With the iPad 2 set to go on sale later this month, how can the tablet PC stand out from the burgeoning competition? Jennifer Jacobson at Retrevo.com lists seven features lacking from its previous version that Apple could improve upon.
Since purchasing my iPad a few months ago, I have to say that it’s far more than a giant iPhone.
Not only does my iPad let me check and respond to emails and drop by Facebook and HootSuite, it lets me draw (with Brushes and my BoxWave stylus), take hand-wirtten notes in Penultimate, find constellations (with StarWalk), keep up with World of Goo, and play synth versions of the violin, ukulele, piano and guitar (Magic Fiddle, Ukulele San, Pocket Piano, Six Strings). I even have apps that will record audio, turn speech into text and translate just about any language (QuickVoice, Dragon Dictation, Google Translate).
What’s not to love about the iPad? Well, there are a few things. The question is, will the iPad II have enough improvements to woo current iPad owners to the next level. For me, it will take a whole lot more than a forward facing camera. Here are some of the features on my wish list:
1. Project Like You Mean It. The ability to connect to a projector and project anything. Currently the iPad only projects documents out of “KeyNote” and select videos on . For most of us, it’s not worth buying the $39.00 connector cable.
2. Wireless Sync (and the ability to back up to MobileMe over the cloud). Cables are so last year. Let’s commit to wireless sync and the ability to backup and store files on your MobileMe account.
3. Tap-To-Share. Wouldn’t it be great to tap your iPad to your computer or phone and share whatever file you’re looking at?
4. Go Forth With Multiple Carriers. For those of us who aren’t standing in line to join AT&T, it would be nice to have the option of using our iPads in the great beyond, on other carriers.
5. Be a Real Computer. Get A Real OS. Let’s face it, having an app for “settings” is a little over the top. Let’s give the iPad an “app free” way to store files… like a real computer.
6. Don’t Miss The Connection. We’d be happier if the iPad II had USB or FireWire connectors like a netbook (I mean computer). MIDI would be great too.
7. Lose Some Weight. We know the iPad is currently as heavy as it is because of the battery and the glass, but it would be great if it were a tad lighter.
By Jennifer Jacobson
Director of Public Relations
Retrevo.com
