April is coming and so is the upcoming Apple iPad tablet device. No word yet on when the device will actually hit store shelves, but we have received reports that it will take late up to late April before we see the gadget on sale.
This report comes as a bit of a letdown since the US release of the tablet will be significantly earlier: April 3. While we might have to wait a few extra weeks, the device will still be the same. Those in the US hoping to get a non-3G version of the iPad will have to wait until the UK launch as the non-3G versions are still reported to be unavailable.
The reasons for the delays and unavailability of the non-3G version have led many to believe that Apple’s China based manufacturers have encountered some form of production problems. No word yet on what the problem specifically is, though some have expressed worries that the iPad’s parts may have a high breakdown rate –just like the batteries of the early generation iPods.
In any case, the launch of the iPad will still push through and Vodafone will be offering the device to its clients. Orange Mobile UK has also expressed interest in subsidizing the tablet, though no confirmations have been given.
Specs wise, this tablet really does float somewhere between a smart phone and a net book. It supports apps for the iPhone and the iPod Touch; it has a 9.7 inch capacitive touch screen and a 1GHz processor. It is a fast, reliable device for accessing the net, working on small documents, reading eBook and even playing games. So far, the Apple tablet has no multi tasking capabilities –a feature which many hope will be included later.
Get to know more about the release date for the iPad at Times Online UK.
The name for Apple’s touch screen tablet has always been the center of many bad jokes and puns. Even before an official name came out, the speculations alone were more than enough to make our most austere reader’s ears turn red.
Now, Steve Jobs has finally given the official christening of the newfangled gizmo and we have to say, any joke the iPad receives is well received. First off, the tablet shares the name of a series of women’s padded push up bras made by a Canadian lingerie company. Second, the name conjures images of ladies’ overnight napkins.
Hip Handmaids, from Etsy, have recently decided that since the joke was so fun to hear, why not make a product based on it?
The creative team quickly went all out and created the iMaxi -an all purpose carry all case for the iPad in the shape of a giant napkin complete with wings and pad grooves. While this may seem like a novelty joke (and some women might feel offended by it), it actually does work. Sanitary napkins after all, have been designed to give total support and comfort.
Obviously, real napkins are made to guard against leaks and carry cases are supposed to protect from small impacts. The iMaxi’s “pseudo absorbent” area is actually a heavily padded shock protector. The “wings” spread out in order to fully wrap and support the touch screen tablet. Overall, it is a well designed carry case that should give you and a few of your more open minded friends a good laugh.
Of course, if you really want to go shocking, the Hip Handmaids are also offering the iMaxi with an all red interior pad –perfect for that time of the month.
See the iMaxi iPad carry case and get know its details at Pocket Lint.
The software development kit for the Apple iPad came out just a few days ago and the developers have been uncovering all kinds of amazing things about Apple’s new bid for market dominance (which, like the iPhone, will most probably succeed).
Around the same time that the SDK came out, people starting bringing out images of Steve Jobs’ unveiling of the tablet. The zoom in showed what might be a camera on top of the device Steve was using in the demo. While having a camera is not part of the known features of the iPad, it can also be a little surprise that Apple plans to announce when the device becomes commercially available.
Some have also pointed out the possibility that while this current version of the iPad may not have the camera, later version will (such as the rumored larger iPad 2). Also, it is possible that the camera will come as a part of the 3G version of the iPad –just like GPS which is not present in the non-3G version.
Now, developers tweaking around with the SDK have confirmed that Apple has made provisions for camera functions. One screenshot clearly shows an option to “take photo” –a reference that infers to an existing camera to be used.
Since the demonstration units given to the press at the launch of the device did not feature the camera (it was the non-3G version to go circled around), many cannot confirm if the device will actually have a camera when it finally comes out on retail. With features such as multitasking and flash compatibility still not present, there could be more added unto the device later.
The Telegraph UK has the full story on the iPad camera.
When the Nexus One launched, it did not take long before talks of a potential Nexus Two or Nexus 1.5 popped up. Technology loves its successors and sequels and it makes perfect sense that we are always waiting for the next big thing. Anyway, it turns out that there really will be a Nexus two and that the idea of a keyboard toting Google phone is not far from reality.
Now take that same example and apply it to the rumors regarding the iPad.
Less than a full week since Steve Jobs unveiled the Apple iPad, rumors that a much larger device similar to the iPad will be launched. Where the iPad was much closer to a mobile phone in specs, the new iPad 2 would be much more similar to a Mac.
Another set of rumors pointed to the iSight being present in the iPad Steve Jobs was holding during the unveiling of the Apple tablet. Images of the iPad’s internal frame showed a slot just about the right size for the iSight camera, though it can also be the ambient light sensor. Officially, Apple has not included the iSight as part of the iPad’s specs though they can spring it on us as a last minute surprise when the device becomes available for retail.
As for the news regarding the iPad 2, it is a very probable possibility that a more powerful version of the iPad is already in the works; though a tablet with such high end specs would be geared more towards attracting the niche market of tech lovers rather than general users. There are already plenty of reports stating that Apple is already far along the development work on their next tablet device.
Go to Pocket Lint the read the full story on these iPad related rumors.
After a few days of wondering when the much coveted Apple tablet will actually in the UK, it has finally been announced that the iPad 3G will be arriving the UK in April.
Of course, this means that the non-3G version will be made available at a slightly earlier time than that (estimates place a launch at late March). Right now, the big question is whether a mobile network operator has managed to snag an exclusivity deal for the device. With 3G network connectivity being a major issue; it would certainly help to have choices to choose from.
In the US, it has been reported that AT&T’s 3G network is far from capable of handling the needs of the iPad. This comes as a major blow to the network provider who has already been the target of criticisms from iPhone users regarding slow, congested and unstable 3G connections.
In the UK however, things are a little different. While O2 has had its share of complaints from iPhone users, the general consensus is that local 3G networks are far more capable and prepared for the heavy bandwidth users. At the very least, Vodafone’s efforts in strengthening their network for their iPhone launch this January has enabled the network operator to keep up with 3G demands. Just a week back, they re-released the Femtocell Sure Signal 3G booster that uses broadband connections to provide 3G in homes where 3G signals are weak.
The Apple iPad comes with a 9.7 inch touch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels and is capable of handling games, EBooks, browsing and other functions. It is powered by a 1GHz A4 processor though it does not have multi tasking capabilities.
For more details on the scheduled launch of the iPad in the UK, go to Tech Radar.
January 27 has been a very happy day for Apple, or at least for Steve Jobs. The Apple iPad launch has been a very successful event and from the initial looks of things, people are looking forward to seeing the potential of the new tablet.
Now, let us take a couple of steps back and see why it actually makes sense to spend some hard earned cash on a tablet even though devices such as 3G smart phones and net books already exist.
Imagine sitting at the breakfast table in the morning. Now you want to read the news. Obviously, the most comprehensive news you will find will be online, on your computer; but there is hardly any space on your table to pop it up. This leaves you with either your mobile phone’s RSS reader or the morning paper.
Now imagine having another alternative, the Apple iPad. It is small enough to leave lying around the dining area or your living room. It is slim and light, if you can manage to flip open a newspaper in the dining table, you can handle the tablet. Despite its size, it delivers a complete desktop browsing experience.
For this alone, the iPad is already a very invaluable item to have at home. In fact, it would make perfect sense to have one for almost every individual in the house. Web browsing is not the only function it can do too. The iPad comes with iWork for handling documents making it the perfect accompaniment to a student or for quickly handling office work. The tablet also works great for people who love reading eBooks as well.
Overall, the iPad is a sign of many things to come; devices such as Apple’s tablet will certainly change the way we live in the future.
The Apple iPad is definitely going to be more of a home use device than a portable gadget. But will people adapt to this new technology or is having a net book a much better idea?
McGraw-Hill certainly thinks that the much rumoured Apple iPad has its place in our future. The major corporation just confirmed to the world that they are working with Apple in order to convert published material into the tablet.
The prevalence of E-Book readers, the Kindle and other similar devices is a definite sign that there is a solid market for devices that let your read books. And it seems like these devices might be seeing a major competitor in the form of the iPad.
Will the tablet be a successful digital book reader? It seems most certainly so. The device is slim and light; and judging from Apple’s history with hand touch screens we can expect the controls and the overall graphic capabilities of the device to be top notch.
Some reports are already discussing as to whether the device has enough hardware to run some high end games, and with companies such as EA having tie ups with Apple, that possibility will come true.
The news that McGraw-Hill brings makes us all wonder if the device will come packed with a small library of ready to read books or if they will be having a specialized online E-Book store for tablet users.
The iPad itself has already garnered praise from renowned individuals such as the former president of Google China, Kaifu Lee. The man is respected for his work in Microsoft as the vice president of interactive services and his handling of Google China from 2005 to 2009.
Catch the video of McGraw-Hill’s statement from Into Mobile.
