What we don't know about Apple's upcoming slate PC
As the smoke clears from Steve Jobs launching the Apple iPad, missing details suggest there's less to Apple's tablet than meets the eye.
Does the iPad support Microsoft Exchange email?
Apple mentioned several web-based email providers that would work with the iPad's Mail app, such as Gmail and Hotmail, but Microsoft Exchange was conspicuously absent. I first assumed that the iPad would support Exchange and the same handful of Exchange ActiveSync security policies as the iPhone and iPod Touch, but now I'm not so sure.
My colleague Jason Snell, editor-in-chief of Macworld, would be surprised if Apple removed Exchange from the iPad, given its place on the iPhone and iPod touch, but he too can't say for certain.
Analyst Chris Hazelton from the 451 Group noticed the Exchange omission back on January 27 and said the iPad categorically won't support Exchange.
He acknowledged that this was a supposition on his part, not a confirmed fact, but that Apple has not responded to his inquiries.
Apple hasn't responded to me on this, either, and neither he nor I can fathom why Apple would not clarify this simple fact immediately.
If you, like me, see the potential of the iPad as a laptop surrogate for short business trips, the lack of Exchange support kills that potential, and it signals that the iPad is not a dual-purpose business/consumer device as the iPhone and iPod touch are. Instead, it is, as has been suggested by some, just a big iPod.
Apple's announcement of the iWork productivity app for the iPad led many of us to see the iPad as a lightweight laptop for email, web access, and basic document work - but the lack of Exchange, coupled with iWork for iPad's inability to save files in Microsoft Office formats, would mean that the only business users who could harness the iPad for work would be that tiny portion of Mac-based professionals who don't run Exchange email.
Does the iPad support VPN and configuration management?
If the iPad doesn't support Exchange, I can't imagine it wouldn't work with VPN and configuration management, two capabilities that the iPhone and iPod touch can claim.
Although the iPhone and iPod Touch doesn't support over-the-air management of the device or its security capabilities, they do support these capabilities using emailed or web-downloaded configuration files.
This management approach is nowhere usable for enterprises, as it gives no assurance that users have the right configuration, but small businesses with local IT staff can deal with it. (Yes, several vendors such as Good Technology now offer more enterprise-class management tools for the iPhone.)
If Apple has pulled these capabilities from the iPad, then almost no business can seriously allow an iPad on to its network. Apple won't say.
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Comments
Simon Jary said: I am considering buying an Apple iPad and I once did have my head examined iPad haters who have never seen one let alone used one might want to read almost identical hysterical anti-iPod ranting in 2001 Some of it is almost word for word - no one needs it restrictions non-event stupid market already served useless will never catch on etc 250000000 iPods later
Coolteach said: Is it April 1st What exactly is the point of this It seems to be a larger ie less portable version of the iPhone What useful purpose does it serve
MalcolmF said: Is it too early to start compiling a non-event of the century listThe i-Pad launch could be right in there
Eddie said: Apple have always been Style over Substance why should this product be any different
Anthony said: If anybody is seriously considering this item they need to have their heads read It takes up the same amount of space as most netbooks with functionality similar to the ipod If another company eg SONYHP released something like this they would be slated for years to come In fact SONY get done over for having their own memory stick format Wake up world Apple is pulling the micky
Peter said: FDR - pretty much anything not built by apple as well as nokia and black berry to some degree
FDR said: Ray please name a computer product without inbuilt restrictions
Ray Woods said: It Looks quite rightly in my humble opinion the iPad has reached a high place of distinction in the Defective by Design website wwwdefectivebydesignorgAny computer product that comes with inbuilt restrictions deserves to fail I just feel sorry for those who get caught by the hype only to find the restrictions applied to the device by the manufacturer stop them from using it the way they wish to use itIt is not the ability to upgrade that worries me although it would deter me but the fact that I would only be allowed to purchase additional software from Apple or their agents This restriction goes against freedom and liberty deterring innovation and freedom of trade Not something one would expect from a Corporation from the USA now is it