Hyper24x7.blogspot.com post
Apple direct link
CNET review
My first impression, is that for $500 you could get a laptop instead, or wait for Microsoft tablets to come out. I already have a nice laptop, that I can play games on if I want, and it does all the things the ipad does except for the app store they have. Although the ipad weighs 1.5 pounds, and its 9.5 by 7.4 inches, that is pretty impressive compact but you still have to put it in a bag, its not something you can just carry and not expect to have it get stolen. Features that I found interesting:
· Native support for MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel
· Plays H.264 video in 720p @ 30fps, along with mpeg4
· Has wifi (a,b,g,n) and 3g built in along with bluetooth
· Built in speakers, bluetooth, microphone and headphone jack (thinking of VOIP)
· Cell network coverage UMTS/HSDPA and GSM/EDGE – so are they making it work on any cell network?
I’m not totally sold on it being something I’d make use of or buy, however, that is always subject to further research and in the absence of competition at the moment, I have nothing to really compare it to. I think the verdict is out for me until I see someone come out with their version / comprable device (aka Microsoft, ASUS, etc.)
Other thoughts / questions:
· I’m not seeing that it has a webcam built into the front so I think its not going to let you do a VOIP call with video (bummer) or will they add that later?
· I want to know if you can make calls with it, so then is it a $500 everything device that replaces a laptop and a phone, like a gigantic iphone?
· Is there a version with a slide out keyboard or will I only have the onscreen, maybe the screen only wont be so bad on an device of this size?
· Can I connect to my local network / network attached storage and stream video, photos, music to the device?
· Will bluetooth keyboards / mice work with it?
· Can I print to a wireless printer to print a photo or documents?
-H247-