The Final Step

April 2010

Following our MD's recent visit to the US, we have managed to complete some first-hand research of Apple’s new device - the iPad. These are very much 'first impressions' and we’ll provide further updates as we work with our clients who use these devices.

In the US, sales rates have exceeded those of the iPhone after launch, demonstrating its immediate popularity. In the UK, the iPad will be available from the end of May, although you can pre-order now. Pricing varies from £429 to £699 depending on the size of hard drive you want, with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models available - and whether you need 3G connectivity as well as Wi-Fi. To use GPS, for satnav, you’ll need the 3G version.

Referred to as 'slates' or 'tablets', these new style devices are smaller than a laptop yet more powerful than a smart phone. They do not have keyboards, although they can be connected to a Bluetooth keyboard if required, and are geared more towards consuming rather than creating content.

The touch screen is very good, with 1,024 x 768 resolution providing an excellent web browsing experience, except of course for Flash websites! It weighs 680g, which is twice as much as a Kindle, and is 19cm x 24cm x 1cm (W/H/D). All supported by approximately ten hours of battery life.

As with the iPhone, much of the power and joy of the technology is enabled through clever 'apps' which are available through the App Store. Almost all iPhone apps will work on an iPad, although the larger screen size enables richer and more powerful software.

If you’d like to try the iPad, or need help selecting one and setting it up, please get in touch.

Link to Apple info / pricing