iPad 2 Released in Two Versions, Verizon the Victor
With today’s Apple event having built a substantial amount of hype, the company offered a full insight on the new operating system for the iPad 2 device. iOS 4.3 will feature a new version of the Safari Web browser that’s promised to run JavaScript at least twice as fast, an improved version of AirPlay, Apple’s technology for streaming media from an iOS device to an Apple TV, iTunes Home Sharing, which allows users to share music, movies, and TV shows from iTunes on their computer onto any device and the ability to create a personal WiFi hotspot.
Take a good look at the above mentioned features for iOS 4.3. All these goodies will not be available for iPad 2 devices purchased from Verizon. Apple chose to distribute the tablet both through AT&T and Verizon, with the mentioning that the tablets from Verizon will not have the iOS 4.3 update for the moment.
No official explanation has been given by Apple, yet there are speculations of some technical issues that need to be dealt with firstly. The difference between the tablets distributed over AT&T and over Verizon lies in the CDMA/GSM chipset, putting off enthusiasm. “If you decide on an iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G, be sure to select the model that corresponds with the carrier you’d like to use for 3G service. The iPad model you purchase is specially configured to work with either AT&T or Verizon — not both. So while you don’t have to activate 3G service right away, you should choose your iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G according to the carrier you prefer.” (Apple)
According to a recent report on Verizon’s data network in comparison with AT&T’s performance, it seems that Verizon stands behind its long time competitor with a download speed halved and with an upload speed 1/3 smaller than AT&T’s. Yet, Apple’s decision to sell iPad 2 via the two carriers is pretty wise as it will boost its coverage and connectivity across the US especially now when the promising Motorola’s Xoom tablet is released as well.
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