Re: BlackBerry's Official PlayBook Website Updated
In response to some of the iPad questions raised in previous posts, it's very clear that the iPad2 will be out by April at the latest. Based on Apple's current hardware upgrade cycles, it looks like a new one should be released each year at about the same time.
Current rumors for April's iPad (Gen 2) are a front and rear camera (front for video conferencing and while the need of a rear camera is questionable, cases and manufacturers indicate there is one), a new improved rear facing speaker, possibly a dual core A9 CPU, at least double the RAM (256MB to 512), slightly smaller (3mm loss on height and width), thinner and probably lighter. There is some speculation that the 16GB version will be dropped and a 128GB version will be added.
I would guess that screen resolution will be improved on Gen 3 or 4. The addition of a USB connection or SD card slot looks doubtful. A 7" version also looks doubtful based on Jobs comments but if there appears to be a huge demand for that format, I'm sure they could quickly adapt.
After using an iPad for a few weeks, I would actually prefer something like a 12" screen. It would make a worthwhile difference in maps and browsers. The touch screen interface really is the way mail, internet browsing, photo viewing and looking at maps is meant to be done. The virtual keyboard sucks for a touch typist but I find most friends that hunt and peck are actually a little quicker with a touchscreen.
As for some issues commenters have raised with the iPad, I will quickly address them based on my use. The tablet is not meant to be a hardcore business tool. You really need a keyboard if you want to efficiently put together a document, spreadsheet, or presentation. The lack of multitasking is not an issue for me. The iPad stores what you were doing last on any task and you can pick up from there as you switch between applications. Music is the only thing that will continue as you switch tasks. Because of the smaller screen, it would be really difficult to have 2 programs visible at one time anyway. The lack of Flash has been a non-issue. It used to be one of my arguments for not buying an iPhone of iPad. I never considered the fact that I have flashblock installed on Firefox for my PC's and rarely have to enable flash items. Most of them are useless annoyances/advertisements. If you really need flash, there are apps and a browser for iOS that allow them. Given that both Apple and Microsoft state that flash is the largest source of exploits and crashing for their browsers, I can't say I am too heartbroken not to have their software on a tablet. I already purposely block Flash and have never had a kind word about their resource hog, Adobe Acrobat/Reader. I can't help but think that RIM's reliance on Adobe AIR could be a huge mistake.
As always, I will keep my mind open and look at what the Playbook has to offer when it arrives. I have no problem jumping ship for a good product that fits my needs.
|