Although Apple's iPad has been a rousing success in terms of sales and popularity, the manufacturer is beginning to see some competition. One such example of direct iPad competition is the Galaxy Tab from Samsung. Rumblings concerning its smaller display and other features have caused Apple to take note, and there are other competitors out there hoping to take a piece of the tablet market share pie from Apple.
Ashok Kumar, a senior technology analyst and managing director for Rodman and Renshaw, believes that Apple is on the heels of releasing a new generation of the iPad as soon the spring season of 2011. Kumar believes that the new release will unveil a smaller iPad with a 7-inch display, as well as a bevy of other upgraded features.
The smaller display would be a response to competitors that are developing tablets that are smaller than the current iPad, which has a 9.7-inch display. While that display size is excellent for viewing media and typing, some believe that it is a bit too big and awkward to handle at times. By releasing smaller devices that still sustain similar feature sets, competitors feel that they can offer better portability than the current iPad. So far, reviews of Samsung's Galaxy Tab are citing the device's portability as a very strong selling point that gives it an advantage over Apple's tablet.
Other than portability, Apple must also address its missing feature of an integrated camera. The Galaxy Tab offers front and rear cameras. The current iPad's lack of any camera functionality omits it from being useful with the company's FaceTime app, and many owners of the device have cited the omission of a camera as a major drawback.
Kumar stated that the upcoming iPad would likely come equipped with both front and rear facing cameras that not only allow for video chatting, but will also be capable of recording video in HD. Kumar's prediction comes after talks with Pegatron, a manufacturer in Taiwan that contracts with Apple.
Although a smaller second generation iPad would likely be more portable, its smaller size would also allow Apple to tinker with the device's price. Many find the high cost of the first generation iPad to be a huge barrier, especially when some consider it to be more of a luxury than a laptop replacement. With a starting price tag of $500, many people simply cannot afford it, especially during tough economic times.
A smaller iPad would allow Apple to lower its starting price, making it more attractive to potential buyers. By making the iPad smaller, Apple may also ease its fears concerning the tablet's ability to take a bite out of the manufacturer's notebook sales.
The tablet wars between Apple and its competitors are just beginning, and likely will last for some time to come. Apple's current place at the top of the tablet mountain is comfortable, but with many new and improved tablets coming to the table, they must react and adapt to the competition.
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