Your iPad 2 Versus Your Laptop – Will iPad Take Over The World Of Portable Computing?

Feb 252012

Your iPad 2 Versus Your Laptop

The iPad vs. laptop debate has come a long way since the original iPad model was released. Now, with the release of the improved iPad 2, more and more people are set to get into the world of tablet computers. But can they really replace your laptop?

Portability

Both laptops and iPads are designed with portability in mind, but the iPad is the clear winner in this respect. The iPad 2 is slimmer and lighter than ever before, but with the same glossy screen and resolution. It’s easy to slip it into a bag and take it with you wherever you go, and it certainly won’t weigh you down in the way that a laptop will. And, with the release of the iPad 2 Smart Cover, it’s easy to prop up your iPad should you want to use it hands free to watch a movie!

It’s important not to forget that battery life is essential for any portable device. With new features added to the iPad 2 model, some people were worried that it would lead to a shorter battery life. This isn’t the case, and the iPad 2 features the same long 10 hour battery life of the iPad 1. There aren’t many laptops (except for Apple’s own MacBooks) that can boast such a long life when away from a power source!

A Lack of Ports

One important point of the iPad vs. laptop comparison is that the iPad 2 is still lacking a number of ports when compared to laptops. This includes a USB port, SD memory card slot, and basically anything other than the 30-pin Apple port. Apple have come out with a camera connector kit that means certain simple USB devices can connect to the iPad 2, but that’s the only way that buyers can do it. It’s also important to point out that the iPad 2 makes use of a touch screen rather than physical keyboard input, but this can be changed with the addition of the Apple iPad keyboard accessory.

Apps And Functionality

The iPad boasts a whole range of apps, but there still isn’t as much flexibility as with a laptop. When you buy an iPad 2, you’re being forced to using its specific operating system, and only downloading the apps that Apple approves.

With a laptop, you have far more choice when it comes to operating systems, and far more flexibility with the way that the operating system works. However, the iPad 2 is generally aimed at those who know what they need the iPad for, and the truth is that the iPad does have an app for just about any function! Multitasking on the iPad is also possible, bringing it closer in line with laptops in terms of functionality.

What Do You Need It For?

The truth is that the answer to the iPad vs. laptop debate has to be a personal one. If you already own a desktop computer then the iPad could be all you need to take specific things on the go. Or you may find that you want a laptop that can read DVD disks, connect to external USB devices and so on. Some people even claim that Apple never intended to enter into the laptop computer market – the iPad is simply an extension to other computers.

It really does depend on what you’ll use it for, but one thing’s for sure: more and more people are now getting their hands on tablet computers and taking their personal and business lives and interests with them on the move!

The Big iPad USB Port Questions: Does Your New iPad 2 Include One?

iPad & iPad 2 Articles

Feb 252012

iPad 2 USB Port

The lack of an iPad USB port has always been an issue with the first release of the iPad. Now, with the release of the iPad 2, many users will be eager to find out whether any USB port is included as part of the design.

iPad 2 Is A New, Sleeker iPad

The iPad 2 is a sleeker model when compared to the original device. What this means for anyone looking for an iPad USB port is that, now the iPad is thinner, there’s even less room for one – unfortunately the iPad 2 doesn’t come fitted with a USB port.

As well as the USB port, it’s useful for all potential iPad 2 buyers to note that Apple also decided not to include Flash support (which wasn’t really a surprise given what they’ve said about Flash in the past). More frustrating is the lack of an SD memory card slot.

But are iPad users really missing out just because they don’t have a USB port, Flash support or an SD card slot?

How Can You Use Your USB Devices On The iPad 2?

To avoid compromising the sleek and portable iPad 2 design, Apple have come up with adapters to solve the problems of missing ports. These aren’t anything new – we saw them with the original iPad – and they are sold for those looking to connect their camera to the device.

The Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit sells for $29 and features two separate adapters. Firstly there’s the SD card slot to be used with memory cards, and secondly there’s a USB adapter for plugging your camera or iPhone into the iPad.

However, the USB adapter may work for certain unofficial uses, such as plugging in USB microphones, headphones and keyboards. You can also download apps that allow you to connect external storage devices using Apple’s Camera adapter. The truth is that it’s useful for many more devices than just cameras!

Is The Lack Of An iPad USB Port Really A Drawback?

People are generally in two camps when it comes to the iPad USB port argument: those that don’t think a USB port is necessary for a portable device of this type, and those that think Apple should have included it ever since the beginning. For those who want to connect a camera, the additional adapter charge may not be ideal, but it’s worth it to benefit from all the other features that the iPad 2 DOES have to offer.

What’s All The Fuss? You Don’t Need Flash On An iPad With The New HTML5 Capabilities

iPad & iPad 2 Articles

Feb 252012

What’s All The Fuss? You Don’t Need Flash On An iPad With The New HTML5 Capabilities

Since the iPad’s introduction to the public in January 2010, it has suffered unwieldy criticism from Apple antagonists. These groups of Apple non-enthusiasts have called the iPad a regretful piece of appliance at the least.

However, from the point of view of neutral commentators, there emerged a set of logic to explain the seemingly exclusive structure of the iPad.

The most popular perceived deficiency of the iPad in terms of software is its lack of Flash support. Flash is used in most websites; it is supported by all major Web browsers (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera) except for the mobile version of Safari. YouTube is one of the most popular websites that utilize Flash for its videos.

Apple makes up for the lack of Flash support by creating and designing apps that are specific to the iPad. For instance, YouTube has a Flash-free app, using H.264, that will run smoothly on the iPad. Safari supports HMTL5, which can display embedded videos more efficiently than Flash-supported websites.

It has been noted several times that multitasking is impossible on the iPad because the user has to close one app before moving onto the other. Critics have panned this issue by taking into consideration the target market for this device.

As an “appliance” for the media consumer, the iPad is meant to play a single program at a time, most likely a video or a movie. It seems plausible since this device is marketed as an instrument to experience richer media; thus, multitasking is not expected.

The same goes with its lack of wired connections, particularly USB and FireWire ports. iPad has a “locked-down” nature that seemed to offend non-Mac users because of its almost elitist appeal. Critics have also answered this concern and their opinion made great sense.

The iPad is designed by Apple so it’s only natural for the manufacturer to prefer full control over the software content of the product. It does not matter if the ownership has been transferred to the buyer. The point is that Apple prefers to protect their creation by ensuring that software entered into the device is properly filtered. Besides, they probably have more iPad apps to introduce and it would be unfortunate for them if a different software company would create a brand new application for the iPad before they even thought of it.

Its lack of commonly used hardware features can be easily resolved by purchasing separate accessories, such as the wireless keyboard dock, camera connection, Bluetooth headphones, composite and component AV cables, power adapter and dock connector to VGA adapter. Clearly, these deficiencies have already been considered by Apple engineers before criticism even materialized.

It is not obvious but there seems to be a continuous struggle of the Apple marketing division to insist that the iPad is in fact a media consumption appliance. It should be differentiated from a full desktop or laptop computer and an iPhone and simply be appreciated as a go-between of the two.

Its lack of full phone and computer features establishes that Apple has created a class of its own and might possibly be a successful forerunner in the field of tablet computers.

Quick Overview Of The iPad Tablet PC For New Users

iPad & iPad 2 Articles

Feb 252012

iPad Guide For New Users

For regular people who have average interests in technologically advanced gadgets, the iPad is perceived to be just another expensive instrument from Apple. By average interests, we mean those who do not make it a point to research a newly launched product nor visit the manufacturer’s website with passion.

If they decide to visit Apple’s website, they probably have been influenced to purchase the gadget as a result of media buzz and bullish marketing. Non-techies will not think about its pros and cons just yet; what they really want to know is, what exactly is an iPad and what does it do?

The iPad is a mobile computer; it is considered to be revolutionary because it is neither a laptop nor a personal digital assistant. It is unique in its own right most especially because of its tablet frame. It is slightly larger than a netbook by an inch and it does not have a keypad. Its multi-touch screen interface is the basic input method for this device; however, it can also be docked onto a keyboard accessory for fuss-free typing. In addition to its multi-touch screen, the iPad is also programmed to be multi-oriented, so the user can tilt the frame from portrait to landscape according to his preference. Multi-touch means that the user can “tap” and “drag” two items on the display at once by using fingers.

The iPad is mainly designed for information consumption in the form of Web browsing, media, and gaming. Additionally, it can be used to create documents and similar content on a lighter level. The iPad is powered by thousands of apps that allow this device to perform at high-speed rate.

Documents, spreadsheets and slide-show presentations can be created through iWork, which is Apple’s answer to Microsoft Office. As for the entertainment apps, there are plenty to choose from.

Basically, the default browser is Safari, which also happens to be created and designed by Apple engineers. As of late, Opera Mini has become available to iPad users as an alternative Web browser.

Media consumption is one of the best offerings of the iPad. The crisp screen resolution lends justice to images, videos and e-books. The enhanced speaker system provides a great output for music and audio.

Internet connectivity is powered by Wi-Fi and 3G. It possesses the highest speed in wireless Internet technology that overrides the speed of the hotspot offered in a specific location. To connect to a 3G network, the user must insert a 3G SIM card from a service provider. Once the owner has completed the 3G network service application, he can switch from Wi-Fi to 3G connection anytime.

App icons are used to organize the iPad display. The user can select his frequently used apps onto his Favorites section and these can be easily accessed.

It sounds like a pretty interactive device, which is what all gadgets are about. Techie experts suggest that consumers should wait a bit longer for the iPad to mature into the industry so we may all see what it can offer that our regular PCs and media devices cannot.