Yes I do believe the iPad charger CABLE is dif then and iPhone/iPod cable, CABLE I'm not talking about the charger yes those are dif as already stated but the wires them self are also. It could be for many reason the, simple one is that they have improved through time, naturally. I believe that the newer wire iPad/iPhone4 transfer data faster and can charge faster than say an older wire iPhone/iPod wire
I have also noted (correct me if I'm wrong) that the iPad wire is slightly longer than the iPhone one? I keep mine labeled now so I can know. Because I def feel that I see a dif in performance. Any thoughts?