Edging towards the end of 2010, the internet became rife with rumors surrounding a next-generation iPad. Subsequently since then, suggestions have been made as to what it will look like, changes in specifications such as the add on of a camera, screen size, carbon fibre body, the possible introduction of a SD card slot and so on. But has anybody just stopped for a few seconds to ask themselves if we really do need another iPad? Although it comes down to personal opinion and what we class as competition, as Cnet pointed out today, if you bring the iPod into the picture, nobody else has managed to come anywhere near its specifications.
Its been said on more than one occasion that 2011 will be the year of tablets, and here at OSM, its been a job at times to keep up with the constant news of yet another device that’s on its way. For instance, there’s the HTC Flyer, LG Optimus Pad, PlayBook, Xoom, Galaxy 10.1, HP TouchPad and so on, and individually they are all offering their own extra special touches, be it, HDMI output, bigger batteries, video chat and 4G connectivity to name but a few.
On looking at Apple and its iPad history and specs, will other tablets be able to compete against its 60,000 strong hold apps? The development of building such apps is a task in itself something of which Apple has already got in the bag! Others such as HP or Research in Motion may bring out their own apps due to customer demand, but may struggle to play catch up.
Another is that of iTunes with its music downloads, podcasts and audiobooks, and along with this, people now choose to purchase iTunes gift cards. No-one else as Cnet stated, has managed to secure a different but similar service. On the subject of iTunes, Apple offer the best service in terms of movie rentals, downloading TV shows and music which can all be accessed through a $99 Apple TV box, and lets not forget its home sharing capabilities with the rest of your Apple devices.
In terms of accessories, Apple along with third-party manufacturers have managed to produce a huge amount of cases, docks, speakers, stands and so on. For the gaming enthusiast amongst you, the iPad has a large selection of apps which double up as games, and although many of the up and coming tablets will no doubt include 3D graphics, as Cnet pointed out, is the hardware really there for gaming?
On rounding up, yes there are plenty of tablets coming our way, and really what it comes down to is personal choice and of course how far your budget stretches, but really when you look back over the last year with what the iPad has achieved so far, its fairly safe to say that it will be around for some time yet, but it still begs the question after all of this, do we need an iPad 2?
Let us know what you think?