Topic: iPad...meh

[BlackNMild2k1]

Also, since AT&T is Verizon's only real competition, don't be surprised if Verizon changes its data terms to something very similar.

Or uses that against them like the 3G map.

Look at the major price changes of the two companies in recent years; they align pretty closely. It's more or less collusion, but the government hasn't called them on it yet. If Verizon is indeed getting Apple's devices this year they'll probably wait to change it until after that, but it seems to me that it's inevitable.

Maybe, but Verizon has just recently been taking it to AT&T's front door with the ad campaign, so I wouldn't be surprised if they used it against them. And for the fact that Verizon is working with Google to get their own Android/Chrome (Androme/Chromedroid) tablet, I don't think they are too confident about getting Apple to drop the exclusivity anytime within the next 12 months.

[MegaByte]

And there's the fact that Verizon is publicly stating that don't planning on supporting them in the immediate future.

[TJ Spyke]

We all know that doesn't matter much; companies deny stuff all the time, even right before confirming it.

[NWR_insanolord]

 

And there's the fact that Verizon is publicly stating that don't planning on supporting them in the immediate future.

Yeah, but Verizon wouldn't say that they were talking with Apple even if they were. Apple has cut off relations with companies for lesser breaches of its secrecy, and is most likely particularly on edge about that right now because of all the recent leaks.

Verizon would be crazy not to want the iPhone. The iPhone OS is still growing at a faster pace than Android, despite its significant lead in install base and the fact that it's been out longer, and the impending release of the new model means that won't change anytime soon. The iPhone is one of very few things that any other American cell provider has over Verizon (basically just that and Sprint's 4G network); if they were to get it, they would have an insurmountable lead over everyone else.

[BlackNMild2k1]

And there's the fact that Verizon is publicly stating that don't planning on supporting them in the immediate future.

Yeah, but Verizon wouldn't say that they were talking with Apple even if they were. Apple has cut off relations with companies for lesser breaches of its secrecy, and is most likely particularly on edge about that right now because of all the recent leaks.

Verizon would be crazy not to want the iPhone. The iPhone OS is still growing at a faster pace than Android, despite its significant lead in install base and the fact that it's been out longer, and the impending release of the new model means that won't change anytime soon. The iPhone is one of very few things that any other American cell provider has over Verizon (basically just that and Sprint's 4G network); if they were to get it, they would have an insurmountable lead over everyone else.

Which is exactly why AT&T won't let that exclusivity go. It's the only reason people have to stick with them over Verizon or the cheaper (than both) Sprint.

[NWR_insanolord]

AT&T will do anything it can to hold onto the exclusivity, but if Apple wants it to end (as it should, given AT&T's current state), it will end. The terms of the deal between AT&T and Apple aren't public, so all we have at this point is speculation. If the exclusivity is going to end before the end of this year, though, we should hear about it next week at WWDC.

[BlackNMild2k1]

It was rumored to end this year, but I'm not holding my breath and I'm not sure I really care either since I don't plan on getting an iPhone.

[NWR_insanolord]

Verizon users with no desire for an iPhone should probably hope for AT&T to retain exclusivity, as Verizon getting the iPhone would only serve to add significant traffic to its network and slow it down for everyone.

[gbuell]

They're not charging for iPod Touch owners to upgrade the OS anymore... looks like changing the accounting rules actually did what people expected it to.

[BlackNMild2k1]

iPad2 specs leaked by Amazon?

http://www.gadgetsdna.com/ipad-2-specifications-leaked-by-amazon/9206/

The purported image clearly suggests that the iPad 2 will have Thunderbolt, a camera for FaceTime video calling and 1.2GHz CPU and will be released on March 17.

Spec sheet of Apple iPad 2:

9.7-inch screen (same as the current iPad)
1.2 GHz CPU
Wi-Fi
Thunderbolt
Camera
Bluetooth

pic at the link

[NWR_insanolord]

Thunderbolt's interesting; Apple's really pushing it. Other than that, it's what everybody expected. Word on the street, though, is the iPad 3 is coming later this year, and is supposed to be the big improvement, as opposed to the basic iteration of this model. That's not sarcasm based on Apple's tendencies, those are real rumors, coming from multiple sources.

[nickmitch]

Well, considering the iPad2 allegedly had a few features cut at the last minute (SD slot and retina display of note), I wouldn't be too suprised. Plus, Apple was said to be embrasing or working on 4G devices by the Verizon CEO. So, who knows?

[gbuell]

Hope they bump up the RAM, ideally to 1GB. Ridiculous that it currently has less than the iPhone 4.

[BranDonk Kong]

If those specs are real...meh. One of Apple's biggest flaws is that each generation of hardware can't really overpower the previous generation by a lot. With 4-core CPUs in mobile phones only being a few months away, a 1.2Ghz iPad (while the streamlined OS makes it run very well) just seems weak. It won't appear that way, since everything will be developed to work on exactly those specs though. I'm more interested in the HTC Thunderbolt (which is more powerful than the iPad, and will probably be quite comparable to the iPad 2, if not better...and it's a phone) than Apple's new thunderbolt connector.

[BranDonk Kong]

Well the specs have been revealed, and the "leaked" specs aren't even close. 9x faster graphics, dual core 1Ghz CPU...still overpriced. Not in the market for anything like this, but I've got to admit it does sound like a huge improvement over the original - 1080p output for everything too.

[gbuell]

Well the specs have been revealed, and the "leaked" specs aren't even close. 9x faster graphics, dual core 1Ghz CPU...still overpriced. Not in the market for anything like this, but I've got to admit it does sound like a huge improvement over the original - 1080p output for everything too.

What do you think the right price for this is? And, whatever number you give me, why aren't competing tablets coming out at that price?

[BlackNMild2k1]

so what are the specs?

[TJ Spyke]

It weighs 1.33 pounds (compared to 1.5 for the original)
Resolution is the same for both (1014 x 768) but now has LED backlighting
It is slightly smaller (9.5 x 7.31 x 0.34 compare to 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.52)
The processor upgraded from A4 to A5
512MB RAM (compare to 256 for first)
Front and rear camera, with the back being HD at 720p
Now supports HSUPA
Gyroscope
Supports HDMI video out
In black or white
Prices have gone UP (the original ranged from $399-$729, the iPad 2 ranges from $499-$829)

I don't really consider that worth upgrading for owners of the original iPad, and I am not sure the new stuff is worth the extra $100 for people looking to get an iPad.

[BlackNMild2k1]

With the rumors of iPad 3 before Xmas, it would be best to just wait anyways.

[NWR_insanolord]

The original iPad was $499-$829. The price hasn't changed.

[TJ Spyke]

You are right, I was going by a spec comparison on The Mac Observer.

[nickmitch]

RAM for the iPad 2 wasn't mentioned in the announcement. It's also listed as "?" on Endgadget.

[gbuell]

Yeah, I think that RAM number is speculative. It probably is 512, which would match the iPhone 4, though it would be nice if it was 1 GB. We will find out as soon as people get it in their hands.

[Stogi]

Wow that's disappointing. Not enough changes to make me purchase one, but I'm sure people will gobble it up and that's why it's disappointing.

There are phones already out that have more power, resolution (pixel density), more battery life and sheer options than this new iPad (oh and they support flash). Again, I have no idea why anyone (I was going to say "except the travel heavy" but not even them this time) would buy one.

Again, I wouldn't even keep it if it were a gift.

You know what I want Apple to make? A clam style IPad except this clam can fold back on itself like a paper notebook. Make one side LCD with a retina display and the other side Color E-ink. Let me be able to turn off either display independently. If I'm only running the E-ink side, let the battery life last for days. Make both screens touch screen so I can etch notes on the E-ink side or vice versa.

I would buy that.

[TJ Spyke]

I have an iPad, and I do enjoy it. So I wouldn't say it's not worth buying one, I just don't think it's worth upgrading if you already own the original iPad.