I asked this question at MacStudio before but the staff didn't know. Question: how to tell the difference between iPad2 and iPad3 in the OS itself? Maybe something in the settings? I'm looking for something that will instantly inform a layman that, 'a-ha! this is pad2'.

ipad 3 is heavier and thicker..
also, here is a new button on the keyboard hat looks like Siri.

how about screen resolution....

it's sharper. but not noticeable if the owner dun use the pads regularly
also, the camera loads faster

Just look at the screen. If u can see tiny square pixels obviously, then its iPad2. If u hardly get to see the pixels, or can't even see the pixels with your naked eye, its confirmed New iPad a.k.a iPad 3. Simple.

just ask the owner, is that a ipad 2 or 3? the end. malaysians are very friendly.

if u the malu type then stare at the camera, the ipad 3 is bigger.

from the firmware, no way can tell no? in ios 6 later can lor. ipad 2 won't have siri. that's it.

2 things.

Better screen and high res camera for iPad 3. On iPad 2, inferior screen and camera.

I dont think there is a different if we compare the firmware, its the same IOs 5.1

This post has been edited by Old1030: Jun 25 2012, 09:40 PM

For iPad 3, from the screen, you can go to home screen, check the corner of each icon that is supposed to be smooth, sharp, and not pixelated. Back camera is bigger (but you need an iPad 2 to compare).

For iPad 2, same as above, but the corner is pixelated. Back camera is smaller (but you need an iPad 3 to compare).

the most direct way might be go to Settings -> General -> Keyboard
The new Ipad has Dictation, Ipad2 doesn't

This one is sensible. Is the keyboard changeable? Can iPad2 add Dictation?

For the rest of the replies, it's only useful IF you have iPad2 and iPad3 side-by-side to compare, OR if you are familiar with iPads. Otherwise, can't tell the difference.

Settings > General > About > Serial number

Put that serial number on this website : http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

My New iPad dont have Siri... Does it come in package OR i will have to download it?

iPad doesn't not comes with Siri, yet.
Wait for iOS6.

simplest way to differentiate is holding the bottom left corner
if u feel heat there then it must be new ipad
otherwise u need to check like previous posts have suggested

can identify from camera, bcoz iPad 3 camera quite big than iPad 2.

if jailbroken, go into cydia, on cydia main screen, in the lower part, it detect and stated which ipad it is

Yes! That's what I was looking for! This should be a default in iOS Settings > General, seriously.

maybe you can try search for website that detect this thing using java script thing
like how the website recognize you're on what internet browser, what computer os and so on