The Apple iPad 2 has taken the world by storm and the success with its release has contributed to Apple passing Google in the Top 100 spot. Apple is now leading the pack of top brands with a value of $ 153.bn over the Google brand value of $111.5bn. The Google brand value dropped with 2% while Apple showed an increase of more that 84% over the past year. The secret weapon, of course, is the Apple iPad. The company brand moved up two places in one year, showing what a well planned and loved product can do for brand value.

Apple iPad Review

The new design of the Apple iPad, which is exceptionally slim, ensures a sleeker look and feel and with that also 33% lighter product than before. With such a light item taking up little space, while offering tremendous application power, it is no wonder that consumers stand in line to get the sleek tablet.

The Apple iPad features sought after applications including the likes of Safari, Calendar and Mail ensuring that the user can take their office anywhere. One of the reasons for its popularity is the seamless integration with business infrastructures. The Apple iPad offers secure access to electronic mail and a comprehensive contact application through open standards such as CardDAV and IMAP or alternatively through Exchange ActiveSync. VPN is a much needed feature for any such applications and Apple has not dropped the ball. Apple iPad users can connect with private corporate networks; have support for WPA2 Enterprise Wi-Fi and for VPN. Users can easily access Wi-Fi networks, providing the much need mobility required in the modern business environment.

The Apple iPad is secure ensuring that information is protected. This is possible because of security on several levels including:

• Data Protection
• Network Security
• Platform Security
• Device Security

Business Application

Businesses can deploy the Apple iPad across board with easy to install applications and configuration settings for the end-users to get access to corporate services. Many iPad users can be deployed, managed and compliance with corporate policies monitored. Businesses can host and distribute their in-house applications over 3G and Wi-Fi to the various users who will also not have to connect to their computers to get application updates. All that is needed is that a user login to the URL and install the application wirelessly.

The large LED-backlit IPS display makes for excellent viewing while the screen is responsive. The battery life is extended ensuring that the users will be able to work for several hours before recharging will be needed. This is perfect for the travelling employee.

With applications such as maps users will be able to get directions in a flash, will be able to check traffic and make use of Notes to capture ideas and important notes on the run. The iPad makes use of the Safari web browser ensuring fast and efficient browsing. The Apple iPad integrates with various messaging environments and with data that is secured; users will be able to stay in contact with the office and clients at all times.

It is the focus on business applications which makes the Apple iPad such a winner. Although certainly more expensive than other tablets, the iPad has every feature required for the enterprise environment of today.

Educational Application

Another reason for the popularity of Apple iPad is the usage possibilities in education. Instead of textbooks learners can have their work on the iPad, do all their reading, submit their work and store work in the cloud environment. With endless possibilities, lightweight design, ability to control the applications and easy deployment to various users, the educational institutions welcome the Apple iPad. Students can download several applications from the Apple Store, can track their assignments, create professional looking presentations with Keynote, and build active spreadsheets with Numbers. With Airprint it is possible to print directly from the iPad and with more than 3000 lectures, videos and related material available from iTunes, Apple takes education to another level with the iPad.

The above are, but a few features which have made the Apple iPad exceptionally useful in business, education and also in the day to day lives of users. It is because of these features that users are willing to spend more on the iPad tablet.

Does This Mean That Google Android Based Tablets Will Fall Away?

Although Apple iPad is extremely popular, it is certainly not the only tablet on the market. Google is still recouping investment costs into its range of new products and free services, but when it comes to affordability, the Google Android based tablets are still popular. Users who purchase the Google brand do so because of the reliability, free services, compatibility with other applications and of course the affordability of the tablets. The Samsung Google Chromebook which was launched earlier this year has been met with a lot of enthusiasm. With the traditional cloud service and storage environment, Google Maps and other applications available free, the average user is expected to go the Google Chromebook route rather than the Apple iPad. Whether Google will be able to beat Apple iPad in the long run with its tablets remains to be seen. It is the Apple reputation which seems to be the determining factor when users decide on their tablet of choice.

Before the launching of the Apple iPhone a few years ago the company brand ranked at spot 29, but with the iPad launch and of course, iPad 2, the company has succeeded in pushing to the number one spot dethroning Google with its cutting edge communication and data tool. Regional preferences will play a role in the selection of the type of Apple iPad that users buy. In Europe the trend has been for the 64GB 3G model with the 16 GB WiFi model as the second most popular.

The war between Apple and Google is just warming up, but whether users select the Apple iPad or a Google Chromebook as their tool of choice, the trend is towards tablets away from desktops and the conventional notebooks. Contact us at iLead Online for web and mobile marketing assistance.