The web has heated up with chatter about the new iPad Air a day before the new Apple tablet hits the shelves across the United States.

The new iPad distances itself from previous generations of iPads by boasting a 64-bit processor while measuring in at 20 percent thinner and 29 percent lighter than previous editions. The advanced upgrades are so good that people are starting to compare it to an actual laptop as opposed to being known strictly as a tablet.

Ben Bajarin, an analyst for Creative Strategies, argued on techpinions.com that the iPad could serve as an alternative for laptop computers.

"I'm convinced that the iPad Air is the perfect personal computer for the masses," he said. "The iPad has become as versatile as any personal computer on the market."

Others echoed his words; John Gruber, who writes for Daring Fireball, said that the iPad Air provides unique benefits that may not be available in iOS or Mac OS X.

"For anyone who doesn't truly take advantage of the capabilities in Mac OS X (or Windows) that aren't available in iOS, the iPad Air is a superior portable computer to a laptop in nearly every way," he said.

Although the new iPad Air is proving to be popular already, many people have been disappointed because they expected a Retina display to be featured in the newest release. Now Apple fans will have to wait even longer.

Since its initial release in 2010, the iPad has emerged as the biggest name tablet on the market despite increased competition from other brands.