Apple iPad 2 - Big deal or not?

[DaveSt]

I'm still confused why they chose to make the iPad with 256MB of memory

Suspect it was deliberate to keep the price down initially when they were uncertain if tablets would take off.
Remember it was just a large iPod then

It could have been price, but if so it didn't save them much. The 256MB RAM chip in the iPad costs Apple a whopping $10. Looking at the profit margin on iPads an extra $10 wouldn't have hurt the bottom line much.

I think they made it 256MB so you would want the next version that has 512MB. And a better processor, etc. If you make the perfect tablet the first time around, who is going to buy the next version?

 

[HiLandR]

Same here, unless we can get an iPad compatible usb version of a camera. I skype too much with this and would love to be able to view on iPad.

 

[twerppoet]

It could have been price, but if so it didn't save them much. The 256MB RAM chip in the iPad costs Apple a whopping $10. Looking at the profit margin on iPads an extra $10 wouldn't have hurt the bottom line much.

I think they made it 256MB so you would want the next version that has 512MB. And a better processor, etc. If you make the perfect tablet the first time around, who is going to buy the next version?

Two observations.

One; There were lots of little things Apple could have done. While none of the individually add up to much, together they tend to add up very quickly. Anyone who is trying to save a little money (say for an iPad 2) knows it's the little things you skip that make the biggest difference.

Two: $10 sounds like very little money, but when you multiply it by a few million iPads, it's a good chunk of money that could be used for research and/or other projects, employees, whatever.

Put those two together and your talking about serious cash. Maybe not compared to Appel's over all net worth, but companies don't achieve that kind of net worth by ignoring mere millions.

 

[DaveSt]

It could have been price, but if so it didn't save them much. The 256MB RAM chip in the iPad costs Apple a whopping $10. Looking at the profit margin on iPads an extra $10 wouldn't have hurt the bottom line much.

I think they made it 256MB so you would want the next version that has 512MB. And a better processor, etc. If you make the perfect tablet the first time around, who is going to buy the next version?

Two observations.

One; There were lots of little things Apple could have done. While none of the individually add up to much, together they tend to add up very quickly. Anyone who is trying to save a little money (say for an iPad 2) knows it's the little things you skip that make the biggest difference.

Two: $10 sounds like very little money, but when you multiply it by a few million iPads, it's a good chunk of money that could be used for research and/or other projects, employees, whatever.

Put those two together and your talking about serious cash. Maybe not compared to Appel's over all net worth, but companies don't achieve that kind of net worth by ignoring mere millions.

I agree with you. The economies of scale are enormous when you are talking about millions of units. Still, I think Apple plans these things out over several generations of devices to make upgrades more enticing. Both are probably good business practices in the end.

 

[AHMBE]

I have been waiting since the launch of the Ipad for the 2nd Generation, so yes this is a big deal for me. I also think the addition of the camera and potential for the Thunderbolt make it an even more alluring purchase. If I already had the first Gen I'd probably wait until the 3rd.

As a Digital DJ the Thunderbolt opens up a whole spectrum of possibilities with midi control and effects processors that I currently connect to my MBP via USB. I don't think I'm going to get the latest MBP this year as mine is only a year old but you best believe I'm upgrading next year. I plan to upgrade on my Ipad every 2 years and MBP every 3 years. The lifespan of technology seems to get shorter and shorter and unfortunately my funds are even shorter .

 

[Rperez414]

If the ipad2 is a Thunderbolt optimized device that would be huge. Syncing movies and video podcasts in seconds from itunes would be amazing.

 

[graywolf]

If the ipad2 is a Thunderbolt optimized device that would be huge. Syncing movies and video podcasts in seconds from itunes would be amazing.

I hope apple does include the thunderbolt plug. Syncing apps and such with USB is SO slow.

 

[Seadog]

I doubt that Thunderbolt will be on this generation. Maybe 4th generation. The big issue is there is a real reason for all the pins on the iPod connector. It will not be replaced by another single plug easily. From what I have read about Thunderbolt, it will be a long time before the iPad will be able to use it. But when it happens, it will be time to buy a new iPad.

 

[Hasty]

when it happens, it will be time to buy a new iPad.

and a compatible computer.......

 

[Seadog]

I think that what may really make the difference with iPad 2 and the original iPad is going to possibly be iOS 5. The difficulties with some improvements getting to market will make them unavailable until the third generation, what ever they call it. But there are some potential add-ins with the new iOS that will expand the capabilities.

 

[Mark_K]

I have a theory that Kokiri Americanizes his posts on POG.

 

[Gunny008]

Guess to summarise this thread...iPad 2 will be a big deal to people who have WAITED for it for 1 year now.

The majority of iPad 1 owners will be like...meh...and will sit iPad 2 out and see what iPad 3 has to offer

 

[appency]

True story!

Guess to summarise this thread...iPad 2 will be a big deal to people who have WAITED for it for 1 year now.

The majority of iPad 1 owners will be like...meh...and will sit iPad 2 out and see what iPad 3 has to offer

Agreed! Such is life with an Apple product

 

[Tasty]

I will not be buying the Ipad2 unless it has some big changes, like extensive memory other than that I will not be buying it.

 

[Tarpasashack]

Goldman Sachs

I just saw an article from Goldman Sachs that called the iPad 2 an "important upgrade". I agree, with all of the tablet competition coming up they can not, and knowing Apple will not put out an iPad 1.5 so so upgrade. There has been much speculation and guessing and second guessing about the features. NOBODY KNOWS!

We will find out Wednesday...

I'll buy...