Let’s get a few things out of the way: I like Apple products and realize there is a rabid fan base of early adopters. In fact, there are so many early adopters that a new iPad is sold every two seconds or something insane. Regardless, not everyone owns one or wants the current version. That may soon change when iOS 4.2 is released. You may say “but Jeff, that’s just another software upgrade, I want a camera and other hardware improvements on this thing before I sink a half-grand or more into it!”
That’s exactly the reason I haven’t purchased an iPad. While it’s sexy, easy to use, and fun… I just don’t see a use for it yet. I spend much of my day in front of a computer at work and at home. The last thing I need is an oversized iPod Touch to lug around on the bus and in my bag. Besides, it would probably start taunting my iPhone and the two would break each other. That’s besides the point though. Let’s take a look at why it’s about to become a lot harder to avoid purchasing an iPad:
iOS 4.2 Features
It’s getting iOS4.2 which promises an array of must-have features. From wireless printing and media streaming to multitasking… there’s some great features coming to an iPad near you. Here’s what the AP and Engadget (video) have to say about the upcoming upgrade (that you will still have to do manually by plugging in the iPad… still no over-the-air upgrades!):
Apple says the next version of the software that runs iPads and other gadgets will be available in November and will include a way for people to print documents from iPads and other gadgets.
Apple Inc.’s iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch can handle many tasks once performed by personal computers. People can check e-mail, surf the Web, edit photos and compose documents. Although the gadgets can connect with computers to transfer files, they don’t have ports for connecting with printers or USB drives.
The update, iOS 4.2, includes AirPrint for wireless printing. Apple says it will automatically find printers on local networks and send text, photos and graphics for printing over Wi-Fi.
Apple says AirPrint will work with a wide range of printers, from inkjets to laser printers. iOS 4.2 also brings AirPlay (Apple’s new AirTunes) to the iPad, enabling users to stream media, such as video and music, via Wi-Fi.
iOS 4.2 In Action
See iOS 4.2 in action on the iPad in the video below from Engadget. Engadget says of the new features, “The addition of multitasking, folders, and big improvements in mail (amongst other things) finally make the device feel more like a computer and less like a gigantic iPhone.” Engadget also pointed out a surprising new feature: “the orientation switch no longer controls orientation. It’s a mute / unmute switch now!” iOS 4.2 will also give iPad users access to Game Center and give them new controls over font size, Notes, Spotlight Search, Location settings, spell checking, the brightness of the screen, and more.
That being said, these software upgrades are just that… software. If you wait until the second version of the iPad to come out, it will presumably have a camera, more storage, a smaller price tag, and include iOS4.2 at the very least. Does that mean it’s worth waiting a few more months until the next model is out (just in time for the holidays) or not? That’s up to you but let me know since I’m on the fence about purchasing the first-gen model right now. Help!
Let me know if I should buy / not buy the current iPad by getting in touch with me at @edudemic on Twitter or by leaving a comment here or over at Socially Learning. Thanks!
