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This week is a big one in the world of tech. On Wednesday, Apple is holding a press conference to announce a new product. Speculation is rampant that the new model of iPad will be revealed because:
- the iPad 2 was launched this time last year and
- Best Buy has reduced the price of the iPad 2 by $50.
Some predict that Apple will also announce a new product, a television that will have apps and be integrated with other Apple devices.
In spite of the rumors, no one really knows what new features the new iPad will have, nor what the new iPad will be called: iPad 3, iPad 2S, or iPad HD perhaps?
Much has been made of the photo in Apple’s invitation to the event. The device doesn’t have a Home button and the app icons are much bigger than on current iPads. Is this a picture of a new model iPad or of a new Apple television?
As we look ahead to Apple’s big announcement this week, The Wonder of Tech wonders, what features would you like to see on a new iPad? Take the poll and let us know! You can vote for as many features as you’d like.
Some people are excited about a new iPad because that means the price of existing iPads should drop. Even if you’re not interested in getting the new model of iPad, perhaps a reduced price may make the original iPad or the iPad 2 a tempting piece of tech?
For those of you who absolutely can’t wait until Wednesday for the big news, here is an Exclusive Preview from Simon who has the inside scoop on the magical new features of the iPad:
What are your thoughts about Apple’s upcoming announcement this week? Are you excited about the new iPad? Are you looking forward to an Apple television? Do you think Apple will be launching a completely different product? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section below!
I’m still using the iPad 1 and boy, is it slow compared to my iPhone 4S! And the resolution seems dim by comparison. I’d love an iPad 3 that’s faster and doesn’t get hung up so often. Surfing the web is almost painful on the iPad 1! I spent yesterday reading a book on iBooks, and it was even slow turning the pages! (See my blog post for more about the experience.)
Hi Kathryn, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m sorry you’re having difficulty with the original iPad. It shouldn’t be that slow. Make sure you remember to Close Your Apps. Also try a hard reboot (powering off the iPad by holding the top button down for a while and sliding to power off the device) and syncing with iTunes on your computer.
But you’re right, once you enjoy a faster speed on your iPhone 4S, the slower speed of the original iPad may seem annoying. Tech seems amazing only until the next great tech comes along! 🙂
Wow Carolyn!
Seems like an interesting week ahead for Wonder of Tech, as well Apple and all those wonderful people who have been waiting for the new launch of the iPad 🙂
Seem like wonderful features are in store and anyone would want all the features am sure if we had to take our pick! Apple has always been surprising people with what it has in store for them, isn’t it? And an Apple television seems interesting news as well 🙂
Looking forward to the coming week 🙂
Hi Harleena, Yes, it should be an exciting week ahead. New tech is always exciting, but this announcement might just be more exciting than most. The invitation didn’t reveal much so it will be interesting to see what Apple has in store.
Stay tuned to The Wonder of Tech to find out what new Apple products will be coming soon.
Hi Carolyn,
I’m not a huge fan of all things Apple – but I’ll be interested to see what this is. A new iPad or Apple TV system would seem most probable.
I also heard that there would be an iPad “Mini” later this year – but judging from the image, this isn’t going to be it.
Hi Hamish, Excellent point. This is the first iPad that will have serious competition from the launch date. It will be interesting to see what Apple does to combat the Kindle Fire, if anything. A smaller screen would certainly be a nod to the Fire, but that screen in the invitation doesn’t seem to be from a smaller device.
It will be interesting to see what Apple announces on Wednesday! 🙂
I do love Apple. I have an iPhone and a MacBook Pro…4 of my 5 kids use Macbooks. But the iPad belongs to my hubby. I’ve only really played with it a handful of times. It’s quite a remarkable device, in my opinion. But I do find that it’s a bit slow. Interesting that nobody really cares about the home button. I think people would be confused with no home button!
Hi Ruth, Does your husband have the original iPad or the iPad 2? The iPad 2 is significantly faster than the original iPad. It will be interesting to see if Apple increases the speed of the new iPad.
I actually would prefer the device to have a home button. A home button helps me to orient the iPad easily. I’m hoping this photo is of a new Apple television and that there is a home button on the new iPad.
He has the iPad 2. Still slow, if you as me. I completely agree about the home button. I try to imagine using my iPhone without one – I think it would be really confusing.
Hi Ruth, I’m surprised that you find his iPad slow. Make sure he closes his apps!
Well, I guess I’m going to have to get one first, huh? I’m already scoping out which golf tournaments I can enter where they are giving them away as prizes…….:).
I did download the AroundMe app this weekend that was pretty cool.
I think I’m back; certainly feeling much better but not quite 100% yet. Don’t tell my wife though, she’s still trying to get me to the doctor. I’m functional, that’s all that matters for now………
Thanks for your support in my time of absence; it helped me along. Good to see you.
Hi Bill, Actually, that;s one of the great things about this poll. You don’t have to actually own an iPad to vote. You can just dream.
I’m glad you’re on the mend, but please don’t overdo it this week. I’m a bit concerned you’ll wear yourself out and have a relapse. Try to limit yourself to just a few golf tournaments this week. Perhaps just the ones offering an iPad as a prize? 😉
AroundMe is a very cool app. I really need to review that app here soon!
Have a restful week, Bill.
Well if the new iPad has the ability to draw me a fresh beer, and send pictures magically through the air – I’m in! Fantastic video!
Hi cho cho, Welcome back to The Wonder of Tech! So happy to see you here again.
Yes, that video is hilarious. I think if the iPad could do all of those things, then everyone would have one and Apple would never need to update it! 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
An iPad with better display and processor is what everyone is expecting. I am not betting on it but I’d like to get one in less price.
Hi Faran, Excellent point. I think it’s impressive how Apple continues to add more features but keeps the price the same.
I have read some rumors about a lower price, perhaps to compete with the Kindle Fire. I think when the price of the iPad 2 and the original iPad drops, people will be very tempted to get an older model iPad.
It will be very interesting to see what Amazon does in response to the iPad 3 and lower priced older models of the iPad.
Although my sister just got one, I’ve yet to really watch her do things on it. She brought it to a family gathering and we didn’t have much time to play with it. Guess I’ll have to get one first before I can really contribute to your poll.
They look really neat though Carolyn and I’m sure by the time I get around to getting one they will be so advanced I will have missed out on all the beginnings. But that can be a good thing too! 🙂
Hi Adrienne, You might have fun comparing your iPod Touch with your sister’s iPad next time you get together. It’s a fun way to see the differences and what makes the iPad so compelling. But maybe you and your sister have other things to discuss besides tech? Nah. 😉
Wow!!!
What a video. If the ipad can dispense beer, it will be very popular. Who could think of things like that.
Hi Jerry, Lol, yes, I love that video! I’m hoping that Simon gives Apple some great ideas for the new iPad!
After returning an iPad2 recently – because it was sluggish and did not truly multitask – I’m not overly optimistic about the 3’s. My 2 year old android HTC Incredible does as much as the Ipad2 did and its 2 years old. I probably will look seriously at the Asus Transformer Primes after the iIPad 3’s launch if they do not REALLY make a technology leap.
Kim
Hi Kim, Your comment is very interesting that you prefer a two-year old Android phone over an iPad 2. I’m glad you found a device that works so well for you. You are saving a lot of money plus have the convenience of a phone you have with you all the time. Tomorrow’s announcement could convince others who are Android/Amazon Fire fans to give an iPad a try. Or perhaps there won’t be enough improvements to convert new fans. Time will tell! 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
I thought about getting the latest and greatest iPad, but instead opted for a MacBook Air. I know, it’s not the cool thing to do right now, but I just felt I needed the laptop, even if it’s an incredibly tiny laptop 😉 Now, with two iMacs an iPhone and a MacBook Air, I’d say that’s enough of my money to Apple. Now I just want to see that stock keep going up. 🙂
Hi Craig, You’re not alone, I know quite a few people who opted for a MacBook Air over an iPad. I think it would be difficult to justify owning both a MacBook Air and an iPad. I’m glad you’re satisfied with your Apple arsenal, though I do wonder if there are any new features for the iPad 3 that would tempt you? 😉
Just noticed you did not refer to this as the “iPad 3” but instead to the “new iPad”. Hmm. Could it be that you’ve heard the rumors about an “iPad HD”? I suspect that’s what we’ll see tomorrow. Wonder if that will be disappointing to consumers expecting an iPad 3?
Hi Kathryn, In your excitement to vote in the poll and watch the awesome video, you may have missed the part where I discuss the naming of the new iPad in this article. There has been speculation that the new iPad may not be called the iPad 3, but instead the iPad 2S or the iPad HD. After the uproar over the iPhone 4S, I hope Apple has learned not to upset the masses with an “S” name. 🙂
I just need to stay away from the Apple Store. 😉
Craig, I believe that goal will be more difficult to achieve beginning tomorrow… 😉
Hi Carolyn,
I’m excited about the new iPad, and I probably have to buy one no matter what the new features might be. It seems that I have to return my iPad 2 to the University, since I’m starting my business… and right now, I can’t seem to work without one 🙂
I’m not sure what I’ll expect, but a cheaper price would be awesome (I don’t believe that will happen).
Hi Jens, You could also check out getting an iPad 2 at a reduced price. I’m thinking the resale market will be quite busy with a lot of people trading in their older model iPads for new ones!
I agree with you. Now that I have an iPad, I can’t imagine trying to get along without one now! 🙂
I’ve been thinking about what will happen once I get an iPhone 4S. The iPad 2 is a little too big to carry with me all the time, and if the iPhone 4S is half as good as they say, I might be using that a lot more 🙂
nice,thanks for sharing this info, It will be very interesting to see what Amazon does in response to the iPad 3 and lower priced older
models of the Ipad
Hi Ezajacko, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I agree, Amazon will have some stiff competition with the new iPad 3 and the older models of iPads. It will be interesting to see what they do with the Kindle Fire.
Oh, yes, I didn’t see that, I was so excited to comment! I have to admit I’m not fond of the HD tag either. It reminds me of a disease.
Hi Kathryn, I’m glad you were so excited to comment! I agree with you about not liking the HD name, though for different reasons. If the next iPad is named HD, then the iPads after this one will also have to have an HD name otherwise people will think that they aren’t HD. So would the iPad in 2013 be iPad HD 2? It could get very confusing….
Getting used to my Kindle has me really itching to get an iPad — maybe even the iPad 2 if the prices go down, although out of all that I checked off in your poll, I think a better camera would really be worth the price!
Hi Samantha, I can understand how you feel. Once you get a taste of how useful digital devices are, it’s tempting to take the next step. The iPad 2 should be significantly cheaper starting tomorrow, so you can decide which model suits your needs best.
I find the camera to be more handy than I thought. I use it more for scanning and FaceTime than I do as an actual camera, but it does come in handy! 🙂
Can’t wait to see what Apple’s newest products are, and can’t wait to get your take on them! I am still using an iPad 1, and would love to upgrade. Sadly, that will not be any time soon. I have put a new iPad on my birthday wish list, though. I wonder if the little birthday fairies will whisper in my family’s ear to get me one! Not so sure why I’d want an Apple TV, though. :-bd
Hi Carol, I’m getting excited about the announcement. I’m thinking you wouldn’t have known why you wanted an iPad until Apple let you know why you wanted one. Keep an open mind about what Apple announces tomorrow. You don’t know what you want until Apple lets you know! 😉
Hi Carolyn,
No, I’m still not impressed enough to buy one. In fact a smart phone seems more likely.
My new website is progressing, i have to look at more plugins for a cache to speed it up and stuff like that. I’ll look through Adrienne’s list again! I have now made it work with Windows Live writer and I get the font size I want and so I’ve made progress and Commentluv works; I might go for the premium version later. The email works now and so people can email me too! I’m posting blogs to the WordPress blog and the new one but soon I’ll do some extra blogs for A zillion Ideas. Then a Facebook Fanpage! I want lots of new photos for that! It’s coming along!
Hi Mike, Yes, I can see you getting a smartphone first. I predict that what you would use an iPad for would be to view and edit your photos on the go and perhaps your blog too. But a smartphone would allow you to have a very good camera with you wherever you are.
Please keep us posted on when you are going to switch over entirely to your new blog! It sounds as if your new site is really coming along. 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
I think for me I always want better speed and battery life. Having a phone that has pathetic available space has taught me how to go off less. I think once you get to 100 gb on a tablet I can last till the next time I need to upgrade.
Excellent breakdown Carolyn,
Bryce
Hi Bryce, I don’t like having to manage what I keep on my phone. I like being able to load whatever I want on it without having to worry. Having a 64 GB phone is very handy. My Android phone has limited space available so I have to manage apps constantly which is a pain.
My 64 GB iPad is almost full. I have a lot of space hungry apps, plus I like to have some videos on there. 128 GB seems like a lot of space but I have to confess, that seems very attractive to me. I’m not sure Apple could offer it at a reasonable price though.
Right now you’re in the majority feeling the need for speed! I don’t know whether that’s because everyone wants fast tech or because people think the current iPad is too slow. Either way, Apple may make a lot of people happy tomorrow if it increases the speed of the iPad! 🙂
I’m surprised that people didn’t vote for the better camera feature. Maybe because that should’ve been better photo quality? The iPad2 has always taken horridly pixelated images to my chagrin. I prefer my iPhone 4S for images now.
Hi Jayme, I don’t know how many people actually use the camera for photos on the iPad. The camera can be used for photos, video, scanning and FaceTime. All of these could benefit from better camera quality, but maybe people don’t really care because either they don’t use the camera or they think the camera quality is good enough?
Hi there im just curious to know why Apple is so special and the difference between Apple and Samsung Tablets? thanks
Hi Andrew, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Great question! I’m sure entire business school classes are taught on the subject of what makes Apple special. In my mind what makes Apple special is their ability to take tech, such as the iPod, iPad and iPhone, and make it appealing and easy to use for everyday people, while making it compelling for techies. Apple wasn’t the first to invent a portable music player, PDA, smartphone or tablet. Yet their product lines in each of these categories have been market leaders with widespread adoption.
As far as the iPad versus Samsung Tablets, what makes iPad better in my mind is the availability of apps for the iPad. The iPad now has over 200,000 apps, far more than the small number of dedicated Android tablet apps. Apple has been able to retain its dominant market share because so many more apps are available for the iPad. Android tablets have used different versions of the Android operating system, some not intended to be used by tablets. This has led to an unsatisfactory user experience for some users of Android tablets.
If you’re debating between the two types of tablets, I encourage you to try each one out to see which one you prefer. Also, ask owners of each type of tablet you’re considering how they like their tablet and why.
Carolyn, aloha. Look forward to seeing what you have to say in your review of the new IPad. The results of your polls always amaze me. It’s interesting to see what “matters” to people in using a tech product.
Have a fun week chatting with all your techie friends about Apple’s announcement. Aloha. Janet
P.S. Will you be purchasing a new one so that your dog can have your old one for games?
Aloha, Janet, I’m sorry to say that Astro will not be getting my old iPad. I love my pooch, but some things are sacred. Besides, the iPad is really more of a cat toy. 😉
Yes, results of polls on The Wonder of Tech always surprise me. But then again, so does Apple!
I just published my article about Apple’s announcement so you can read my thought there. 🙂
I am eagerly waiting for the release of Apple’s new Ipad . I am excited and would like to know if its incorporating any new features like extra ports and slots,HD Video , iCloud, iTunes,4G Wireless Technology . Lets see if Ipad3 will be any cheaper than its predecessors.