Apple iPad
iPhone or iPad? It is a close call which is the most hyped product of all time and you can read my full analysis here. That’s not what Just the Bad Points is about, however, so – in a nutshell – here are the main potential deal breakers in Apple’s new toy…
The preamble: My cult and contentious reviews’ system. Designed as a time saver to highlight the potential deal breakers in a product before you commit to reading lengthy reviews on your favourites sites and/or magazines. For a more detailed description please read: THE RULES
Just the Bad Points Review: Apple iPad
- Apple iPad – the backlash starts here?
- No multi-tasking (just typical iPod/email and push notifications)
- 1024 x 768 pixel display isn’t widescreen video friendly
- No integrated camera [so no augmented reality!]
- No GPS in the WiFi only model!
- Network unlocked, but most networks don’t use the micro SIM format
- The usual limited codec support (AAC, MP3, H.264)
- Mono audio speakers
- Still no Adobe Flash support
- No USB ports
- Non-expandable memory
- Non-removable battery
- No Ethernet Port
- No HDMI/Displayport
- No card reader
- No breakdown of ‘up to’ 10 hours battery life
- Prolonged typing on glass?
- No mains power cable included
- Hardware keyboard dock is kinda handy, but it only holds the iPad in portrait mode
- 242.8 x 189.7 x 13.4mm and 730g (WiFi and 3G) not a huge advantage over 900g/1Kg smartbooks and netbooks given compromises
- $499 starter price is tempting, but $629 (32GB & 3G) is the more realistic minimum, then case, dock and USB/SD card adaptors on top are likely to make this more expensive than any netbook, smartbook or even Intel CULV laptops.
Yep, that’s a big long list for what ultimately turned out to be more of an enlarged iPod touch than enlarged iPhone. Will I be biting? No. I simply can’t see any advantage over ARM’s Linux-based smartbooks, Windows 7-based netbooks, 11.6in CULV laptops or even the iPhone and iPod touch themselves…
