iPad 3: Is it Worth it?

Last year, when Apple announced the iPhone 4S, I analyzed the specs and drafted an opinion based on my understanding of the technology. In the end, I decided the 4S was not worth the price because the specs were marginal, the look of the device was identical to its predecessor, and Apple is usually guaranteed to release a new product for every line, every year. The time for a new product has come, and many are pinpointing the release of an iPad 3 on March 7th. When I read rumors that the iPad 3 was going to be released, I thought to myself, "probably just a repeat of the iPhone 4S." I immediately disregarded any interest and erased the product from my mind. My interest could not be contained, and my curiosity won the best of me. So I started to dig for rumors and specifications.

The original iPad touted a 1 gHz single-core processor, 1024 x 768 display, and 3G accessibility. A year later, Apple released the iPad 2 with a 1 gHz dual-core processor, 1024x768 display, 3G accessibility, and added cameras to the front and rear of the unit. The rear-facing camera came under much scrutiny for Apple's use of a 1 megapixel camera unit. When the iPad 2 released, I was unimpressed and wondered how so many people would pay another $600, just to have a dual-core processor, FaceTime integration, and a slightly revamped look. This led me to believe that Apple had either released the first iPad early and without all features, or released the second prematurely without a good enough spec boost.

Through researching rumors (usually produced by reliable sources), I was able to find the supposed spec changes and make comparisons to the current available model. The iPad 3 (rumored) will possess an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera, 2048 x 1536 display, a quad-core A5X processor, and 4G LTE capabilities. This would be a dramatic improvement to the iPad 2. The display would allow for true HD movies, and may incorporate 1080p sharing with Apple's iTV. The 8 megapixel camera would match the specs of the iPhone 4S, and capture images in a high enough quality to make the iPad 3 your primary camera. A quad-core CPU would ensure that multiple tasks could be completed without lag. Finally, being 4G LTE equipped would mean the unit could reach download speeds up to 10x faster than prior devices.

Comparing these products, I have determined that the iPad 3 is an acceptable upgrade and worth purchasing. Many part images and specs have leaked to the public, and the iPad 3 appears to resemble its predecessor. But the look of the unit is far from being an issue when one takes the specs into account. The 4G LTE capability is enough for me to consider buying it, while the physical components make it seem like an actual upgrade. We as consumers have a choice as to whether or not we buy every subsequent device from Apple. This has allowed the company to marginally improve their items and still break prior sales records. All that remains is a question to those who have owned an iPad 1, and currently own an iPad 2. Would it have been worth skipping the iPad 2 to save a little cash?

Sources:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2-vs-original-ipad-whats-changed/
http://www.macrumors.com/

Slaughterhouse: A Reviving Collaboration

I spend a large percentage of my personal time listening to newer rap music, searching for what I view as signs of life in a dying genre. I'm not saying all new music is terrible, but I believe the rap style that was present between 1990-2002 (my opinion of course) is fading slowly away. Many people who hear me speak of this say, “you just need to let it go, music changes.” That’s hard for an individual whose teenage survival was rooted in music. You will hear people say that music changed their life, but how many are telling the truth? It may be that they listened to music every waking moment of their life. But what about those of us whose life actually depended on and required music? What are we to do when the style of music that kept us alive is no longer being made? We need to find that creative talent, which brings me to Slaughterhouse.

My original post for this blog was about a rap artist named Freddie Gibbs, who still holds a high rating in my iPod. However, one artist is not enough. I need to hear that spirit emulated in newer albums. A couple years ago, I attended a Tech N9ne (who also belongs in my high ratings) concert at a small venue in Milwaukee. The lineup for the show was names I was mostly familiar with, but one named Slaughterhouse was not in my mental databank. Assuming this was a hard metal band, I proceeded to the bar in the basement of the venue to wait for Tech’s set. I had lost a friend of mine and went to the stage room to find him. What I heard and saw was glorious. Royce Da 5’9”, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, and Crooked-I were gracing the stage with a more than admirable track list. My interest was peaked, and I wasted no time in purchasing their self-titled debut album.

The album is a wonderful setup of easy but well produced instrumentals, complex and mind-blowing lyrics, and subject matter worthy of my beloved musical decade. Royce Da 5’9” provides his intelligent and instantly recognizable flow, appearing to be the front man of the group. Crooked-I contributes with a west coast flow, easily proving a point with his captivating voice. Joell Ortiz can easily be identified as “the fast one”, painting pictures with his lyrics and forcing the listener to understand his emotion. Finally, Joe Budden, whom I have had no appreciation for before, is obviously unleashed in the presence of his newfound brethren. It appears, in my opinion, that former labels and collaborators had held Budden back. It is in Slaughterhouse that his lyrical ability and flow are advanced and spot on with the group. A self-titled EP was released in 2011, featuring improved instrumentals and an even more vicious flow from each member.

Having only released a debut album and EP, Slaughterhouse could be considered an infant in the music industry. This claim is refuted by the career history of every band member. All four have had their share of issues in the music industry; each one of them denied their rightful place as being “famous”. That is all about to change. Royce Da 5’9”s long time friend (and occasional foe) Eminem has signed the group to Shady records. Having the appropriate financial and reputable backing, Slaughterhouse should have no problem rising to stardom. Their sophomore album Welcome to: OUR HOUSE launches on March 15^th; and for me this marks a wonderful day for the rap community.