Since we’re also keeping an eye on the competition, we’ll tell you that Apple announced a new iPad 4 version today, the 128GB model (Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular), which is essentially similar to existing fourth-generation iPad tablets when it comes to specs and features, with storage being the only difference.
Obviously, the 128GB iPad 4 Wi-Fi model costs $100 more than the 64GB tablet, or $799, while the 128GB iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular will retail for $929 and both models will hit stores on February 5. There’s nothing unusual about this pricing scheme, which falls in line with what Apple is used to charging for its tablets, and the fact that Apple is quietly announcing a new iPad 4 model should mean that the fifth-generation iOS tablet is only going to be unveiled later this year.
Do regular customers need that much storage on a tablet? Apple doesn’t seem to think so judging from the press release, with the 128GB models specifically targeting businesses that “regularly” use “large amounts of data such as 3D CAD files, X-rays, film edits, music tracks, project blueprints, training videos and service manuals.”
So if Apple is more serious when it comes to pitching iPads to enterprise customers, does that mean we’ll see similar offerings from the competition?
Microsoft
As you already know, Microsoft has its own Windows 8 tablets in stores, the Surface models, which aren’t selling as great as the company would like them to. Of those, there’s a 128GB Surface Pro model available to consumers, but the actual storage that can be used on the model sits at 83GB, which is certainly something business users that utilize “large amounts of data” won’t like.
Android
In the Android universe, most Android tablet makers make sure they include microSD support in their devices, so users can upgrade the available storage by themselves. Furthermore, external hard drives can be connected to Android tablets to offer even more storage space for the same kind of “large data.”
But since Apple and Microsoft are now offering devices that pack from the get-go 128GB of storage, does that mean that Android OEMs will also have such higher-priced models of their upcoming 2013 flagship devices in stores later this year? You know, not to copy Apple and Microsoft, but to have similar offers out there?
Would you buy a tablet that comes with 128GB of storage, or do you prefer to use other means to upgrade the memory? For what it’s worth, the Galaxy Note 2 can offer you up to 128GB of storage as long as you’re ready to buy the 64GB version and an extra 64GB microSD card to go with it.
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