Now that the iPad has dropped, Amadeus Consulting would like to follow up on a previous blog in which we made our predictions about the newest Apple® Tablet. In retrospect, the predictions we made were not very "risky," even though many of them seemed unlikely at the time. Nevertheless, some of our hopes were still crushed, and others were pleasantly exceeded.

Before we begin, we’d like to mention one of our assumptions that was unfortunately wrong: the tablet’s name. While writing the previous blog, we had heard the name iPad™ being suggested among the rumors, but we didn’t think that Apple would ever choose iPad over iSlate. Unfortunately, we were wrong on that one, but we’ve faired a little bit better with our other predictions.

#1 – Our Guess: Multitouch

Correct!

Not a huge surprise here, but we said it was basically a freebee. But we can still be excited about it because it increases usability and is the next step of user-interface design.

We have a strong history developing for multitouch devices, including the iPhone® and Microsoft Surface™, and we are looking forward to this as an emerging technology that many other software development companies are not yet equipped to handle.

The large screen also means that applications can have increased functionality and provide a better user experience for interactive applications.

#2— Our Guess: OS 3.2

Correct!

Ok, this is awesome! This means that iPhone/iPod™ apps will run on the new iPad. And even better is the optional pixel scaling that allows apps to run in full screen without a major decay in graphical quality. It will be interesting to see if current apps undergo an overhaul to provide improved resolution, or if designers will rely on the pixel scaling.

For our clients, this is very exciting as well. It means that they get even more exposure through their apps since they can be used on the iPhone, iPod, and now on the iPad.

For iPad developers, Apple has already released iPhone SDK 3.2 beta, an iPad Simulator, and other helpful tools to get apps built and optimized for OS 3.2. Amadeus Consulting is very excited to amp up our development to include iPad applications, and are already offering this service to our clients.

Apple also introduced a new version of iWork® for the iPad. Pages®, Keynote® and Numbers® are also available in special multitouch versions for the iPad.

#3— Our Guess: 3G network

Correct! (well, it’s an option at least)

Automatic Wi-Fi connectivity is pretty nice, but it is limited by the range of Wi-Fi networks, whereas 3G provides Internet access without having to find your nearest coffee shop. AT&T’s data plans are also reasonably priced, giving users a $15/month option with a 250MB limit, or a $30/month unlimited option. Even better is that neither has a contract, so you can cancel or sign-up at any time without worrying about cancellation fees.

Another benefit is the new Apple store iBookstore™ which has partnered with publishers to provide digital books and newspapers on the iPad. Books can be purchased individually and some newspapers can be purchased on a subscription basis.

Additionally, TV shows, movies and music can be downloaded through iTunes, or synced to other Apple computers.

#4— Our Guess: More Power

Partially Correct!

With the 1Ghz Apple A4 processor, the iPad definitely has more power than the iPhone, and boasts a jaw dropping 10 hours of battery life. We originally estimated it would have up to a 2.2Ghz processor, however all the reports say that the iPad is extremely fast with just the Apple A4.

#5—Web Cam!

Wrong

Okay, so we were wrong here, although it does have purchasable dongles that are designed to specifically interface with cameras and picture memory cards. So, you could still do your light photo and video editing before uploading, but it would require an extra step.

However, it does come with a built in microphone, so it could theoretically accept voice commands or be used to make calls on Skype.

Additional Bonuses

There are also some other features that we’re pretty excited about:

• Built in 802.11n, can take advantage of the fastest Wi-Fi networks.

• Bluetooth 2.1 – headphones, wireless keyboard

• 10 Hours of battery life

• Thin, and light (1.5 lbs, .5 inches)

Although this is designed primarily for casual use, we could definitely see many commercial applications for this. Actually, anyone who uses a clipboard at work (for inspections, maintenance, inventory, sales, etc) could easily benefit with a custom application and this device.

Our mantra of "Everything is Possible," keeps us moving forward and finding solutions to difficult problems. We are excited about the development possibilities that the iPad provides, and looking forward to working with our current and future clients on developing innovative apps for the iPad.