14 DAY TRIAL // The tech-savvy people at iFixit couldn’t wait to get their hands on a 3G iPad to compare it with the low-end version of the tablet – the WiFi-only model. And for good reason too, as they found quite a few differences, most of which are due to the tablet’s additional 3G / GPS functionality.
The first big difference anyone can spot with the 3G iPad is the inclusion of a black, plastic RF window on the top back side of the device. This ensures better reception for the radios inside iPad 3G. According to iFixit, this extra part changes the opening procedure. It was forced to start from the right side and proceed to the top and bottom of the iPad, whereas the WiFi-only model allows the device to be pried open by simply separating the display.
iFixit found some five antennas on Apple’s top-of-the-line iPad, two of which handle reception. One GPS antenna is housed in the RF window, and two other antennas serve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. They are placed behind the Apple logo and to the left of the dock connector, respectively, just like with the WiFi-only iPad. Interestingly, the entire LCD frame is also used as an antenna, according to iFixit’s findings.
After separating the logic board from the iPad’s housing, iFixit noted that, “The most obvious change is the addition of the connector on the right side of the board for the communications board.” It added, “More subtle is an additional small IC above the A4 chip next to the connector for the GPS antenna. This may be a signal processor, but we can't firmly identify it: T3J 927 632567.”
After listing all the chip models for all the techy types reading through its teardown, iFixit made a final important note in saying that, “The Broadcom A-GPS package is on the communications board, explaining why the Wi-Fi-only iPad does not have GPS.” Visit iFixit here for the full scoop.