Still passing on the iPad

My Sunday column (bit.ly/9L0GvF) included four main reasons I am holding out for iPad, version 2. I won't repeat the list here, but I will expand my reasons for iProcrastination. Several readers offered arguments — both for, and against — rushing out to get an iPad right now.

Several in the "buy now" iPad corner pointed out that Apple and Adobe will never work together to make Flash files display on the iPad. They are probably right, but in the meantime, I'm waiting for the online video servers to all get smart enough to give me a file that will play on the fancy flat-screen tablet. Many are doing it today, as YouTube videos do play on the iPad. I want everything I see on my MacBook or iMac to also be visible on my iPad and iPhone. I don't think that's asking too much.

Others raised questions about the viability of a camera on an iPad. I think it's very doable, as evidenced by Sony Corp. not too long ago. Sony produced a small laptop computer with a camera mounted in the center of the top edge of the screen. This camera swiveled to be either forward- or backward- facing. A similar feature on an iPad would let users do videoconferencing or video calling. It could also be used as a camera, with the huge screen serving as rangefinder. It would be slick, and it would add some of the missing "wow" factor.

Some readers suggested I pop for the $500 or $600 now, then sell the device when newer models are ready. That won’t happen. I really don't know exactly how I would use, or why I would need an iPad now. My family has a fairly new MacBook that spends most of its time in our family room. It gets pressed into service many times throughout the day for reading news, answering e-mail, keeping up on Facebook and Twitter, jumping to Google to find recipes or answers to mind-stumping questions, and connecting to the wide screen to watch on-demand television or movies.

There's simply nothing the iPad does better than the MacBook.

Before anyone heads out to buy an iPad they should answer this basic question: "Why am I buying it?" I suppose if I didn't have the handy MacBook, I could list some things the iPad could do for me. I don't need an iPad just to belong to the iHaveAniPadClub.

As I wrote in my column, I am waiting for better versions. We all know Apple is working on them now. I applaud all the early adopters. Because of them, I don't have to be one.

Here are other features I hope the iPad2 has:

— 4G network connectivity. To heck with 3G. Give me faster, faster, faster! Wi-Fi is great, but for this thing to be a true laptop killer it needs to have network connectivity. The 3G version is due out in a couple of weeks, but I'm hoping for more.

— Lighter weight. I know 1.5 pounds isn't a lot, but it is a lot if you're holding onto the device for as long as it takes to watch a movie or read a book. In lieu of the heft reduction, a built-in stand would suffice.

— Bundled apps. I want to be able to pay once for an application and have it run on all my devices. I shouldn't have to fork over new dollars every time I download a premium app to my iPhone or iPad. The pricing should be inclusive of all devices registered to my Apple Store account.

— Accessories included. I shouldn't have to shell out $30 more to get the add-on that lets me connect a universal serial bus device like a card reader or camera. If Apple isn't going to build the feature into the device, the connector that makes it possible should be included in the price.

One reader suggested I should pop for the HP Slate that is due out soon. This reader said the tablet computing device will be able to play Flash and will have USB ports and expandable memory. It sounds pretty good, but then I remember that it won't have an Apple operating system making it all work. One thing I never plan to buy is a Microsoft-based tablet. I'll keep waiting for Apple to give me the features I want. I don't think I'll be waiting too long.