1 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
The iPad Air's 9.7-inch display is gorgeous. It has a 4:3 aspect ratio and a 2,048x1,536-pixel resolution.
2 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
The display is equally sharp in portrait version.
3 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
Here you can see the most recent members of the Apple iPad family. From left are the original iPad Mini, the iPad Air, and the fourth-generation iPad.
4 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
At 9.4 inches tall by 6.6 inches wide by 0.29 inch deep, the iPad Air is smaller on all sides than the iPad 4. In fact, you might lose it under a pile of books.
5 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
The iPad Air is 0.4 pound lighter than its predecessor. That makes for easy portability.
6 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
Indeed, the iPad Air almost feels more like the iPad Mini while remaining just as sturdy and rigid as before.
7 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
Seriously, you really have to hold it in your hand to feel just how "air"-like it is.
8 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
Of course, you can prop it up using a Smart Cover for easy reading.
9 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
Here's a Smart Cover from the side.
10 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
Though you don't feel the paper in your hand, you get the full effect of reading a magazine on the iPad Air.
11 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
On the bottom end are the stereo speakers and the Lightning port.
12 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
Around back are the camera lens and the always-prominent Apple logo.
13 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
Just above the lens on the top of the iPad Air is the power button.
14 of 14 Josh Miller/CNET
On the right side is the volume rocker.