7 things I’d like to see in iPad 2.0
iPad this, iPad that, is iPad good, is iPad bad. The internet cloud has got iPad all over the horizon and much more. But the question to be asked is, is the iPad really worth all the hype that it has created? I think it more of a placebo effect than what really is being portrayed. Tablet PC sounds good and the Apple iPad name isn’t bad either, but is it really worth being called Tablet PC? In my view I think there are lot of things missing that would be enough to think otherwise. This conclusion is not mere criticism of the Apple iPad, rather it's food for thought on what Apple can add to the next version of iPad to make it a thumping Tablet PC.
# Processing power claims are just a gimmick
I have read in many reviews for the iPad that it is 1.5X to 3.9X faster than the iPhone. But I just want to know that why are the comparisons being made with the iPhone when both these devices belong to completely different league. The comparison is somewhat like comparing a cruise bike with a luxury sedan; which is completely an eye wash. So I'd like to see some more power under the iPad's hood in the next version.
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# Multi-tasking is out of question
I can’t believe that a device is being portrayed as Tablet PC and it has redundant multi-tasking support. Now, who would want that while working on one application if a switch over to the other application has to be made, you simply minimize that first application and bring the second application to the front. But, that isn’t possible in the iPad, apart from a couple of system applications.
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# No USB ports and printing options
Lack of USB ports in the iPad is the most confusing and baffling drawback of the iPad. So, computer functionality basics are down in the dumps already. And document printing options are also missing in the iPad, which can be frustrating to say the least. Although there might be direct network printing functionality via iPad apps, it cannot be considered to be a viable printing option while on the go.
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# Lack of camera is a big turn-off
The current Apple iPad version doesn’t come with a built-in camera for webcam like functionality, so it closes the door on many features that come hinged to it. For example, it has no video conferencing, photo clicking, video chat or other applications that come with the camera function.
# It is too heavy; shred the weight a tad
The iPad weights in at 1.5 pounds (Wi-Fi model) and 1.6 pounds (Wi-Fi + 3G model), and this heavy Tablet PC constricts many-a-function for its own good. Like while playing motion-sensor games it would be very awkward to move the heavy iPad to the left-right or up-down axis for long durations. Even while you are holding it with both hands and working on an application the iPad may feel a bit clunky.
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# Voice chat option is still in murky waters
Although there is a microphone and speaker in iPad, still now it is not clear as to how the voice chat would be implemented. The only option for this is to have VoIP apps that will assist in this function for the iPad.
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# Final verdict
Frankly speaking, it is better to stay away from first generation Apple products, as is evident from the past. The Apple iPad is a bit expensive at the starting price of $499 for the 16 GB version ranging up to $829 for the 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G version. Moreover, the features offered in the Apple iPad are good, but not something that can blow you away completely. The next iPad version 2.0 will surely have value for money factor, with Apple having viable inputs on how to improve on the current iPad offering.
