IPad: Difference between revisions

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The iPad is a tablet computer developed by Apple Inc.^[2] It features multi-touch interaction with print, video, photo, and audio multimedia, internet browsing, and runs most current iPhone OS apps.^[1] The device has an LED-backlit 9.7-inch (25 cm)^[4] multi-touch in-plane switching color display running at XGA resolution made by Innolux, a subsidiary of Foxconn.^[2][5][6] Steve Jobs has intended for the iPad to redefine the textbook, newspaper, and television industries in much the same way the iPod reshaped the music business.^[7] Prices for models in the United States range from US$499 to US$829 depending on the amount of storage and inclusion of 3G access. ^[1]

Development of a tablet computer by Apple began with the creation and introduction of the Newton based MessagePad 100 in 1993. Part of this development process lead to the creation of the ARM6 core as a collaboration between Apple and Acorn Computers. Apple had at the same time developed a prototype tablet computer named the PenLite but did not release it as it did not wish to affect Newton sales. Several more Newton based PDAs were introduced until the MessagePad 2100, the final in the series of Apple PDAs, was discontinued in 1998.

Redevelopment of tablet computer prototypes within Apple began as early as 2000. Apple CEO Steve Jobs killed the project twice, once due to insufficient battery life, and again due to inadequate memory^[8]. After returning to Apple from his medical leave, Jobs devoted most of his attention at Apple to completing the device, striking deals with print media companies before the product's announcement.

The product was announced on January 27, 2010 at an Apple press conference at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.^[1][9] The device's imminent release had been rumored for several months with iSlate and iTablet among speculated names.^[10]The iPad culminates on the development of many of Apple's projects, including multi-touch technology developed for the iPhone and iPod Touch that Apple had gained from its acquisition of FingerWorks in 2005, and processor expertise from its acquisition of P.A. Semi in 2008.^{[11] [12]}

The iPad is to be available for sale in the United States at the end of March (Wi-Fi version) and end of April (Wi-Fi + 3G version) 2010.^[13] International 3G prices are to be announced summer 2010.^[14]

3G will be provided in the U.S. by AT&T and sold with two prepaid contract-free data plan options: US$14.99/month for 250 MB and $29.99/month for unlimited.^[15][16]

• Wi-Fi (via Skyhook)
• Digital compass
• Assisted GPS (3G model)
• Cellular (3G model)

• Multi-touch Touchscreen display
• Volume rocker
• Dock connector
• Mute button
• Home button
• 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack
• Built-in speakers
• Microphone
• micro-SIM card tray (3G model only)

• iPad Keyboard Dock with hardware keyboard
• iPad Case, which can be used to stand the iPad in various positions
• iPad Dock
• iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter for external monitor or projector
• iPad Camera Connection Kit for transferring photos (PTP)
• iPad USB Power Adapter

The iPad comes with the following applications: Safari, Mail, Photos, Video, YouTube, iPod, iTunes, App Store, iBooks, Maps, Notes, Calendar and Contacts. The iPad will also run most third-party iPhone applications unmodified, either enlarged to fit the display or within an iPhone sized area within the screen.^[17]

The iPad uses the iBooks application to download content in the ePub format from the iBookstore.^[13]

A modified mobile version of Apple's iWork for the iPad, including Pages, Numbers and Keynote, is to be sold separately at $9.99 for each program from the App Store.

Gizmodo's blog lists the drawbacks of the iPad as the lack of a camera, multitasking, Flash animation and compatibility with T-Mobile 3G in the U.S.^[18] Yair Reiner said the iPad will compete in the market against dedicated e-book devices such as the Barnes & Noble nook and the Amazon Kindle while offering 70% of revenue to publishers, the same arrangement afforded developers of the App Store.^[19]

Tech reporter Leo Laporte offered a mixed initial review on his uStream feed, noting the iPad's fast responsiveness as well as the lack of a camera, video output, USB or firewire ports, and multitasking (specifically the inability to run a chat app with other applications at the same time).^[20] He also referred to the "locked down", closed nature of the device, both in terms of the restricted app approval process from Apple (particularly the lack of Skype). Laporte also referenced protesters at the announcement who were not happy at Apple's "full control" of the software. He concluded that the iPad should be viewed as an "appliance" for media consumers, not really a computer in the traditional sense.

• iPad official site
• Apple Special Event January 2010 Apple Inc. January 27, 2010
• iMac to iPad: 12 years of big-time Apple innovations
• First Impressions of the New Apple iPad Walter S. Mossberg, All Things Digital, January 27, 2010