Apple Responds to iPad Battery Life Concerns

It has only been a few days since the first reports of the new iPad 3 overheating emerged, and now Apple is facing a new round of criticisms about its latest tablet computer.

According to a recent report, the third-generation iPad's battery life may also cause users some problems.

Complaints about the new iPad's battery life first emerged late last week in a report from industry analysts at DisplayMate Technologies.

That report stated the device informs users too soon that it's completely charged, usually at a time when it actually needs to remain plugged in an additional one to two hours for its battery to reach full charge. (Source: com.au)

In a follow-up to that report, DisplayMate representative Dr. Raymond Soneira warned iPad users that trying to compensate for the problem by leaving the new iPad plugged in after it is fully charged could reduce the device's battery life.

Apple Not Fazed by Widespread iPad Criticism

Apple representative Michael Tchao has responded to the criticisms by asserting that the new iPad does not prematurely inform users of a complete charge, and that there's no danger letting the iPad continue charging after it reports its battery is full.

Tchao asserts that after the full charge message is sent, the device will continue charging off-and-on for an additional period of time until it's unplugged.

Without stating why this process is so necessary, Tchao suggests that it's a way to ensure that iOS devices maximize their battery life potential.

"That circuitry is designed so you can keep your device plugged in as long as you would like," Tchao said. "It's a great feature that's always been in iOS." (Source: appleinsider.com)

The claims were made in an official statement which Apple sent to the tech blog 'All Things D,' on Tuesday, March 27, 2012.

Tests Show iPad 3 Battery 30% More Powerful Than Advertised

Apple boasts that the standard third-generation iPad has a 10-hour battery life, while its 4G model continues operating for at least nine hours. The lithium ion battery that powers both devices is rated at 42.5 watt-hours, considerably more energy than the one included with the iPad 2, which was rated at only 25-watt-hours.

However, tests by CNET have shown that Apple may actually be underestimating the new iPad battery's longevity. While viewing movies on the device, CNET says it was able to obtain a battery life of about 13 hours.

Given the resolution upgrade from the iPad 2 display to that of this third-generation model, experts consider a 10-13 hour battery life to be impressive. (Source: cnet.com)