While the CPU speed does not seem too impressive, since other mobile CPUs such as Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon which powers Google's Nexus One run at the same speed, it's the power consumption or the lack of it is what may become a game changer here. Some reports suggested that you could play HD video for 10 hours before you ran out of power. True or not, with devices such as netbooks and laptops requiring bulky batteries to last a measly 4 hours, at 10 hours (if its true) while doing any processing IS impressive.
A4, the efficiently powered system on a chip which integrates the main processor, graphics, memory controller and few others is manufactured by Apple's own PA Semi, which Apple acquired back in 2008.
PA Semi is a low-power chip expert before getting acquired by Apple. Apparently Apple had the iPad in mind when it acquired PA Semi almost 2 years ago.
While the iPad itself look like the victim of "Honey, I blew up the iPod," just like with the iPhone, the innovative minds of Steve Jobs and his team has brought in a potentially disruptive technology. It may not be the iPad per se that will bring Apple more explosive growth into the future. It's the combination of things, the increasing demand of apps through iTunes, the potential of crossing into Amazon's eBooks/Kindle territory via iTunes, and depending on Apple's willingness to sell its A4 processor to other mobile device producers - the potential of being on top of the mobile processors market.
What's next? iPad with OLED display and super battery so power can last up to 20hrs?
For the iPad specs click here.
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