Mobile
iPad 2 reportedly in the pipeline; is it a buy/wait turning point?
Report out of Digitimes is that Apple’s contract manufacturer Foxconn has been given the go signal to start churning out the next generation of iPads to the tune of 400,000 to 600,000 in the initial shipment. Supposedly shipping out in February. So how does that affect the tablet buy/wait equation?
Warner isn’t the only one fielding buy/wait questions when it comes to the iPad. Someone I know bought someone they know an iPad for Christmas (not me) and had a similar concern about whether they should have waited. My advise was that there’s going to be a new iPad every year, probably in April but definitely Spring, which is about four months away. If you’re going to stop and wait that long for the next best thing, you’re going to be doubting and/or waiting forever.
News of the iPad 2 shipping in February doesn’t change that. Apple needs to stock these things before launch and that stock needs to be in the millions, not thousands. That much product needs a long lead time, so February shipping means March or April selling. You’re still looking at four months until the next iPad, not two.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the tablet experience is primarily software driven. Added hardware features, such as the camera on the Galaxy Tab, are important to consider, but you can expect the Galaxy Tab to be updated to Android 3.0 and get that tablet-friendlier interface, just as you can expect the iPad to get the next iOS update. Eventually, the dynamic software will outgrow the static hardware, but you can buy a tablet now and expect to be up-to-date with the latest software for a couple of years.
tivoboy
12/07/2010 at 6:33 pm
I have the original from first day last april, but of course am waiting for the NEW one which is the one that the FIRST one should have been. I have, however, advised colleagues and family NOT to buy one for xmas as much as they might want. They’ll get a new xmas gift come next april
DNel
12/07/2010 at 8:49 pm
Christmas puts the added pressure of getting IT (whatever device “it” is) now. Since an iPad, Galaxy Tab, etc. are big ticket purchases for many, I suggest waiting since we are now closer to the new version side of the cycle. Even if the new IT is more than you’re willing to spend, the old version will have a hefty price drop when the new comes out. If you’re buying for yourself then you don’t have the Xmas pressure. I’m waiting for the Galaxy Tab-2 with the dual core processor and Android 3.0 for myself. Besides, that’s what gift cards are for, right :)
Tim Davies
12/08/2010 at 2:27 am
I reasoned that the features they could add, would not be vital for my use.
-What is they added a camera on the front and back?(I can see them adding facetime, but not a rear camera) – Well I have an Iphone 4, so I don’t need that.
-What if they add a nicer screen?-That would be nice, but functionally the current iPad screen already quite beautiful
-More Ram? – My Jail broken iPad does multitasking with no issues, I don’t see a clear advantage for at least another year.
-Lighter design?-If they made the back carbon fiber? I would not want it, I would proffer the extra weight just to have a metal back…plus I have a carbon fiber skin on mine ;-)
That’s really all I could see apple adding to the next gen iPad.
Anonymous
12/08/2010 at 3:49 am
USBexternal keyboardflashkeep the original screen size. 9.7Above is my desire for iPad 2.0at the same time, i am expecting getting An iPad gift on Chrismat Day. lol.
some info on iPad: https://www.aneesoft.com/tutorials/ipad/index.html