New Functionality on iPad 2 Ideal for Trade Shows
Posted by Jessica Davis on Mon, Apr 25, 2011
Apple is now shipping the second version of its extremely popular mobile computing tablet, the iPad 2. Despite early skepticism, both consumers and the work world have embraced the iPad, as more and more apps hit the market to fulfill nearly every computing desire.
In general, business users en masse have adopted the iPad over competing tablet devices. Just three months after its April 2010 launch, Apple reported that the iPad was being tested by 50% of Fortune 100 companies. By the beginning of this year, that figure had jumped to 80% of Fortune 100 companies.
Better, faster, thinner, lighter? Check.
Courtesy of AppleThe iPad 2 offers twice the computing horsepower of its predecessor and a high- performance graphics processor that delivers a whopping 9X performance boost over the original iPad—all in a smaller envelope. Though the screen size remains the same, the unit itself is 33% slimmer than its predecessor and weighs a bit less as well. If stolen, the new iPad will also offer a feature that would enable users to “remote-wipe” data.
The iPad 2’s now features a front-facing camera for video-conferencing with VGA resolution. The rear-facing camera features 720P HD resolution. Front and rear cameras will not only make it easier to shoot impromptu videos, but will also enable more use of apps such as Shoeboxed’s business card scanner on trade show floors and conferences. In addition, any web-based app for registration, ticketing, or other forms of data collection will also now be easier.
For lead capture on the iPad, install your video, download iLeads and you’re ready to go. Be sure and put some quick response (QR) codes on business cards; the iPad’s camera and associated app can easily capture that data as well.
The unit comes preloaded with a video calling app, called FaceTime, and an app for capturing photos and videos and performing simple edits, called PhotoBooth. Onboard video editing will enable users to do videoblogging from trade shows and conferences or on the go. Another boon to trade show exhibitors will be onboard audio editing, which will enable podcasting from the iPad using the Garageband for the Mac app.
Another feature improvement is ramped up memory; the iPad will offer 512 MB of RAM, up from 256 MB in the original iPad. New mobile hotspot functionality on the iPhone means users will have a roving hotspot for their iPads if they need it, which translates to more opportunities to work remotely, work on the go, or work in areas with limited data throughput, such as trade show floors.
Whether you’re at the trade show booth or in a conference room, the video- mirroring app is likely to help presenters and speakers do a lot more with interactive presentations. Speakers can create presentations and show them on the iPad’s screen or plug into a larger display, and then collaboratively put together a takeaway from a conference session that will be unlike anything attendees have ever seen before. The iPad 2 will also be ideal for sales presentations and demos, plugging easily into flat panel TVs on trade show floors or conference rooms.