Where does the iPad fit into the world of Smartphones and computers? It is in fact a tablet computer designed by Apple. A very successful invention created mainly for audio-visual media. The more you delve into the world of the iPad the more you realise that it really can be used across the board.
While it’s more popular in the consumer market, it is proving to be quite handy in business, with everyone from medical professionals having patient information at hand, to managers approving requests on the run. Not only is the iPad an assistant to the professionals, it’s also a teacher and has been praised for its valuable skills in homeschooling and the classroom, with around 81% of the iBook apps catering to children.
Weighing in at 1.5 pounds it has the ability to run applications designed specifically for the iPad and also all iPhone apps, with its 25cm fingerprint and scratch resistant screen; it’s perfect for those who can’t get enough of their iPhone and need more.
Most of them run on a WiFi data connection, but you can get a 3G wireless data connection that can connect to high speed packet access data networks. It is managed by iTunes via USB on a PC, and only has four physical buttons which include the home button, volume control, as well as awake/sleep modes and a mute button.
Unlike the iPhone, the iPad has screen rotation in all four directions, meaning that it has no true “home” orientation.
There are however a few restrictions that could make hardcore techies doubtful. It only has fixed memory capacity of 16GB, 32GB or 64GB with no option to expand that. And it only runs its own software iOS 4.2
iOS currently doesn’t have the ability to do file transfers through Bluetooth, and although it has a wired connection to an Apple dock it lacks USB ports and Ethernet capabilities of standard larger computers. It can be charged at full power on the newer Apple computers via USB, but lacks full charging capabilities through USB charging on standard USB ports. It should be charged using a 10 watt power adapter which is included with purchase.
Apple claim that the battery provides at least 10 hours of video, 140 hours of audio playback or one month on standby. And like its family members the battery has not been designed to be replaced by users, instead Apple will replace your iPad with a refurbished one for a fee.
On August 2010 websites divulged information on a new 2nd generation iPad. Claiming the new handheld would have front and rear camera with a thinner, rounder shape and possibly 120GB capacity. Rumours of a smaller 7inch screen were squashed by CEO Steve Jobs stating that 10inches is the smallest a tablet screen could be while still being able to express the software.
Of course it comes standard with a number of apps that you would expect to find on receiving your iPad such as: Mail, photos and video, iPod and iTunes, iBooks, maps, and You Tube. A lot of them you might recognise as improved versions of those of the iPhone.
The iPad is also following suit with its apps, as there were reported to be 25000 apps specific to iPad in Sept 2010.
On the gaming front, I’ve read a number of blogs that commented it might potentially be the best handheld gaming device to date, and personally knowing a couple of people who own one and thoroughly enjoy the gaming confirm it in my opinion.
I’m almost certain that anyone who owns an iPad will become increasingly attached to it, and will not take their hands off its groomed physique. But in the event of loss or theft, it has one of the most ingenious features I’m surprised was not invented years ago. Find my iPad allows you to find your iPad on a map, display a message on the screen and create a passcode lock while you delete all your data remotely. And if/when your iPad is returned to you, it’s all easily restored from your last backup.
This incredibly fun and handy device was Selected by Time magazine as one of the Best inventions of 2010 and got ‘Top gadget’ by Popular Science.
It is however a pricey device, that won’t replace my PC or my phone. As a gift I would never turn it down, but parting with my hard earned cash for something that will only bring me occasional pleasure? I’m not sure. There are just so many nifty gadgets out there today it would be a tough decision. I think if it was cheaper it would be a stronger contender.