First is the rumor that Apple is still in discussion with Verizon. According to a Verizon source that spoke with Fox News Channel’s Clayton Morris, Apple may still be bringing a Verizon version of the iPad to consumers, as reported by Silicon Alley Insider.

TOP: iPad frame CENTER: Front Camera BOTTOM: Macbook frame

Next is the rumor about the potential front camera based on posted images of what appears to be an iPad outer frame? Mission Repair, which is the repair company that posted these images, apparently has received iPad supply parts through unofficial channels. Currently, the iPad does not have a front camera visible to users, but that does not mean Apple couldn’t add one within the next two months. Especially since sources have located rudimentary support for video calling in iPhone OS 3.2. While I personally don’t expect a front camera to be included with the iPad coming out late March and April, I do however feel it’s very realistic in next year’s models.

15" Macbook Pro Display

Finally, there is a rumor spreading that Apple is already working on a larger iPad. This rumor reported by Tech Crunch cites Apple’s trend in touch-based computing and believes Apple is designing an iPad with a possible 15.4″ display that will function more like a Mac than an iPhone.

Although none of this can be confirmed by Apple, whose main marketing strategy seems to thrive on rumors, it is certainly interesting to hear what we may see in the future with the iPad. Who knows, perhaps Apple is responsible for spreading these rumors in the first place, as their way of counteracting the many criticisms their shiny new product has received.

For one, consumers like myself are looking to Apple to truly revolutionize the personal computer by giving us a full-fledge experience without the weight of carrying around a full-fledge laptop. While netbooks sort of fill the gap and in many ways have features the iPad is sorely missing, netbooks are still lacking in innovation and design – they are nothing more than tiny laptops with less horsepower under the hood.

So what should Apple have done? Well, for starters, how about more memory. The pathetic starting model with 16GB is a joke – one Apple is hoping consumer won’t get. But anyone whose ever used a computer before will tell you that 16GB and even 64GB won’t take you very far. I am surprised the iPad demo Apple showed at the media event had all those pictures on it. They must have been optimized photos (not original) and I guess that’s why there weren’t that many movies on it either. Heck, if I had this thing, I’d fill it to the brim with tons of movies and shows. To me, that’s the most appealing aspect of possibly owning an iPad.

Also, hey Apple, where’s the Flash? I mean, I have Flash on my MacBook Pro when browsing the web, so are you really asking me to settle for less? I mean, if you really want me to feel like I have the Internet in my hands – then give me Flash! Of course, this like Blu-ray is probably Apple’s way of redirecting technologies to eventually bring consumers to their side only. In other words, it’s not that Apple can’t have Flash on the iPad (or iPhone for that matter), and it’s also not that Apple can’t have Blu-ray on their Macs (despite their pathetic reasons) – it’s just that Apple wants to control where you spend your money. Boy, am I getting ticked just thinking about all this, and I am an Apple fanboy to boot. Yet their recent practices are reminding me way too much of Microsoft right now, which I left after Vista.

Another bonehead design choice is with the dock-connector. As it stands (sorry for the pun) you can only dock this thing in portrait mode. Hmm…when was the last time you saw a computer monitor being used in portrait mode? I know Gateway came out with a monitor that rotated into portrait mode about four years ago, but I never found a reason to turn it that way. Seems to me, most monitors are widescreen – in other words, landscape mode. So why couldn’t Apple have included a second 30-pin connector on the side of the iPad? This would have allowed you to dock it in landscape mode, which is more practical for most programs, plus it would give us the feel of a true netbook/notebook experience.

Other than being stuck with docking the iPad in portrait mode, I also hope I am not stuck with just using iWorks. While I am grateful to have office apps, why tease me with just being able to run these programs when what I really want is Office, as in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Here’s hoping Microsoft will create “Office App 2010″ and sell it on Apple’s App Store. Man, I’d even be willing to pay more than just $9.99 for each of these programs to have them realized in a portable device of this nature.

Speaking of the nature of this portable device, shouldn’t Apple fall inline with other portable devices and give us a USB port on the iPad? I think I remember reading that European iPhones might start using a USB connector versus the 30-pin one we’re stuck with, but I’d even settle with a micro-USB port. Scratch that, no I wouldn’t. I want a normal USB port so I can plug in my flash drives and move my files on and off the iPad at will. Plus, let’s not forget about all the USB devices we could then use. But no, I don’t think Apple will let that one happen, especially since they receive licensing royalties for third parties to develop products for use with their 30-pin connector.

Okay moving on, let’s talk about the lack of a camera on the front of the iPad. Rumors said it would be there, but I guess these rumors were wrong. Perhaps Apple had the same reported issues with getting a camera into the new iTouch as they did here with the iPad – nay! There is no reasonable excuse as to why Apple left a camera out. It’s not that I wanted a camera to take pictures or videos with – this would have been awkward and impractical with this size of device. But think about all the cool fun and effects we could have had with a touch-screen version of Photo Booth. But more than that, I would think having a camera for video chatting would have justified the purchase of an iPad for many. Video chatting on the iPad would have been truly revolutionary.

What also could have been a simple revolution in product design, at least within the Apple family of portable devices, is the home button. You know, that little round button. To me the problem is that this button is only on one side. So depending on whether I was right or left-handed, I may feel compelled to orient the iPad to place the home button on a certain side. Personally, I think Apple should have eliminated the home button altogether this time around. Other than making the iPad look like a giant iPhone or iTouch, the home button is just not that revolutionary. In fact, I think it’s kind of lazy to incorporate it into the design of the iPad. Sure, if I know how to use an iPhone or iPod Touch, I can use the iPad…blah, blah, blah. But what I really wanted is a new navigation button. Heck, with the iPad’s huge bezel they could have easily implemented a button on both sides of the device and it wouldn’t even have to be round. How about a rectangular button or even a touch-sensitive button like those found on Wacom tablets? Plus, people could have flipped their book pages with just a press of a button. Apple seems intent on ridding the world of buttons, but I still say physical buttons are more intuitive in many ways. Thus the reason many have argued and complained about the lack of a physical keyboard on the iPad (and iPhone for that matter). While I am okay without a physical keyboard on the device itself, give me some button love Apple.

Another note on the product design is the fact that the iPad is not even a true widescreen device. Instead of 16:9 ratios for movies, we’re basically going to get stuck with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Please. Hey, even though I sort of realize why Apple did this to give us a more of a book-like experience, more than that, I think this was their way of cutting costs. Oh, I mean cutting down their costs, while increasing their profit margins. Just like my gripe with no second dock connector, Apple should realize everything is in widescreen now.

Finally, like Jim Carrey’s freaky rendition of the Riddler, I too have “too many questions.” And these questions are bothering me even more, now that I am thinking of all that the iPad could be. For example, will the iPad allow for tethering? Will I also be able to play games with my fellow iPad owners like Nintendo DS owners do? Can I share files, photos, videos, and music wirelessly? Since this is more like a netbook than a Smartphone, can I have iTunes on my iPad and sync my iPhone or iTouch on it? And one more obvious question is, will I be able to use an iPad like my Wacom for digital art, and I don’t just mean Apple’s paint App they showcased?

All in all, I am really starting to think Apple is full of themselves right now – riding on a wave of profits and new fans brought in via the iPod and now iPhone. But I say, “Apple give me electronic innovation and revolution or go bite yourself!” I love my Mac, I love my iPhone, but please give me a better reason to believe you’re passionate about your products other than all the hype. Bottom-line, I want your iPad to be more like my MacBook Pro.

iPad Specs

The iPad features a 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy screen with Multi-Touch allowing both portrait and landscape viewing. Translation = it will work just like your iPhone or iTouch just bigger and better. It also features an Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Compass. The iPad is only 0.5 inch thin and 1.5 pounds in weight. Featuring a battery capable of 10 hours of video, web surfing and music. There is built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) on all models and Wi-Fi + 3G on other models utilizing GMS technology. Capacity will come in the flavors of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. Like your iPhone or iTouch, the iPad will also have built-in speakers, a microphone, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, dock connector, on/off button, mute button, and volume controls. The 3G models will also feature a SIM card tray. Running the iPad will be the 1 GHz Apple A4 chip, allowing for an amazing screen resolution of 1024×768.

Prices and Plans

The iPad has three Wi-Fi only models: 16GB for $499, 32GB for $599, and 64GB for $699. The three Wi-Fi + 3G models will be priced accordingly: 16GB for $629, 32GB for $729, and 64GB for $829 (basically $130 more for having 3G). The Wi-Fi models will be available in stores in 60 days, while the 3G models will take 90 days to become available. The 3G models will be carried by none other than AT&T (no switch there as rumors had it). The interesting thing about the 3G models is that they are Unlocked. And Apple made it clear that the iPad could work on any carrier using GSM technology – can you say T-Mobile (even though it could only be T-Mobile’s Edge data speeds versus their full 3G). Data plans for the 3G will be: 250 MB for $14.99/mo and Unlimited for $29.99/mo. Like the iPhone, the iPad can also utilize the free AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots. One thing to note is that the data plans will require no contract and you can cancel anytime. Activation for each plan will also be done directly from the iPad, meaning no special trip to the AT&T or Apple store. The iPad will come with the actual unit, dock connector to USB cable, 10W power adapter, and documentation.

Features

Other than revamped versions of iTunes, iPod music, movies, YouTube, email, calendar, contacts, notes, photos, maps, Safari and other features you would find on the iPhone or iTouch, the iPad now has its own version of iWorks. Numbers, Keynote, and Pages can be purchased individually for $9.99 or the entire iWorks suite can be had for $30. These files are also fully compatible with its Mac OS version. The other feature as speculated, is full compatibility with existing Apps and the use of Apps you already own. These Apps and games can then be seen in their normal size or 2x. Of course, Apple announced and showcased Apps and games that would take full advantage of the iPad. Translation = more money for these iPad Apps and games. New to the iPad is iBooks, which crushes the rumors that Apple was making a device that would replace Amazon’s Kindle. To the contrary, like Amazon’s Kindle reader App for the iPhone or iTouch, the iPad will have a new App for its iBooks featuring books, magazines, newspapers and textbooks that can be purchased on the iBooks store – adding to the App and iTunes store. However, though Amazon has worked with Apple to create this new App reader for the iPad, unlike the Kindle, the iBook App will not only feature color content, but the App itself will use the ePub open source format. Owners of the iPad will also flip pages by swipe or finger-touch versus using a button.

Connections and Accessories

“Conjunction, Junction, What’s Your Function?” Sorry, I couldn’t resist. The iPad comes with a 30-pin connector allowing you to charge the device and connect it to various accessories. There is the standalone iPad Dock, the iPad Keyboard Dock featuring a physical keyboard much like the Apple keyboard without number pad, and the iPad Camera Connection Kit allowing you to import photos and videos directly from your camera’s USB cable or using its SD card. Sold separately will also be the VGA video adapter allowing you to show your content on a projector or TV. And finally, there is the iPad Case to carry and protect your iPad. This case will also serve as a stand to make things like typing and watching movies easier.

The Unknown

How will the reading experience be on the iPad? I know it utilizes IPS technology allowing for better viewing angles, but will the brightness of the screen make reading tired some? Will there be a special brightness setting that will automatically turn on when using iBooks? Also, I know Apple’s promotional video says you can hold it anyway you want, but will the casing be slippery to hold? I am sure every case maker is already lined up to sell some cover or case making it easier to hold and protect. Another question is about iBooks. How much will these books and other periodicals cost us? I hope they won’t be as much as items are for the Amazon Kindle, but personally I think they will be. Wouldn’t it be great if Apple and Amazon offer us a substantial discount if we already own a specific title? As far as Safari, is Apple really not letting us have Flash? Come on, if you want us to have a web browsing experience like on a netbook, give us Flash! Last question about the unknown is this – why did Apple keep using the phrase “goldmine for developers” in its press conference today? Are Apps and games for the iPad really going to be that much higher than Apps and games for the iPhone and iTouch?

Comments and Criticisms

Although I want an iPad, I am not sure why you’re average person will, unless of course, they are looking for a netbook with touch-screen features? I mean, if I own a laptop and carry it around with my iPhone, what real need do I have for this device other than feeling cool and seeing things on a larger screen? Also, if Apple would have included a camera for video conferencing that would have at least justified owning one, but no! And even though books and textbooks, and magazines and newspapers are there on the iPad in full color – why couldn’t I just settle for looking at them online or on my Kindle App for my iPhone? Also, why is there such a low storage capacity for this device? With all those features, most everyone is going to need the larger 64GB model unless they really limit how they use their iPad. Personally, I think Apple should have made models with the following capacity: 64GB, 120GB, and 250GB. I mean, isn’t it a little ironic to brag about being a $50 billion dollar company with excess profits and then say you want to make affordable devices for everyone; but then, you don’t reduce your profit margins on this new device to give people more memory? Also, would it have killed Apple to give us a USB port on this thing so we can directly plug-in our flash drives?

So will you buy one? I probably will, just because I am a tech-junkie and I may be able to justify one with my wife so I can review it for this blog (and she can have a netbook-type computer for using Facebook on the couch). But even if I do, I know Apple is going to come out with a newer iPad next year; and it will probably have higher storage capacity and that darn camera everyone wanted. So who wants to buy my iPad when I sell it to get the newer one when it comes out? LOL