A Look at the Negatives

You may come across an iPad review that may not sound that encouraging for you. For example, some critics claimed that the apple iPad is just a modification of the iPhone, with the inconvenience of it being bigger in size, and hence inconvenient to carry around.

Some iPad reviews will also tell you that it performs very little more than the iPhone, and hence is a half hearted try from Apple to come up with something new to make the eyes of the customers and apple fans turn towards it. A closer look at the iPad, however, may reveal something very different from this.

The Features

If you check out the various features of this gadget, you will see that not only are the interfaces much better than the iPhone, but there are much more features built into the iPad for its users. In fact, there is no comparison that can be made between the iPhone and the iPad.

Apple iPad comes with a fully functional pad touch enabled and extremely user friendly. You can use this touch pad as a on screen keyboard as well. The device has great programs like Safari, iTunes, picture viewers, editors and file managers, and much more.

This device can be ideal for a number of uses. If you are an ardent listener of music, iPad can be your personal music library. If it is internet that you are interested in, the iPad can offer you the optimum services for the internet. It has been considered to be the best mobile internet device till date.

More Exciting Features

Even though I was a bit disappointed to find that it is not before April 2010 that this product will be released in the market for the consumers, I did get a chance to check out most of the features this device has to offer the users. Apart from being an ideal mobile device for internet, music and videos, it can be great for business use as well.

You can use the iPad to read ebooks, schedule meetings, create and view presentations, access Google maps, and get the benefits of a number of other functions on this single device. Priced at around $499 (expected) this device can be a great item to go for. So let us wait and see how the iPad shows its impact on the market!

Let’s start by covering what the iPad can’t do. It’s not a PC or a Mac and doesn’t run Windows or Mac OS, or offer multi-tasking (although the rumour mill suggests that the latter may be addressed in future updates). On the iPhone the OS is locked down to the point that each third party application can only store information in their own ‘sealed’ area, unlike a PC where ‘My Documents’ can contain every file type and be accessed by all applications. It’s likely that the iPad will continue this tradition, with Apple already confirming that it will rely on iTunes for syncing with a PC. Also, due to a long running spat between Apple and Adobe, the iPhone/iPad does not support Flash, which rules out access to any websites that rely on it. Apple has been criticised and applauded in equal measure for ring-fencing access to their hardware and software. While it considerably restricts third party development flexibility, it does provide an extremely stable user experience which, unlike a Windows machine, does not degrade over time as more software is installed.

During Apple’s launch it was clear that Apple’s own 1GHz silicon was delivering quite a punch. Applications launched instantly and graphically intensive tasks ran smoothly. Couple a fast processor with a large rotatable touch screen and you have a product that lowers the technical knowledge usage barrier and can provide an intuitive user interface which 75m iPhone users already know how to use. For example, recently I reverted back to my previous smartphone – using the menu system was like wading through treacle and it was missing many of the additional apps that I’d come to rely on. The biggest difference was speed of information retrieval. For frequently performed tasks such as retrieving a contact, checking email or a quick web search there is no comparison. Tasks that I achieve with the iPhone within 15-20 seconds I would not have seen change out of a minute, if not more on the other phone, and this is likely to improve on the iPad.

What tasks could the iPad perform?

The key here is to identify what it does as well, or indeed better than existing technologies. In their launch event Apple demonstrated iPad versions of iWork, their office suite (covering word processing, spreadsheets and presentations), with each application being available for just shy of ten dollars. While you probably won’t get all of the extra templates, clipart and additional bloat that comes with traditional Office suites you could argue that most people don’t use many more features than font sizing or basic formulae. The iPad ships with the same basic PIM apps as the iPhone e.g. Calendar, Contacts, Email (including MS Exchange support) and Notes, all of which will sync with a PC or Mac through iTunes. The iPhone configuration utility allows enterprise deployment, providing easy configuration for individual business settings such as email and VPN access. So for the majority of users it will tick the basic office requirements.

As a presentation tool the iPad excels. It can be connected to an external display, but would equally be suited for one-to-one presentations, ideal for sales staff or board meetings. Data retrieval is also a strong suit; it provides quick access to document, image, audio or video libraries, doing away with the need for storing large amounts of paper. Expect to see estate agents with iPads under their arms from April onwards! It would be equally at home in a manufacturing design office, providing a quick method of viewing product images or technical information.

The iPad supports the popular ePub electronic document format. Publishers will quickly move books, magazines and newspapers over to the format, so people will soon become accustomed to reading on the device as opposed to traditional paper-based media. This will provide companies with an easy way of creating large catalogues in a format that users can digest in a traditional manner. Companies that produce catalogues (such as electronic components or manufacturing consumables) will no doubt warm to this as printed versions are very expensive to produce, and although they will already have full e-commerce on their websites, there is a reason why they still produce printed version – many people still prefer to view information in a book-style format. This would also lend itself well to stock control, providing stores staff with a simple checklist interface when performing stock checks.

All versions of the iPad have the accelerometer and compass facilities, and the 3G version opens up further possibilities, as it includes assisted GPS. Many of us already take the likes of Google maps on our mobiles for granted, but when GPS is embedded into a device implemented at enterprise level this stretches the boundaries further. Imagine an application that provides relevant information to a user when they arrive at a specific location; perhaps a salesman visiting a prospect/customer, or branch data when HQ staff visit. Devices that ‘know where they are’ could also be used to direct the user to items of interest/relevance around them, although the sensitivity is not good enough for this to locate items on a shelf, for example, and GPS does not always work inside buildings.

Integrating the iPad to custom requirements

If you walk through the stages of production within a manufacturing organisation and analyse the role of software at any given part, most of these relate to the supply of information; either to or from the user. Whether it be in the store room, by a machine tool, booking goods out or back in from subcontractors, despatch and through to accounts. This information will either be fed into an enterprise system (MRP, ERP) or to a more localised system (stock control database, machine tool control software, order management etc), and this is where the work needs to be done if the iPad is to be of any real use. Many software companies are using Apple’s software development kit (SDK) to develop apps to interface with their products. Although these apps are often lightweight versions of their PC cousins and optimised for the iPhone it is likely that these will be reworked to take advantage of the iPad’s display. We can expect apps covering all mainstream software applications, however more niche products are unlikely to have iPhone/iPad sibling products, as the take up rate would not warrant the development costs.

What if you cannot develop or obtain an app to connect to an existing software system? There is a third option; we have already ascertained that the iPad is a competent web client (if Flash isn’t required). Invariably the system you want to connect to will have a database, which in turn will have ways of getting data in and out (generally using common connectors such as ODBC), so a relatively simple solution would be to build an intranet that communicates with the application. Windows Server comes with IIS (Internet Information Services), and any of the web centric languages (PHP, Cold Fusion,.NET/ASP etc) will be able to connect to a database easily. The iPad (or any other device) could then interact with the software using a web browser. Although this still requires a considerable level of technical skill, it’s likely to be a far easier and more cost-effective skill set to source than developing an iPad-specific app and will result in a more flexible solution that other devices can take advantage of. It would also be easier to manage from a security aspect, as the network administrators take care of user access control to any given data resource on the local network.

If Apple is serious about the business angle of the iPad they will need to provide companies with more information on controlling user access, tracking usage and locking down features on it (which, to be fair they have done with the iPhone), otherwise no doubt the wide range of available games will find their way onto it and eat into productivity. Another major concern is that they will be a target for theft. It’s likely that you will be able to password protect it and, as with the MobileMe service on the iPhone, locate it if stolen (3G only) or remotely wipe it, but that’s little consolation.

In recent years Apple products have become über chic and this is something many businesses will want to harness. It’s more likely that iPads will find homes in the boardroom than on the shop floor, due to environmental factors alone, but for facilities that already keep their production areas spotless this could be seen as the device that makes them look just that little bit more cutting edge than their competitors.

Summary

The debate is raging fiercely in the blogosphere as to whether the iPad is a ‘game changer’ or not, but in my opinion it is. Apple said that they would not release anything equivalent to a tablet or a netbook until they could deliver something that did everything well. Given what is already known about the iPhone and what we currently know about the iPad, reasonable assumptions can be made about the iPad’s suitability for a given task. There will be of course many tasks that will always be faster or indeed only possible on a desktop/laptop than the iPad, but as a high speed, highly portable (and highly desirable) ‘media consumption device’ the Apple iPad will set the benchmark by which all others will be measured.

Get Your Free Apple iPad – Click Here

Apple’s product roadmap with the iPad is a number of revs away. Throwing this finicky iPad version is part of the means to try it (while earning revenue from it). Apple iPhone had a great camera. The tablet device doesn’t. Apple IPad Apps can be available on mixture of iTunes like the iPhones even though not exactly.

Apple had a similar problem with the iPhone and Cisco, which they could actually resolve with a little bit of cash. I suspect that Apple will have to get out their wallet again for making Fujitsu disappear. Apple will sell an add-on keyboard for the iPad, but in order to do loads of work on the go, you may be better off finding a real laptop. The iPad isn’t for work. Apple also announced the new iBooks app for iPad, to include Apples new iBookstore, the easiest way to browse, buy and read books using a mobile device. The iBookstore will feature books from major and independent publishers.

Apple will additionally provide you with the option to have it with 3G. Furthermore, the iPad will connect to the App Store, iTunes as well as the brand new iBook Store. Apple, with all of its nearly $200 billion market cap and nearly $60 billion in annual sales, has the financial and technical wherewithal to take us all the distance down the digital highway. The iPad will nibble away at other mobile devices including those made by Apple and raise the bar for hardware, software, content and commerce players. Apple has just launched the SDK that may allow app developers to edit their apps to make them work on the iPad and utilize the larger screen.

Apple knows exactly what they’re doing and this thing will grow into the magical device we wish it to be. Apple knows how to play the mind games, catch the wave, and ride on it like it did with iPod claiming music industry, iPhone striking at communications industry and after this finally iPad targeted towards students, snappy execs, home-makers etc. Apple is less an innovator in design than an innovator in marketing. I am going to however concede how the iPhone was a brilliant step forward in design.

Get Your Free Apple iPad – Click Here

First of all the design is fantastic. The front as an amzingly large 9.7″ LCD Led lit display that without a doubt will look great. Just below the screen you get the iPhone home button that allows you to go back to the beginning at all times. One less pretty feature for me are the black borders around the screen. They are a bit too wide for my taste, it would’ve been better if Apple was able to stretch the display a little and remove the borders. On the top you get the sleep button that will deactivate the display. On the right side you get the volume buttons and the silence switch, interesting is that the buttons have been moved from left (iPhone) to the right. On the back you get the large black Apple logo in the middle of a big gray (aluminum?) mass. It also says iPad on the back, the number of GBs and a few FCC things that are required to be there I think. It’s not impossible to assume that the new iPhone will feature a similar back. The tablet is really thin, in fact it’s just 0.5 inch thick, that’s as thick as an iPhone. Height and width measures come in at: 9.6 inches and 7.47 inch.

Now lets talk about the software of the iPad. It works very similar to an iPhone. Slide to unlock and you’re in the main screen with the typical iPhone icons. You get: YouTube, mail, Safari, contacts, iPod, iTunes, app store, video, settings, maps (by Google!), calendar, photos and last but not least notes.

The apps have been modified a bit for the new capabilities though. For example photos are now arranged by event blocks. Tapping on a block of photos will show you a preview of the photos in that event (or map for windows users). However you can also view your most treasured memories by list, location, faces or date. We can imagine that it will look really fantastic to manipulate the photographs on a huge touchscreen and to show it to your friends.

Get Your Free Apple iPad – Click Here

A screen-grab from the official video of the event shows nothing but a small dot above the screen, opposite the home button. Taken alone, this isn’t much, but compare this with the picture of the iPad leaked just hours before the event (below). If you remember, these showed an iPad locked down in a security frame, and you could clearly see the camera in the bezel. I even pointed out the cutout in the frame that let us see the webcam.

Still not convinced? What about this screenshot from the iPad emulator in the new SDK (software development kit)?

That sure looks like the iPad thinks it has a camera. Up until now, this is what any good TV lawyer would call circumstantial evidence.

Get Your Free Apple iPad – Click Here

What is an iPad? The new iPad, also known as i-pad or i pad, is one the latest additions made by the Giant Apple Corporation. The iPad is making waves among mac lovers and even the iPod and iPhone users are now considering on getting this new gadget or even replacing their older devices by the new iPad tool!

I will explain here some of the best features that we can find on the new iPad model. The whole machine has been configured having in mind the Multi-Touch scenario were the consumers uses no mouse but the fingers to move, scroll and click around the iPad screen. The visual effect obtained is magic to say the less. All the iPod and iPhone applications will run on the iPad so that’s good news for those owning a mac gadget already.

The iPad screen is an high-resolution LED. It has a built in an Apple Chip that ensures the best and fastest interaction with the computer. There is nothing in the market nowadays that can be compared to the iPad yet so it is new on its kind, and it promises to make waves in the market.

Price: Buying the iPad is not a dream, its current price in the market ranges from $499 to even $400 if you result to be a good bargain finder.

The iPad is thin and light:

it is not a fat or heavy device it is so thin that you can hardly fell its weight on your bag or briefcase. The screen is 9.7 inches long, we can say it has a magazine size. it is just 1.5 pounds and half inch thin, you can take it with you virtually anywhere. It has rounded corners so it looks nicer and it is easier to interact with it when being carried or used on your lap or being hold in your hands.

What is the iPad Performance?

it has an A4 chip inside, ensuring its performance is actually the best in the market compared to any other touch-based devices. You can easily run text applications, watch videos, surf the web and even play games on your iPad, having no worries about performance or productivity.

What is the iPad battery life and what are the storage capacities?

The iPad provide the user with up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. There are some iPad versions that offer the storage choice from 16GB, to 32GB, and even 64GB of flash storage, so you don’t have to worry about lacking of storage space for your photos, movies, music, works, etc

The iPad offers 3G connectivity:

Soon the iPad will offer a 3G model, having as its main characteristic the option use and transmit super-fast data on speeds that range, up to 7.2 Mbps. That’s the ideal option for travelers or if you are not close to a Wifi connection area, using the #G functionality you will be able to still get a fast connection and surf the web despite your location.

Does the iPad work on WiFi networks? Yes, it works on any current WiFi network. it has a built-in 802.11n, device letting you connect on any wireless network available for you.

Does it has BlueTooth capabilities? The iPad also comes with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, letting you connect to devices, cellphones, headphones or even the Apple Wireless Keyboard for those who are in need of writing or producing large amounts of text.

The iPad is Multi-Touch!

As mentioned before, its Multi-Touch screen on the iPad is new on its kind it relates to the old iPhone but this is totally new and improved from the view of a bigger screen in need of better effects and resolution.This new feature will amaze you by its accuracy and clear and well colored resolution.

Buying iPad Accessories

As always Apple has everybody covered here when it comes about adding some new gadgets and accessories to your iPad. Some are:

The Keyboard Dock, also if you already own an Apple Wireless Keyboard you can use this as well. The Camera Connection Kit, can be of help when importing pictures and photos from your digital camera or any Sd card etc. The iPad Case, will protect the Ipad from any harm while still letting you interact with the gadget. You can still use the Ipad on several positions as required.

There are plenty of docks for connecting any other devices you may want to plug and try on your iPad computer. An important note is to be aware that the iPad can play any information you have stored on a TV, Projectors, In focus etc.

The iPad will let the user use and navigate using functions like, Youtube, Browse the web with Safari browser, read mail, Interact with Photos, interact with your iPod and play iTunes on it. Also you can use Maps, make and carry notes, mark a calendar, register your Contact and still use its built in Search functionality a powerful way to find any information from your iPad in matter of seconds. What else can you ask from the iPad? it is hard to think on anything more with all the characteristics described above.

As you can see the iPad offers amazing functionality, letting you move anywhere with virtually no wires and mouse attached to it. While still having a powerful tool at your fingertips! I wish you enjoy your new iPad tablet the same way I’m doing it now, As always feel free to read my blog and let me know your ideas and comments.

Get Your Free Apple iPad – Click Here