Like earlier iPad models, the iPad 3rd Generation (Wi-Fi/Cellular* – AT&T/A-GPS, A1430) — which some may choose to refer to as the “iPad 3,” even though Apple does not — is a tablet computer for the web, e-mail, photos, video, music, gaming and more. Unlike earlier iPad models, however, the iPad 3rd Gen line is significantly more powerful and the focus has shifted more substantially from consuming content to creating it.

All iPad 3rd Gen models most notably feature a “resolutionary” 9.7-inch 2048×1536 (264 ppi) multitouch glossy LED-backlit “retina” display, but also pack a dual-core 1 GHz Apple A5X “system on a chip” with quad core graphics, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB of flash memory storage, a rear-mounted 5 megapixel “iSight” camera capable of shooting stills and 1080p video and a front-mounted VGA-quality “FaceTime” camera, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and more.

This specific iPad 3rd Gen model also supports 4G LTE connectivity (700, 2100 MHz), intended for use on AT&T’s network in the US and Bell, Rogers and Telus in Canada, as well as A-GPS. Battery life is reportedly 10 hours “surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music” and 9 hours surfing the web using cellular data.

Compared to the iPad 2 models, major differences for the iPad 3rd Gen line include a higher-resolution display, faster processor, better camera, and improved connectivity.