Update cycle for iPad?

[puma1552]

How long do you think the product update cycle will be for the iPad? Once a year, or more frequently like computers?

I want a Rev. B but I have a sinking feeling it will be a one year update cycle, like iPods are now. Then again, early on it might see an update after 3-4 months to work out major bugs, and then settle into a more prolonged cycle. What do you think?

 

[dukebound85]

no one knows

i bet it is similar to iphones and ipod touches though

 

[GoCubsGo]

no one knows

i bet it is similar to iphones and ipod touches though

At minimum 1 year, max 18 months I would presume. Or it could turn into an ATV and we all know what's happened there.

 

[al256]

It's probably an annual cycle but who knows. The fact your asking about a Rev B already (59 days before its release) suggest you're probably more on the line towards buying the first gen.

 

[MikhailT]

Yearly or longer if Apple turns this into niche product like the Mac mini/Apple TV, my bets are on 12-24 months cycle. Most of the major bugs will be software related and patched whenever. Any hardware bugs will just result into a minor hardware refresh, nothing new.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

I guess, based on all of my amazing knowledge, is that it'll be about a year.

I sorta doubt it'll be as precise as the sept ipod updates or the late june/early july iphone updates.... But I think it'll be about a year, give or take a couple months

 

[goobot]

It's probably an annual cycle but who knows. The fact your asking about a Rev B already (59 days before its release) suggest you're probably more on the line towards buying the first gen.

well due to it being 500+ i hoping more than a year so i get my moneys worth where the iphone is a year cause it 200 and needs upgrades

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

It's probably an annual cycle but who knows. The fact your asking about a Rev B already (59 days before its release) suggest you're probably more on the line towards buying the first gen.

89 days from the 3g model

 

[Etnies419]

Can we refer to the update cycle of the iPad as it's flow?

I'm sorry, I had to. As much as I abhor the tampon jokes, I couldn't pass it up. It will most likely be 1 year though.

 

[puma1552]

I'm leaning towards a one year cycle myself, and would have no problems buying the Rev. A if I knew it was good for a year, but something tells me they will do a quick update after 3-4, or maybe 6 months to address shortcomings or build more hype by making early buyers flip their into the second-hand market by introducing a camera or something shortly after Apple's cashed in on the Rev. A models...that would indeed be irritating.

 

[MikhailT]

well due to it being 500+ i hoping more than a year so i get my moneys worth where the iphone is a year cause it 200 and needs upgrades

iPhone isn't $200, it's $499-599 depending on the size. Everybody pay more over the term of the contract, that's the point. You can't upgrade to a new model without extending the contract, so you're still paying for the first iPhone when you upgrade. So the value of the product has nothing to do with the refresh cycles.

 

[calderone]

I personally think it will be longer than a year. It will software enhancements for some time.

 

[agkm800]

If this thing catches on, there will be a yearly update.

 

[al256]

I'm leaning towards a one year cycle myself, and would have no problems buying the Rev. A if I knew it was good for a year, but something tells me they will do a quick update after 3-4, or maybe 6 months to address shortcomings or build more hype by making early buyers flip their into the second-hand market by introducing a camera or something shortly after Apple's cashed in on the Rev. A models...that would indeed be irritating.

Well, it is easy to imagine there will be 128GB storage 'upgrade' sometime in the middle of its life cycle. Apple's fairly slow about updating its hardware.

 

[chris975d]

Well, it is easy to imagine there will be 128GB storage 'upgrade' sometime in the middle of its life cycle. Apple's fairly slow about updating its hardware.

I think with this initial generation, there wil at least be a 128Gb update within the first year, as the iPod Touch will more than likely be updated this September to 128Gb. I don't see Apple and Jobs letting his "greatest creation ever" being behind a lowly handheld device in storage space.

 

[MacBook.Matt]

I came on here to make this exact topic! I really doubt I'll be able to hold out, but buying a Rev B just has so many advantages...Ive got my money bet on bigger hard drive, slightly longer battery, maybe some minor speed bumps, thinner, lighter, and the clincher -- built in camera. I mean seriously, a built in camera would not be difficult and would be a real people pleaser! But a whole year is a long time to wait :-/

On a different note -- for apple to put flash on the ipad (hulu, fox.com etc videos) would that be a software update, or a hardware update? Thanks!

One last thing! Whats the chance that students will save any money on the iPad? No Education pricing? Even $25 would be great!

 

[King Mook Mook]

For most Apple products (display line notwithstanding) it's around a year and I think it will probably be the same for the iPad.

 

[maflynn]

lol,
your asking a question on a product that is not even out yet. We have no idea, one year, two years, 6 months? Its anyone's guess because its a non-existent product (at least in terms being able to buy it now).

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Guaranteed one year cycle. That is they way Apple is headed for all its major products, with exception of the minor speed bumps in laptops & iMacs. They also like to spread out the the updates so they get hold of your money year round.