Four things you need to know about the new iPad

8 Mar, 2012 By: Andrew Sheivachman

If you were on the Internet yesterday, you probably heard the news: Apple will release an updated version of the infamous iPad on March 16. The new device is slightly heavier and thicker than the iPad 2, but features a screen with double the resolution and a processor with four times the graphics horsepower. What do hoteliers need to know about the new tablet?

1. By doubling the iPad's display resolution with a 2048 x 1536 Retina Display, Apple has ensured that their tablet will be the most striking consumer device of the year. The tablet can now display 1080p content on more pixels than an HDTV. Joshua Topolsky over at The Verge took a macro photo of the new screen and compared it to the iPad 2 screen, and the difference is obvious: Your guests will be wowed by the clarity of the screen in any lobby or guestroom installations. Your property or brand app could also probably use an upgrade to take advantage of the new screen real estate.

2. The new device finally includes 4G LTE wireless access over both AT&T and Verizon networks. While the high-speed Internet access is mostly available in major metropolitan areas at this point, if your work takes you to a variety of hotels in one market or in major cities, the new iPad could prove an invaluable tool for accessing hotel systems on the go. Coupled with the iPad's enhanced resolution, this means working remotely on your virtual desktop will be easier than ever.

3. Because the new iPad is marginally thicker than the previous model, you may face difficulty in installing the new device in existing kiosks. While the majority of covers and cases should still function, this may prove to be a major annoyance to properties with complex installations.

4. Once the device is widely adopted, expect the stress on your wireless networks to absolutely explode. Guests will be downloading enormous HD video files and apps featuring detailed visual components. The Next Web reports that Apple has already upped the over-the-air dowload limit for iPad apps to 50 megabytes, meaning that downloads are expected to increase in size and frequency over the coming year. It may be time to preemptively upgrade your hotel's wireless infrastructure.

Topic : iPad, Broadband, Wi-Fi
External Source : Apple, The Verge, TNW

What do you think of this Blog?