14 DAY TRIAL // Following the introduction of the iPad, Apple fans, tech-journalists, analysts, etc. took different routes in describing the iPad as a hit, and as a failure. While some strongly believe Apple can’t miss, others see both benefits and disadvantages. A select few, however, believe the iPad lacks too many key features to appeal to a variety of markets.
Softpedia itself noted last week that Apple’s iPad clearly had some good sides, but also some bad ones. We were careful not to delve too deep with our analysis, since Steve Jobs tells us there’s nothing like holding one. Well, that’s what we’re planning on doing, for a more comprehensive review of the thing. Until then, not even Apple can stop us from speculating on the topic.
Charlie Sorrel writing for Wired claims there are as many as ten key missing features and functions from the iPad, starting with the lack of Flash support and the OLED display, and ending with a 16:9 Aspect Ratio and HDMI. Somewhere in the middle, other lackluster features include: USB, GPS (which can only be found in the WiFi+3G model), multitasking, a camera, and more.
Weighing in on the lack of a camera, Sorrel reveals this is the only thing stopping him from buying an iPad for his folks, whom he talks to on Skype. Admittedly, the iPad is far more intuitive than a regular computer, helping non-computer experts experience computer-level enjoyment. Features standing in the way of using the iPad as a computer will undoubtedly affect its sales.
A report by Macnn cites analysts as saying the iPad is lacking key enterprise features, like a way for an administrator to implement a push policy that locks the iPad. The iPhone, ironically, boast such capabilities. The device also lacks VPN support, and true push e-mail, analysts say. App delivery is another obstacle according to these people, with Pund-IT analyst Charles King saying that the hegemony of the App Store prevents companies from making uniform deployments.