Unless you have been living under a rock for the past two weeks, you should have heard about the expected launch of Apple’s upgraded tablet PC, the iPad2. With growing pressure from companies such as Motorola and HP, who have recently launched their own tablets, the Xoom and TouchPad respectively, the much anticipated upgrade to Apple’s phenomenally successful iPad would be right on time.
Despite last-quarter sales in excess of 7 million units, the newest tablets have revealed the iPad’s weaknesses. It just isn’t as exciting as it was when it was launched a year ago. The iPad is obsolete.
Obsolete? Yes, and here’s why:
1. Its has a small display
Apple’s iPad comes with a 9.7-inch display, which has, until now, been the largest on offer when buying a tablet PC. But, last week Motorola launched the Xoom, which comes with a 10.1-inch display. Samsung has announced a Galaxy Tab model with a 10.1-inch screen. Right now, Apple’s iPad has less screen space than its top competitors. This is not a terrible drawback, but some customers may be attracted to a different device, simply because a bigger screen appeals to them.
2. Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system combines the touch screen control that consumers expect in a tablet operating system with the added functionality of a desktop computer. It includes an improved keyboard, full Internet browsing and a new Action Bar for contextual application options.
3. Dual cameras
Many of the latest tablet PCs, including the Motorola Xoom, offer dual cameras. Except the iPad. With the help of dual cameras, users can snap pictures, record video, and do much more than they can on the iPad. The rumors are that the iPad 2 will come with dual cameras. But until it’s announced, its predecessor looks to be outdated.
4. Dual-core processors
Apple’s iPad lacks a dual-core processor that some of its competitors offer. Dual-core processors deliver better performance, making the device quicker and more capable of handing multi-tasking. The current iPad’s processor just doesn’t measure up when compared to the competition.
5. The full browsing experience
One of the major issues with Apple’s iPad is that its Safari browser doesn’t deliver the full browsing experiencing those on the desktop offer. For one, it lacks Flash support. It also doesn’t have real tabbed browsing. In Android 3.0 Honeycomb, tabbed browsing is available. Those who have used the platform say the browsing is top-notch.
6. The Motorola Xoom
As many of the items above have noted, the Motorola Xoom seems to be one of the more promising iPad alternatives on store shelves. The device comes with a 10.1-inch display, Android 3.0 Honeycomb, dual cameras, a dual-core processor, and many other features that the current iPad doesn’t have. A solid argument can be made for why all of its features make the current iPad obsolete.
7. 4G
One of the biggest issues with Apple’s iPad is that it only allows users to access AT&T’s network with an additional networking accessory. The tablet can only connect to Verizon’s network with the help of a device like the MiFi 2200 Hotspot. Moreover, it lacks 4G connectivity. Considering several devices, including the upcoming RIM BlackBerry PlayBook, will boast 4G, it would only make sense for folks to consider the WiFi and 3G-only iPad an obsolete alternative.
8. Improved multitasking
When the iPad first launched last year, multitasking wasn’t available. Now, it is. But current iPad owners need to double-click the device’s home button to bring up a display of icons representing apps that are running. It’s multitasking, but exactly how well it’s implemented is up for debate. In Android 3.0 Honeycomb, Google delivers improved multitasking, allowing users to see each app in windows. That effect allows users to see a thumbnail of open apps. It saves users time and generally makes for a better multitasking option. Hopefully that will be addressed in the iPad 2 running iOS 5.
9. Video conferencing
As noted, the current iPad lacks any cameras. So, those who want to snap photos can’t do so. Even worse for enterprise customers and users of Apple’s FaceTime platform, the iPad doesn’t come with a front-facing camera for video conferencing. There’s no telling if video conferencing will take off in the tablet space, but considering the vast majority of devices will deliver front-facing cameras, Apple’s omission is rather glaring.
10. The iPad 2
If there is any new technology in the tablet space that could make the current iPad obsolete, it’s the upcoming iPad 2. Expected to be unveiled at a special press event on Mar. 2, the iPad 2 will likely deliver many of the features current iPad owners are hoping for, including dual cameras, an improved operating system (eventually), and a better processor. There’s a good chance that the device will come with a few surprises that helps push it above the competition. At least right now, the iPad 2 promises to be the top tablet contender in the market. And not even its predecessor will be able to match it.
By Angela Meadon
Big mistake already in the first paragraph: The iPad’s display is actually *larger* than that of the XOOM!
Yes, that’s right. Don’t compare the diagonal. Compare the physical area! That’s what counts for displaying content.
Technical explanation: The devices have different aspect ratio. A 16:10 display equals a 4:3 (= 16:12) display of 93.6% its size. And, by the way, 4:3 is a much better aspect ratio for displaying web content, magazines and books.
My phone is an android. I would prefer an android tablet. My kids are much more invested in and comfortable with iOS thanks to their iPod Touches. Based on this and the non-competitive price of the Zoom with the imminent release of the iPad 2 Apple looks to retain the lead at least through X-mas 2011.
I agree with this article. Android Honeycomb is a real tablet OS that allows the user to use it as more than just a tablet for consumption–that’s all the ipad is, a device to get you to consume more apps via iTunes to get Apple more money. Android tablets can be very functional & productive as well as great consumption devices–with a proper dock it will replace a netbook easily.
The iPad 4:3 screen is a throwback to the 80’s. No one uses 4:3 anymore–there’s a reason HDTV & Monitors are 16:9 these days. It also makes the device difficult to thumb type when in portrait mode unless your Shaquille O’Neal.
As far as “comfortable with iOS,” you can make Android look anyway you like. If you want a grid of icons then do that. If you like widgets then do that. Android is very customizable, iOS is not.
And with a full browser all web apps will function properly on and Android Honeycomb tablet. . . they rarely do on the iPad.
With the hoard of Android Honeycomb tablets coming in 2011 I’m certain that Android will take over the tablet market just at it has the smartphone market, but a lot faster.
Oh where to start with this. Why not at the top:
1. 10.1 to 9.7 isn’t a significant difference. But I’ll give you that one. I don’t expect the iPad II to come with more resolution, but its by far not a show stopper.
2. Honeycomb may be cool and have all kinds of features, but in the demo’s I’ve seen, its probably going to terrify people that can pick up an iPad and use it with no problems. For the power user/computer geek Honeycomb may do the trick. The masses, iOS is easy to use. Its been several years since the iPhone first came out and the other manufacturers still haven’t figured it out.
3. & 4. Wait for about 2 hours or so. Which of course you will probably be able to buy today instead of waiting for all these other tablets to eventually show up.
5. Flash smash. Don’t need it.
6. Hardware wise, the Xoom will be on a level playing ground with the iPad in about 3 hours. And its $200 more! They want my dollars? I need to get it for $200 less than the iPad not MORE!
7. 4G is vaporware at the moment. You have to send it back in for an upgrade later when its available. Who knows in a couple of hours, we could have 4G models of the iPad . . . that are shipping.
8. I’ll give you that one. It might be important on the iPad class devices. I hardly use it on my iPhone4
9. wait 2 hours.
10. of course the iPad 2 is going to obsolete the iPad 1. But it should mean iPad 1s being available even cheaper which gets more people on that platform. Winner? Apple.
I found this whole exercise amusing since the iPad 2 is minutes away from being announced and you’re trying to make the Xoom look good against something thats a year old.
Wow. Incredibly weak story. Don’t bother wasting your time reading it. Have had an iPad since the day it was launched. When something better and more compelling comes out, I will change over. Even iPad2 isn’t all that compelling. For now and I expect for some time to come, iPad remains king.
Wow, seems to me you iPad owners are just a teeny bit emotional about your antiquated technology.
You should look at this link to a superb info-graphic (http://v.gd/oEc2OU) which compares four of the most popular tablet PC’s currently available. The iPad2 is not included, but the first gen device is clearly outclassed by the competition. And, the iPad2 does nothing new. It merely brings Apple’s tablet in line with the competition.
Personally, I’d prefer a Xoom or a Playbook.