It’s only been 221 days since the release of the third generation iPad (a.k.a iPad 3 or the New iPad) and the fourth generation iPad is already on the retail shelves. The latest product in Apple’s tablet line, the iPad 4 is currently available for purchase with Wi-Fi connectivity only. Wi-fi + cellular connectivity through AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon is available for pre-order now on Apple’s website and will be ready to ship in one week from today.

Prices for the iPad 4 vary depending on how much storage you want. 16GB goes for $499, 32GB for $599, and 64GB for $699. Cellular data service is going to bump up the price a little bit, though the faster internet connection may be worth the extra cash. For $629 you get 16GB of storage, for $729 you get 32GB, and for $829 you get 64GB.

The most significant difference between the iPad 4 and its predecessors is the retina display. The 9.7-inch LED-backlit multi-touch screen with IPS technology is packed with 3.1 million pixels (264 pixels per inch) and has a strikingly clear 2048 x 1536 display. The cherry on top is the fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating to prevent smudges and other unwanted blemishes.

Pre-order sales indicate that Apple is poised to more than satisfy its loyal user base. A mere three days after launching, the California tech colossus reported over 3 million iPad 4 and iPad Mini sales, though it didn’t release the exact individual figures for the two tablets.

Early in 2013 Apple loyalists will have the beneficial and convenient option of using Microsoft Office 365, the productivity suite everybody and their mother is familiar with. Microsoft is expecting to release apps iPad and iPhone between March and May of next year.