iDownfall

With Apple still reigning supreme on the technological front
of all things handheld, it’s no surprise that despite a few hiccups along the
way, Mac’s two most recent submissions to the market, the iPhone 4 and the iPad
have witnessed a relatively warm reception. As instant access devices to
thousands of applications of both functional and entertainment value, from
calendars, to Facebook to music recognition to GPS and navigation, this kind of
personal devices are definitely here to stay. This year’s models continue to
sell strongly in the US, with a release date of July 30 for Australia.

But to the glee of market competitors, problems and
disappointments have been at the centre of Apple’s media press. The iPad has
been criticised as ‘just a bigger iPod touch,’ with no new feature points to
make the ‘quantum leap’ in technology that the hype had promised. For example,
despite the argued emphasis on multimedia, the iPhone’s dimensions prevent
wide-screen viewing, a serious hindrance for video. Furthermore, Apple still
continues to struggle with an effective solution for the iPhone 4 aerial
debacle. Despite new software updates and the unattractive proposition of extra
costs for specially made covers, the problem has yet to be effectively patched.
Apple has recently offered a refund package for covers in order to satisfy
their disgruntled customers.

These new developments have presented opportunities for
competing models and have given a new visibility to the market of interesting
and inspired alternatives. HP, Dell, and
Asus are all working on similar tablet-like devices for 2010, many of which
pool from the more vibrant and dynamic application markets such as Android.
Dual-screen alternatives are also increasing in popularity.

Although it might be too soon to say, it looks like Apple
has some serious competition on its hands for a market in which until recently,
it held authoritative dominance. One thing is assured, with a feistier battle
between competitors, consumers are guaranteed interesting developments in the
future.