A new saying in American culture is “smaller is better,” at least this applies to some technology. Under this slogan, Apple came out with their newest product: the iPad Air. Since 2010, Apple has released six different versions of the iPad with the iPad Air being the newest innovation.

“I love Apple and their products,” said junior Kajia Olson, “but they are coming out with so many new things quicker than consumers can buy, without really changing the idea.”

Although the new iPad Air is a little bit narrower and weighs .44 pounds less than the iPad 4, there are very few changes to the new iPad.

Junior Drew Kholer said “I just got the new iPad Air. Besides it being a lot faster to turn on and operate, I cannot see any major changes”

The iPad Air has an A7 chip which makes it the speediest iPad out on the market currently.

“It is a little bit faster, but is that second that you save really worth $600? I would really like to buy every new thing Apple comes out with. Unfortunately, I am not a millionaire,” added Olson.

Although some say it may not be worth it, there are many perks of the iPad Air. It weighs one pound and is 20 percent  thinner than the iPad 4.

“I would definitely pay to get this new iPad,” said Keaton Larson. “Although Apple products are a bit pricey, my experience is it’s well worth it and you get what you pay for. The Apple Air sounds really cool!”

This iPad, unlike the old iPad, also advertises two antennas, making it connect to the internet almost anywhere and adding to the speed. The internet connection is almost two times faster than the iPad 4.

“All these little new changes are great,” explained Olson, “but I still say it is most definitely not worth the money. I think the brand Apple, specifically the iPad, are more of a status thing than anything. Everyone wants an iPad, but no one really needs one.”

Although the iPad Air has its pros and cons, like most Apple products, it’s very reliable. Apple keeps selling reliable products to customers and costumers keep buying, but since the death of Apple co-owner Steve Jobs, the company has yet to come up with something really new and different. Some critics doubt Apple will be able to keep up its popularity with Steve Jobs gone. Others are very happy with the work Apple has done in Jobs’s absence.  Apple has a big reputation to uphold and the new iPad Air is a testament to their reputation.