is a smart connector that has three magnetic points to connect with a smart keyboard or other compatible devices. The previous generation smart keyboard is compatible with this model.
Seeing as I purchased this iPad for my mother to replace her iPad Air 2, I chose the Rose Gold color way which combined with the specs in this 2020 package will be a nice upgrade for her. On the front is a 10.2 inch retina display with a 2160 x 1620 pixel resolution at 264 ppi. The Touch ID home button continues to occupy space here on what is now a staple for budget Apple products. This new version is still lightweight as ever, at only 1.08 pounds while still maintaining the 8 MP camera. Bezels look to be about the same as what we normally see on base model iPads utilizing the signature forehead and chin.
The major upgrade for this year’s cycle is the A12 Bionic chip. This is the same chipset that was on the iPhone XS and the iPad Air 2019. This means it is faster and loaded with advanced sensors for immersive AR applications over last year’s base model iPad which shared the same processor as the iPhone 7. Apple also touts a decent 10-hour battery life with this new iPad.
New to the iPadOS software experience are widgets. If you have an iPhone and have already updated to iOS 14, you’re probably familiar with the new level of customization on Apple products. Unfortunately, you can’t customize your home screen exactly the same way on your iPad. iPadOS doesn’t provide you with an app drawer like IOS does. Instead, you’ll have to make do with a pull-out sidebar of widgets. It’s not as fulfilling as IOS but there’s still a lot you can do to reorganize the information you need. You can stack different widgets and edit them while glancing through useful information like weather and your calendar events. Scrolling through stocks, the news and maps is easier than ever thanks to the new widget placement. You can also use the plus button to add additional widgets for things like music or battery status and really make this new feature convenient for your workflow. Swiping down on the home screen will populate a quick access search bar along with Siri suggestion apps similar to what we’ve grown accustomed to on Android.
My senior citizen mom has been using this iPad for the past few days and she’s been very pleased with it so far. Considering that Apple is known for promising software updates for many years to come and there really aren’t many valid contenders for tablets in this price point, this device seems like an easy buy for anyone needing a refresh.
Lida
Always the number cruncher, the former narrative journalist turned data scientist, can’t help but find herself bursting with excitement with each new generation of tech gadgets. After all, predicting future trends is Lida’s forte. Any gadget that survives Lida’s torturous, adult working woman itinerary of over 700 notifications a day deserves praise!