Top 3 Controversies Hounding Apple’s Newest iPad

Apple’s latest iPad has been on sale less than a week and–following the usual round of rave reviews from critics–the company looks headed for controversy as complaints and criticisms mount about Apple’s newest tablet.

So far three reported problems are vying to be the top controversy for the third-generation iPad but, in the end, there can be only one to cause the same media commotion as past Apple-gates such as Antennagate, Locationgate, and Batterygate.

So which will it be? Let’s take a look at how Heatgate, Wi-Fi-gate, and Videogate score on the “-Gate” Probability Index.*

[RELATED: iTunes Appears to Change Colors of Images Sent to the New iPad]

Heatgate

The most publicized contender so far is Heatgate. This is an issue that started with the Dutch site Tweakers, but really caught fire with a new claim by Consumer Reports–the same magazine that pushed Apple to respond to Antennagate.

Consumer Reports recently said that, in its tests, the new iPad hits temperatures as high as 116 degrees Fahrenheit when running games. To put that number in perspective, 116 degrees is reportedly hot enough to destroy enzymes in food or act as a natural spermicide for men. But all may not be as it seems as, towards the bottom of its post, Consumer Reports says this: “at its hottest, [the iPad] felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period.”

Gate Probability: 50%

Videogate

It turns out that if you stream a lot of video using the iPad’s new 4G connectivity, you will burn up the cap on your monthly data plan in no time. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal tells the story of one Brandon Wells who after streaming March Madness basketball for two hours discovered he’d used his entire 2 gigabyte monthly allotment from Verizon.

The problem, the Journal says, is that LTE connections tend to use more data than 3G usage even when delivering the same information, so those faster speeds come at the expense of higher data usage. And if you’re thinking about streaming a high-definition movie over LTE, don’t. The Journal reports that watching an HD movie over LTE requires 2 gigabytes per hour on Verizon.

Gate Probability: 65%

Wi-Fi Gate

If your new iPad is giving you the LTE blues, and you’re hoping to find more Wi-Fi connections when you’re out and about, you may be in for a surprise. Users are complaining on an Apple forum that the iPad (third generation) often drops or has problems connecting to Wi-Fi.

“My shiny new iPad arrived on Friday…it’s about as much use as a chocolate fireguard. wifi only works when i’m within 6 ft of my router,” complained one user on Apple’s forums. “A bit frustrated that $877 later and I have a subpar new pad,” said another new iPad owner. Apple may have to release a software update to fix this issue, but until then it sounds like we have a winner.

Gate Probability: 90%

(*A given issue’s “-gate” score is based on a specially-developed probability algorithm involving a finger, saliva, and wind.)

Any other issues about the new iPad dogging you? Let us know in the comments.

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