A Dark Past
Tablets, Before and After the iPad
- Lots of Confusing Buttons
- Styluses
- Poor Battery
- Slow
- Few Applications
A Smartphone Revolution
- Most options on-screen
- Touchscreen Quality
- Touch designed software
- Efficient processors
- Snappy
- Every Application
Hardware Timeline
| iPhone | iPhone 3G | iPhone 3GS | iPad | iPhone 4 | iPad 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release | 6/07 | 7/08 | 6/09 | 4/10 | 6/10 | 3/11 |
| Storage | 4GB | 8GB | 8GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB |
| Speed | .6 Ghz | .6 Ghz | .8 Ghz | 1 Ghz | 1 Ghz | 1 Ghz x 2 |
| Memory | 128MB | 128MB | 256MB | 256MB | 512MB | 512MB |
| Max OS Version | iOS 3 | iOS 4 | Current | Current | Current | Current |
Note: The iPod touch roughly matches the release spec timeline of the iPhone.
What can we learn from their hardware release cycle?
Software
iOS 1
The original iPhone operating system had many of the built-in apps that come with the iPhone today. Highlights included:
- iPod
- Phone
- Internet
Critics slammed it as too expensive and too simple—not even being able to copy and paste, but they didn't quit.
iOS 2
The second iteration touted the addition of the App Store for installing applications.
iOS 3
The third added copy and paste, video recording, and a bunch of minor enhancements.
iOS 4
The fourth iOS added multitasking, folders, printing, find device remotely, and wireless video streaming.
iOS 5
The fifth generation added wireless syncing to iTunes, iCloud, non-invasive notifications, built-in photo editing, and built-in reminders.