Apple iPad & iPhone News: six articles on this page
iPad uses tried & true LCD technology
From IEEE Spectrum, Jan 28th, 2010 The iPad, the much-anticipated Apple tablet computer announced today, is not going to revolutionize the display industry. It doesn’t sport a bright OLED display; it isn’t wearing the latest Pixel Qi technology that combines normal transmissive LCD technology with a black-and-white reflective version for easy viewing in bright sunlight.
The iPad simply uses a liquid crystal display backlit with light emitting diodes, the kind of display you see today on many flat screen televisions and computer monitors. The particular type of liquid crystal display—in-plane switching—has two transistors per crystal, one more than standard thin-film transistor LCDs. This kind of display needs a brighter backlight, so has been less common in the laptop area, but has a bigger viewing angle.
Apple’s choice to go with LCD technology isn’t particularly surprising; the iPad will be used to display photos and videos, and to do that needs a full-color, full-motion display. So e-ink and its monochrome brethren are out. OLED technology, right now, is just too expensive. And Pixel Qi is a compromise; it gives up a bit in color saturation to pick up that visibility in sunlight. Steve Jobs isn’t one to compromise.
But the choice of LCD technology means that, in spite of the library of e-books that will be available for the iPad, this device is no e-book reader. The folks who carry Kindles with them, read them outdoors as much as in, often in sunlight; that just won’t be possible with this LCD display. And, even indoors, they swear that the reading experience—in particular, the eyestrain—is much different than that on an LCD display.
The iPad simply uses a liquid crystal display backlit with light emitting diodes, the kind of display you see today on many flat screen televisions and computer monitors. The particular type of liquid crystal display—in-plane switching—has two transistors per crystal, one more than standard thin-film transistor LCDs. This kind of display needs a brighter backlight, so has been less common in the laptop area, but has a bigger viewing angle.
Apple’s choice to go with LCD technology isn’t particularly surprising; the iPad will be used to display photos and videos, and to do that needs a full-color, full-motion display. So e-ink and its monochrome brethren are out. OLED technology, right now, is just too expensive. And Pixel Qi is a compromise; it gives up a bit in color saturation to pick up that visibility in sunlight. Steve Jobs isn’t one to compromise.
But the choice of LCD technology means that, in spite of the library of e-books that will be available for the iPad, this device is no e-book reader. The folks who carry Kindles with them, read them outdoors as much as in, often in sunlight; that just won’t be possible with this LCD display. And, even indoors, they swear that the reading experience—in particular, the eyestrain—is much different than that on an LCD display.
Apple downloads to soar with iPad sales
From the Globe and Mail, Jan 27, 2010 The lasting impact of yesterday’s announcement of the company’s much-anticipated tablet computer won’t be the sleek, feather-light gadget itself. Rather, the iPad represents the latest tool in Apple’s ongoing – and increasingly successful – effort to lure consumers in with stylish gizmos that subsequently require them to buy and download most, if not all, their movies, music, books and applications exclusively from Apple’s online stores.The iPad is, essentially, a version of Apple’s ultra-successful operating system for the iPhone and iPod Touch, tacked onto a larger, more powerful device. Among the device’s many bells and whistles are Bluetooth , wireless and cellular network connectivity, multiple memory sizes to choose from at various prices and the ability to play all the applications currently available through Apple’s online store.
Ultimately, however, the tablet doesn’t represent a revolutionary step forward in Apple’s product line. Because it can’t handle multitasking, it is unlikely to replace products such as the laptop. Apple executives showed off the iPad’s productivity tools by demonstrating new tablet-specific versions of the company’s iWork suite – Apple’s equivalent to Microsoft’s Office. But perhaps the most significant aspect of the word-processing, presentation and spreadsheet applications Apple demonstrated is that they can be purchased and downloaded for about $10 each.
Indeed, for a company that already has 125-million users’ credit-card numbers thanks to its existing purchase and download channels, getting people to spend between $500 and $830 (U.S.) on an iPad is good, but getting them to spend all their music, movie, book and application money through Apple’s exclusive stores is better.
Ultimately, however, the tablet doesn’t represent a revolutionary step forward in Apple’s product line. Because it can’t handle multitasking, it is unlikely to replace products such as the laptop. Apple executives showed off the iPad’s productivity tools by demonstrating new tablet-specific versions of the company’s iWork suite – Apple’s equivalent to Microsoft’s Office. But perhaps the most significant aspect of the word-processing, presentation and spreadsheet applications Apple demonstrated is that they can be purchased and downloaded for about $10 each.
Indeed, for a company that already has 125-million users’ credit-card numbers thanks to its existing purchase and download channels, getting people to spend between $500 and $830 (U.S.) on an iPad is good, but getting them to spend all their music, movie, book and application money through Apple’s exclusive stores is better.
Apple's iPad won't replace e-Readers
From Financial Times, Jan 28th, 2010 The most obvious challenge the iPad mounts is not computers but to e-readers. The size of the screen, the vibrant color, quick response times, sensitivity to touch, stylish page turns and side-scrolling through chapters made it a far better experience than any e-reader currently on the market.
While books are easily rendered, newspapers and magazines were something of a revelation, with original layout styles preserved, navigation improved and video embedded. With so many additional features, many considering an e-Reader will think about the iPad. It becomes a picture frame with a special dock and new transitions such as an Origami-style folding slideshow. It is a media player and games console. Racing games rendered well, video looked impressive and music and iTunes connectivity are standard.
Compared with, say, the $400 Sony Daily Edition, the iPad is a more expensive option at a basic $499, with 3G connectivity costing another $130. The iBooks' library's shelves are beautiful but also a little bare with only five publishers signed up at the moment. What gives e-Readers an edge is the iPad has an impressive 10-hour battery life, but this does not compare with days of use unplugged, available on e-readers with the common E Ink technology.
While books are easily rendered, newspapers and magazines were something of a revelation, with original layout styles preserved, navigation improved and video embedded. With so many additional features, many considering an e-Reader will think about the iPad. It becomes a picture frame with a special dock and new transitions such as an Origami-style folding slideshow. It is a media player and games console. Racing games rendered well, video looked impressive and music and iTunes connectivity are standard.
Compared with, say, the $400 Sony Daily Edition, the iPad is a more expensive option at a basic $499, with 3G connectivity costing another $130. The iBooks' library's shelves are beautiful but also a little bare with only five publishers signed up at the moment. What gives e-Readers an edge is the iPad has an impressive 10-hour battery life, but this does not compare with days of use unplugged, available on e-readers with the common E Ink technology.
Gates not blown away by the iPad
From Electricpig.co.uk, Feb 10, 2010 Bill Gates thinks there is room for improvement for the iPad. "It's a nice reader," says the former Microsoft CEO of Apple's iPad. However, Gates insists that the tablet computer could be better with improvements such as voice capability, keyboard and a stylus. Bill Gates, a technology business magnate turned philanthropist, has offered free advice for the Apple's iPad.
Wired reports that Mr. Gates believes several specifications could be built into the recent January debut of Apple's tablet computer. "I'm a big believer in touch and digital reading, but I still think that some mixture of voice, the pen and a real keyboard - in other words a netbook - will be the mainstream on that." says Gates He continues, "There's nothing on the iPad that I look at and say, 'Oh I wish Microsoft had done it." The 9.7" LED high-resolution touchscreen tablet computer has a virtual keyboard in lieu of a physical keyboard. The retail release of the Wi-Fi model is expected to be in March 2010 and April 2010 for the WiFi plus 3G mode.
Wired reports that Mr. Gates believes several specifications could be built into the recent January debut of Apple's tablet computer. "I'm a big believer in touch and digital reading, but I still think that some mixture of voice, the pen and a real keyboard - in other words a netbook - will be the mainstream on that." says Gates He continues, "There's nothing on the iPad that I look at and say, 'Oh I wish Microsoft had done it." The 9.7" LED high-resolution touchscreen tablet computer has a virtual keyboard in lieu of a physical keyboard. The retail release of the Wi-Fi model is expected to be in March 2010 and April 2010 for the WiFi plus 3G mode.
iPad's profit margins leads to price cut speculation
From Wall Street Journal, Feb 10th, 2010 The components that make up Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) iPad media tablet cost between $219 and $335 depending on the model, according to research firm iSuppli Corp., which leaves room for Apple to lower the gadget's price if it wants.
The firm conducted its analysis without the benefit of actually having an iPad but
nonetheless, provide more basis for speculation about price cuts for the new media tablet should they be necessary to drive sales. Credit Suisse analyst Bill Shope, in a Feb. 8 note, suggested that Apple is flexible on pricing if the iPad doesn't do as well as expected.
The iPad, introduced in late January, represents one of the biggest gambles for Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs since returning to Apple nearly 15 years ago. The multimedia tablet-style computer from Apple follows flops in the past from many other companies trying to spark interest in the category. But Jobs has argued there is room for a new category of devices somewhere between notebook computers and smart phones.
Analysts that follow Apple have high expectations for the iPad. There are six models of iPads that range in price from $499 to $829. They expect 2010 sales of up to 6 million units, and up to 10 million units in 2011.
The firm conducted its analysis without the benefit of actually having an iPad but
nonetheless, provide more basis for speculation about price cuts for the new media tablet should they be necessary to drive sales. Credit Suisse analyst Bill Shope, in a Feb. 8 note, suggested that Apple is flexible on pricing if the iPad doesn't do as well as expected.
The iPad, introduced in late January, represents one of the biggest gambles for Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs since returning to Apple nearly 15 years ago. The multimedia tablet-style computer from Apple follows flops in the past from many other companies trying to spark interest in the category. But Jobs has argued there is room for a new category of devices somewhere between notebook computers and smart phones.
Analysts that follow Apple have high expectations for the iPad. There are six models of iPads that range in price from $499 to $829. They expect 2010 sales of up to 6 million units, and up to 10 million units in 2011.
The iPad will ignite tablet computer sales
From AFP, February 2, 2010 ABI Research said Tuesday that Apple's iPad highlights the "real start" of a tablet computer market that should grow more than tenfold to reach about 57 million devices sold annually by 2015."Apple's iPad is not the first media tablet," said ABI senior analyst Jeff Orr. "But it does help define this new device category."
The main focus of a media tablet is entertainment, according to the US-based market-tracking firm.ABI defined the tablets as having touchscreen controls, wireless Internet connectivity, screens from five inches to 11 inches (12.7 cms to 27.94 cms) in size, and video and gaming capabilities.
"A tablet will not replace a laptop, netbook or mobile phone, but will remain an additional premium or luxury product for wealthy industrialized markets for at least several years," Orr said.
ABI predicted tablet computer makers will ship four million units this year. Apple is expected to be a "fairly sizable player" in a tablet arena with traditional computer makers such as Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard as well as small firms such as Notion Ink. Some technology analysts predict the iPad with its multimedia capabilities will be the best-selling electronics device in 2010.
The culture-changing California firm may have done all media tablet sellers "a favor" by raising the public profile of the devices with iPad hoopla, according to Orr. Apple chief executive Steve Jobs hailed the iPad as a "revolutionary" device when he introduced it to the world on January 27 at an event in San Francisco.
The main focus of a media tablet is entertainment, according to the US-based market-tracking firm.ABI defined the tablets as having touchscreen controls, wireless Internet connectivity, screens from five inches to 11 inches (12.7 cms to 27.94 cms) in size, and video and gaming capabilities.
"A tablet will not replace a laptop, netbook or mobile phone, but will remain an additional premium or luxury product for wealthy industrialized markets for at least several years," Orr said.
ABI predicted tablet computer makers will ship four million units this year. Apple is expected to be a "fairly sizable player" in a tablet arena with traditional computer makers such as Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard as well as small firms such as Notion Ink. Some technology analysts predict the iPad with its multimedia capabilities will be the best-selling electronics device in 2010.
The culture-changing California firm may have done all media tablet sellers "a favor" by raising the public profile of the devices with iPad hoopla, according to Orr. Apple chief executive Steve Jobs hailed the iPad as a "revolutionary" device when he introduced it to the world on January 27 at an event in San Francisco.
