Apple announces the new iPad……..

But will it be a success? After all, it is supposed to be a level between the iPhone & a laptop. But has anyone been crying out for such a device? Industry experts are already suggesting that netbooks have had their day, so how will another device succeed in a similar arena?

Or will it be that the usual collection of “oh it’s Apple, I must have it” adopters spark off demand for a product which already appears to be pretty flawed in it’s usability! Will the style of the iPad mean it’s a must have in the same way that the original iPhone was, despite it taking 3 generations to become the phone it should’ve been in the first place?!

Numerous names were being thrown around (iTablet, iSlate, iPad) but which name was Apple going to choose? Does iPad sound right. Why would Apple want to name their new product something that sounds so familiar to the iPod? Some people are already calling it the “iTampon” & you’d have thought they might have done a search on the Internet to see if anyone had used the name already!!!!!

Once again, no multi-tasking! So, if you’re writing a document you can’t listen to music, you can’t have TweetDeck open if you want to check your email, you can only do one thing at a time, which has always been a complaint with the iPhone.

There’s no camera on the iPad! There’s a microphone, but no camera. If you look at the size of the case that surrounds the screen, there is ample space for a camera so where is it? The iPad should come with a 3-megapixel camera built in. As it stands, this means no iChat/Skype chat for you.

More ridiculously large adapters!! If you want to access your camera or plug in something USB, then strat searching for your adapters; both huge. Apple has adopted USB on its Macs, why is it still insisting on propriety sockets for users, who will have USB on most other products.

The iPad needed to update the keypad for touchscreen devices & make it easier to use. So what have they done? Just make a larger version of what they already had. It’ll be incredibly hard to type on, unless you’re lying flat with your knees holding the device up, or you buy the iPad Case (essentially an book cover).

Still no Flash playback! Most of you are probably accustomed to Apple devices not being Flash compatible, but if Apple is truly wanting to compete with other Netbooks, they need to remedy this. With a larger screen comes more responsibilities, you can’t just leave gigantic holes in the middle of webpages if you then expect to be able to claim it “the best web experience you’ve ever had“. Even iPhone users are complaining that they want Flash on their device.

Unfortunately, Apple seems to be able to get away with leaving huge gaps in its technology, because people don’t know any better. They like the way it looks, it says iSomething on the case & will make other people jealous……….what about how it works people?!!!!!

Finally it’s here! The most eagerly anticipated mobile phone of all time is set to launch exclusively with O2 on Friday 11th July.

So what is the fuss all about?

Well, firstly, Apple have made several changes to the new model equipping it with 3G technology, GPS Maps and better e-mail management whilst still combining three amazing products in one — a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and full web browsing.

If that’s not enough, O2 have now made the iphone 3G more affordable than its predecessor and best of all, the new 8GB iPhone won’t cost you a penny on our £45 and £75 tariffs. And it’s just £99 on our £35 tariff and new £30 tariff.

If you’d prefer the 16GB version, it’s free on our £75 tariff. Then you’ll just pay £59 with the £45 tariff and £159 on our £30 and £35 tariffs.

All tariffs include unlimited browsing on your iPhone, unlimited Wi-Fi access, visual voicemail and reduced roaming rates with our International Traveller Service and are subject to a minimum term contract of 18 months.

“Introducing iPhone 3G. With fast 3G wireless technology, Maps with GPS, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange, and the new App Store, iPhone 3G puts even more amazing features in your hands. And just like the original iPhone, it combines three products in one — a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and full web browsing. iPhone3G. It redefines what a mobile phone can do. Again.”

This is great news for anyone that loves Apple products & has to have the latest gadgets….but hang on, wouldn’t those people have already bought an iPhone? And been forced to sign an 18 month contract with O2 at a minimum cost of nearly £1000?! Do you feel a bit cheated?

However, although getting the new 3G phone may have to wait, you will get a new OS for your current model – Apple says:

“Your iPhone will do even more with the iPhone 2.0 software update. Extend its capability with applications you download directly from the new App Store. Get push email, calendar, and contacts from your work’s Microsoft Exchange server. And use new great features in Mail, Contacts, and other applications. Free in the next update.”

Maybe the iPhone 3G is the “phone” the iPhone SHOULD have been in the first place & it was just a very clever piece of marketing to release what I consider a sub standard product & get loads of people to fall for it, only to then do it all over again with what now seems to be a decent package!

What’s new on iPhone 3G?

• 3G Speed – Surf the web and download email over fast 3G mobile networks.
• Maps with GPS – Find your location, get directions, and track your route with GPS.
• App Store – Get ready to browse and download innovative applications for iPhone.
• iPhone in Enterprise – Get push email, contacts, and calendars with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.

More Features

Take a look at additional iPhone features including:

• Better Email Management
• Contacts Search
• View More Attachments
• Scientific Calculator

More Languages

For its worldwide release, iPhone 3G adds more language support.

If you have waited until now to get your iPhone, then take a look on Mobiles4Me, where we will have the iPhone 3G available from 11th July.