5 Reasons to Wait for iPad 2.0
With yesterday's reveal of the iPad now past, we can finally put myth and speculation behind us and focus on the reality that is Apple's entry into the tablet PC business. Whether the iPad is revolutionary or evolutionary is still hotly debated, but what we do know is that the computer, despite its elegance and blazing fast speed, is a decidedly first-generation device. Although one day after the product's announcement may be too soon to discuss what's coming in the next version of the iPad, we've already come across several reasons to wait... and some of those reasons are hidden away in the new iPad SDK (software development kit) itself.
1. Wait for the Camera - It's Coming
As Mike Melanson pointed out yesterday, the lack of a camera in the iPad is potentially a "killer" issue for this once highly anticipated device. Without the ability to capture images and video, the iPad looks a lot less functional than the netbooks Steve Jobs happily ridiculed as "cheap" on stage during the event. Cheap they may be, but at least video chat is possible! Even the Facebook app he demoed - the same one ported over from the iPhone - is missing key features: the ability to post photos and videos shot with your mobile device.
But while the camera's omission is troubling, all hope is not lost. According to some early looks at the iPhone/iPad's SDK, there's an interface for a camera already implemented. In the Contacts application found in the kit's emulator, for example, you can tap the "Add Photo" button to add a picture to go along with the contact information. After doing so, a pop-up appears asking if you would like to "take photo" or "choose existing photo." Really, take photo? Of course, this is by no means definitive proof that the camera is coming to the next gen iPad - Apple could have simply reused the iPhone's Contacts app in the iPad emulator and forgot to remove this option. However it's likely that, if anything, a camera will be the next big feature added in order to encourage sales of iPad 2.0.
2. Voice Calls to Come Later
Another possibility for future iPad editions is that the (hopefully then webcam-enabled) device will also offer another critical component necessary for the implementation of video chat: voice. Although the iPad touts a microphone and speakers, how exactly voice chat will be implemented is still anyone's guess. The most logical choice, though, would be to allow for VoIP functionality via an app as opposed to a full-on cellular voice plan and the accompanying monthly bill that would require. Instead, allowing for VoIP apps would be something that could be added to any iPad model - even the entry-level, Wi-Fi-only one.
Plus, the iPad SDK reveals clues that this, too, could be coming in the future. Unless Apple just got really sloppy putting together the iPad emulator, then the "Touch to return to call" option that appears in some emulator screens could easily be a hint of things to come.
3. Annotations for iBooks
One thing the Kindle has going for it in the realm of e-books is its ability to allow for bookmarking, highlighting, and annotations of text. Not mentioned during the iPad demo of iBooks? Those three same features. In fact, no use case for education was even presented during the presentation and no giant e-textbook was projected on the screen behind Jobs' head.
Yet these features are especially are important in selling an e-reader, especially if you want to convince college students to buy the device. Today's students, who mark up their textbooks with notes and highlighting, would have little use for an iBook's "read-only" nature. That means if iBooks are ever to compete with Kindle e-books, Apple will have to add in more interactivity in a future version of the iPad. Until then, colleges are likely to hold off on recommending the device to students, just as they're doing now.
4. Hold out for Verizon
While there is no proof that Apple intends to end their exclusive contract with AT&T in order to offer a CDMA version of the iPhone (and now the iPad), there have been ongoing reports that the two companies are talking. Well, at least according to anonymous "sources," that is. However, journalists covering the tech beat aren't the only ones touting the imminent forthcoming Verizon partnership - analysts are saying so, too. According to Canaccord Adams analyst Mark Misek, a Verzion 4G iPhone model will arrive in June. Will a Verizon iPad soon follow? Possibly. But even if it doesn't arrive by iPad 2.0's launch, you'll still have plenty of other features to dull the pain of having to sign up - yet again, iPhone owners - with AT&T.
5. Wait for Multitasking via OS 4.0
Finally, there is the OS component. The iPad is built on the operating system that powers both iPhone and iPod Touch devices, iPhone OS. The current version of the tablet runs iPhone OS 3.2, but not, as hoped, a newer version of that same OS, version 4.0. According to sources, iPhone OS 4.0 is said to offer a new way to run applications in the background via multitasking. This feature, notably left out of the current operating system due to battery drain, says Apple, is a key selling point for the company's latest competitor, Android, the mobile OS designed by Google.
However, a somewhat overlooked bit from the iPad announcement is the news that the new device runs Apple's own processor, the A4. This new, speedy, high-performance 1 GHz chip is also touted on Apple's website as a "low-power system-on-a-chip." Not only does this proprietary tech make the iPad "crazy fast," its ability to use less power could mean that it will - you guessed it! - not drain the battery as fast as before.
So why not let the iPad multitask right out-of-the-gate then? Because Apple wants to push the multitasking update to all its iPhone OS 4.0 devices at the same time. That means cramming a smaller version of the A4 into the power-hungry iPhones and iPod Touches then announcing that those people with the new devices can multitask thanks to the new technology. Speculation? Sure. But possible? Definitely. Of course, you probably won't need new iPad 2.0 hardware for this - the feature will come via a software update and likely even sooner than iPad 2.0. It will just sweeten the deal when you get ready to buy the second generation tablet device.
Let the Early Adopters Have This One
So unless you're an early adopter, serious Apple fanboy or girl, or fortunate enough to have a good bit of disposable income for gadget buys, holding out for the next generation iPad may be worthwhile if all the above comes to pass.
That being said, those of us who pen reports such as these are already emptying our piggybanks and counting our change in anticipation of the iPad's arrival in Apple Stores. We won't hold it against you if you do the same.
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I am going ot wait until they have a forward facing camera. This kind of technology is here, and yet not used. Can you imagine the iPad version of skype, or any other chat app? It would be great, but they failed. Also, I fin 64gb very small. Sure its just the beginning, but 64gb is nothing. Why not have an expansion slot built in? I think I will wait a while, and if I have to buy the HP slate, and see if I kind put ubuntu on it...
The iPad is a solution in search of a problem.
The iPod, iPod Touch, and iPhone all filled a need. The iPad does not.
Forget multitasking, this is not going to happen. This is NOT just a technical issue. You need to re-think the entire user interface to allow the same easy experience. May be in iPhone OS 5.0.
If the sofware of the Ipad is able tour use the Iphone ressources (camera, 3G) the Ipad 1.0 could be a great accessory for the Iphone ;) Synching with the Iphone could also be great.
Wait until the app store approval method is inverted ( "take down upon request" ) or abolished outright, media contains zero DRM, and Qualcomm's Gobi chip is used to allow connectivity to any data carrier.
And sign Defective by Design's petition:
http://www.defectivebydesign.org/blog/apple-ipad-drm-petition
I think the reason they don't have a rear facing camera is that a device this size is a ridiculous form factor for a camera. You're very rarely going to have it to hand for a photo when you wouldn't have your phone etc.
A user-facing camera for video calls would be much more interesting. My guess is that Apple would LOVE to implement this with their usual gloss; it'd be a big "boom" in a demo. And of course they have the technology already in iChat.
The reason they won't do it is that at present the mobile networks just aren't up to delivering a video chat experience that Apple would want to put their name to. And they're sure as hell not going to introduce one that only works on WiFi.
The moment we see WiMAX or one of those technologies widespread enough is when we'll see the front facing camera make an appearance on both iPhone and iPad.
Believe it or not, the #iPad define what a "notebook" should be. It will be sold much better than iPod touch. I can not wait to have one...
LACK OF HANDWRITING OR DGI INK WAS DEAL KILLER FOR ME
Camera: I love this one. I'd like those who keep bringing up this point to add up how many minutes per month they currently spend in video calls, then subtract ones where you're already sitting at a desk. I believe the answer to that is also the answer to the reason for the lack of camera. That and you already have one in your pocket.
Voice: This is a tertiary device, ie you already have a phone and laptop. Would anyone really make calls with this even if it were possible? For the few who say yes there's Skype.
Annotations: Fair enough, but if there really is a market waiting for this I'm sure any of the thousands of app developers will do it up. It doesn't have to come with it.... See More
Verizon: Who cares, I live in Canada. Verizon's not going to give away data for any less money anyway. Since I already have a phone with internet I'll just tether.
Multitasking: Ya that might have been cool but I think the real use cases for running two things at once on a device of this type are minimal enough that it doesn't really make much difference most of the time. Sales will tell. Personally I have ProSwitcher on my iPhone for Pre-like multitasking and barely use it. Apps load fast and save their state obviating much of the need for this.
plug in your iPhone and you have a camera that you can wave around *without* looking completely insane. Why is this not obvious?
come on.
1. the camera. it's probably best that they didn't add a camera to this thing. it probably keeps costs down to not add a feature that not everyone will need/use. remember how easily and quickly the thing can turn upside down? i see a dock connector camera peripheral coming for the ipad veeery soon.
2. voip is already possible on the ipad. it has a mic and a headset, and you could easily plug in one of the headsets that include an inline mic for this. all it would take is an app.
3. annotations? there will most likely either be a third party book reading app with more functionality, or it'll be added to the ibook app shortly after.
4. if you must be able to use your ipad on a cdma network, i suppose you really should wait until such functionality is released. still doesn't seem enough of a reason to wait for me, though.
5. multitasking... first off, it wouldn't require a full rewrite of the OS for multitasking. you can already multitask on an iphone/ipod touch with a jailbreak app called backgrounder. you simply hold the home button down to enable an app to be backgrounded, and it minimizes to the home screen with a little backgrounder badge to let you know it's still running. with the increased speed of the ipad, backgrounder will work even better - that is if people manage to jailbreak it and apple doesn't really release this functionality later on. honestly though, the speed that the ipad can open and close apps really does lend it to functional single tasking. the device can do the thing you're needing to do right now much more efficiently without worrying about other simultaneously running apps. you can already use IM in the "background" thanks to push. need to reply or send an IM? just exit the app to the home screen, launch the IM app, do your thing.
also remember - the iphone/ipod touch/ipad are not intended to replace your primary computer. if you need to edit video, do some hardcore long term word processing, high def gaming, or hardcore music production, you should have a workstation computer. this is why i'm still going to buy a macbook pro soon, and will then buy an ipad for casual internet activities anywhere i please. i'm really excited for the incredible multitouch tech with the larger screen.
i forgot to mention - why buy the kindle DX for $490 when you can get the ipad for $500? amazon will definitely have to lower their price to make their e-reader more viable.
@Mike Rudy
"The iPad is a solution in search of a problem."
I'd quite like to have a eBook reader and was going to get a Kindle until the iPad was announced so there's a solution to a problem right there. I'll also get multi touch surfing to boot. Might not solve your problems but hey who cares :-)
This makes a netbook even more wanted by me. Either a Windows 7 netbook or a Android netbook. Ipad is to locked down for my taste. Seems like you have to use Moblie Me to access mail and other stuffs. I mostly use Google email and other Google products. So no Ipad for me.
Can't you just access GMail via browser on the iPad?
@Richard: It's sad that you make yourself stuck in that "not too locked" stuff - anyway this "too locked" is and will be better. I hope you will find space for this gadget too - for some very simple "locked" activities :)
@Sarah: Nice title! :) and you can already make something like "5 Reasons to Wait for iPad 3.0 [4.0 ...]" - There are always something better ahead but our time as passing
Don't you thing that this kind of "waiting" can be too big price. ?
i use gmail with exchange sync to my iphone. it syncs my mail, contacts, calendars. why would that not work on the ipad? i also use a lot of other google products. they work just fine on apple devices. a netbook or a windows tablet will still not have the incredible multitouch input system that apple has. i have an acer aspire one netbook running mac osx snow leopard (because it performs better than windows xp or 7 - i've tried both) and i would get rid of it in a heartbeat for the ipad.
I like the price-point on this device. However,I will probably wait until the 2nd generation before I make a purchase.
wrt "Seems like you have to use Moblie Me to access mail and other stuffs" -- Why do you say that? My ipod touch is not limited in that way. I use it for my mobileMe account, but I also use it for my "standard IMAP" account (from the college I work at), and I use it with an email account I have on an MS-Exchange server. So what makes you think that the iPad "apparently" won't allow access to these services that the iPod Touch can already access?
I do understand that for many people, it will make a lot of sense to wait for the 2nd-generation iPad. But for me, what they came out with for this 1st-generation is very much worth getting. I do wish it had a front-facing camera, and I do wish the screen was large enough for full-HD resolution. But the price point of both the device and the data-plan is much better than I was expecting, and is much easier for me to justify than the expense of a cell phone. (I do not own a cell phone, but I've been increasingly tempted to get one).
I think it's impossible to guess whether this device will be a run-away hit, especially for those of us who haven't actually touched one yet. But I do think it will be popular-enough that we'll see a second generation, and I do think there's a lot of potential here. The success of this device is not going to be some stupid hardware feature like the camera, it's going to be what kinds of content (newspapers, books) show up for it. And we don't know that yet, so we'll just have to wait and see.
Reading on an LCD panel, even an IPS LCD panel, is going to cause eye strain. The brightness, contrast and glare are not well-suited to book reading, and the relatively-low pixel density of 132 ppi won't help matters either. I believe that people who try reading on the iPad for extended periods will experience eye strain and headaches.
That is the main difference between an e-reader like Kindle which has an E-Ink panel and reading on devices with an LCD screen. If you're serious about reading ebooks, Kindle and other E-Ink readers are a far better option. I think the iPad may offer a superior web browsing and entertainment experience, but it's not a replacement for the Kindle and other devices of that ilk.
I still haven't heard many people talking about the fact that whilst this may potentially be a great device, if you cannot browse network drives on your home network it loses a huge amounts of the appeal. With the ipod touch, i know it's a small device, it's designed to be used on the move so I accept I need to sync up with my MacBook Pro in order to watch a movie or listen to music. However, lots of the iPad video was a guy sitting at home using it. In that instance if I want to watch a film i DO NOT want to go to my computer, attach the device, wait for it to sync, disconnect and then go off and watch, I want to browse to a folder and hit play, job done.
Without that functionality the iPad is, for me, quite seriously flawed.
I'm going to wait for the replaceable battery. bwhahahahahahah
The people who think this is going to hurt the Kindle don't understand why people like the Kindle.
If I wanted to read a book on a screen, I can already do that with virtually any device on the market at this time, including my netbook. But I don't want to read a book on the screen, backlit text gives most of us eyestrain after awhile. It's much easier on the eyes to read normal text, especially in bright lighting which makes it easier to read instead of harder.
E-Ink readers like the kindle are the only types of screens that visually function the same way as text on paper, with the added bonus of VAST battery life as a result of not needing a backlight. When I go camping, I usually take a book - but I'd consider a kindle or other e-ink reader. I wouldn't even dream of taking something like the iPad to read by, because even at 10 hours, it's going to run out. And who wants to plug their book in?
Further, for students like me, annotations and highlighting are a big deal. A static book is a no-no, I've done that before and it sucked.
Wow - your comments match mine. I think that the iPad is a great device, but every time I see it, I see what's missing. Things like multitasking, lack of iChat, and voice calls can be added via software upgrade - but the lack of a camera and no Verizon can't. I won't be buying an ebook (glad I waited) but I won't be getting an iPad just yet. Version 2.0 sounds right to me.
I'm surprised that more people don't understand the potential of a user oriented camera in the ipad. the reason people don't use video chat away from their desks is that video chat devices aren't easily portable. most web cams (like the one in my mac book pro) are attached to rather large pieces of machinery: ones very difficult to use while in motion.
The concept of a highly portable video chat device is extraordinary. While the ipad with on-board web cam would most certainly be a first step, the tool itself would raise video communication from the level of business tool/consumer novelty to the status of communication standard, possibly even replacing audio only communication itself.
It's without doubt that this change will eventually occur, its just disappointing that with its first real opportunity, Apple decided to pass.
Its without doubt that this change will eventually occure, its just disapointing that with its firt real opportuinty, apple decided to pass.
I do not know what Apple is thinking but it seems they decided to take a fancy iPod Touch device, enlarge it and call it iPad. On the face of it, I think the only difference is that for iPad you need a bag and for iPod Touch your pocket will do.
Smart article. The stuff on multitasking was helpful. It makes sense. Once these things start shipping and the wrinkles get ironed out this will be one amazing device. Apple knows how to make something that works and then build from there.
I can't wait for the Sony PlayStation 4
We are missing the point with all this negativity. This is not a replacement of Mobile Phone, Camera, Laptop, Kindle or Desktop (for that matter). It is another choice. As for waiting. we can wait all our lives for that Next Best thing and lose what we have today. Tomorrow is a Mystry, enjoy the day and hope for a better tomorrow, but dont wait for iPad 2.0, it will lack something else. Just a thought.
I have zero use for this device regardless of what they add or change. That's just me though. It would just be another toy. If it offered the same features and multi-tasking as a laptop, it would be something to consider. It would also be way more expensive.
i think it is totally uselesss my ipod touch does 99% the ipad does and it fits in my pocket
@ukdavo
There's a Kindle iPhone app. You don't need to waste your money on an iPad.
What's the problem with signing up with AT&T?
Skype over the 3G data plan ability was added today, 2 to 3 months before the iPad is even released. iPhone OS 4.0 will also probably be delivered before the iPad is even shipped. 90% of all other complaints will be free software upgrades. Who's to say the camera wont be available in 3 months as well (tho its hardly a crucial feature). Seriously bub, its a fine machine as it was presented and will get better with software, not necessarily hardware upgrades. You need to stop thinking like a windows fanboy, where yr PC hardware is oudated every month. Its all about the software now.
Multitaking, Flash, cut and paste, live video broadcasting, higher quality camera, camera flash, are some features on phones way before the iPhone had them, or still don't have. The iPhone was already outdated when it came out, and is still trying to catch up to other phones.
I really highly doubt that it's going to iclude a camers. considering how it's about as big as a piece of paper, it'll be like oh, let's take a picture, and you hold up a computer screen. Plus, i personally never much multitask. I mean, if i want to take a picture, i take out a camera, if i want to ake a call, i'll whip out my phone. For that split-second moment that you have to take a picture of Bobby in the kitchen with banana cream pie all over his face, your gonna think i need my camera, not i need to get my iPad and then go into the camera function.
I have a great netbook with a camera. I never use the camera. I see no need to broadcast my mug to the world and my iPhone, BlackBerry, and pocket camera work well on everything else.
I would rather the iPad had an SDHC card slot.
It will be enjoyable. Good for gaming and watching video. Low resolution for reading books for any great length of time. Would be nice if it had usb and didn't require another computer for syncing. This and all other digital devices with displays will benefit greatly from using LED screens instead, but give that around 4 or 5 years.
It's a toy, just like the iPod Touch, and just like the iPod will prove to be very useful at times as well. Fair price.
Great post! I also blogged about this today apple ipad vs. the lenovo U1 hybrid....and my big disapointment as an ardent Mac fangirl is that i want usb, firewire, AND a video out for an LCD projector ...i want a lightweight flexible solution to take to presos and conferences!
One thing about iPad I did not hear and not sure is in the SDK is writing and writing recognition. Without capacity for digital ink, the iPad is not a Pad at all. And this functionality is crucial for education. I am an educator and frankly do not have time to sit down and do a program, which would free for students and teachers, that really gives the name its worth. And it is not just annotation, is full writing, including equation writing. In that respect, multi-touch tablet pcs still have the upper hand for a while. We need to see if the HP Slate does digital ink, if so, the Slate will be the winner in the education market.
As on my post before, I agree with DAN and disagree with ronji. No digital ink, no handwriing recognition, it's not a pad, or for that matter, it's not slate or tablet, it is just a crossover between NintendoDNSx and iPhone/iPodTouch but with badly injected steroids. It should not even be named iPad, there you have the Fujitsu lawsuit. Apple may try to get away with it in the US, but in the rest of the world iPad is a Fujitsu trademark. The slate prototype for the One Laptop for Child project is way better than the iPad or should I say "iTap" -that is the name it should have cause it only work by tapping-. And the OSsystem is open source.
The iPad is NOT a computer, please ... It's never been introduced as a notebook and if you don't like it that way you are not the market target ... It's a reading/viewing device that has the potential to rescue the newspaper industry (not a small deed !!). I still need to get convinced that iChat would be needed and I agree Apple would not settle with bad image quality. I bet Apple is testing the market and will adjust as needed (adding is better than removing !). Never underestimate the brain power behind an Apple product, they went over all those issues for a LONG time.
Love postings 9, 6, 11 in that regard. Multitasking makes no sense if you can load fast and the app remembers a state. Only techies can "see" the difference ... It's the fabulous concept of the always ON device that was introduced in the (failed) Newton. Has nothing to do with a computer view of the world which is all about DOING.
Interesting post. I was surprised that there wasn't a camera included. Seems like such an easy thing to add. I wouldn't buy this right away, of course I'm not a serious apple fangirl.
What Microphone. I dont see that in the specs. They dont want this device being used with Skype etc to get around the fact it doesnt have PHONE even though its called a MOBILE.
NO MIC... please tell me im wrong!???
Check out http://www.PhoneFreelancer.com if your looking to find an iPad developer, your app idea could strike gold just like when the iPhone came out!
Three words, Mr. Jobs: Need More Real Estate. Please make an 8 1/2 x 11 version. Magazine page size. Plus, I need the real estate for sheet music in pdf form (how cool is the swipe gesture to turn the page!?!?!?)
Yes. This new gadget is something interesting. But I can't understand is it so necessary in our daily life? I can't find any very important features that could be necessary for daily use.
I would like to see this type of technology for the design industry. Example: If this thing could run adobe software flawless with the speed of an Apple mac book!!!
wow.....apple has reallllyy gone far since the first ipod.....i still have one of those xD....its a fat mp3 player....but look at how far they have gone.
As for the current model, here's a good analysis of the model: http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/showlink.aspx?bookmarkid=TBMRNGI9AM2&preview=article&linkid=d3bbe21b-693c-4c46-9f72-1771fe786f24&pdaffid=ZVFwBG5jk4Kvl9OaBJc5%2bg%3d%3d
Personally, I think the iPad could be much better.
Sincerely,
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