Apple’s iPad is now available for pre-orders and the device outperformed iPhone in the initial booking numbers, but the company confirmed after 72 hours that about 1, 52,000 iPads has been sold. Now, it seems that the prediction from various research firms that the new device will revolutionize the PC industry, will become true.
Meanwhile, Apple will launch its much-awaited iPad tablet (Wi-Fi version) in the US market on April 3 with a price tag of $499. The device works as eBook reader, smartphone and netbook PC, and the company claims that the device is for the future. It features instant-on technology along with a fast processor, multitouch screen and supports more than 1.5 lac apps.
However, the features loaded with the tablet are not sufficient for business users as it lacks few necessary points. Here, the feature discusses what iPad is lacking to become a full blown gadget for business users.
1. No true multitasking
Apple’s iPad uses the same operating system present in the iPhone, which does not allow for true multitasking. Technically, the operating system is capable of multitasking, but the company has prohibited the apps, which are able to access that functionality. Meanwhile, the presence of true multitasking on the iPhone is arguable. However, the iPad comes with large display on which users can open multiple windows, which put the obligation for Apple to provide multitasking. Market analysts suggest that the company can put multitasking by some simple update in the iPhone operating system.
2. No expandable memory
At present, the iPad will be available in three variants viz. 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB. But, if a person wants to expand the storage capacity of the device, the option for memory expansion through mini or micro SD memory card slot is missing. Today, almost every smartphone comes with expandable memory; therefore Apple should also add an SD memory card slot on the ipad.
3. Absence of alternate browsers
By default, all the gadgets like iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch use Safari, Apple’s own browser. However, the Safari browser is not the most useful, or admired browser in the world. With only 5% market share and fourth rank, Safari is not the browser for business professionals. At present, businesses rely on Web-based tools and apps that are suitable for Microsoft’s IE or Mozilla Firefox, which may not display or render properly in Safari.
4. No USB ports for connectivity
Today, USB ports offer tremendous flexibility to notebooks and smartphones for example USB thumb drives, external USB hard drives, USB webcams, USB headsets, and many more. However, the iPad lack USB ports, which limits the functionality of the device among business professionals.
5. Video camera is missing
Today, even a medium range mobile phone comes with inbuilt camera, but front facing camera is limited on business phones. In the first generation, Apple’s iPad lacks front video camera, which means that business users could not conduct video conferencing from the device. It is expected that the company will introduce camera in its iPad 2.0.