New iPad plagued by connectivity issues
- — 25 April, 2012 18:15
Apple's new iPad model which went on sale last month, providing at least a couple weeks of sales before the quarter drew to a close, is likely to feature in Apple's Financial Results conference call later today. However, despite selling more than 3 million units in the opening weekend, the new model hasn't been without issues.
Apple is already looking into WiFi problems with the new iPad. WiFi issues include an inability to pick up local WiFi networks, connection drops, slow download and upload speeds, and more, according the this 'Poor WiFi reception on new iPad' thread on Apple forums discussing the problems. Apple is investigating WiFi problems with the new iPad - an AppleCare document circulated internally, indicates that it is investigating the issues.
Owners of new iPads are also experiencing problems connecting to and maintaining connections to 3G networks. Discussions on the Apple Support Communities suggest that the new iPad 3G connection issues are mainly being experienced in Europe, Australia and parts of Asia, with only a few people in the US experiencing problems. The new iPad loses connection to 3G. The best solution, according to forum posts, is to turn the iPad on and off. Apple is yet to comment on this issue.
One forum post explains: "I live in the UK and am now on a second "New iPad" with an unstable 3G connection. It tells me I am connected to T-Mobile via 3G with plenty of reception but I cannot access any internet sites, internet enabled apps, etc. I keep getting a box telling me that it can't activate cellular connection.
"In order to regain a 3G connection I have to either: Power down the iPad, take out the sim card, reset network settings, and even, dare I say it, Restore to factory settings! Now, having to do this several times a day is more than an inconvenience. I have even gone to the trouble of getting a replacement sim card from T-Mobile just to factor out the possibility of it being a problem. Which I managed to swap yesterday. 3G was ok up until 30 minutes ago and; HEY PRESTO! the problem is back again!
"The iPad works absolutely fine over wifi with lightning fast connection. But the 3G is, well non-existent."
Apple is also said to be struggling with production of the new iPad's Retina display, which is being supplied by Samsung.
The new iPad's availability is still listed as 1 - 2 weeks for all models at the UK online store.
Apple is also defending its iPad 4G branding in Australia, claiming that it hasn't misled Australian customers about the new iPad's 4G capabilities, because Australia's 3G networks can be called "4G networks in accordance with accepted industry and regulatory use of the descriptor '4G',."
Comments
Mandy
1
This problem was so irritating, I got so fed up with it. So I ended up spending a lot of time doing research, looking for a solution to this issue. I found a lot of blogs with articles mentioning the "Forget This Network" reset solution, but it didn't improve my wifi range at all. I did a bunch of research came across WIRED magazine and found a extensive and detailed review of <a href="http://www.pongresearch.com">Pong Research</a> cases. These guys make a very special case which has a built-in antenna in between its layers, which redirects and boost the signal and range of your new iPad, iPhone and other devices. As a result, I'm able to connect to my router from much further without a problem.