Important iPad News
June 3rd, 2011 at 4:52 PM EST | by inu846W
Did you think the iPad 3 rumors from previous months were gone for good? Well, they‘re not. I know, we’re rolling our eyes at the rumors too, but they may be worth mentioning. Even though these rumors seem to be far fetched at this time, we’d like to leave the door open for us to pull the “we told you so!” routine should they actually come true at some point. Everybody likes a gloater, right?
Asian research firm CLSA is suggesting Apple will release the next version of its tablet, iPad 3, before the holiday season at the end of 2011. WSJ.com’s MarketBeat blog posted a short story about the iPad 3 rumors today.
“While most vendors appear fixated on matching the specs and features of iPad2, our checks suggest Apple will release iPad3 in time for the holiday season, sporting a better display and LTE capabilities.”
CLSA went on to mention they don’t expect a new LTE iPhone in 2011.
Another juicy rumor comes from the senior editor at Microprocessor Report, Linley Gwennap, by way of Barrons.com. Gwennap gives some interesting insight into Apple’s iOS processors and how that technology is giving Apple an edge over its competitors.
He writes that Apple:
“has gone for bigger chips than the ‘merchant’ silicon offered by vendors such as Nvidia because it can get greater performance at the same price: Apple doesn’t pay the markup it would have to give to Nvidia or another company. Larger chip, same money, in other words.”
Gwennap goes onto say that the next processor we’ll see from Apple will most likely be the A6 chip that includes quad core technology. The current A5 chip in iPad 2 is a dual core processor. Running much too hot for iPhone 5, the new chip will probably only be included in iPad 3.
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June 3rd, 2011 at 3:45 PM EST | by Kelly Kehoe
Calls & Texting
Aside from the obvious music storage (thus replacing the iPod), what else can the iPad do? Not only can you make calls and send messages from your iPad, but you can do it for free. There are several options available for this, allowing you to replace your costly Apple or Verizon plan with your iPhone with free apps on your iPad.
Skype*
Skype was one of the first internet calling based applications, and undoubtedly still one of the best. Although they have yet to come out with an app specifically formatted for the iPad, the iPhone version works just as well. It offers free calls to other Skype users, regardless of whether they’re calling from a Mac, PC, iPod…and so on. Also, it offers free international calls to other Skype users. It has affordable credit purchasing options to use if you need to call a landline or cell phone, too. While the iPad can call both ways, it only receives video feedback, due to its lack of a camera. Only the iPad 2 offers true face-to-face chat over Skype.
EasyTalk*
EasyTalk offers free calls, both domestic and international, to fellow EasyTalk users. This app is based off of your Facebook contacts.
HeyWire
A popular texting option for not only fellow HeyWire users but for sending free SMS messages to anyone in over 45 countries, HeyWire has been a great replacement for paid texting services through the cellphone companies. HeyWire is also available for free on the iPad, making it the perfect alternative to texting on a cellphone.
TextNow
This is a widely-used app that allows users to send and receive unlimited text and picture messages for free. You are given a free phone number to use, and there are also free or cheap call services available.
Textie Messaging
This free app also allows you to send and receive text/picture messages from anyone. For Just $1.99, you can turn off the ads, too.
Tribair*
This free app is unique in that it not only allows users to make free calls over the internet to other fellow users, but it offers text, picture, and video messaging!
Other useful apps you may want to consider include: Vtok, textPlus (up to $4.99), Mobyler*, and GV Connect ($2.99). All in all, paying for monthly minutes and text message fees are becoming a thing of the past with these useful apps. The only advantage the smartphone has over an iPad would be its compact size.
Documents
Pages
At just $9.99, is one of the best investments you can make as an iPad owner. There are sixteen different page styles to help you create anything from normal documents, resumes, letters, flyers, reports, and more. Documents can be saved as Pages, PDF, or Word Documents, and easily exported to a variety of outlets. There is bluetooth technology available to those wishing to buy a separate keyboard, thus transforming your iPad into a full-blown laptop. Creating, working on, and saving documents is effortless with Pages, making it no different than a regular computer.
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June 2nd, 2011 at 3:20 PM EST | by Oliver VanDervoort
One of the cooler uses for the iPad since its release has been as a full color eBook reader before there really were all that many full color eBook readers on the market. Some of the first batches of iPad apps that were available way back in April of 2010 were digital comic book apps from some of the top comic book producers in the market. Marvel and DC Comics, as well as indie comic book producers like Dark Horse, have been combining for well over a year now to bring comic book addicts their drug of choice in digital form.
Of course one of the neatest features of these iPad apps is that they allowed the comics aficionado the ability to read long ago printed copies of their favorite heroes including such long ago issues as Marvel’s first ever Captain America books as well as the first Batman and Superman issues. One drawback to this digital delivery system was that it became a bit harder to keep up with current storylines because the digital copies were so far behind the paper copies. Over the last year some of these digital comic apps have started to realize they are missing out on revenue by not offering the newer issues at a faster pace and Comixology specifically has worked hard at getting some of their more popular indie comics – such as “The Walking Dead” – out the exact same time as the paper copies hit the shelves. Earlier this week, DC Comics joined the fray as they announced that they will begin release all of their comics – not just a select few as the other companies have done – on the same day and date as the hard copies.
Unfortunately we do have to tell you that before you start popping champagne corks, there is one caveat. The actual releasing of the day and date digital copies is still a ways down the pike. DC Comics has announced that in August, they will be releasing the culmination issue of their superhero universe changing “Flashpoint” on the 31st. While this was originally going to be the only digital issue they released that day, the company has announced that the latest issue of the new “Justice League” will be released on the same day and from September on the company will be launching every digital issue alongside those that land in stores.
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June 2nd, 2011 at 12:31 PM EST | by inu846W
The Foxconn plant in Chengdu, China that suffered a deadly explosion last month that killed three workers and injured 15 more is back up and running today after weeks of being shut down while authorities conducted an investigation. Foxconn also wanted to make sure the possible cause of the explosion, a buildup of dust in the plant’s ventilation system, was addressed and that no other problems were present.
Initially, sources said the accident did not affect the assembly line for iPad 2 and the production of the new popular Apple tablet would not be effected. That turned out not to be true. Researchers at iSuppli.com said iPad 2 production may have been set back by as many as 500,000 units. Foxconn stated they had enough parts on hand and availability in other manufacturing plants to keep up with production demand during the time the Chengdu plant was closed.
All Things D notes that Foxconn’s investigation into the explosion has ended but a cause has not yet been released by the company.
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June 1st, 2011 at 5:56 PM EST | by inu846W
iPad 2 components from iFixIt.com
In a report filed by DigiTimes today, Apple has begun the certification process for some of the components included in the upcoming iPad 3. Apparently, many Taiwanese manufacturers have already landed their official certification, according to sources based out of Taiwan.
“Taiwan-based component makers for backlight modules and light bars have received certification from Apple, however, the certification of panels is still in progress, added industry sources.” The reports also noted that the iPad 3 will be ready for launch in 2012, which seems accurate compared to Apple’s stringent release schedule for their devices.
Rumors have been circulating that Apple could potentially switch to Samsung’s AMOLED displays for their third-generation device. If these sources are accurate though, Apple will not be changing screens and will instead continue to install 9.7″ LCD panels in their future tablets, despite the differing tablet sizes that have been emerging in the marketplace.
Steve Jobs has gone on the record claiming that, “7-inch tablets are tweeners: too big to compete with a smartphone and too small to compete with the iPad.” He also boldly claims that 7-inch tablets are “going to be DOA – dead on arrival.” Many new tablet manufacturers have been opting to release 7-inch models of their devices, touting that these smaller and lighter machines offer a superior tablet experience. After spending some time with a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7″, I can definitely appreciate the subtle difference in size and weight. So while the iPad’s current screen size is extremely capable, I do wish that Apple would expand into various models for consumers with different tablet needs.
The most pervasive iPad 3 rumor currently is that the device will use Apple’s patented Retina display, increasing the screen resolution to 2048×1536. This enhancement would effectively double the iPad’s current resolution, much like it did for the iPhone 4. The phone’s resolution increased from 320×480 to 640×960.
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June 1st, 2011 at 1:16 PM EST | by Christopher
Getty images
Toddlers today are more computer literate that most from generations past. Granted, toddlers need to have time outside to burn off their energy and get exercise, but time is also needed to allow them to use their creativity and imagination. For a limited amount of time each day, a parent should feel free to give their toddler supervised activities on the iPad. The number of both fun and educational game apps continues to increase.
The Pros
After a quick search on my iPad, I found there are over 2,100 apps for toddlers that are free of charge. Granted, apps will need to be evaluated by the parent before giving them to a toddler to play. Since I do not have a toddler of my own, I had a friend’s permission to work with her toddler to review children’s apps for the iPad. The young child was given the lecture that he needs to be very careful with the device. He was shown a couple of different apps that he spent more time than I expected playing games. He also figured out by himself how to switch between a couple different games that he decided were his favorites. He even decided that he preferred drawing with a stylus than his finger.
The Cons
An iPad is an expensive object that a child could quite easily figure out how to damage, even under supervision. One strong thrust and it could be damaged and information can be lost. If you allow a child to use your iPad, make sure you have a backup saved in iTunes so you do not loose important information. The iPad allows came across to me as a one toddler at a time activity. When one toddler was by himself, he enjoyed himself and sat quietly by himself. The second toddler wanted to join in, and it began a tugging war between them. It was rectified quickly because they were being supervised, but this does put the iPad in harm’s way.
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