As a computer screen it isn't.
As a ebook platform that is supposed to replace the need to buy psysical books, it is most definately terrible.
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iPad 2 (A5, 512MB RAM) and iOS 5 Revealed Next Week?
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As a computer screen it isn't.
As a ebook platform that is supposed to replace the need to buy psysical books, it is most definately terrible.
No SD Card slot? Really? I understand the high res disply problems but I find it hard imagine than an SD slot, which is in almost everything, can't be worked in now.
And yes I'm still bitter that my 2008 iMac doesn't have one. GET WITH THE TIMES!
And yes I'm still bitter that my 2008 iMac doesn't have one. GET WITH THE TIMES!
Not really. Apple was practically the first big manufacturer to have Cortex A8 into their major phone and the SGX535 was ahead of most other stuff on the market. The iPad was one of first A8 1Ghz processor-based device. Also for the Retina display, you cannot claim that Apple is "behind" when no one else is really offering anything significantly better. Who else has anything that approaches the Retina-level display on their tablet? In fact there are some grumbling that the $800 Xoom has a display that's inferior to the old iPad's display in terms of contrast and colors. How is that "always behind"?
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Funny how on the MBP rumours thread before the release everyone was saying you won't get quad cores - hmm.
Now we have graphic hint on invite for 2/3/11.
Double number of colored circles on right panel of the convention centre.
And we've had news that the new iPad panels are roughly 3 x the originals cost.
I think, somewhere, somehow, Apple may be about to give us a seriously unbeatable viewing experience on iPad 2. Something that kills Kindles, makes Xoom go boom and Galaxies implode.
Funny how on the MBP rumours thread before the release everyone was saying you won't get quad cores - hmm.
Now we have graphic hint on invite for 2/3/11.
Double number of colored circles on right panel of the convention centre.
And we've had news that the new iPad panels are roughly 3 x the originals cost.
I think, somewhere, somehow, Apple may be about to give us a seriously unbeatable viewing experience on iPad 2. Something that kills Kindles, makes Xoom go boom and Galaxies implode.
Those specs will be closer to the Mark than you think.
Apple will not be destroyed by Android tablets.
1.2 - 1.4ghz A4 single core CPU
512mb ram
SGX543 single core GPU
VGA & 1.3 megapixel camera
1024 x 768 IPS display with Anti Glare
Slightly thinner, slightly lighter, Slightly louder (new speaker)
Those specs will offer better frame rates in games than the current iPad, a better browsing experience with far less reloading and improved multitasking, and lastly a suitable solution for FaceTime/skype
What else does hardware wise does it need to drive the software?
I do not forsee iPad software suddenly becoming massively draining on hardware requirements, nor do i see it suddenly becoming that much more advanced than current software locking millions of iPad 1 owners from software.
IPhone 4 software doesn't lock out iPhone 3GS for example even though spec wise it is a lot better than it.
By leaving out things like an SD card slot, Apple can keep their price lower than competing tablets that do include such features. The lower price is important for PR reasons.
Those who want a slot can buy the Apple card adapter. Of course, then they end up paying more anyway... and get a wart sticking out of their iPad.
It all makes perfect Apple-sense.
Wow its the MBP release thread all over again.
No retina, no 1 GB, no SD card slot?!
Complain, complain, whine, whine. Then complain some more......then goes and buys the product anyways.
Fixed
Good Grief...
"It's this, It's that, No, wait, we think it's this. Well, now it's that. No, we're backtracking to this, maybe that, maybe, maybe, maybe...."
Months of this nonsense. Chill out, go back to work, and find out next week like everyone else. Sheesh.
"It's this, It's that, No, wait, we think it's this. Well, now it's that. No, we're backtracking to this, maybe that, maybe, maybe, maybe...."
Months of this nonsense. Chill out, go back to work, and find out next week like everyone else. Sheesh.
From my point of view things like an SD Card or USB port would be nice, but not required. For me, the important thing is the overall product... hardware and software. A faster processor, more RAM and a camera for Face Time is what is think the minimum needs to be. Everything else is gravy.
Trust me... I'd love to see an SD card reader built in. I think it would be great for loading photos direct from the camera to the iPad. But not something I would use all the time so no big deal.
Trust me... I'd love to see an SD card reader built in. I think it would be great for loading photos direct from the camera to the iPad. But not something I would use all the time so no big deal.
Nobody cares about specs but nerds. This is pretty fundamental to understanding the iPad. What will work well is that app performance will degrade gracefully between the iPad 2 and iPad 1. More blanked out Safari tabs on the 1 vs the 2, etc. But generally no noticeable difference.
Specs irritate most people. Everyone owns computers now, but not because they like them - it's because you need them to live in the modern world. 90% of the population just wants a computer that works well.
Specs irritate most people. Everyone owns computers now, but not because they like them - it's because you need them to live in the modern world. 90% of the population just wants a computer that works well.
The software that cannot take advantage of the hardware.
And I have been looking for a rule book which says that a grid of icons are not allowed on a tablet; only widgets + icons will be allowed.
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Specs can be pretty transparent depending on what they achieve. Your average user probably won't care about whether or not the iPad2 has the best CPU or most RAM. If it runs quick and stable they will be happy. Likewise if the screen is pin sharp, like IP4's, they will love it. The exact spec numbers mean little beyond here and other such sites. However, the Retina display for IP4 had resonance. Same would be true for iPad 2.
Specs can be pretty transparent depending on what they achieve. Your average user probably won't care about whether or not the iPad2 has the best CPU or most RAM. If it runs quick and stable they will be happy. Likewise if the screen is pin sharp, like IP4's, they will love it. The exact spec numbers mean little beyond here and other such sites. However, the Retina display for IP4 had resonance. Same would be true for iPad 2.
The software that cannot take advantage of the hardware.
And I have been looking for a rule book which says that a grid of icons are not allowed on a tablet; only widgets + icons will be allowed.
The term "usability" and "user experience" are unknowns to many online geeks. Remember this one?
http://www.sizlopedia.com/2008/12/09/nokia-n97-iphone-comparison/
Of course, as soon as you actually tried use them, you realize the usability goes further than just ticking the check boxes.
1) I can buy and SD card reader for $10, I doubt it is going to be the thing that send it's price $100 higher.
2) Sure I can buy ANOTHER CABLE, like I did for my iMac but now I have my big nice machine with five USB cables running our of it all over the place to make it function with my other standard gadgets (iPhone, camera, external HDD)
3) You're right though, it does make perfect Apple sense, which honestly sometimes doesn't really make logical sense.
It's not a deal breakers but again, makes it feel like Apple is just stubborn to be stubborn sometimes.
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I used a couple of win7 tablets last week, destined for UK NHS testing. Spec wise they obliterate iPad. The only thing is, they were almost unusable. Touch accuracy was appalling and the keyboard system an absolute joke.
I used a couple of win7 tablets last week, destined for UK NHS testing. Spec wise they obliterate iPad. The only thing is, they were almost unusable. Touch accuracy was appalling and the keyboard system an absolute joke.
As much as I want this new iPad to blow everything out of the water Apple won't do that because they don't need to. they will only add enough to make teir unit competitive with other new tablet, but won't really "blow them away".
they will add enough to get a new set of buyers and then next year do the same, always hllding back a new feature everytone kinda wnats for teh enxt one but giving enough that they know a certain market share will still buy.
Look at the iPhone releases for example.
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Well, yes, modern but poo!! Seems about right. Idea is to equip various key people with tablets to increase productivity and mesh with what was supposed to be the super-duper NHS computer system.
If my experience was anything to go by these tablets will not be easy to swallow!
Benjy91 said:
Well, yes, modern but poo!! Seems about right. Idea is to equip various key people with tablets to increase productivity and mesh with what was supposed to be the super-duper NHS computer system.
If my experience was anything to go by these tablets will not be easy to swallow!
It's typical when someone like the NHS, or any Governmental body forks out for something new and shiny, they go for the crap. They should have developed their own NHS iPad app, that allowed hospital employees to sign in, make notes about patients conditions etc, and upload the changes directly to the NHS Patient Database from the iPad.
The British Army use iPads to train their helicopter pilots with their own custom app on the iPad. I believe they were the largest single buyer of iPads too, for the UK at least. The BBC have also started rolling out iPads for staff.
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FoxhoundADAM - like they 'wont' put quad cores in MBP?
I agree to be honest, seems unlikely. But the Apple invite, Yerba Buena design and reported increase in panel cost for the new iPad all point to something special.
Still, not long to wait and see whether it's some of us who are double or quadruple dense, or the new iPad display : )
FoxhoundADAM - like they 'wont' put quad cores in MBP?
I agree to be honest, seems unlikely. But the Apple invite, Yerba Buena design and reported increase in panel cost for the new iPad all point to something special.
Still, not long to wait and see whether it's some of us who are double or quadruple dense, or the new iPad display : )
Apple don't need the best specs - they know the product will sell anyway.
( A GUI that appeals to the consumer will more than make up for lack of specs ).
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Benjy91 - I've been trying that exact route with them, but it's like dealing with a blind nest of grasping Russian dolls.
They'll probably end up buying hundreds of useless tablets that will end up dusty and forgotten like so much else!!
Benjy91 - I've been trying that exact route with them, but it's like dealing with a blind nest of grasping Russian dolls.
They'll probably end up buying hundreds of useless tablets that will end up dusty and forgotten like so much else!!
Nah. The iPad 2 will sell like hotcakes. Android tablets can't compete on price like their phones do on the carriers. Where they are practically given away. In some cases ARE given away. Lets keep in mind these are rumors btw. people act like because Engadget said it then its set in stone. First they report sd slot and all that from unreliable sources then they tear down their own strawman. Typical Engadget laziness, sloppiness, and page view/linkbait wh*ring. 512MB ram is fine. 1GB may make people feel better but its not needed.