Seven Tweaks to the iPad Before It Ships

It's a strange position to be in, and frankly, I think this is a first for us, but we've got seven tweaks, of varying difficulty that would make the iPad better before it ever ships:

1. Simplify lineup.

Is this an Apple product? Six different SKUs to differentiate two features? How about at most, three models: 16GB wifi only $499, 32GB with 3G $699, and a 64GB with 3G for $799. Simpler pricepoints, simpler lineup.

2. Add a camera, maybe two.

No camera? No iChat? No iMovie on the go? Give us something here. I'm trying to think of a device other than an e-book reader that shiips without a camera these days. Apple, you surely don't see the iPad as simply an eBook reader, do you?

3. Really allow all iPhone apps to run.

Early on in the presentation, it seemed promising that all iPhone apps could run on the iPad. Later Jobs used that wiggle room word "most." What about VoIP apps? What about the apps that rely on the camera? 

4. Include the keyboard in the high end.

At the high end of the line, you're getting pretty close to a decent laptop in price. And that laptop will include... a keyboard! Apple is conceding that a keyboard will be handy for some power users, so why not add it in at the high end.

5. Include the dongles. 

While we're in a giving mood, how about including the USB and SD card dongles. First, we were all surprised there were even dongles to begin with, but if you're going to make them, you might as well include them.

6. Make iWork standard.

From the keynote, the iWork apps looked like the only apps that are currently ready to potentially take this device beyond being a giant iPod Touch. They're internal apps, and so the cost of including them would be minimal. If the iPhone could ship with a YouTube player, which helped differentiate it from other devices, then it certainly seems like Apple's own apps should be part of the iPad.

7. Change the name.

iPad? Un-inspired, and sounds like a hygiene product. Is that the best that Cupertino could do? We're sticking with our choice: Canvas.

Comments

[gabe]

"Dongles" is my new word of the day. As someone who is not as entrenched in the Apple camp, I find myself generally unimpressed with what I've heard/seen so far from the iPad. Even to a novice like me, it seems that the price range is really odd. The suggestion in #1 (above) seems to make a lot of sense to me. And although I don't think it would be very convenient to snap a photo with this 10-inch flatscreen, a camera would be a nice touch! I think the keyboard is a nice add-on that will probably help with some sales, but what do i know? Overall, I'll wait and see. Admittedly this isn't a product for me, as I'm not one to run out and buy the newest toy right away. But in a few years....who knows!

[Brad]

And don't forget the SD card slot that is needed!

[Sean]

@Brad, Within a few months there will be thousands of peripherals for the iPad, including an SD card reader.

I find it funny that people will pick one feature it lacks and pan the whole product. Typical mindless PC mentality. At least I won't have to install Norton Antivirus on it and pay a subscription fee forever.

[Jeff]

I think omitting the camera and GPS were purely cost-saving cuts to get to the prices they announced. If they sell enough of these things to recoup their development expenses and drive down component costs, we'll see a camera added in the future while maintaining the current price points. Also gives them some room to toss us a bone down the road ....

[Peter]

"Later Jobs used that wiggle room word 'most.' What about VoIP apps? What about the apps that rely on the camera?"

VoIP Apps -- No. No microphone.
Camera Apps -- No. No Camera.
GPS Apps -- No. No GPS--unless you get the 3G version.

In other words, it's a great $499 portable movie watcher.

I'm seeing Apple TV all over again.