The new iPad’s screen is a stunner.
Games, movies, photos, text and the icons on the new device look sharp. Text appears clearer and the high resolution means I don't have to zoom in too much.
Apps, websites and videos also load much faster than they did previously.
I accessed a Vimeo website and saw the video clips downloading quickly.
The new chip A5X adds computing power for graphics and is felt only when I play a new game such as Infinity Blade: Dungeons.
A game built especially for the new iPad, I just used my finger to direct the masked warrior to fight monsters. All done with zero lag.
Voice dictation was simple. Not as fun to use as Siri, the personal voice assistant available on the iPhone.
My first try with voice dictation bombed. 'The new iPad is cool and gorgeous' came out garbled instead, reading 'The new iPad is grumbling.'
Blame the tens of journalists around me all trying to dictate letters and emails on the tablet.
But on my second try, speaking slower, I scored 100 per cent. I may not have to type my blogs for The Straits Times Online any more.
Just dictate them into an iPad for your reading pleasure.
Physically, the new iPad looks no different than the current version. It is still a 9.7-inch tablet with a home button.
But it is not a small dumbbell as I imagined it would be. It just weighs a tiny bit heavier at 652g and a little thicker at 9.44mm compared to the old model’s 601g and 8.8mm.
The new iPad needs to be experienced, to feel its power and elegance.
You'll get that chance in Singapore come March 16.