Maybe it had to happen: After launching the iPod and iPhone, Apple recently introduced another product in its “i” series: the iPad. The iPad is a “tablet computer” that is very similar in function to Apple’s iPod Touch. Basically, a tablet is what its name suggests: a flat mobile computer with a touch screen or electronic pen. Apple plans to launch the Wi-Fi version of the iPad in March 2010 and the Wi-Fi + 3G model during the following month.
iPad Specifications
Here are some of the key iPad specs you should know about:
Height: 9.56 inches
Width: 7.47 inches
Depth: 0.5 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds (Wi-Fi)
1.6 pounds (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Screen size: 9.7 inches
Pixel resolution: 1024 x 768
Capacity: 16GB/32GB/64GB flash drive
Processor: 1 gigahertz
Accessories: stand, keyboard stand, case, camera connection kit
Advantages of the iPad
1. Look and feel.
One of the main benefits of the iPad is that it looks great, which it shares with the iPod and iPhone. If you liked how those previous products fit in your hand, you’ll definitely be satisfied with the iPad. The touchscreen interface nicely complements the larger screen, allowing you to conveniently use the variety of iPad apps.
2. Speed.
In this information age we live in, we need a constant flow of information. With iPad, you can easily browse the web, open multiple apps, resize windows, and more. In fact, users will be delighted with how quickly and easily they can use the wide variety of applications that the iPad has to offer.
3. iWork.
With Apple’s iWork office suite, work can become really fun. Whether you need word processing, spreadsheet, or presentation software, iWork can make your work comfortable and convenient. This feature makes iPad more than just a device for surfing the Internet or playing games. Of course, iPad games still remind us of that saying about “all work and no play.”
4. Flexibility.
The iPad basically fuses some of the best elements of the iPhone and the laptop. For example, the larger screen offers more apps than you would with the iPhone. And whether you want to flip through pictures, music, or videos, you can do it much more easily on iPad than through a laptop.
iPad Cons
1. No flash video.
With the iPad, Apple has tried to maximize the efficiency of web browsing and multimedia functions. But one of the results is the lack of flash video embedded in web pages. You will feel like something is missing from your web browsing, because it is!
2. Battery life.
The official word from Apple is 10 hours. But if you use apps like video, expect that figure to be significantly lower.
3. Multitasking (or lack thereof).
In particular, the iPad lacks a webcam, or even a basic digital camera!
4. Not original name.
You might have guessed its name before Apple provided it.
Basically, if you were a fan of the iPod and iPhone, then you’ll probably love the iPad. If you’re not one of those people, then the iPad could be an iFlop.
