I know there are lots of threads predicting feature of the next ipad, but I wanted to focus on one particular prediction: when will apple update the ipad?
Certainly, most agree that a refresh will come early in 2011, and so do I. Prediction: February announcement, march release.
But at the same time, I think apple needs to refresh the ipad for the holiday season (just as they do for iPods). For example, if I was really wanting to splurge (or really in the doghouse) I might buy my wife an ipad for Christmas. But—even if inclined to—I wouldn't, because safe money says new ones are 2 months out.
I think the average consumer does care about this somewhat, but it's not effecting ipad sales now because the device/category is so new. Next holiday season, with more competitors and an actual android tablet-ized os, a 10 month old ipad will suffer it's age, particularly as it's more suited to gift giving than a phone.
Any thoughts?
My best guess is small feature update (camera, sd slot, speed bump) in February, followed by something more substantial, perhaps dual cores and higher res screen, in the fall. I think iOS 5 will ship with the next iPhone, but not be ready for the ipad until fall (very early fall, this time).
Also, the 3G premium will go down to $100.
Certainly, most agree that a refresh will come early in 2011, and so do I. Prediction: February announcement, march release.
But at the same time, I think apple needs to refresh the ipad for the holiday season (just as they do for iPods). For example, if I was really wanting to splurge (or really in the doghouse) I might buy my wife an ipad for Christmas. But—even if inclined to—I wouldn't, because safe money says new ones are 2 months out.
I think the average consumer does care about this somewhat, but it's not effecting ipad sales now because the device/category is so new. Next holiday season, with more competitors and an actual android tablet-ized os, a 10 month old ipad will suffer it's age, particularly as it's more suited to gift giving than a phone.
Any thoughts?
My best guess is small feature update (camera, sd slot, speed bump) in February, followed by something more substantial, perhaps dual cores and higher res screen, in the fall. I think iOS 5 will ship with the next iPhone, but not be ready for the ipad until fall (very early fall, this time).
Also, the 3G premium will go down to $100.