The problem is that knowing that there are two models with names that would contain, or not contain the "s", but are otherwise the same, he couldn't rely on using a lower case to express the plural of "3G", because he should have known that it would be confused with "3GS", which many people write as "3Gs".
In addition, when he referred to it in the second instance as "the 3Gs", that would definitely be accepted as the " the 3GS" . The grammar would be wrong there, as it's not pluralized at the first reading, only after he explained it. The first sentence refers to it as "release iPhone 3Gs" Which COULD mean plural. So it's confusing no matter how it's read. It's only with his clarification, that it makes sense from his perspective.
The only excuse I can see is that he has few posts which could mean that he doesn't frequent forums, and so hasn't seen the way its been written.
I agree that a USB port and an Card Slot make sense... for the iPad!
But, what about the iPhone and iPod Touch? I think that the real estate for these ports could be better used-- bigger battery, more RAM.
By taking the "adapter" approach, Apple can offer USB and SD Reader across the entire platform.
Now, about that 18 lb SCSI adapter and cable...
.
I don't think they need them. We have to remember that the 30 pin connector was designed specifically for the iPod, which is small, and has little room for more than one connector.
That excuse no longer exists for the iPad. I don't understand why a few people would protest the inclusion of those ports, which Apple understands to be important, or they wouldn't have the camera connection kit, which does more than just connect cameras.
But, wouldn't Apple need provide print drivers (and a mechanism to install and update them)? Which ones? Sure they could pick several popular ones. but they'd be the wrong ones when you're out and about.
I want printing too, but I want it done right!
.
Since Jobs did e-mail someone stating that the iPad would get printing support, it's apparently a done deal. As it's a done deal, it would be nice if they went further, and allowed it though USB. If they do that, then why not have a USB port in the device itself?
I also don't like the way these things are made. It's not a great idea to have large dongles directly connected to a delicate port. I would rather Apple supplied these with a short, maybe 6", cable to the iPad.
But back to the topic. IMO iPad is selling well for a few main reasons.
-Instant On/Off. Love it on my iphone. I doubt it would have sold well if the user had to boot up evertime.
-Touch form for a slate-like devise.
However, if in instant On (and I mean instant, no waiting, PC sleep mode is not the same) in a MBP or similar came along, I probably would like that form a little better.
-Simple cheap (inexpensive) apps.
And finally to 'multitask' - a previous poster made a excellant point, if the app just remembered its state when shut down (alot do and it works great) 'true' multitask would be nice but not necessary for a lot of things. I would like it for streaming music, and if the day ever comes, printing.
Question - could Apple force(or strongly suggest) apps to remember their state when closed down? Drawbacks? Is this where the 128k RAM limitations on the 3G come in to play?
Right now, many apps do save their state. but it's up to the developers. With OS 4 saving state will be up to the OS, so all apps that need to do that will just do it.
And yes, that one reason why 128 MB isn't enough.
But another reason is that some apps need more memory than others, and without virtual memory, there is no grabbing from Flash. The limit is a hard limit.
Here's a neutral observation, fwiw: He's no more obstinate than you are being in this. I actually think that he makes a lot more sense on this issue. You should stop it. And move on.
I think you're the only one who agrees with him, so I expect you would think that.
But it's his confused post that began this, so he should end it.
Love the comments at the bottom. One guy suggests that the iPad isn't capable of more than surfing the web and viewing vids. Ha ha ha. He should have been at my meeting this morning.
Enjoy the priceless commentators of the pc rag boys:
Quote:
ASUS - make sure hardware is at par or above iPads quality - do great marketing - and you will have a solid winner.
Quote:
SO glad a Pad that is actually USABLE has some along...it beiwilders me why people will spend lots of money to buy an IPAD that doesnt run any website with flash..nor can it come close to any thing an actual computer can do. THANK GOD a true INNOVATION has come along! APPLE IS OVER RATED AND UNDERPERFORMING.
It beiwilders me too.
Quote:
Oh and one more thing guess what is under the hood of your precious Mac? All pc parts oh no :-(...... yes that is right a long time ago in a galaxy far far away ..... apple could not keep up with technology.... so we were nice enough to lend them our good
The common good.
Quote:
Apple has never created anything original what are you talking about? This and just about every apple product, is only a redefined dummed down version of someone elses product designed to look pretty and restrict the users ability to perform fundimental tasks forcing him to buy a new upgraded device every year. Mac OSX, ipod, all apple computers, just ideas someone else created wrapped up in a apple logo and sold to the i-dots for twice as much as its worth.
It might be fundimental to integrate some spell checking in the next windoze version.
Quote:
you kno you guys should at least acknowledge the fact that apple does make good products for ppl who arent so bright with computers
Ah finally a moderate, in the kno.
Quote:
I hate itunes(resource vampire) and drm...thats my issue with apple...Maybe google will save us?
Save us oh google from apple's drm in itunes!
Quote:
Finally....a tablet that can replace my netbook. I can browse the net with all it's flash glory like my PC. I can skype (video chat) and all that can be done with a multitasking PC same as my netbook bec it has windows.
Morning glory, flash glory and not being arsed to add -ause to bec.
Quote:
The ipad is a toy. This is a tool. I like toys. I need tools. 'nuff said.
This guys is obviously not a tool.
Quote:
Actually Apple licensed the patents from independants outside of apple and built on their work to apple-fy them.
An independant opinion.
Quote:
so when the iPad said that with a 1GHZ CPU, that single threats, and gets 10 hour battery - my response was "...makes sense. Asus has a full powered 15.6" LED screen with spinning hard drive, optical drive, wifi, dual core CPU with a Real OS that runs for 5 hours..." I'm not impressed in anyway by the iPad because it's not even an original device - the JooJoo came out months ahead and had the same problem -
My grip on reality is singularly threatened by this post.
Quote:
The iPad is such a dumb idea, I've had better ideas in the toilet!
I HATE APPLE AND I WILL NEVER USE ONE.
I have never used an apple either.
Quote:
Asus says it'll get *at least* 10 hrs of battery life.
Right now, many apps do save their state. but it's up to the developers. With OS 4 saving state will be up to the OS, so all apps that need to do that will just do it.
And yes, that one reason why 128 MB isn't enough.
But another reason is that some apps need more memory than others, and without virtual memory, there is no grabbing from Flash. The limit is a hard limit.
Apps saving state (aka fast app switching) is nice feature with 4.0. However, it seems that apps need to be recompiled with iPhone SDK 4.0 for this feature to work. So it will take some time even after 4.0 release. Just cross your fingers and hope your favorite app developer keeps up
'Apple has never created anything original what are you talking about? This and just about every apple product, is only a redefined dummed down version of someone elses product designed to look pretty and restrict the users ability to perform fundimental tasks forcing him to buy a new upgraded device every year. Mac OSX, ipod, all apple computers, just ideas someone else created wrapped up in a apple logo and sold to the i-dots for twice as much as its worth. '
Have to agree that APPLE could be putting a little more into their products to at least bring them up to par with whats out there
SOME EXAMPLES:
1. LED Flash...........Most cellphones have had this feature since the year 2000
2. LED light to remind you of message or appointment etc. Once again most cellphones have had this for 10 years
The list goes on and on. The IPHONE should be giving us all the features that are currently available on other cellphones. That's not to much to ask.
'Apple has never created anything original what are you talking about? This and just about every apple product, is only a redefined dummed down version of someone elses product designed to look pretty and restrict the users ability to perform fundimental tasks forcing him to buy a new upgraded device every year. Mac OSX, ipod, all apple computers, just ideas someone else created wrapped up in a apple logo and sold to the i-dots for twice as much as its worth. '
Have to agree that APPLE could be putting a little more into their products to at least bring them up to par with whats out there
SOME EXAMPLES:
1. LED Flash...........Most cellphones have had this feature since the year 2000
2. LED light to remind you of message or appointment etc. Once again most cellphones have had this for 10 years
The list goes on and on. The IPHONE should be giving us all the features that are currently available on other cellphones. That's not to much to ask.
Nobody could be that ignorant or stupid to believe anything you said. Could they?
Apps saving state (aka fast app switching) is nice feature with 4.0. However, it seems that apps need to be recompiled with iPhone SDK 4.0 for this feature to work. So it will take some time even after 4.0 release. Just cross your fingers and hope your favorite app developer keeps up
Apparently, that's not required. Just a few lines of code needs to be added.
Apparently, that's not required. Just a few lines of code needs to be added.
For background operations/tasks, yes. Not for Fast App Switching feature. It will be added to all apps compiled by 4.0 SDK without any additional code.
You made a really dumb remark. I'm pointing out that you're ignorant.
The "dumb remark" you seem to be referring to is as follows:
"Thanks for the inventory of what you've "got" ... which was neither asked for nor is relative to the accuracy / importance of your posts.
Are you saying that telling me of all the Apple stuff you "say" you own somehow points to ignorance on my part? .... that's hilarious. All you've really managed to do is to prove that one of us is truly ignorant .... here's a clue ... look in the mirror to see who it is.
Quote:
Originally Posted by melgross
[
I know exactly what you said. I also understand very well what you implied.
Ah, the "mind reader" strikes again. This is what happens when you don't understand what you read ... kinda like 3GS and 3Gs, you know?
I am still debating whether to get the current iPad, wait for gen 2, or see what Android tablets develop. Though I like the combination of a Nexus One as a wifi hotpot paired with a wfii iPad. Tough knowing that Apple will almost surely toss a camera on that thing next year.
If your main reason for waiting for version 2 iPad is the camera-- then no need to wait!
Consider:
-- The next iPad may or may not include a camera or cameras (front-facing or back-facing)
-- A camera in the tablet form factor would be clumsy to use, as would be a cell phone.
-- Can you "picture" how one would look using a Tablet as a Camera or Cell Phone?
-- Steve Jobs wouldn't like to see that "picture" of an iPad (nor would you or I)
However, this does not mean that there is no need to connect a camera to the iPad. The iPad is good for storing and manipulating pictures, just not for taking pictures.
Using the camera connection kit you can plug in a USB camera (the iPhone works great) and suck pictures into the iPad. Same, if your Camera uses an SD card.
I am not familiar enough with the Nexus One to understand the connection with an iPad. But if it can connect a standard USB port (with adapter, if necessary) or a standard SD card, you're. likely, good to go!
Since Jobs did e-mail someone stating that the iPad would get printing support, it's apparently a done deal. As it's a done deal, it would be nice if they went further, and allowed it though USB. If they do that, then why not have a USB port in the device itself?
I also don't like the way these things are made. It's not a great idea to have large dongles directly connected to a delicate port. I would rather Apple supplied these with a short, maybe 6", cable to the iPad.
The dongle bit bothers me too-- I destroyed 3 Mophie JuicePack Airs because of the cable connected to the micro USB port.
When you think about it, anything* sticking out from the tablet is an accident waiting to happen... extending the dongle's distance from the tPad, by adding a short cable, only increases the odds of jerking the dongle and damaging the port.
* Earphones, Standard iPad cable, Camera Connection Kit, and standard USB cable or SD card (if ports for these existed).
For ultra mobile devices (smart Phone, iPod) and semi-mobile devices (Tablets, iPad) it would seem to make sense to exchange data, while on the go, by by bumping devices over WiFi or BT, rather than binding them together with clumsy cables, memory cards/sticks and adapters.
We're not there yet, but I suspect that, in the near future, most devices we want to "connect" with our ultra and semi-mobile devices will have satisfactory wireless bump capability.
Some, me included, say a USB port (and maybe some popular drivers) would help.
That's not it, though,
With the iPad you have an in-your-face mobile device that focuses your attention.
Let's say that, today, you could connect a printer to the iPad vis the USB adapter-- not as good as a USB port, but [grudgingly] acceptable.
Then you fire up Pages, Photos, or whatever app and start printing!
Then what?
You wait (and wait, and wait, and wait) for for the printing to finish... there is no Background task for printing... You are stuck watching some kind of progress indicator.
Slapping forehead! The OS (3.2) doesn't support it, Stupid!"
The iPad OS (3.2) was frozen to provide a stationary target for Apple and independent Developers.
This fall, OS 4,0 will add the capability (finish background task) that will properly support system-wide printing on the iPad.
Meanwhile, specialty apps provide printing for those who are willing to accept the limitations!
Sometimes, I'm so dumb that I even surprise myself!
Maybe I'm the only one who worries about what form this rumored printing support will take. Is the iPad now going to come preloaded with hundreds of printer drivers? If not, how will it work? Perhaps using a Mac or PC as the intermediary spooler/driver to the printer?
As for a USB port, I can understand why Apple skipped this. The moment they include the port, now users expect the iPad to support any USB device they might try to connect. This also means driver support and huge potential headaches.
Comments
I agree, he does .... and a very valid one.
The problem is that knowing that there are two models with names that would contain, or not contain the "s", but are otherwise the same, he couldn't rely on using a lower case to express the plural of "3G", because he should have known that it would be confused with "3GS", which many people write as "3Gs".
In addition, when he referred to it in the second instance as "the 3Gs", that would definitely be accepted as the " the 3GS" . The grammar would be wrong there, as it's not pluralized at the first reading, only after he explained it. The first sentence refers to it as "release iPhone 3Gs" Which COULD mean plural. So it's confusing no matter how it's read. It's only with his clarification, that it makes sense from his perspective.
The only excuse I can see is that he has few posts which could mean that he doesn't frequent forums, and so hasn't seen the way its been written.
I agree that a USB port and an Card Slot make sense... for the iPad!
But, what about the iPhone and iPod Touch? I think that the real estate for these ports could be better used-- bigger battery, more RAM.
By taking the "adapter" approach, Apple can offer USB and SD Reader across the entire platform.
Now, about that 18 lb SCSI adapter and cable...
.
I don't think they need them. We have to remember that the 30 pin connector was designed specifically for the iPod, which is small, and has little room for more than one connector.
That excuse no longer exists for the iPad. I don't understand why a few people would protest the inclusion of those ports, which Apple understands to be important, or they wouldn't have the camera connection kit, which does more than just connect cameras.
Even some of the iPhone-only apps run pretty well on the iPad; some look fine at 2x.
But yeah, the screen size does wonders for apps that are designed for it. Am excited about what may be coming.
Yes, that's true.
But, wouldn't Apple need provide print drivers (and a mechanism to install and update them)? Which ones? Sure they could pick several popular ones. but they'd be the wrong ones when you're out and about.
I want printing too, but I want it done right!
.
Since Jobs did e-mail someone stating that the iPad would get printing support, it's apparently a done deal. As it's a done deal, it would be nice if they went further, and allowed it though USB. If they do that, then why not have a USB port in the device itself?
I also don't like the way these things are made. It's not a great idea to have large dongles directly connected to a delicate port. I would rather Apple supplied these with a short, maybe 6", cable to the iPad.
But back to the topic. IMO iPad is selling well for a few main reasons.
-Instant On/Off. Love it on my iphone. I doubt it would have sold well if the user had to boot up evertime.
-Touch form for a slate-like devise.
However, if in instant On (and I mean instant, no waiting, PC sleep mode is not the same) in a MBP or similar came along, I probably would like that form a little better.
-Simple cheap (inexpensive) apps.
And finally to 'multitask' - a previous poster made a excellant point, if the app just remembered its state when shut down (alot do and it works great) 'true' multitask would be nice but not necessary for a lot of things. I would like it for streaming music, and if the day ever comes, printing.
Question - could Apple force(or strongly suggest) apps to remember their state when closed down? Drawbacks? Is this where the 128k RAM limitations on the 3G come in to play?
Right now, many apps do save their state. but it's up to the developers. With OS 4 saving state will be up to the OS, so all apps that need to do that will just do it.
And yes, that one reason why 128 MB isn't enough.
But another reason is that some apps need more memory than others, and without virtual memory, there is no grabbing from Flash. The limit is a hard limit.
Here's a neutral observation, fwiw: He's no more obstinate than you are being in this. I actually think that he makes a lot more sense on this issue. You should stop it. And move on.
I think you're the only one who agrees with him, so I expect you would think that.
But it's his confused post that began this, so he should end it.
Asus has announced a tablet computer:
Love the comments at the bottom. One guy suggests that the iPad isn't capable of more than surfing the web and viewing vids. Ha ha ha. He should have been at my meeting this morning.
Enjoy the priceless commentators of the pc rag boys:
ASUS - make sure hardware is at par or above iPads quality - do great marketing - and you will have a solid winner.
SO glad a Pad that is actually USABLE has some along...it beiwilders me why people will spend lots of money to buy an IPAD that doesnt run any website with flash..nor can it come close to any thing an actual computer can do. THANK GOD a true INNOVATION has come along! APPLE IS OVER RATED AND UNDERPERFORMING.
It beiwilders me too.
Oh and one more thing guess what is under the hood of your precious Mac? All pc parts oh no :-(...... yes that is right a long time ago in a galaxy far far away ..... apple could not keep up with technology.... so we were nice enough to lend them our good
The common good.
Apple has never created anything original what are you talking about? This and just about every apple product, is only a redefined dummed down version of someone elses product designed to look pretty and restrict the users ability to perform fundimental tasks forcing him to buy a new upgraded device every year. Mac OSX, ipod, all apple computers, just ideas someone else created wrapped up in a apple logo and sold to the i-dots for twice as much as its worth.
It might be fundimental to integrate some spell checking in the next windoze version.
you kno you guys should at least acknowledge the fact that apple does make good products for ppl who arent so bright with computers
Ah finally a moderate, in the kno.
I hate itunes(resource vampire) and drm...thats my issue with apple...Maybe google will save us?
Save us oh google from apple's drm in itunes!
Finally....a tablet that can replace my netbook. I can browse the net with all it's flash glory like my PC. I can skype (video chat) and all that can be done with a multitasking PC same as my netbook bec it has windows.
Morning glory, flash glory and not being arsed to add -ause to bec.
The ipad is a toy. This is a tool. I like toys. I need tools. 'nuff said.
This guys is obviously not a tool.
Actually Apple licensed the patents from independants outside of apple and built on their work to apple-fy them.
An independant opinion.
so when the iPad said that with a 1GHZ CPU, that single threats, and gets 10 hour battery - my response was "...makes sense. Asus has a full powered 15.6" LED screen with spinning hard drive, optical drive, wifi, dual core CPU with a Real OS that runs for 5 hours..." I'm not impressed in anyway by the iPad because it's not even an original device - the JooJoo came out months ahead and had the same problem -
My grip on reality is singularly threatened by this post.
The iPad is such a dumb idea, I've had better ideas in the toilet!
I HATE APPLE AND I WILL NEVER USE ONE.
I have never used an apple either.
Asus says it'll get *at least* 10 hrs of battery life.
*at least*
Right now, many apps do save their state. but it's up to the developers. With OS 4 saving state will be up to the OS, so all apps that need to do that will just do it.
And yes, that one reason why 128 MB isn't enough.
But another reason is that some apps need more memory than others, and without virtual memory, there is no grabbing from Flash. The limit is a hard limit.
Apps saving state (aka fast app switching) is nice feature with 4.0. However, it seems that apps need to be recompiled with iPhone SDK 4.0 for this feature to work. So it will take some time even after 4.0 release. Just cross your fingers and hope your favorite app developer keeps up
Have to agree that APPLE could be putting a little more into their products to at least bring them up to par with whats out there
SOME EXAMPLES:
1. LED Flash...........Most cellphones have had this feature since the year 2000
2. LED light to remind you of message or appointment etc. Once again most cellphones have had this for 10 years
The list goes on and on. The IPHONE should be giving us all the features that are currently available on other cellphones. That's not to much to ask.
'Apple has never created anything original what are you talking about? This and just about every apple product, is only a redefined dummed down version of someone elses product designed to look pretty and restrict the users ability to perform fundimental tasks forcing him to buy a new upgraded device every year. Mac OSX, ipod, all apple computers, just ideas someone else created wrapped up in a apple logo and sold to the i-dots for twice as much as its worth. '
Have to agree that APPLE could be putting a little more into their products to at least bring them up to par with whats out there
SOME EXAMPLES:
1. LED Flash...........Most cellphones have had this feature since the year 2000
2. LED light to remind you of message or appointment etc. Once again most cellphones have had this for 10 years
The list goes on and on. The IPHONE should be giving us all the features that are currently available on other cellphones. That's not to much to ask.
Nobody could be that ignorant or stupid to believe anything you said. Could they?
BTW, most cell phones don't have the features/functions that need/require/use an LED flash or light. PERIOD. Even most smartphones don't have LED flash. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_smartphones
Apps saving state (aka fast app switching) is nice feature with 4.0. However, it seems that apps need to be recompiled with iPhone SDK 4.0 for this feature to work. So it will take some time even after 4.0 release. Just cross your fingers and hope your favorite app developer keeps up
Apparently, that's not required. Just a few lines of code needs to be added.
Apparently, that's not required. Just a few lines of code needs to be added.
For background operations/tasks, yes. Not for Fast App Switching feature. It will be added to all apps compiled by 4.0 SDK without any additional code.
[
You made a really dumb remark. I'm pointing out that you're ignorant.
The "dumb remark" you seem to be referring to is as follows:
"Thanks for the inventory of what you've "got" ... which was neither asked for nor is relative to the accuracy / importance of your posts.
Are you saying that telling me of all the Apple stuff you "say" you own somehow points to ignorance on my part? .... that's hilarious. All you've really managed to do is to prove that one of us is truly ignorant .... here's a clue ... look in the mirror to see who it is.
[
I know exactly what you said. I also understand very well what you implied.
Ah, the "mind reader" strikes again. This is what happens when you don't understand what you read ... kinda like 3GS and 3Gs, you know?
Good job Apple!
I am still debating whether to get the current iPad, wait for gen 2, or see what Android tablets develop. Though I like the combination of a Nexus One as a wifi hotpot paired with a wfii iPad. Tough knowing that Apple will almost surely toss a camera on that thing next year.
If your main reason for waiting for version 2 iPad is the camera-- then no need to wait!
Consider:
-- The next iPad may or may not include a camera or cameras (front-facing or back-facing)
-- A camera in the tablet form factor would be clumsy to use, as would be a cell phone.
-- Can you "picture" how one would look using a Tablet as a Camera or Cell Phone?
-- Steve Jobs wouldn't like to see that "picture" of an iPad (nor would you or I)
However, this does not mean that there is no need to connect a camera to the iPad. The iPad is good for storing and manipulating pictures, just not for taking pictures.
Using the camera connection kit you can plug in a USB camera (the iPhone works great) and suck pictures into the iPad. Same, if your Camera uses an SD card.
I am not familiar enough with the Nexus One to understand the connection with an iPad. But if it can connect a standard USB port (with adapter, if necessary) or a standard SD card, you're. likely, good to go!
.
Actually, if several people misunderstand what was said, then it wasn't communicated well.
You, sir, are surely the center of the universe! (Well, at least the AI universe).
Since Jobs did e-mail someone stating that the iPad would get printing support, it's apparently a done deal. As it's a done deal, it would be nice if they went further, and allowed it though USB. If they do that, then why not have a USB port in the device itself?
I also don't like the way these things are made. It's not a great idea to have large dongles directly connected to a delicate port. I would rather Apple supplied these with a short, maybe 6", cable to the iPad.
The dongle bit bothers me too-- I destroyed 3 Mophie JuicePack Airs because of the cable connected to the micro USB port.
When you think about it, anything* sticking out from the tablet is an accident waiting to happen... extending the dongle's distance from the tPad, by adding a short cable, only increases the odds of jerking the dongle and damaging the port.
* Earphones, Standard iPad cable, Camera Connection Kit, and standard USB cable or SD card (if ports for these existed).
For ultra mobile devices (smart Phone, iPod) and semi-mobile devices (Tablets, iPad) it would seem to make sense to exchange data, while on the go, by by bumping devices over WiFi or BT, rather than binding them together with clumsy cables, memory cards/sticks and adapters.
We're not there yet, but I suspect that, in the near future, most devices we want to "connect" with our ultra and semi-mobile devices will have satisfactory wireless bump capability.
.
Duh.
People, me included, want printing on the iPad.
SJ has said that it will come.
Some, me included, say a USB port (and maybe some popular drivers) would help.
That's not it, though,
With the iPad you have an in-your-face mobile device that focuses your attention.
Let's say that, today, you could connect a printer to the iPad vis the USB adapter-- not as good as a USB port, but [grudgingly] acceptable.
Then you fire up Pages, Photos, or whatever app and start printing!
Then what?
You wait (and wait, and wait, and wait) for for the printing to finish... there is no Background task for printing... You are stuck watching some kind of progress indicator.
Slapping forehead! The OS (3.2) doesn't support it, Stupid!"
The iPad OS (3.2) was frozen to provide a stationary target for Apple and independent Developers.
This fall, OS 4,0 will add the capability (finish background task) that will properly support system-wide printing on the iPad.
Meanwhile, specialty apps provide printing for those who are willing to accept the limitations!
Sometimes, I'm so dumb that I even surprise myself!
.
As for a USB port, I can understand why Apple skipped this. The moment they include the port, now users expect the iPad to support any USB device they might try to connect. This also means driver support and huge potential headaches.