Apple's iPad created demand for an entirely new category of computing device, a tablet that let users intimately interact with their content, whether it's photos, videos, games or the Web.

Beautiful Retina display; Best tablet app ecosystem; Powerful processing and graphics performacne; Blazing fast dual-band Wi-Fi

Sluggish Siri performance

Breaking its very own sacred routine of releasing a new iPad model every year, Apple undeniably took everyone by surprise as they not only announced one new iPad, but two at its most recent San Francisco event.

Premium construction; Impressively detailed and accurate Retina Display; High caliber performance; Above average battery life

Not much of a serious upgrade to the iPad 3

Now in its fourth iteration in two years, the Apple iPad continues its reign as king. The best large tablet you can buy today, the Apple iPad (4th Generation) has it all: top performance, a stellar screen, a surprisingly good camera, speedy Wi-Fi, and a breathtaking library of spectacular apps.

New Lightning connector means some old accessories won't work here

Thanks to the high CPU and GPU performance, new games are no challenge for the iPad 4 . We ran FIFA 13 , Real Racing 2 HD and Epic Citadel on the tablet. The two games run fluidly and the control is easy thanks to the precise touchscreen and sensitive gyro sensor .

Three Apple tablets in a single year. This is more than anyone asked for and yet, by some weird logic - or lack thereof, not too many for Apple to successfully sell. All fine and dandy, unless you got the iPad 3 - better luck next time if you were unfortunate enough to buy it in September...

A new A6X chip joins the Retina Display and tons of dedicated apps – the best tablet you can buy just got better

This fourth-generation iPad has so much in common with the third generation released in March 2012 that we decided to forego many of the features here because we already discussed them in detail last March.

Retina display; Small text is easy to read; iOS 6 has tons of features; Battery life; Lots of apps; A6X processor

Non-expandable memory; Proprietary port / Closed "world" that may turn some off; Maps still behind the competition; Will the tiny Lightning connector be sturdy enough for docking stations

Apple's latest iPad is the best iPad yet, even if its no longer the smallest, or the cheapest. As such, this model now becomes the height of tablet luxury, and the one to investigate if you care about having the best screen, and the best compatibility with cutting-edge apps.

A6X chip delivers even more speed; 4G-compatible in the UK; Best-in-class app selection

Still feels heavy to hold in one hand; Lightning port means older chargers and accessories won't work

I bought my iPad 4 about 18 months ago to join my Brennan JB 7 as my last purchases into the world of 'modern' HiFi and technology. Being of mature years and not in a position to upgrade that often some may think that my gear is somewhat out of date and past it.

It's only been seven months since Apple brought us the iPad 3 , or new iPad, and now we have the iPad 4, or fourth generation iPad with Retina display. Read our iPad 4 review to find out what's new. See also : iPad 4 features .