Apple’s Jobs took his rightful place center stage, unveiling iPad 2

Six weeks after taking a medical leave, Steve Jobs, Apple (AAPL) CEO and co-founder, appeared on the stage Wednesday in San Francisco to unveil the iPad 2.

It was a crowning moment. It’s the stuff of legends, biographies and biopics. (For the record: I’d cast Christian Bale, fresh from Tinsel Town triumph in The Fighter to play Jobs, and Jack Black as Steve “The Other Steve” Wozniak.)

The audience gave him a standing ovation.

Only hours earlier, some were fretting that the gaunt Jobs, who is coping with pancreatic cancer, a liver transplant and only he, his family and doctors know what else, would upstage his team’s creation, iPad 2, the computer game-changing tab.

All Things D's Kara Swisher, broke the news about how Jobs was considering an appearance at the event. “What would be a welcome change in the coverage of Jobs' personal struggles would be to show a level of respect to him by paying more attention to what bells and whistles the iPad 2 has rather than to how his jeans are fitting,” she said.She added: “That's the truly dramatic story to watch here, rather than needlessly rubbernecking about the struggles of one man -- albeit, a very significant man -- to regain his health.”

Others expressed similar sentiments, fussing that the man would upstage the machine. They worried that comments about thinner form, paler complexion and succession would be applied to Jobs rather than iPad.

I thought this concern was silly. Tech devices will come and go. Jobs is the real story.

NBC Bay Area described the scene: “Appearing in his ‘Steve Jobs’ uniform of Levi jeans and a black turtleneck, the man who is battling an illness many suspect to be related to his liver ailment, had good color and great energy. He might be a bit thinner than the last time we saw him in public, but nothing like the (blogosphere) rumors that talk of him barely being able to walk and being just weeks away from his death.”

“Jobs had the energy to stay on stage for more than an hour. He used his time to do what he does best: sell Apple products.”

CNN seconded the emotion: “(T)here was Jobs, looking thin but happy and vigorous. Whatever health concerns prompted his most recent leave didn't seem to affect his flair as an Apple pitchman.”

That pretty much was the consensus.

I think it’s great that Jobs was there to play his traditional role, switching on his distortion shield and taking shots at rivals. Great theater. It would have been weirder if he didn’t or couldn’t do it.

Jobs and iPad 2 shared the limelight. iPad 2 suffered no dire consequences. Apple’s shares even went up.

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iPad 2 vs Motorola Xoom vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

This week the iPad 2 completed the line-up for the Great Tablet Clash of 2011 (movie rights pending). Almost every major tech manufacturer has a touchscreen device ready to go, and they're set for a massive head-on collision when they go on sale in the next few months.

We reckon the biggest three players are Apple, Motorola and Samsung, who are bringing the iPad 2, the Motorola Xoom and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 to the fight respectively. But which of these touchscreen titans deserves your hard-won cash this year? Let's take a look at each device.

Apple iPad 2

The first iPad was the device that started the tablet revolution, and for this we respect it enormously. But respect comes cheap, and the iPad 2 has effectively retired Apple's first effort.

The iPad 2 is thinner, lighter and more powerful than its predecessor -- but does it offer enough of an improvement? It's now 8.8mm thick, which is a significant increase in, er, thinness. Compare that to the Xoom, which is 13mm thick, and the Tab 10.1, at 11mm, and in terms of slenderness the iPad 2 is a clear winner.

It's not all about slenderness though, and the iPad 2 will be running version 4.3 of Apple's iOS software when it's released in the UK on 25 March. Now iOS probably needs no introduction -- it's the iconic tiled operating system that's been on the iPad and iPhone since day one.

All your apps are arranged in a grid, and you swipe across homescreens firing up programs as you see fit. Naturally you'll also get access to iTunes and the App Store so you can download movies, music and games. Don't underestimate the appeal of these virtual stores -- the wealth of apps and things to download was one of the coolest things about the iPad, and a thriving app ecosystem will attract plenty of people this year too.

iOS is super-slick, even if it is quite restrictive -- Apple forces all apps through an approval process, so sometimes you don't get the apps you want as soon as you'd like them, or at all. There's also a major downside to iOS -- no Flash support.

Motorola Xoom

Flash support isn't something that'll be troubling Xoom owners however (not after they get the upcoming Flash update anyway), because this Moto tablet is running Android, Google's mobile operating system. Specifically, it'll be the first tablet you can buy that's running Android 3.0, also known as Honeycomb, which is the first version of the operating system built specifically for tablets.

Honeycomb brings dynamic widgets, a swoopy interface and a host of new features and integration of Google services, so if you rely on Gmail, Docs and Calendar, Honeycomb tablets are definitely something to look out for. Android in general is also more flexible, and lets you do a bit more tinkering, so it's ideal for dedicated geeks.

The Xoom itself isn't so flexible, however -- it's hefty, weighing a meaty 730g. That makes it the least portable tablet of the three.

But that extra weight has been put to good use -- filling the Xoom with useful ports. As well as a standard headphone port you'll get a micro-USB port for hooking the Xoom up to a computer, and a mini-HDMI port for exporting the tablet's audio and video feeds to a hi-def telly. That's super-useful if you're going to be storing a lot of movies on your tablet.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

The Tab is also running Android 3.0 Honeycomb, so it'll be very similar to the Xoom in the software stakes -- expect widgets, Flash support and access to the Android Market, where you can download thousands of free apps, without Apple peeking over your shoulder checking you're playing by the rules.

Structurally though, the Tab 10.1 is a lot like the iPad 2. It's slightly bigger, because the iPad 2 has a 9.7-inch display while the Tab 10.1's screen is (as you might have guessed) 10.1 inches on the diagonal. It's thin, however, and really light -- despite being slightly larger overall it's lighter than the iPad 2, weighing 599g. (The iPad 2 weighs 601g for the Wi-Fi only version and 613g for the Wi-Fi plus 3G version.)

The Tab 10.1 also delivers in the camera stakes -- a 2-megapixel camera on the front and an 8-megapixel round the back easily trumps the Xoom's 2 and 5-megapixel front and rear cameras. The iPad 2's snappers are paltry in comparison, a mere 0.9-megapixels on the rear-facing camera, and 0.3-megapixels on the front-facing gubbins. Rubbish.

Conclusion

It's still to early to say which of these tablets is the definitive champ, but we do reckon each tablet will appeal for different kinds of uses. If you want something for gaming, Web browsing and video chat, we strongly suspect the iPad 2 will prove extremely enjoyable to use.

If you want a tablet that's more industrious and offers more in the way of ports and media options, however, the Xoom looks like it'll be a good choice, but be wary that more portable tablets are available.

Finally, if you simply must have the slimmest, lightest gadget out there, we reckon the Tab 10.1 will be ideal for those who want to take their tablet out and about with them on whirlwind adventures.

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Apple's iPad 2 provokes IT anxiety

Computerworld - As exciting as the new iPad 2 is bound to be for both consumers and business users, some IT executives who will have to support the second-generation Apple tablet are already cringing.

The iPad 2, set to be available on March 11, is faster, thinner and lighter than its predecessor tablet, and includes two cameras for video. These and other new features and apps will likely lure many business users to try out the new device, several IT managers said.

Therefore, it's inevitable that large IT shops will have to spend significant time and expense supporting them, the IT managers said.

Unfortunately for those IT executives, Apple and its CEO, Steve Jobs, didn't talk about such business concerns at the unveiling of the iPad 2 and iOS4.3 on Wednesday, analysts noted. Generally speaking, the massive numbers of workers who are using consumer-focused products like tablets and smartphones for business tasks are already forcing their will on IT shops and the corporations they serve, some IT executives said this week. 

"I have coined this 'the tyranny of consumerization,'" said Dave Codack, vice-president of employee technology and network services at TD Bank Financial Group in Toronto. Codack's group supports some 81,000 workers at the financial services firm.

Codack said his organization is currently testing the original iPad device along with Apple's iPhone smartphone for various company-related uses, and plans to test the iPad 2 and the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet from Research in Motion that's slated to ship soon.

Codack is not a Luddite, not even close, and says his IT staffers "seem to be excited" about the new dual camera feature, the dual processor, the improved graphics and lighter weight of the iPad 2. "I believe this translates into additional perceived benefit for end users," he said.

But, Codack quickly added that: "Frankly, the newer technology is making these devices more consumer oriented. With employees using these devices in their day-to-day lives, it's inevitable they will expect enterprise support to eventually bridge these two worlds, which will put pressure on the internal technology organization to step up."

He said he called the process a form of tyranny because "the enterprise is not dictating technology with these devices, the revolt is coming from the end user community."

Codack's point of view about consumer devices becoming workplace tools is not at all new, but has been aggravated by Apple's iPad 2 announcement, some analysts noted. Apple had made a fairly big push to show enterprise friendliness in the iOS mobile software it unveiled last year, adding support for third party VPNs used by corporations and other improvements.

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What you need to know about the iPad 2

What's new and different with Apple's revised tablet

As with any new Apple product, questions abound over the details of the new iPad 2. Sure, we know it’s thinner, faster, and lighter and, like the original iPad, set to dominate the tablet landscape. But even if you’ve watched what Steve Jobs had to say, read our hands on account, and perused our pretty pictures, you may still have lingering queries about the new revision.

Not to worry—the Macworld staff is here to answer those burning questions and put your curiosity to rest. Read on for all the gory details that we’ve been able to accumulate about the latest revision to Apple’s tablet.

What’s the iPad 2’s screen resolution?

Despite rumors that Apple would revamp the iPad's display, the iPad 2 sports the same resolution—1024 by 768 pixels at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)—as the screen on the original model. It’s still, in Apple’s words, a “9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology.” (That’s in-plane switching technology, in case you’re not up on your abbreviations.)

What are the specs for the two cameras?

The iPad 2's front camera can record video or take pictures at VGA resolution.

According to Apple’s iPad 2 tech specs, the front camera—the one facing you when you’re looking at the iPad’s screen—is virtually identical to the front camera on both the iPhone 4 and the fourth-generation iPod touch: it can record VGA video (640 by 480 pixels) at up to 30 frames per second and can take photos at the same resolution.

The back camera is similar to that of the fourth-generation iPod touch, in that it can record HD-quality (720p) video at up to 30 frames per second, and take pictures at that 1280 by 720 pixel resolution; the camera also offers a 5x digital zoom. However, the iPhone 4 maintains its spot on top of the pack in terms of still images: its 5-megapixel camera produces substantially higher quality pictures (2592 by 1936 pixels) than what the iPad 2 or iPod touch can produce.

Speaking of cameras, will I finally be able to use FaceTime over 3G networks?

Nope. FaceTime is still available only over a Wi-Fi connection, regardless of what iOS device you’re using.

How much RAM is in the iPad 2?

As with previous iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch models, Apple doesn’t publish nitty-gritty specs such as memory amounts. We may have to wait until someone—such as our friends over at iFixit—actually takes a new iPad apart before we know if the new model has more RAM than its predecessor. We certainly hope so. Read more...

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Here’s why iPad 2 didn’t get a Retina Display

In the lead-up to the iPad 2 announcement, many were predicting that Apple would give the tablet's 9.7-inch screen a bump in resolution. But when Steve Jobs revealed the second-generation iPad to the world, it had the same pixel count as the first one: 1,024x768, even though the display was revamped to be considerably thinner. Why no extra pixels?
Looking at the history of the display on the iPhone offers some clues. Apple kept the display of the iPhone at the same 480x320-pixel resolution for the first three versions of the phone, and when it finally upgraded the display for the iPhone 4, the bump was huge, doubling the display resolution to 960x640 pixels. The upgrade also introduced the term "retina display," a piece of marketing jargon that Apple doesn't quantify, but generally means a display that is better than the limits of human vision.
The Power of Two
One likely reason that Apple did a very simple "times two" to the iPhone display was to make things easy for app developers. By simply doubling the vertical and horizontal pixel counts, app makers were able to easily update their apps for the new resolution.
"Apple likes to do things in increments of two," says Raymond Soneira, president of DisplayMate Technologies, who has done analysis of the iPhone and iPad displays. "You had to do it for the iPhone because the iPhone 3GS had a low resolution [compared to other phones]. When you have a very low resolution it's hard to do any increase that's not a factor of two."
But upgrading the iPad similarly would present problems. If Apple doubled the iPad resolution, app developers might have things mathematically simple, but the resolution would jump to 2,048x1,536—many more pixels than needed for even the full HD video (1,920x1,080).
"It's really unnecessary," says Soneira. "Technically, you don't really have to double. At a high resolution it's easier to re-scale an image. [Apple] could theoretically go to 1,600x1,200, and apps that were designed [for the lower resolution] could be rescaled by the graphics processor and look quite good."
On top of pixel overkill, increasing the resolution by that much would introduce a host of issues. The cost of the display would be higher, number one. With so many pixels, the iPad's processor would be taxed more as well, so Apple would have to make compromises with battery life to keep the thin design. On top of that, brightness of the display would probably suffer.
"As you increase the number of pixels, the light throughput on the panel goes down," explains Soneira. "Processing power needed goes up dramatically, since the number of pixels goes up by a factor of four. You'd take a hit on battery life, at least."
The benefits, on the other hand, are questionable. A video in 1080p format wouldn't even take up the entire screen on a retina-display iPad, and Apple probably wouldn't be able to make claims like "9x faster graphics" if the A5 processor had to drive such high resolutions.
"You don't really need a retina display for an iPad," Soneira says. "It's actually held further away from your face, typically, than an iPhone, so it doesn't need as high a resolution. Technically it would not make sense. It would be too sharp. Even the iPhone 4 is really sharper than it needs to be."
Not Even a Little Bump
That explains why iPad 2 doesn't have a retina display, but why no bump at all? Prior to the unveiling Soneira had guessed that Apple might take the resolution up to 1,152x768 and change the aspect ratio to 3:2, making the screen shaped more like the iPhone and bringing the pixel count closer to its competitors like the Motorola Xoom, whose resolution is 1,280x800.
Clearly Apple didn't do that, and it's probable Apple had considered and rejected an iPhone-like aspect ratio for the first iPad. While Apple didn't respond to a query about the lack of upgrade to the iPad 2 screen, rumors circulated just before launch that Apple had run into "engineering issues" with a higher-resolution display.
"Apple is buying these things in tremendous quantities," Soneria says. "And I know that from working with manufacturers that it's really hard to get a lock on large quantities of display panels without significant advance planning. It could be that they simply could not secure panels in the quantities they needed."
More Pixels for iPad 3?
So the second-generation iPad keeps the same resolution as the first, but most of the gadget's other specs have been upgraded. Will the third-generation iPad, which some have said could come as early as this fall, get a pixel bump? No one outside of Apple knows, but Soneira has a recommendation for Apple on the iPad 3 screen.

Source: www.gearlive.com

iPad 2 – Trade-in Your Current iPad to Upgrade

Apple’s announcement for the new iPad is tomorrow. Without a doubt, it has been a highly anticipated announcement over the last few months.

We’ve heard plenty about all the possible new iPad features. While this can be an exciting time for both new and existing iPad owners, it could also be the best time for existing owners to think about ways to pay for that tempting iPad 2 upgrade.

You have a few options of course. You can sell your existing iPad via eBay. Many folks have done that when they upgraded from the WiFi-only to the iPad 3G. Of course, you can give your current iPad as a gift to your significant other or your kid, if you’re in the mood to give away 2010′s Hottest Gadget.

Or, you can use someone like NextWorth to facilitate the trade-in process of your first generation iPad. NextWorth is a website that will tell you the trade-in value of many of your electronic devices. They cover everything from MP3 players to video games to cell phones. Now, they’re offering trade-in values for the first generation iPad, which could help you subsidize the cost of an upgrade to the new iPad.

I’ve checked some of the trade-in values provided by NextWorth for the first generation iPad. The most recent trade-in values for first generation iPads with “Light Wear” seem to be as follows:

• iPad 16G WiFi: $255
• iPad 32GB WiFi: $285
• iPad 64GB WiFi: $310
• iPad 16G WiFi + 3G: $298
• iPad 32G WiFi + 3G: $350
• iPad 64GB WiFi + 3G: $390

The folks at NextWorth have told us they have partnered with Target stores across the country to offer an in-store trade-in option. NextWorth offers its online trade-in option as well. According to NextWorth, you will receive credit towards a purchase, or a prepaid Target card for the value of the trade-in that can be used for any item sold at Target stores. Via NextWorth.com, you have the choice of cash or a gift card when you trade-in your first generation iPad. NextWorth offers FREE, fully-insured UPS shipping service to all online customers.

For a list of participating Target stores click here.

Source: www.padgadget.com

What to Expect From the Apple iPad 2

Sequels very seldom win public acclaim, unless you’re talking about "The Godfather II" or "The Empire Strikes Back." And the Apple iPad, of course.

On Wednesday Apple will release "iPad: Part II" -- the follow-up to the risky, untested, Silicon-Valley thriller "iPad: Begins." It was a hit the world over and a darling of the Academy that sold a whopping 15 million units. No one predicted that.

When movie sequels come out, they have a hard time impressing. Just consider "The Matrix Reloaded" or "Caddyshack 2." Or even "Weekend at Bernie's II" -- all major disappointments. But I have high hopes for iPad II.

In a world where all Internet video runs on Adobe Flash ... In a world where most mobile gadgets have front-facing cameras ... In a world where super-high-definition screens are the norm ...

In that world, the Apple iPad still rules the roost -- even though it lacks all of the above. We’ve seen dozens of tablets hit the market this year, all of them furiously trying to compete with it. The problem is that they are only just catching up with where the iPad started. None of them, in my opinion, surpass the iPad in functionality or finesse, and certainly not in apps. So when the iPad II hits the market, it could very easily put this year’s tablets yet another year behind.

Even the Motorola Xoom, unveiled in early January and finally released just a few days ago, doesn't have the stats to be an iPad killer. Sure, it impresses with speed and specs. And sure, it has a front-facing camera. but when the iPad II comes out with its widely anticipated front-facing camera, this will be a meaningless point.

The Xoom also holds the record for speed, too -- but perhaps not for long. My sources at Apple assure me that the next iteration of iPad will be not only fast but "wicked fast." 

Will it be 4G? I doubt it. But the guts in the new iPad will be speedy, with Apple's rumored next-generation A5 processor. The Motorola Xoom runs on a dual-core, 1-GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 processor; it stands to reason that Apple will at least see this bet, and perhaps raise the stakes?

With all of this speed, you’d think battery life might be compromised. Guess again. My sources at Apple assure me that this is not the case. The iPad is notorious for under-promising and over-delivering on battery life. I get upwards of 12 hours per charge. With increased performance, it will be an impressive feat for the battery life to remain constant.

Then there's the price. I don’t think Apple will significantly drop the cost of this gadget the way the company did with the original iPhone. Apple has proven that the price is already right, after all. It sells. A lot. And since the iPad is $100 cheaper than the Motorola Xoom, it will continue to sell. Other tablet manufactures simply can’t compete with Apple’s supply chain, from glass to silicon.

So I guess you could say that I’m excited about this week’s iPad launch. I'm definitely more excited than I was last week when the wraps came off of the Motorola Xoom. Again, the Xoom is a good tablet, but it isn’t a great tablet. 

Apple did it first and did it right and I’m excited to see the company do it again. My tickets to the sequel have been purchased (and by tickets I mean plane tickets), and my expectations are high. Lets just hope "iPad: Part II" is nothing like "Transformers 2."

Clayton Morris is a Fox and Friends host. Follow Clayton's adventures online on Twitter @ClaytonMorris and by reading his daily updates at his blog.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/02/28/apple-ipad-2-expect-ipad-sequel/

Overvalued in 2011 – iPad 2, iPhone 5 and Apple’s Attraction

When you’re looking for some new technology in your home, and start visiting online stores and the local electronics store, making sure the product is not overpriced has to be on top of your checklist. Apple products are known for their quality – to most of us – and the old saying ‘you get what you pay for‘ still rings true today.
The tech enthusiast is smarter than ever, and the Internet has helped buyers make sure they get a good deal, but Apple likes to keep a hold on the process of making their products, from the design, construction, and the sale. So when would a buyer feel that Apple’s products are overpriced? Especially when Apple buyers mostly buy direct.
The attraction for Apple’s MacBooks and other devices is increasing, and this has been shown in their latest sales results. Complaints have started to show from some of PR’s readers, with some people saying Apple’s iPad 2 and iPhone 5 “will be overpriced” in 2011, and not worth the money when comparing the specs to similar priced products. Do you feel like this?
We cannot confirm if these people own Apple products, but those of you that do know the quality you’re buying in the brand Apple. We’ve heard sayings like “once you go Mac, you don’t go back”. With this in mind, its our view that you will own an Apple MacBook Pro longer than you would an equivalent competitor, the products feel that much more solid and reliable.
The iPad 2 and iPhone 5 in 2011 will be more scrutinized that previous years, and this will be due to increased competition, and more options for consumers. Will these products be overvalued? Maybe they will, but you can also bet their reliability will be extra-value too. Apple will need to bring down their price a little to be more competitive, which may lead to mini-iPhone and iPads or at least versions with reduced features, showing again that you get what you pay for.
Recent news of a March 2 event will likely settle the price expectations for iPad 2, with some blogs claiming it could kill the Motorola Xoom if prices are similar. Are you willing to pay a premium for the Apple brand?
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Source: http://www.product-reviews.net

Rumor: iPad 2 to lack SD slot, high-res display

February 25, 2011 6:51 AM PST
by Don Reisinger

Apple's iPad 2 won't have two key features that some folks have been hoping for, a new report claims.
Citing unnamed sources, Engadget reported late yesterday that the iPad 2 won't launch with a high-resolution display or with an SD card slot. Apple initially planned on delivering those two features in the updated tablet, Engadget said, but apparently "engineering issues" caused the company to modify its plans at the last minute.
Earlier reports suggested that the iPad 2 could feature the Retina Display, Apple's high-resolution screen found in the iPhone 4.
As with any Apple-related rumor, it's important to take Engadget's claims with a grain of salt. Apple is one of the more secretive companies in the tech industry, and rumors surrounding its products run rampant for months prior to a big announcement.
In fact, Engadget's report follows several others claiming the tablet will come with a more-powerful processor and a thinner body. Yet other rumors claim the device will feature both front- and rear-facing cameras and won't be available until June.
For its part, Apple isn't talking. The company did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment. But we should find out everything we want to know about the iPad 2 at an Apple event on Wednesday.
CNET will be there, live-blogging every second.

Source: c.net