Apple's iPad 2 is likely right around the corner. But so far, Apple hasn't said what that device will offer. It sure would be nice if it had some of these features.
Speculation
abounds over what Apple's next iPad, known as the iPad 2, will offer when CEO
Steve Jobs finally unveils the new tablet. Some say the device will feature both
front- and rear-facing cameras. There is also speculation that the tablet will
have a better display and video conferencing to take advantage of those cameras.
Simply put, the iPad 2 could be a meaningful update over the existing
device.
But
that doesn't mean that Apple is signaling there is a grain of truth in any of
this speculation. Quite the contrary, taking its cue from security-obsessed
Jobs, Apple has remained tight-lipped about what it plans to offer in the next
version of its tablet. That might not be a surprise to most people given Apple's
history. But there are very good reasons why the company doesn't want to
divulge any information about its next tablet just yet.
Read
on to find out some of the features-both rumored and not-that should make their
way to the iPad 2.
1.
Verizon 3G connectivity
Currently,
Apple offers built-in 3G connectivity with AT&T's network. For those who
want to use that service, that's a good thing. But for those who want to use
Verizon's 3G network, it isn't. The only way to access that carrier's service
right now is to get a separate MiFi 2200 Hotspot and connect to the network
through that device. It's not convenient. Hopefully Apple will offer built-in
Verizon 3G connectivity the next time around.
2.
Front- and rear-facing cameras
One
of the most glaring omissions from the iPad is the lack of a camera.
With
the iPad 2, it would be nice to see both front- and rear-facing cameras
that would allow users to add video and photos to their devices, as well as
engage in video conferencing with others. It's an option that most iPad owners
are hoping to see in the next iteration.
3.
A larger display
Much
of the market is looking for a smaller, 7-inch version of Apple's iPad. But
that seems rather unlikely, given Jobs' recent comments saying that a 7-inch
display
doesn't
work for tablets. Realizing that, maybe Apple can offer a larger iPad
display of about 10.1 inches. After all, that's what Acer is touting in its
tablet offering. And Apple seems awfully keen on getting big tablets into
consumers' hands.
4.
More IT control
One
of the benefits of the iPad is that it provides administrative control for IT
staffs. It allows companies to control access to particular applications,
decide what can be changed on the device and more. But if Apple wants to see
more enterprises adopt the iPad-and it should-the company must deliver even
more IT control, especially when it comes to safeguarding the device from
third-party applications.
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