It’s not called the iPad 3, or the iPad HD. Simply the “new iPad”. While we could get into another discussion about this solidifying Apple’s intention as a “post PC” company, it also illustrates the complexity of today’s cloud based infrastructure.

The new iPad runs on essentially the same hardware as the iPhone 4S. There’s no technical reason the iPad can’t run Siri. Leaving only one explanation. Unexpected success of the iPhone 4S killed Siri on the new iPad. Despite it’s 500,000 square foot size, there is likely little room for expansion at Apple’s new North Carolia data center. Showcasing how even a billon dollar investment can be too little in today’s cloud based era. Also illustrating how difficult is to scale such large infrastructure. You simply don’t build another 500,000 square foot data center over night to meet demand.

It’s not unrealistic to assume that Apple scaled their new data center to support both the new iPhone 4S, and the new iPad. However, iPhone 4S sales exceeded their wildest expectations, leaving them no choice but to limit Siri functionality on the Pad to dictation.

You know exactly who I’m talking about, don’t you? Fanboys are those people who swear that one manufacturer or another is better than everyone else. They will argue until they are blue in the face, claiming that nothing can possibly come close to being as good as their beloved company and its products. I have witnessed some ludicrous statements in my time coming from fanboys, but none as bad as the one directed at me on Wednesday – from an Apple fanboy!

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It’s finally official: Apple is releasing their very own tablet computer. The sleek little iPad boasts a 9.7 inch display that is a fully-functional multi-touch screen. It’s only half of an inch thick, and weighs just over a pound. You can purchase one of these with anywhere from 16 GB to 64 GB of storage. The device will support WiFi, and some models will allow 3G connections – via AT&T, of course. There’s a built-in speaker and mic, much like the iPhone has. The battery life is purported to be about ten hours! All of this sounds fantastic on the surface, doesn’t it? However, there are a few very large drawbacks that I have to point out.

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It has recently come to light that Apple is denying some smokers coverage under their AppleCare plans. At least two people have gone on record with copies of emails showing that they were denied service on their Apple computers, solely because they were smokers.

In both cases, Apple cited OSHA standards, claiming that cigarette smoke (and residue) are “health hazards”. Therefore, they refuse to force technicians to work on the machines – even though they are technically covered. Furthermore, Apple claims in both instances that the smoke/tar damage on the inside of the machines voids the Apple warranty. However, there is nothing in the warranty about cigarettes – nor their effects on a machine – whatsoever.

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Up until now, the iPhone has undeniably been the most sought-after phone on the market. It seems like nearly everyone has one these days. I get teased quite often by my boss and friends because I neither have – nor want – an iPhone. What the heck do I “need” one for? I’m happy with my normal run-of-the-mill cell phone. It calls people. It texts people. It even takes pictures and plays music! I work from home, and I don’t travel often. I don’t need a phone that does a million things other than what I already have… or do I?

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