The new Apple iPad


Report by Tom Brookes (UKITA)

Apple’s new tablet computer model was launched yesterday – January 27th 2010, but is not available until April, in the U.S.

Design stats
 9.7 inch colour touch-screen
 0.5 inches thick, weighing 0.7kg – in 16 or 64 gigabyte memory with 10 hour battery life max
 Access 3G phone networks as well as Wi-Fi
 Will start shipping in the US in April (under AT&T deal) from $499
 
Features:
 Web surfing
 Email
 Games
 Presentation software
 iBooks – eBooks store
  allows access to iTunes
 Streaming and TV (live sport etc)


There is now a mobile phone market fight in the UK to have a supply deal similar to the US (O2, Orange & Vodafone leading the charge, with T Mobile aiming for a global chain). 


Unlike the iPhone was, such a deal is unlikely to be exclusive.


Other model ‘tablet’ rivals include – Nokia, Google Android, Asus and Archos


The aim is to outsell Kindle’s growing e-book market and become the hottest selling gadget ever


The iPad will rival and likely surpass the iPhone, using a similar interface and apps system


The 2009 market of iPhone and iPod Touch owners = 75 million


Applications will be sold through the online AppStore, which already has over 140,000 apps.


Blogger Criticisms (and future development opportunities)
 Small screen, no 3D interface, no OLED screen
 No built in projector or revolutionary features
 No webcam, microphone, USB port, SD card slot, HDMI or SIM card – adapters might be available at extra cost
 Lacks ADOBE Flash Support – limited web use and no social media games
 Not as good as a Netbook
 Name not liked, and neither is the ‘locked-down’ platform strategy
 Does not meet the new Cloud Computing era, simply fits in the middle with much room to improve
 Some resistance and unrest amongst TV channels, the media (newspapers) and internet providers.