Looking at the feature list, I think I may actually be interested in buying my first Apple device. For book/magazine reading it would be ideal. As a general purpose device to have around the house that my wife and I can use to get information when we’re not at our computers, read a magazine, browse the internet, do some quick shopping, etc.. it sounds great.
Here’s some thoughts on issues raised on the NYT live blogging of the announcement.
1. No ability to play Adobe Flash animations, widely used on the Web.
Yeah, this is a huge drawback for me. I can’t imagine any device not supporting Flash.
2. No camera, still or video
Eh, no deal breaker here. Being able to use a built-in camera to do video chat with the wife when either of us are away would be nice, but not needed. Also, why on Earth would you want a still camera on this thing??
3. No non-Internet phone function
Again, it’s not a frikkin phone people. Use your phone to call people.
4. Unclear whether you can bundle your AT&T iPhone plan with an iPad data plan
This would be very nice.
5. No removable battery for a device that can suck a lot of power
Agreed. Big drawback, especially if I’m on the road.
6. No removable storage
Meh.
3 Responses for "Initial notes on iPad"
Re #2: Why not put a camera on it? Since there’s no USB port and no SD card slot you’re already limited as to how you can easily get photos from a camera or other device onto the iPad – sync other device with computer, import into iTunes library, then sync with iPad? Maybe MobileMe can sync from iPhone to iPad? Still seems a long winded way of doing things. Microsoft’s Courier concept included a camera and the concept video showed exactly why it would be useful – you can take a photo of something and use it *immediately*.
I think Apple have simply rushed the iPad and made a mistake trying to sell a device at a reasonable price point. We all know their usual game plan is to aim high and price things higher. All iPad models should have 3G and all models should have front and rear cameras. The parts would cost them less than $40 and would have spared them from some of the ridicule they’re getting today. But then again, they can release those hardware features on next year’s models and everyone will have to pay again to upgrade ;)
@Justin: The dock that comes with the iPad has USB 2 on it. If you look on the “Tech Specs” page on the Apple Website, it also shows the “iPad Camera Connection Kit” which includes two small adapters for the 30 Pin dock connector: A USB 2 port, and an SD Card reader. So yes, they did think about the photographers who want to use this device for proofing, showing to clients, etc.
http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/
(scroll to the bottom)
Regards,
Troy
Yeah I see the extra adapters for USB and SD cards now, I just came back to update my post :) It really is penny pinching though, and it’s one or two more little pieces to carry around and/or lose.
Also noticed MSI announced their Android tablet today and it looks sweet – multi-tasking, flash (presumably coming soon), camera.. And the simple fact that Android has desktop widgets is a bonus for quick access to information too. Interesting times!
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