Apple Tablet: iPad

[justfred]

No built in GPS (I think) so you would need to add one (I am not sure how, bluetooth?). No SD/CF card slot for adding maps or downloading photographs. No USB connectivity for external device (Printer, OBDII, card reader etc). Doesn't run a full fledged or open operating system, so existing mapping apps won't work on it. While I definitely like the concept of a table computer, the iPad is no the one I am going to buy.

Probably does have GPS. Peripherals attach by dock connector or bluetooth or wifi. There are existing mapping aps for iPhone which will no doubt be among the first to be upscaled.

My problem is it isn't waterproof, yet, and there isn't a camera-thread mount on the back, but I'm sure that will change.

 

[efuentes]

I like it, maybe not the game changer that everybody was expecting, but think about it, the perfect front end for everyday information consumption. I can see myself reading forums, browsing mags, seeing a quick tv episode. It can also be a Niiice GPS front end.

 

[PathfinderTR]

:lurk:

 

[Rando]

I stand corrected, it does have a GPS:
http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

Probably does have GPS. Peripherals attach by dock connector or bluetooth or wifi. There are existing mapping aps for iPhone which will no doubt be among the first to be upscaled.

My problem is it isn't waterproof, yet, and there isn't a camera-thread mount on the back, but I'm sure that will change.

 

[Ryanmb21]

I'll take one please. Overland Navigator app as well.

 

[chet]

I saw on the specs page they are offering a camera/SD card connection kit! Lets hope they make one for the iphone/touch!

 

[off-roader]

I saw on the specs page they are offering a camera/SD card connection kit! Lets hope they make one for the iphone/touch!

IMHO the USB & SD card slots shouldn't be add on dongles but hey apple has always found ways to make money off their owners.:sombrero:

 

[haven]

Here are a few of the items people thought might be included in the iPad,
but are missing from the 1.0 version:

No daylight screen (e-ink, Pixel Qi). The screen is a standard multi-touch LCD.

No multitasking. It's a single task at a time, like the iPhone.

No built in camera. So no Skype video conferencing without extra hardware.

No support for Flash video. This could change with a software update to the OS.

No flash storage slot. So you can't augment the built in flash memory with a cheap flash card.

No handwriting recognition. Input is only by fingers on a virtual keyboard, or a Bluetooth-attached standard keyboard.

There is a USB port in the dock.

 

[haven]

Interesting how the image of the Apple Tablet in the post that started this thread looks a lot like the real iPad

 

[nwoods]

The lack of camera is really a problem. This device is just begging to be used for video conferencing. I guess you can add one via bluetooth, right? I'm very surprised it has a built in microphone without a camera. I am thinking that they are trying not to kill their own basic Macbook product line?

I also think it actually doesn't look that easy to hold. I am curious about reception issues 1st Gen iPhones with metal backing and if it applies to the iPad at all? While my Phone glass screen has proven very durable, I wonder about the larger, heavier iPad being able to withstand drops and so forth. Clearly, and large bulky case is going to be important!

 

[alosix]

The lack of camera is really a problem. This device is just begging to be used for video conferencing. I guess you can add one via bluetooth, right? I'm very surprised it has a built in microphone without a camera.

I find this telling to be the truth. The app store has been very against any sort of voip or skype style application for the phones.

This thing probably would have been a good fit for my mom if it had the camera to allow skype to work.

 

[Root Moose]

Yes, I'm mildly miffed about the lack of a camera (either forward or back facing).

It's not going to keep me from buying one though. The sooner I can ditch carrying this MacBookPro around the better. I'll add iWork in lieu of MS Office but otherwise this device fits my usage - short of the occasional times I need a real machine for mastering media or doing "unixy things".

 

[efuentes]

I wonder how well does Google Docs?

 

[Rando]

Any idea if the USB port is a host or a client? It seems that expandability is the one thing it is really missing.

There is a USB port in the dock.

 

[haven]

While we have to wait 60 days to get an iPad, we can sign up to receive the iPhone software development kit today. One tidbit: Apple used to restrict 3G VoiP calls from the iPhone. You could make Skype calls over WiFi connection, but not via AT&T. The new SDK removes this restriction.

This change means we'll be able to make and receive voice calls to an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad over the AT&T network without a voice contract!