Originally Posted by tron

I understand the need to update via DFU if u are jailbroken but I currently I am not jailbroken on 6.1 so I don't understand why I cannot do a simple update without having to restore my device which takes a very long time.

1. DFU mode is rarely required these days for ANY device. Since the release of IOS 5.x and iTunes 10, the standard restore process has been improved a great deal, and 9 times out of 10 it will work. However, for the extra 15 seconds it takes to get into DFU once you know how to do it, it can't hurt as a failsafe.

2. If you are severely constrained in terms of bandwidth, you can consider the OTA update method, however you should consider that this is advised against by many jailbreakers including the developers of the evasi0n tools. Using the OTA method on the device will generate an APTicket component of your SHSH Blobs which cannot ever be re-used in the future. Whilst your install and jailbreak may well work, IF you need to use your SHSH Blobs in the future it is highly likely that they will never work. If you are happy to live with this potential risk, then using the OTA method via Settings > General > Software Update will give you the minimum install download.

3. Restoring or updating via iTunes will take longer as it utilises the full firmware file, but this will result in you having full valid SHSH Blobs which may be of use in the future. The process is also potentially less prone to introducing errors via the update process.

SHSH Blobs FAQ

I think my point is missed.
I am on 6.1 but NOT jailbroken.

I want to update the 12mb 6.1.2 update and then jailbreak.
I don't want to do this OTA ... I understand the limitations of that....but...
Can this small update not be done via ITUNES....does iTunes default to a full firmware unlike the OTA ?

I appreciate all the advice but this is confusing me.
I don't want to jeopardize my jailbreaking option nor do I want to go through the long backup and restore process if its not necessary.

Originally Posted by tron

I think my point is missed.
I am on 6.1 but NOT jailbroken.

I want to update the 12mb 6.1.2 update and then jailbreak.
I don't want to do this OTA ... I understand the limitations of that....but...
Can this small update not be done via ITUNES....does iTunes default to a full firmware unlike the OTA ?

I appreciate all the advice but this is confusing me.
I don't want to jeopardize my jailbreaking option nor do I want to go through the long backup and restore process if its not necessary.

The point wasn't missed But the answer is no. The only "small" update possible is via OTA, and the for the reasons stated, that is not recommended. iTunes cannot do a "small" update.

Given what you describe, the only choice you have is to do the update via iTunes using the full file.

Originally Posted by f4780y

The point wasn't missed But the answer is no. The only "small" update possible is via OTA, and the for the reasons stated, that is not recommended. iTunes cannot do a "small" update.

Given what you describe, the only choice you have is to do the update via iTunes using the full file.

Aha!
So the small update is not do-able via iTunes....I get it!
Now for the grand finale question...do I still need to "restore" via DFU or can I do the full "standard" update.

Originally Posted by tron

Aha!
So the small update is not do-able via iTunes....I get it!
Now for the grand finale question...do I still need to "restore" via DFU or can I do the full "standard" update.

You can connect your un-jailbroken iPad into iTunes and use the "Restore" button in the main Summary page. Then iTunes does the same process as if you had done it the "DFU Mode" way.

The reason why people like to do the DFU Mode is because it's often faster to have the firmware readily available (from a download you did yourself) versus waiting for iTunes to connect to Apple and get the firmware. But, the process is the same...both will put the newest iOS onto your iPad (with "good" APTickets).

Marilyn

Thanks for all the advice ...the defense rests.....

Just an update
I downloaded the full firmware files for 6.1.2.
On my iPad 2 (soon to be sold so not worried about downgrading) I didn't put it into DFU mode but rather clicked "update" whilst pressing shift.
This opened up the option to install the full update without backup and restore.

The iPad 3 I did with DFU and full restore.
Apart from the time taken to restore the big backup the actual update process seemed the same though I admit I don't know about APTickets during the process.

Originally Posted by f4780y

iPad2
WiFi Only - Hardware Revision A
6.1.2
WiFi Only
6.1.2

Hello,
I have a iPad2 Wifi model.
Can any one help me to identify whether it is a Hardware Revision A or older one?
Thanks....

Originally Posted by lpganesh

Hello,
I have a iPad2 Wifi model.
Can any one help me to identify whether it is a Hardware Revision A or older one?
Thanks....

Apple have a handly page here which covers most models, but Rev-A can be confusing - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5452

To know whether you have a Rev-A iPad, go to Settings > General > About > Model

The Rev-A models are MC954 and MC989.

Where can I find a list of my downloads on my ipad4 ?