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 The iPad is obsolete.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 But until it’s announced, its predecessor looks to be outdated.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
