Apple iPad the basics
28 Jan 2010
Category: Feature
Source: APA Digital
Here's your quickie guide to the new Apple iPad
What is it? - Essentially it is a laptop style computer that doesn't have a physical keyboard. Instead all the controls are operated via a touch screen, just like the one on the iPhone. According to Apple CEO Steve Jobs it is designed to fill the gap between a smartphone and a laptop. It has a 9.7inch screen and is available in several different permutations depending on how much storage a user requires.
So does it work like a PC? - Well in many ways yes. You can do all kinds of things on the iPad that you can do on your PC or Mac such as create copy, send and receive email and surf the web. The big difference is that it uses a version of the operating system that was developed for the iPhone, so it is a little underpowered compared to your average PC. It also has a lot less storage too.
So what are its main functions? - As it is built around a web browser most of its core features are online ones. It hooks up wirelessly via Wi-Fi or 3G and then allows the user to surf the web, stream or download audio and video content, play games and undertake basic work tasks. Think of it as a iPhone with a much larger screen. It is compatible with a host of apps (applications) that have been developed for the iPhone. So, for example, you can check you bank balance using the Nat West app or plan your evening using Time Out. There are over 140,000 apps available and all will apparently work on the iPad.
Why is it of special interest to publishers? - Apple also introduced a new concept which it is calling iBook. This is a new ereader system for the device which will offer a range of books from a number of high profile publishers. iPad owners will be able to download and pay for titles through the Apple app store interface.Well, in addition to iBook the new iPad will also display magazines and periodicals on its 9.7inch screen in a manner that is more akin to the way they look on paper than how they work on the web.
Essentially Apple's iPad offers a similar experience to rival ereaders such as the Skiff as developed by Hearst Publishing and the Plastic Logic Que. The key difference between those ereaders and the iPad is that the iPad presents the content in colour. Ultimately the iPad presents an real opportunity for magazine publishers to expand and develop their digital editions.
So is it a PC for the home or something that you take with you? - Well, both really. As some models have a 3G phone connection users will be able to get online anywhere they like. In theory people could download their favourite newspaper on to the device each morning and then read it digitally on the bus.
Has it been well received? - Well the jury is out. The US financial community wasn't too impressed by the launch and Apple's shares fell.
However when Jobs announced the price of the unit the share price rallied. Some critics don't think the device is innovative enough, while others say there isn't a market for a device that isn't a proper PC. Tablet PCs have been around for several years now and have never sold in large numbers.
And the price? - Prices start from a staggeringly affordable $499 (£309) up to $829 (£514) and will be available to buy in just over 2 months time, with 3G enabled models available within 90 days. As for the UK there's no clear agreement on price but if previous launches are anything to go by that £309 figure is likely to be more like £350 or even £400.
So will it change the future of PCs - It is too early to say, but it is clear that the tablet PC market will be a big one in 2010/2011 with lots of other makers Dell, HP etc delivering their own models. Quite how successful it will be is anyone's guess.
