7 Point Improvement Plan for The iPad

by Walter Naeslund on January 27, 2010

Yes, I love the iPad, but WTF? Here is what is still on my wish list:

1. GPS

I thought that this was a no-brainer. Positioning is becoming an integrated part of social networks by the minute, and I’ve predicted for a while now built in positioning for MacBooks – so how can this device not have positioning? It’s just very strange.
[EDIT: Apparently the 3G version DOES have GPS. Halleluja!]

2. Phone

Would I want an extra SIM to pop into my iPad and have the option of either answering on my phone or my pad? Yes please. This should have been obvious. This is the reason I’ve never liked the iPod Touch.

3. Camera

Like positioning, a web-cam-style camera is also kind of a standard feature on computers today and one we have come to expect. Where is it?

[Edit: Apparently, the Apple engineers have left room for a camera, which supports the thesis of this being the standard "crippled-first-version"-marketing.  ]

4. Another Camera

A regular iPhone-style camera would have been a nice touch as well.

5. Ruggedness

Cracked iPhone screen decease is a plague worse than the swine flu. What about this puppy? Will these be cracking like mad all over the place? Sounds expensive.

6. SD-card slot

“Best photo device in the world?” Not if you can’t get the photos in there. Even though I love my 17″ MBP, I absolutely HATE that they have this useless piece of shit port instead of an SD-slot in it. The addition of an SD-slot to the 13″ and 15″ was simple, but just really really useful. Where is it?

7. USB-port

No USB-port either?! Now I really wonder how I’ll get my photos in there. And yes, I’ve seen the adapters, but they feel more like an insult. Who wants adapters?

* Wildcard: A Case With Built in Keyboard?

The one thing that will still be difficult/uncomfortable with the iPad is typing longer texts. If the case had a built in keyboard the whole unit would have basically functioned like a standard 9.7 inch laptop when used with the case. An awesome two-in-one kit that we’ll probably see from third party devs.

Buy or Not Buy?

Even though the iPad is lacking some seemingly obvious features, I still love the device and what it actually does in moving the computer industry forward. The “windows”-metaphor for computing was so long lived that we actually stopped looking for alternatives for a while, but this unit changes that forever. I love Apple for all they’ve done to move the industry forward and I love them for the iPad. Many of the shortcomings above will probably be there in upcoming updates to the iPad, and we’ll see if I’ll be able to sit on my credit card for that long.

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  • Updated post in support of “crippled-ipad-marketing”-strategy. http://bit.ly/bwn5m2


    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • So true.. 7-Point improvement plan For the #iPad http://bit.ly/bwn5m2 (via @WalterNaeslund, @Eetezadi)


    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • If your wishlist was a petition, i'd sign it. :)
    I think a main issue is how nomadic this iPad is designed to be... Will it be something to carry around, like we do with iPhones and laptops ? It should be, but without GPS, Phone, Camera, USB and a fragile screen, how is this going to work? Being just a giant iPod touch would really be missing an opportunity, and 90% of the possible applications. But as Björn says, it might just be a matter of time and strategy.
    Can't wait to see what the competition will be like, and how users will adopt this tool.

  • completely agree, but still probably going to get it… @RGA Walter Naeslund’s 7-point improvement plan for the iPad: http://bit.ly/cTMrKI


    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • Bill
    Herregud. Bloggen med världens största kavaj. Nån ska väl iof ha det också.
  • I agree with your reflections. However Apple is also leaders in strategic marketing. For instance: Of course they're aware of the weakness of not having a camera in the iPad. However they do it by purpose. They will sell millions of this first version without camera. Then they will release the next version with camera. Many of the first buyers will then buy the new one, etc...
    This is a school-book example of strategic marketing.
    Remember this is exactly what they did when they launched the first iPhone that wasn't a 3G-phone when that was default at all competitors. And we all know how that succeeded anyhow.
  • Oh yes. You are of course spot on in this analysis. It's just so painful to admit it. :-)
  • skepticalguy
    in what way does the iPad help "in moving the computer industry forward"?

    What is the innovation here? that they barely re-purposed the iphone OS onto a larger ipod Touch? that there is so many limitations that you are completely locked in(openness is necessary for innovation in computing). Even the hardware is lacking, especially noting the size of the device.

    Have I missed something that makes this innovative?
  • Well – yes. First, you are right that the interface is very much, though not exactly, like the iPod touch. This is however a quite innovative interface, innovated by... Apple. Using this interface for what is more like a computer is innovative in my eyes. We've taken the window-metaphor for granted for so long now we almost stopped questioning it. This is new.

    Second, in regards to "moving the industry forward" this device adresses new use cases. By that I mean everything from doctors walking rounds to revamping toilet magazine reading. Places where you have previously needed a table or at least a lap doesn't require that anymore. "Computing" while standing up, walking, standing in line, whatever is now possible, and not on a seriously crippled screen.

    Also, you can compare this product with computers or with iPhones/Touches, and both comparisons are relevant. This is a new category of computer. And to me, that is innovative. Just see over the next year what kinds of apps this will spur the development of. If you ask me – there will be lots.

    Thanks for commenting!

  • Has Steve Jobs even left the building yet? RT @nishanjoomun & @WalterNaeslund: 7-Point Improvement Plan For The iPad http://bit.ly/bwn5m2


    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • The 3G version does have GPS. But otherwise concurr. RT @WalterNaeslund: 7-Point Improvement Plan For The iPad http://bit.ly/bwn5m2 #iPad


    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • > @rga: Walter Naeslund’s 7-point improvement plan for the iPad: http://bit.ly/cTMrKI


    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • —> Eu prometi que não ia falar de #iPad. Leiam isso RT @RGA: Walter Naeslund’s 7-point improvement plan for the iPad: http://bit.ly/cTMrKI


    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • 7-Point Improvement Plan For The iPad http://bit.ly/bwn5m2 #iPad


    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

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