The Apple iPad is a touch screen tablet computer made by Apple Computer Inc. As with any new technology such as the iPad, problems may be identified. This page will describe these problems and solutions if available.
People who pre-ordered an iPad began receiving them on Saturday April 4th, 2010. A number of pre-release iPad units were also made available to media outlets to review Apple's latest device. Some of the most popular reviews come in the form of iPad Unboxing Videos.
As the number of devices made available to the public increased, customers uncovered iPad problems and formed several solutions to these issues.
iPad Security Concerns
Several analysts have expressed concern regarding potential security flaws that may result from the iPad's security structure which is similar to that of the iPhone. These may not be insurmountable but are concerns nonetheless. They are particularly concerned because of the number of issues were found within the iPhone's security. Analysts are saying that because of the similarities between the iPad security architecture and that of the iPod, that similar issues may arise.http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-388199.html for more details
Crazy iPad
Here you can see an iPad user attempting to type a website address on an Apple iPad. Each time the user attempts to type the address into the Safari browser, the iPad begins randomly typing unnecessary letters. While this is obviously a "glitch" in the touch sensative screen, it is certainly a problem for this user.
iPad WiFi Problem
On April 6th, 2010 the DailyMail.co.uk noted that several iPad users have reported that the iPad will not connect to WiFi access points.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1263870/Apple-iPad-hit-technical-glitches-users-complain-unable-connect-internet.html
"All my devices, two laptops and iPhone have a strong signal, but my iPad does not connect to the internet at home at all and has a weak connection at work."
"I made an appointment with Apple Store and they replaced my iPad with a new one. Fingers crossed for better luck on this one."http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1263870/Apple-iPad-hit-technical-glitches-users-complain-unable-connect-internet.html
Notable industry insider Michal Arrington of Techcrunch has commented that he has received similar errors personally and has heard of other people experiencing the issue as well. Apple has not yet released an official comment.
Another user - andyspocket from Nashville, Tennessee - complained: "I never imagined how USELESS this device is without connection - can basically only type notes in notepad app."
iPad Storage Problems
Apple iPads are available with a maximum storage capacity of 64 Gigabytes (GB). Without the purchase and use of a large external connector (SD adapter), there is no way for storage to be expanded on the device.http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/
This presents a problem as less than 5 movies, a handful of music and a moderate web browsing cache will fill this space quickly. Transferring files to and from the iPad also presents a problem as Apple has designed the device to use iTunes to facilitate all file transfers similar to an iPod. The device lacks simple drag-and-drop file abilities.
Every iPad ships with the ability to connect to the Internet. As a result, a number of online storage providers such as Box.net and Dropbox.com are preparing iPad Applications that allow people to connect to their services. These Apps allow people to store and access files when they are connected to the Internet using the iPad's built in WiFi networking or 3G cellular data access.http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/04/boxnet-for-ipad-solves-file-transfer-troubles/
Insufficient Mobile Broadband
Lack of mobile broadband could be a major issue. With the expected number of iPads sold to reach the millions, there is a concern that their portability will cause a significant increase in the demand for mobile broadband. Many are speculating that the mobile broadband industry is not set-up for this surge and can foresee problems ahead.http://4g-wirelessevolution.tmcnet.com/broadband-stimulus/topics/mobile-networks/articles/75141-fcc-warns-network-issues-based-ipad-popularity.htm
iPad USB Hub Charging
Popular online site Engadget (amongst others) has reported problems charging the iPad with USB Powered Hubs.
Although it is fairly early to speculate, Analysts are suggesting that the iPad requires more power than these devices can handle.http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/03/apple-ipad-charging-woes-usb-hubs-non-macs-and-weak-ports-not/
iPad Screen Flicker Problem
A number of users have reported issues with iPad screen flicker problems.
A user reported a fault on Mac Forums saying "I just noticed that the display has a mild flicker when the brightness is turned all the way down. This is more clearly visible in a dark room and with a white background." Source - Mac Rumors http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=892091
The following fault was reported on Google Groups. "I've been messing around with the jQTouch demo on my iPad and everything seems to work except that I'm getting a "flicker" when a new page animates in. You basically see the old page for a split second along with a flash of green." Source: - Google Groupshttp://groups.google.com/group/jqtouch/browse_thread/thread/ef9b12f99f97edb6
The Apple TOS and DRM
The iPad is not an "open architecture" device. Similar touch screen tablet devices such as the WePad are built on open operating systems such as Android. This allows programmers and developers a large amount of control over the programs and applications that they create. On the other hand, the iPad is built around Apple's closed iPhone OS that has long been the target of hacking and jailbreaking.
To follow Apple's business plan, the company needs to control what software and media can be accessed on the iPad. This allows technologies such as DRM (Digital Rights Management) to control piracy and illegal file trading. Other controls, force customers to use partnered cellular carriers such as AT&T for data access. Perhaps the biggest drawback of the limitations Apple places on devices such as the iPad is that Apple has unilateral control over the thousands of apps that are available for the device.
Apple has found itself under fire for removing all adult oriented applications along with other apps that do not conform to Apple's rules, ethics or corporate beliefs.http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/apple-pulls-adult-content-app-from-app-store-anyone-surprised/
