Laptop News

Apple iPad – Mobile computing redefined

Thumbs Up:

Reasonably priced, data contract is not compulsory, compatible with iWork apps, has 802.11n WiFi built in.

Thumbs Down:

No flash support, no HDMI out,

The Whiz Kid Speaks:

Apple iPad is a web tablet and it is powered with Apple A4 1GHz processor. The operating system is iPhone OS. The iPad comes in three different storage capacities – 16GB, 32 GB and 64GB. 3G supportable versions with same capacities will also be released in May.

Apple iPad has 9.7-inch IPS technology based LCD touch-screen that has 1024×768 pixels resolution. The display features are LED backlight, accelerometer and ambient light sensor. Supported wireless interfaces are Bluetooth 2.1 EDR and IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n. The additional features are Fingerprint resistant oleo-phobic coating, digital compass and charging via USB.

Apple iPad supports digital audio of formats: Apple Lossless, Protected AAC, Audible, AIFF, WAV, MP3 and AAC. In addition, supported digital video formats are H.264 Main Profile Level 3.1 up to 720p and MPEG4 up to 640×480. The iPad supports HTML, DOCX, TXT, RTF, PDF and DOC text file formats. Moreover, image formats of TIFF, PPTX, JPEG, PPT and GIF are supported.

Apple iPad has two interfaces: 1×30pin Docking / port replicator and 1×3.5mm stereo headphone – Mini-phone jack. The supported operating system are Microsoft Windows XP SP3/Vista/Windows 7 or Apple MacOS X 10.5.8 or later. Apple iPad has a lithium polymer battery that has a rated life of 10 hours.

Razzle Dazzle:

Apple iPad is 9.56 inches tall, 7.45 inches wide and 0.5 inch deep and weighs around 1.5 pounds. Its dimension, size and weight gives you a magazine-like feel while taking in the hands.

Inside Dope:

Apple iPad is one of the flagship devices of the Apple Company, which will be released soon. Like iPod, the iPad has already become famous in the market and everyone is talking about it before even before its release. The scheduled date for release of this product is April, 2010. We got our hands on iPad, the manufacturer shipped it to us for review.

Apple iPad has a 9.7-inch touch-screen display that has 1024×768 pixels resolution. Its display is based on IPS (In-plane switching) technology for more viewing angles. The touch-screen is oleo-phobic, glass-covered and LED-backlit. The iPad has a dock adapter for 480p video output, but there is no HDMI support available. The home button sits beneath the screen and works similar to that on iPod and iPhone.

There are matte aluminum wraps on the sides and around the back of Apple iPad that tapers a bit around the edges. The finish of iPad’s aluminum body is similar to that of a MacBook. The back of the iPad does not attract many fingerprints. We are expecting to see numerous screen protectors and cases for the iPad like other Apple products.

The design and layout of ports, switches and buttons around the edges is similar to Apple’s iPhone. The speaker set and 30-pin dock connector are located on the bottom. Mute button and volume rocker sits on right-side of the iPad. A pinhole microphone, headphone jack and screen lock are on the top.

Apple iPad is powered with own manufactured 1GHz processor. It also has an inbuilt compass and support for wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth 2.1 and IEEE 802.11 a/g/b/n. The rated battery life is 10 hours as per Apple. The iPad is available in three storage capacities 16GB for $499, 32 GB for $599 and 64GB for $699.

Apple iPad with 3G data support (microSIM) will release in May with same storage capacity range at $130 extra for each model, like $629 for 16GB+3G, $729 for 32GB+3G and $829 for 64GB+3G. For 3G route, you will also have to subscribe for additional data plan.

iPad is not released yet, our test model was running on iPhone OS 3.2. Apple will hopefully offer upgrades to OS with new features. The iPad is like iPod on steroids.

The applications like Safari browser, YouTube, maps, contacts, calendar, iPod, notes, photos and email are pre-installed on the Apple iPad. The each application has been modified for the large screen size. The contacts and calendar offers split-pane view that allows displaying more contents on the screen. The iPod application behaves and looks like iTunes with multiple library view and capability to create Genius and standard play-lists.

Apple photo application has an impressive makeover. It displays the photo collection as miniature image stacks, which you can unfold, manipulate and browse quickly. You can just press a button to power a photo with digital frame. It also has two dock accessories to import the images to iPad via direct USB transfer and through SD card. The iPad does not have an integrated camera unlike iPod Nano or iPhone.

Apple iPad has new iBook store with traditional iTunes store and App Store. iPad is compatible with numerous existing applications of iPod Touch and iPhone, which will attract various Apple users. You can scale these applications to the size of iPad or use them at the original size. Apple’s developers are still working hard to fit more applications on the large and high-resolution screen of the iPad.

Like in iPod Touch and iPhone, the iTunes in Apple iPad has several download options including audio-books, iTunes U, movie rentals, movies, TV shows, pod-casts and music. Apple might include the iTunes LP format compatibility to the iPad, which is not present in the test model.

Kindle and Nook are gaining popularity in the e-readers category and Apple is aiming to claim its space in the portable reader market with iPad. The iPad has an attractive iTunes style store of e-books and touch screen interface to manipulate the virtual pages. However, it does not offer paper-like e-link technology like others. Apple will offer great offers for digital books like its digital video and music sales.

Apple has first time released iWork mobile suite for the iPad. However, each application will cost 10$ separately. It will be compatible to the desktop version of Mac application suite that also costs $79 separately.

Apple iPad is made to bridge the gap between your computer and smartphone. The smartphone users may think that the iPad is big in size to handle. The normal computer users can use the iPad to read the daily newspapers and also to show off the photos easily without sitting on a desktop computer. The overall features and applications of the Apple iPad are suitable for the new users and tech-savvy guys.

Apple had recently declared iPod Touch as a gaming device. So, this iPad will also attract the game developers to create fantastic games for its platform. As a streamlined laptop, the iPad attractively worth its $499 base price. 3G models in $130 extra with additional monthly data charges; the iPad has one more dimensions of 3G support.

The size of the Apple iPad might be a problem. It is big and cannot fit easily in pocket or small bag. However, this might not bother you much because this new gadget will probably make you drool.

Nitty Gritty:

Apple iPad is the new and latest technology product by the company. It has several features, but bears a big size. If you are fond of new gadgets, especially from Apple and do not mind to carry 9.5-inch tall device, then Apple iPad will worth your precious bucks.