Well Apple certainly (almost) sneaked this one under the radar, surprising us by announcing a new 128GB version of the iPad! They almost managed to keep it a secret as well, although 9to5 Mac got wind yesterday about the possibility, as we reported on yesterday. Apple says that the new 128GB iPad has a Retina display, and comes in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions, and has twice the storage capacity of the previous top-capacity iPad, which came in at 64GB.

“With more than 120 million iPads sold, it’s clear that customers around the world love their iPads, and every day they are finding more great reasons to work, learn and play on their iPads rather than their old PCs,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With twice the storage capacity and an unparalleled selection of over 300,000 native iPad apps, enterprises, educators and artists have even more reasons to use iPad for all their business and personal needs.”

The new 128GB iPad is available from Tuesday, February 5, in black and white versions, for an SRP of $799 for the Wi-Fi-only version, and $929 for the iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular version.

Source: Apple

They should just do away with 16gb for everything and make 32gb the lowest capacity.

Originally Posted by Munky

They should just do away with 16gb for everything and make 32gb the lowest capacity.

I've heard that before but there are plenty of folks that do use and make out fine with the 16gb model. It's a good price point for entry level buyers and not everyone has to store movies and 5,000 songs on their device. A hundred bucks is a hundred bucks and that savings means a lot to some. No reason to nuke it, IMO.

Originally Posted by s2mikey

I've heard that before but there are plenty of folks that do use and make out fine with the 16gb model. It's a good price point for entry level buyers and not everyone has to store movies and 5,000 songs on their device. A hundred bucks is a hundred bucks and that savings means a lot to some. No reason to nuke it, IMO.

I think they would be wise to make 32GB option the lowest one, but reduce the price of it to what the 16GB costs now. Apple is getting too many sku's IMO. I worry about quality control. And we all know that as time goes on, the devices cost less to make. Now with the 128GB model, they really should go to 32, 64, and 128GB. I guess they are so worried about keeping increasing "growth" that reason no longer is a factor. And let's see, within a 12-month span, we have had ipad 3, ipad 4, ipad mini, and now a 128GB version of iPad 4, all of these in white, black, wifi, and cellular. SJ would not have allowed this. I'm concerned that with all of this "get product out the door" that they may be losing focus on future development. I'm sure they have lots and lots of talent that aren't involved in iterating products, though, but...one wonders.....as the real attention needs to be with the minds at the top.....

I'm going to wait on the next gen iPad big and the mini before I consider another iPad. Will the mini be a second tier device (speaking of internals here)? Will it have room inside for 128GB storage? Will it get a retina display? Will the next gen iPad big be lighter with longer battery life, similar to the iPad 2? Will it have a design similar to the mini (I think it feel better in the hands without those sharp edges). I need to know the answers to these questions before I spend any more.

BTW, I don't store any movies and music on my iPads....and I still want the 128 GB option!

Sounds like it would really be a great buy. Is it open for reservation now? Thanks.

Originally Posted by Victoria022

Sounds like it would really be a great buy. Is it open for reservation now? Thanks.

I don't see it on the Apple website yet...so order will likely start on Feb 5.

I have always believed in buying as much storage as you can afford, but if you are just surfing, doing email and reading books 16gb is a good choice. Myself I think a 128gb that would give me an extra 64 gb for movies and tv shows would be great!!

Originally Posted by s2mikey

I've heard that before but there are plenty of folks that do use and make out fine with the 16gb model. It's a good price point for entry level buyers and not everyone has to store movies and 5,000 songs on their device. A hundred bucks is a hundred bucks and that savings means a lot to some. No reason to nuke it, IMO.

I agree, let everyone have an opportunity to get an iPad, especially if it is profitable for Apple.

Sent from my WiFi Black 64GB iPad with Retina Display in NYC using iPF

Originally Posted by Finnedog

I have always believed in buying as much storage as you can afford, but if you are just surfing, doing email and reading books 16gb is a good choice. Myself I think a 128gb that would give me an extra 64 gb for movies and tv shows would be great!!

Me too and I had to learn it the hard way with my 2004 Dell lol!! If the 128GB was available in November I would have bought it but no reason for me to get it now that I have the 64GB

Sent from my WiFi Black 64GB iPad with Retina Display in NYC using iPF

I've wanted 128GB for a while now (I've mentioned here several times) but... no. For what they're asking, I'll keep my iPad 3 and add a MacBook Air and grab whichever I need (power/storage or portability) as I head out the door. That combo should tide me over until prices come down for the 128GB version.