Previews

Hands on with iPad

Notes on the hardware and software features

Hands on with iPad
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[Editor's note: details concerning the specifications of the iPad were incorrect in the original version of this article. Specifically, it does have Bluetooth.]

Weighing in a mere 1.5lbs, iPad isn't exactly a physical heavyweight. The half inch-thick device practically disappears when turned sideways, the matt aluminium finish on the back providing an understated casing.

It's what appears on the 9.7-inch expanse of glass on the front that makes iPad an exciting prospect.

More than an enlarged iPod touch, yet not as multifunctional as a full laptop, it straddles the space in between as a potentially groundbreaking multimedia device. It essentially behaves like an iPhone or iPod touch, though, with the hallmark qualities that have made those handsets such a phenomenon.

A physical Home button situated at the bottom of the device allows you to access the home page at anytime. Just like an iPod touch, applications appear on the screen as square icons that can flipped through with a slide of a finger. A toolbar sits along the screen's bottom edge, customisable with your favourite apps just as with an iPhone or iPod touch.

Two peas in a pod

Much of the hardware feels similar, too. The back is curved like an iPhone 3G or second generation iPod touch. The design aesthetics are eerily identical; in fact, you could mistake iPad for an iPhone or iPod touch if there wasn't any scale to provide a frame of reference.

When held, however, the larger iPad shows itself to be far more substantial than its little brothers.

As slim as it is, this is a much larger device. The 1024x768 resolution is crisp and clear - a noted jump up from Apple's handhelds. That makes web browsing, email, electronic books, and video viewing a dream.

Apps release for iPhone and iPod touch are compatible with iPad.

Playing Gameloft's first-person shooter N.O.V.A., for instance, the game boots up in its native resolution. Tapping a button in the lower-right corner prompts full screen mode. The operating system automatically up-scales the app by doubling the number of pixels rendered.

It's disappointing that multiple apps can't be run simultaneously. An option to use apps within windows laid atop the home screen would be nice.

Audio and visuals

The 1GHz processor allows for more robust visuals and functions like upscaling. The system on a chip also contains 3D hardware acceleration - a Mali 40 GPU again designed by ARM.

It will certainly be interesting to see what the iPad is rated at in terms of 3D performance when the appropriate tech companies get their hands on it.

Audio's good too. Simulated stereo sound pumps through a row of speakers along the bottom of the device (at its side when held in landscape mode for video or gameplay). The quality was solid, though we expect headphones to prove superior.

Sans camera and GPS, a limited number of apps will not work on iPad.

All versions come with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology, and the wi-fi 3G model comes with Assisted GPS.

Room to write

We're concerned about storage capacity though, which maxes out at 64GB.

Apple had to increase capacity in its line of iPhone and iPod touch handsets due to the increasing size of apps; as such, we're worried that filling up the introductory 16GB iPad will be a problem. Many games have tallied upwards of 200-300MB, with some even surpassing half a gigabyte. Imagine putting videos, books, and saving files in Apple productivity suite iWork too. 64GB just doesn't seem future-proof.

In the box, you can expect a USB cable for syncing with a computer. Apple pledges a dock accessory at launch, as well as a keyboard dock. A case will also be offered that can be angled on a flat surface for use.

Based on the standard Mac keyboard, we found the keyboard dock to be nothing less than beautiful. It's not a full-sized keyboard, rather slightly condensed. It's sure to be pricey.

Withstanding objections to its technical specifications, it's difficult not to be taken in by the device's natural feel. It's semblance to iPhone ensures intuitive use, whereas the higher quality screen and sturdy construction engender sophistication.

We'll wait to play the native launch games before passing initial comment on iPad's potential in terms of gaming prospects of course, but iPad is nonetheless an attractive and engaging device.

Tracy Erickson
Tracy Erickson
Manning our editorial outpost in America, Tracy comes with years of expertise at mashing a keyboard. When he's not out painting the town red, he jets across the home of the brave, covering press events under the Pocket Gamer banner.