No USB port. The only connector is the one for the cable to computer [...]
No, you can't connect via WiFi. At least, if it's like the iPhone, you can't.
Well, like I say, there has to be *some* way to get iWork files on and off the device, and those files will probably be too large to e-mail ... so there's got to a wired or wireless connect functionality to xfer files somewhere in there ;-)
Apparently it mounts a share on your desktop when you connect it. Although services like dropbox (already available on the iPhone) will do the sync for you wirelessly.
#491661 - 01/28/1007:20 AMRe: This is just the beginning!
[Re: MicMeister]
six_of_one
Pool Bar
Registered: 04/19/02
Posts: 4176
Loc: Alexandria, VA
Quote:
Maybe, if I didn't have a laptop, I might see some use for this, but even then the OS this thing holds would be a definite deal-breaker, as well as the one-trick-at-a-time ability.
Well, remember they're positioning this in between a laptop and a smartphone -- obviously if you already have a laptop, this isn't meant to replace it (although I have heard speculation this could be a MacBook Air killer) ... but yeah, the biggest complaint I've seen so far is the lack of multitasking and no camera. I bet we see a camera in the next rev or two. The multitasking may or may not be a problematic fix ...
IMO it is a bit bulky to use as a camera, or as a phone without using a headset. An iSight on the front for chat is one thing, but it's a bit big to hold up and shoot pics with.
A GPS chip would be useful though, I'm surprised that wasn't included since it's in the iPhone already.
I'm not saying they *couldn't* add a phone capability; I just don't think that's in Apple's mind for what they want this device to do ... and I really don't think there would be tons of demand for that functionality (and for paying a higher cost to get it) given you could do essentially the same thing with the existing hardware and features ...
But VOIP would be neat and a free function.
Aha!
iCall announced today that Apple had made changes to iPhone SDK that makes Voice over IP (VOIP) over cellular networks possible. With the latest revisions Apple has made to the iPhone developer agreement and Software Development Kit, iCall for the iPhone and iPod Touch now enabled unrestricted free local and long distance calling over 3G data networks.
iCall claims to be one of the few VoIP applications that has been permitted by Apple to operate on the iPhone platform. This allows users to make telephone calls over AT&T's 3G data network without using their plan's minutes.
The no-VOIP-over-3G restriction had been in place since the launch of the iPhone SDK due to Apple agreements with AT&T. AT&T announced that it would allow such applications back in October and Apple promised to make the necessary changes.
The change comes with the launch of the Apple iPad which suggests that these same applications could be used to make voice calls on the new device. The 3G enabled iPad notably does not include any voice service with its $30/month unlimited data plan, but it does include a microphone and speaker. We're not sure if these iPad data plans will be somehow excluded from the VOIP apps, but it would otherwise offer an inexpensive contract-free way to make mobile phone calls.
It doesn't sync via wifi unless you buy MobileMe. The only other method to sync is via cable. Maybe someone with one can verify that for me. That's what irks me, to get what other devices have had wireless via bluetooth for free for years, they make you pay more for every year with MobileMe, or you have to plug in a freakin' cable every time you make changes to your calendar, which I do quite a few times a day. With my RAZR it's hit the button and it syncs, in my briefcase, on my hip or wherever, no stupid wire needed.
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