Building a More Versatile iPad
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5.
A slimmer design
The
iPad is quite small, but it would be nice if Apple offered an even smaller
tablet. The device shouldn't sacrifice display size (it should be bigger,
remember?), but should still be thinner and lighter. After all, the iPad is a
mobile device. Shouldn't Apple want to consistently make it easier to carry
around?
6.
A USB port
The
lack of a USB port should be addressed in
the next iteration of the tablet. A single USB
port would not only make the iPad more usable for both consumers and enterprise
customers, but it would also address the current iPad's issue of supporting
just a handful of printers through its AirPrint functionality. USB
connectivity is available in the HP Slate 500. Apple must offer it in its own
product to keep up.
7.
Retina display technology
When
the iPhone 4 was first unveiled, Apple revealed the Retina Display, which is
designed to provide a high-quality image to users. It would be nice to see that
technology make its way to the iPad 2. After all, the iPad is an
entertainment-focused product, and the higher the quality of the screen, the
more consumers will jump at the chance of getting it.
8.
FaceTime integration
As
mentioned, the iPad 2 should feature a front-facing camera. If it does, it will
facilitate Apple's ability to add FaceTime, its video-chatting feature, to the
tablet. With FaceTime in tow, the iPad 2 can be more than just a device that
consumers use to be entertained. It can also be a helpful enterprise feature,
as well as a great way to stay in touch with family and friends. Plus, it would
make
the iPad 2 a more well-rounded competitor to netbooks.
9.
More storage
Currently,
Apple offers up to 64GB of storage in the iPad. But in the next version, Apple
should offer twice that. The iPad is a computer. More and more people are
relying upon on it to get their work done. If the device boasts more storage,
they can add more content to the device, making it all the more likely that
Apple's tablet will steal significant revenue from netbooks and lightweight
notebooks.
10.
More printer support
As
noted, a USB port could significantly
improve printer support on the iPad 2. But if Apple is committed to sticking
with AirPrint, the company must add more printer support to that feature.
Currently, AirPrint works with just a handful of printers, leaving many iPad
owners without printing capabilities. If Jobs can significantly increase the
number of supported printers for the iPad 2, he could go a long way in bolstering
sales of that device.
