iPad HD

OSMac said:
Interesting ... whats the source?

I have noticed in Bestbuy a large supply on hand whereas in the past the case was almost empty, but thats just one store be interested to read other reports of this.

Is tablet fever fading?
Click to expand...

A. Tablet fever is just starting.

B. Apple has caught up more with demand. It happens with all products eventually and iPad 2 is still selling like crazy.

But more on the subject, I don't plan on upgrading my iPhone or iPad this year. I still say "go Apple" if/when they update both products, but I am not buying two iPads in one year, and I can wait until next year for a new iPhone. Apple lets all these rumors go unaddressed because it keeps people interested and keeps them talking. There will probably always be an iPhone update every year but I don't think there will be two iPads in one year. If there is an update they will still call it iPad 2 and do something to the screen or the processor.

But again--yay for Apple. I think they are really kicking ass right now.
 
I think this is very unlikely for Apple to release to iPads in one year especially with all the crazy sales numbers they are having, they really don't need to disappoint all new buyers with such move.
Plus I don't think there will be a high demand for a highly priced model just for a better screen since the current one is already amazing.
 
I have actually been waiting for a better screen for the iPad.

As soon as it comes I will jump on board.

So far I have resisted the iPad.

An expensive couple of months ahead- new iPad and new Air.
 
I don't have an iPad 2 and I don't particularly care about iPad 2. I will buy the iPad HD if it comes out in September or October. The only improvement I really want from my iPad is a high res screen. That's all that's missing is a high res screen. Hopefully the story pans out to be true. It makes sense to not completely sideline the iPad2 for current users and to call it iPad HD and segment the product into a pro/HD line. I'm perfectly happy with that.
 
While I would love an iPad 2+/HD/Pro/Whatever, splitting the product line for a better screen doesn't make much sense. I think I know what's happening, but this is only conjecture on my part...

A couple of months ago, Samsung showed a 9.7" display boasting "retina" level resolutions and approximately double the iPad's display numbers and quadruple the resolution. I think Apple knows that Samsung, Motorola, or perhaps another big company is on track to producing a retina-resolution tablet in the next 6 months, but before the end of the normal iPad product cycle. If someone else one-upped Apple on a retina-display tablet, it would be very embarrassing to Apple - after all, they were the ones who coined the "retina display" term and made a big deal about it with the iPhone 4.

If Apple doesn't update the iPad 2 with a retina display mid-cycle, someone else like Samsung is going to beat Apple to the party. I've read about how Apple thinks the future is in high density displays and is also moving OS X in that direction. With higher density displays, we can increase the amount and type of information communicated on that display without necessarily increasing its size. There is a much finer granularity to everything, which allows you to do more in a smaller space. This is the direction in which iOS is moving, and if Apple is truly emphasizing this technology internally then it makes sense that it will want the iPad to be the first tablet out there to support a high density "retina" display. Being 1st at something makes you a market leader.

I don't think Apple is doing this because of a need for a "pro" model. You can't do "pro" work on an iPad anyway. I'm guessing there's far more pent up demand for a Mac Pro update than there is for an iPad Pro model. However, an iPad 2 HD at current price levels with a price DROP for regular iPad 2 models would make some sense. All Apple has to do is replace the cameras, up the memory, and change the display panel. That can all probably be done in the existing case and without much modification. It would also line up well with any plans Apple has to allow the Apple TV to play 1080p - the current iPad 2 cannot display 1080 content at full resolution.
 
OSMac said:
Interesting ... whats the source?

I have noticed in Bestbuy a large supply on hand whereas in the past the case was almost empty, but thats just one store be interested to read other reports of this.

Is tablet fever fading?
Click to expand...

The source is reports that manufacturing capacity is increasing. It's not that fever is fading, it's that supplies are up.
 
I just don't see how they can market an iPad pro without completely fragmenting the devices. If the iPad pro has a high resolution display, this means the regular iPad will never have a display that is anywhere near that good. Futhermore, the iPad 2 is already a premium product. Unless they make the iPad Pro out of diamond, I'm not sure how they can make it any more premium than the standard iPad line. The MacBook has a plastic shell, while the pro is aluminum.
 
OldSchoolMacGuy said:
Numbers are showing that iPad 2 supplies are higher than ever. Not looking good for an introduction of a new one unless you're talking 6 months from now (normal refresh time).
Click to expand...

I spent the whole of last week phoning up apple stores every day and wandering the streets of London to find one. Availability is really LOW. I wanted the 64GB 3G but in the end settled for a 32GB as I needed it quickly for work. But it took a week of solid looking and waiting for it.

I can see an additional model being added to the family. It may be smaller and higher res or current size and higher res. I look forward to the day that a 13" or even better, a 15" iPad is available.
 
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned or not, but the only thing I could really see them doing is releasing a 128 GB iPad 2 this fall, which would make a 64 GB iPhone 5 much more likely.
 
The iPad HD makes perfect sense, and these boards seem to be a good example of how Apple needs to serve two different types of Tablet customers.

On one hand you have the Apple defenders. These users literally get angry at anyone who complains about what the iPad "cant" do because they feel that "good enough" is all we need and then proceed to label people who want things like better camera / SD slot / better screens to be "whiners". They simply don't get why we find it important to have so many high end features on a device that's intentionally simplified for a very wide market.

And on the other hand are the iPad HD customers. People who feel the current iPad simplicities are limitations because they see a different potential for what the iPad can do for them. A better onboard camera, high res screens, True video editing (as in, formats straight from a DSLR or HD cam). For us then we love the iPad but we also feels constrained by it's need to be grandma friendly.

So IF an iPad HD would emerge then it would keep the average users happy because the standard iPad would still be awesome and priced affordably. But for the "Pro" user then we'd get the features we're whining for and would be willing to pay for it.

Bring it on Apple. I'm ready to wait in line again.
 
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urkel said:
The iPad 2 HD makes perfect sense, and these boards seem to be a good example of how Apple needs to serve two different types of Tablet customers.

On one hand you have the Apple defenders. These users literally get angry at anyone who complains about what the iPad "cant" do because they feel that "good enough" is all we need and then proceed to label people who want things like better camera / SD slot / better screens to be "whiners". They simply don't get why we find it important to have so many high end features on a device that's intentionally simplified for a very wide market.

And on the other hand are the iPad HD customers. People who feel the current iPad simplicities are limitations because they see a different potential for what the iPad can do for them. A better onboard camera, high res screens, True video editing (as in, formats straight from a DSLR or HD cam). For us then we love the iPad but we also feels constrained by it's need to be grandma friendly.

So IF an iPad HD would emerge then it would keep the average users happy because the standard iPad would still be awesome and priced affordably. But for the "Pro" user then we'd get the features we're whining for and would be willing to pay for it.

Bring it on Apple. I'm ready to wait in line again.
Click to expand...

I agree with you, but wonder if the iPad HD is going to be able to reach that market. Reports I've read just have the iPad 2 HD having an upgraded display, and that's about it. I don't think that's enough to really get to this "pro" market they want to target. I personally don't own an iPad yet, but I don't think it will be powerful enough to even come close to true editing. I'm not even sure that technologically that's even possible at this time. At least not with keeping the form factor and anything near the current battery life.
 
AZREOSpecialist said:
While I would love an iPad 2+/HD/Pro/Whatever, splitting the product line for a better screen doesn't make much sense. I think I know what's happening, but this is only conjecture on my part...

A couple of months ago, Samsung showed a 9.7" display boasting "retina" level resolutions and approximately double the iPad's display numbers and quadruple the resolution. I think Apple knows that Samsung, Motorola, or perhaps another big company is on track to producing a retina-resolution tablet in the next 6 months, but before the end of the normal iPad product cycle. If someone else one-upped Apple on a retina-display tablet, it would be very embarrassing to Apple - after all, they were the ones who coined the "retina display" term and made a big deal about it with the iPhone 4.

If Apple doesn't update the iPad 2 with a retina display mid-cycle, someone else like Samsung is going to beat Apple to the party. I've read about how Apple thinks the future is in high density displays and is also moving OS X in that direction. With higher density displays, we can increase the amount and type of information communicated on that display without necessarily increasing its size. There is a much finer granularity to everything, which allows you to do more in a smaller space. This is the direction in which iOS is moving, and if Apple is truly emphasizing this technology internally then it makes sense that it will want the iPad to be the first tablet out there to support a high density "retina" display. Being 1st at something makes you a market leader.

I don't think Apple is doing this because of a need for a "pro" model. You can't do "pro" work on an iPad anyway. I'm guessing there's far more pent up demand for a Mac Pro update than there is for an iPad Pro model. However, an iPad 2 HD at current price levels with a price DROP for regular iPad 2 models would make some sense. All Apple has to do is replace the cameras, up the memory, and change the display panel. That can all probably be done in the existing case and without much modification. It would also line up well with any plans Apple has to allow the Apple TV to play 1080p - the current iPad 2 cannot display 1080 content at full resolution.
Click to expand...

I'll say that an iPad Pro is possible. As you stated, Samsung has been showing a higher resolution display. It is not an i-ps type so it produces lower image quality. However, if not Samsung then someone will sooner or later come out with a double resolution tablet. If Apple does it first it gets a lot attention and beats back the competition. If they wait a year or two then they are a me-too product.

I would disagree about not doing pro work on the iPad. At this point you may be doing only minor editing of material on the iPad you can certainly use the iPad to show your results. If the iPad has a 2048 x 1536 display it will be a fantastic tool for professionals in many areas to view and exhibit high resolution data. Think medical x-rays, MRIs, TEM images, SEM images, x-ray maps, geological maps and more not to mention professional photographers.

One more thing may be driving Apple and that is the rumor that they will start selling 1080P content this fall. It would be nice to have the iPad be able to view that, if only to be able to say that all products larger than the iPhone can view HD content.

I don't think the screens are a big problem for Apple. The iPhone has higher resolution than this in pixels per inch and many displays larger than the iPad have i-ps technology. No one has made this particular size yet so that required new tooling, but not dramatically new technology. The big issue, IMHO, is the electronic package. This screen will need a beefier CPU and GPU. Will that be ready by fall?
 
What do you guys estimate this tablet to be priced? If there are 64gb 3G iPad 2 already at $829, how much is this pro one going to cost? I figure minimum $999. Personally, while I would love an upgraded screen, iPad 2 works perfectly for what I need it for. iPhone 5 on the other hand will be a purchase. Still rocking a 3GS.
 
melman101 said:
What do you guys estimate this tablet to be priced? If there are 64gb 3G iPad 2 already at $829, how much is this pro one going to cost? I figure minimum $999. Personally, while I would love an upgraded screen, iPad 2 works perfectly for what I need it for. iPhone 5 on the other hand will be a purchase. Still rocking a 3GS.
Click to expand...

If a pro model is $999 for the 16 gig, it'll be a massive failure. I think it's dangerous for a tablet to cost more than a "good" laptop. I realize they are for different markets and have different uses, but I don't think a $1k+ tablet will succeed. Granted, I'd buy one regardless, but I think I'm in the minority.
 
tstarks33 said:
If a pro model is $999 for the 16 gig, it'll be a massive failure. I think it's dangerous for a tablet to cost more than a "good" laptop. I realize they are for different markets and have different uses, but I don't think a $1k+ tablet will succeed. Granted, I'd buy one regardless, but I think I'm in the minority.
Click to expand...
I think if a $999 iPad HD came out at launch that model would be a possible failure because, at the time, nobody knew how a tablet fit in their lives and workflow. But with how things wnt then people got introduced to a $600 tablet, realized its shortcomings and asked for more. So at this point it seems like the perfect upgrade and a success for those who have higher aspirations for what they can do on a Tablet.

I'm buying a new MBA after the refresh specifically for the mobility because the current iPad can't do what I want so that's that's $1500 (air) + $600 (iPad 2). But if an HD comes out and is loaded with features I want then $999 (iPad HD) would be a "bargain" that I'd gladly pay.
 
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Honestly, I think if they do come out with the iPad pro is will be $999+ for 64GB WIFi. Maybe $1129 for 3G. Let's see.

Anyway I'm not upgrading as I said. iPad 2 64GB 3G is plenty great for me. :)
 
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