iPad 2

[Bryancd]

@Bryan I agree with that, but I also look at the iPad as the laptop without all the fluff.  Since I don't do movie editing or intense gaming on the go, the iPad fills in the mobile gap without giving me a lot of useless features. 

King

That is EXACTLY my point. And Chris, that looks so cool!!!

[Rico]

If I ever get an iPAD, I'll be getting this for it:

http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

Actually when Rick Peete brought over his iPad to show me he had a nice little wireless Blue tooth keyboard that could sync up with it.  Kind of nice if you want the tactile response of keys to type on

[KingIsaacLinksr]

If I ever get an iPAD, I'll be getting this for it:

http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

Actually when Rick Peete brought over his iPad to show me he had a nice little wireless Blue tooth keyboard that could sync up with it.  Kind of nice if you want the tactile response of keys to type on

If its an Apple one, that's the same one I use with my iPhone.  Does wonders for notes in class, long emails, etc.

King

[Jobydrone]

I didn't mean to be insulting, so I hope no one took offense.  I just believe that the average person does not want or need a tablet, mobile phone, handheld gaming device, laptop, PC, portable DVD player, Ebook reader, and so on.  I think that the future is in the device that combines all these things into one, and to me the iPad and other tablets come the closest to being that convergence device that I think the majority of people are looking for.  As technology advances and things like processing power, battery life, etc. all improve, I think more people will be able and willing to pay a higher price for one device that does all these things.  I think we'll see a reverse of current trends, and the high powered computers and laptops will become the niche rather than the norm, and the convergence device like the tablet will be the thing more people gravitate to.

[X]

I didn't mean to be insulting, so I hope no one took offense.  I just believe that the average person does not want or need a tablet, mobile phone, handheld gaming device, laptop, PC, portable DVD player, Ebook reader, and so on.  I think that the future is in the device that combines all these things into one, and to me the iPad and other tablets come the closest to being that convergence device that I think the majority of people are looking for.  As technology advances and things like processing power, battery life, etc. all improve, I think more people will be able and willing to pay a higher price for one device that does all these things.  I think we'll see a reverse of current trends, and the high powered computers and laptops will become the niche rather than the norm, and the convergence device like the tablet will be the thing more people gravitate to.

I for one HATE, DISPISE, DETEST all in one devices. Back when I was a kid I bought those all in one entertainment systems. Then I got a clue. If you have one device, you lose everything if it should fail. I like having my phone as a phone with some perks, my camera as a camera, my music player as a music player, my web device as a web device, and my e reader as an ereader and so on.

I don't mind if the features over lap, but I wouldn't buy a phone to use as a camera. My phone can be used as one, but I see that as more of an emergency than a necessity. I have a camera when I want to take pictures. I do enjoy when these things can sync and talk to each other, but keeping them seperate allows me to use everything all day without worrying about battery life

If any of these devices were to break, my world doesn't shutdown until it can be replaced. I personally prefer components to all in one for that reason.

[Rico]

I don't think you really need an all in one device at home.  It only comes into play when you need to carry something around.  And most current smart phones cover that pretty well.  I always go back to a line Scotty would use, "The right tool for the right job."  I've always agreed with that.

[X]

I don't think you really need an all in one device at home.  It only comes into play when you need to carry something around.  And most current smart phones cover that pretty well.  I always go back to a line Scotty would use, "The right tool for the right job."  I've always agreed with that.

I totally agree with that. The only place I don't like unitaskers is in my kitchen gear. Otherwise, I like to keep my stuff apart. I never listen to music on my phone because I want that battery power for things that I can only do with my phone.

[Jobydrone]

I for one HATE, DISPISE, DETEST all in one devices...

Why don't you tell us how you really feel Chris? ;)  I'm just offering how I see things going...probably there's a good reason I am not a highly paid multimedia analyst.

[X]

I for one HATE, DISPISE, DETEST all in one devices...

Why don't you tell us how you really feel Chris? ;)  I'm just offering how I see things going...probably there's a good reason I am not a highly paid multimedia analyst.

I understand where you're coming from, but it's been my experience that most consumers don't support the all in one device, part of the reason the DVD/TVs never advance more than a token model each year.

[KingIsaacLinksr]

I for one HATE, DISPISE, DETEST all in one devices...

Why don't you tell us how you really feel Chris? ;)  I'm just offering how I see things going...probably there's a good reason I am not a highly paid multimedia analyst.

I understand where you're coming from, but it's been my experience that most consumers don't support the all in one device, part of the reason the DVD/TVs never advance more than a token model each year.

I hear where your coming from there, I myself dislike all-in-one devices.  Its too easily susceptible to everyday life.  However, despite this, all-in-one devices are the only things I can afford right now.  I can't afford a separate camera & phone and MP3 player.  A separate E-Reader.  A separate TV from my monitor.  (Though the only reason I have a Monitor with TV functions is because I liked the screen size and it was Samsung, TV was just a bonus, though its almost never used).  This is why I go with higher quality devices in order to avoid unfortunate circumstances.  

So for me, these devices save me $$ and frustration, which is why I like them a lot.  Guess that's my perspective as a college student. 

King

[Rico]

Looks like some rumors are getting closer to facts about the iPad 2.  Two cameras, a bigger speaker, thinner design, etc.  Read on about this iPad 2 case seen at CES 2011....

We've been seeing supposed iPad 2 cases for about a month now, all of them with the same telltale cutouts: a camera hole in the back, a camera hole in the front, and a big ol' speaker hole. Today's find beats them all, however: we just found a case with a machined aluminum iPad 2 mockup inside. Dexim is the eager exhibitor, with an actually very intriguing case design involving a Bluetooth keyboard that magnetically adheres to the front cover of the book-like sleeve, allowing for a laptop-style setup, or a keyboard-free case when you want to shave a few ounces. It was so intriguing that we asked to put our own iPad inside, which is when we were told it wouldn't fit, since the case was designed for the next iPad. Indeed, the mockup that we found inside the case was a tad bit slimmer than the first-gen iPad, with a taper leading to the edges that reminds us of the iPod touch, and a home button positioned nearer the bottom edge. We found all the typical cutouts on the case, and their mirror on the machined mockup, including a large square for the speaker.

So, what does it all mean? Well, there's certainly a consistent iPad 2 make that these Chinese manufacturers seem to be designing against, and while there's always the off chance that their info is wrong, it seems odd they'd go so far as to actually make the cases if they were unsure about their sources. It also means a slimmer iPad with cameras and a bigger speaker, which is never a bad thing. Check the pictures in the gallery below and make up your own mind.

source:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/ipad-2-case-shows-up-at-ces-packing-a-mockup-ipad-2/

[KingIsaacLinksr]

Getting more and more convinced that the iPad 2.0 is the one I'm going to get :)

King

[Rico]

Getting more and more convinced that the iPad 2.0 is the one I'm going to get :)

King

Me too Tim!  :)

[Bromptonboy]

Now that starts to make sense.  USB or media ports would be nice as well.

[sheldor]

Does it really need to be THINNER!!??