The iPad Questions Apple Won't Answer

snydeq writes "Apple's reticence to reveal details prior to a product's launch is legendary. But when Apple extends this silence beyond a product's unveiling, historically this has meant that the product cannot deliver the functionality that analysts and journalists are asking about. InfoWorld's Galen Gruman lists eight key questions for the iPad, about all of which Apple has kept silent. Can you save and transfer documents to the iPad? Does the iPad support Microsoft Exchange email? Does the iPad support VPN? Configuration management? 'I have no doubt the iPad will be compelling to some users. But I now have major concerns that it will fulfill the potential beyond being an iTunes delivery screen that I and other industry observers saw,' Gruman writes."

Comments

The lack of FLASH is a PR-Stunt!

[MindPrison]

Mark my words, Apple are renown for their PR-stunts.

By getting everyone upset, a simple thing like the obvious lack of Flash, which is severely needed for a proper Surfing Experience that the iPad is made for, this is nothing but a PR-STUNT, ingenious - I have to admit - because it'll make you and other RAVE on forever and critique iPad & Apple = Free publicity, and of course - shortly after iPad has been launched, Apple will timely announce that Flash is coming - after all, they have "listened" to their "audience".

Re:Just pollin'

[Anonymous Coward]

I have a need for a device like it but Apple is on my "don't buy their shit" list.
Does not allow you to run .... what is this? Am I licensing Hardware now since they want to tell me what I can and can not do with my device.

Apple users are Sheeps who are getting fucked by Steve, hope it feels good.

Re:Answers

[uncanny]

or at least a reacharound

Re:Just pollin'

[JAlexoi]

Average user will find out how to screw up anything.

Re:Just pollin'

[JAlexoi]

Well, I understand that you are a Apple fanboy with BSDM fetish, since how could anyone write "iPod touch is already my websurfer of choice"!?!?!?! I mean I have iPod. It's good. But I will go for a larger screen any time. Even 10" is too small.

- all those zillion apps that will be written for it

- Don't be overconfident. 120'000 apps is still not a lot.

People want to do things with their computers, they shouldn't have to worry about cleaning up the filesystem or other crap like that.

There will be document editing, therefore there will be crap in their filesystem.

Like iWork. Running an app like that is simply impossible on an iPhone. You could view a document, but editing a document would be very hard indeed. On the iPad it's perfectly doable

Running, is one thing. Using is another. Document editing on small scale is possible, writing something will be a major PITA. You can't match typing speed on a touchscreen to a keyboard.

With the iPad we are still stuck at the point where we stare at paper-specs and use them to determine the value and use of the device.

I agree that we shouldn't. But the actual question is still unanswered by Apple. And the only magical and revolutionary thing about the device is the price. Stop pretending that they have all the answers.

Re:Answers

[macs4all]

Then again, look around. No serious technology user would touch Apple products with a barge pole.

ORLY?

Then I guess that explains why so many /. readers have (and love) Apple products, right...

What a tool.

Re:Answers

[macs4all]

Let's see a show of hands: Who wants to be able to give their PARENTS something they can use to browse the web, email, display pictures and video, and read the occasional book/magazine/newspaper, WITHOUT HAVING TO PROVIDE FREE TECH-SUPPORT FOR LIFE?

I thought so... Well that's EXACTLY what the iPad will bring to us geek family-members.

Jeezus! For a bunch of so-called "tech-savvy" readers, /.ers are some of the most anti-change people around...

BTW, have you ever tried to actually USE a "laptop" computer in your lap while seated on typical livingroom furniture (recliner, couch, etc.)? There is NOTHING comfortable about it!

Go back and watch the Keynote. Notice that most of the hands-on was done SITTING IN THE COMFY CHAIR. That wasn't done because Steve-o gets tired standing up. He was demonstrating exactly WHY this is a "game changing" device.

And it is... Or rather, will be...

Quite frankly, this is the device I've been wanting for the past 20 years or so. What it can't deliver on it's own, my computer will sure be able to through a nice VNC client like > this, or this or this running on the iPad!

Now if only VNC supported AUDIO... Seriously, what's up with that???