Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

I haven't used the thing, but I don't think it's designed to be a multitasking powerhouse and I doubt most of the users are bent on using it that way. It's been repeated here, but the iPad isn't a productivity device; it's a consumption device. In my opinion, anyway.

I know it talks about the processing power, but the outcome is based on the total computing power, which includes RAM and the processor.

Also, you're talking about the RAM as though they could easily just drop another chip in it like nothing. Isn't it a bit difficult and costly to develop a small processor such as the A5 with integrated memory?

The iPad needs to be sleek and compact, while maintaining a large enough screen size, to compete as it does. This costs a lot of money to produce. I don't doubt for a second that the markup on Apple products is likely quite high compared to others in the industry. However, when considering their expected markups and their expected pricing and their expected performance from a shareholder's point of view, to "simply add more RAM" would have likely required a noticeably higher price point.

If the new generation performance nearly doubles compared to the first (and if people were already satisfied or impressed to begin with), why throw more RAM at it and needlessly add to the price at this juncture?

Also, although I'm not sure how much of this is official or confirmed, but there's this bit from Wikipedia's page on the new Apple A5 in the iPad2:


So unless the article is wrong: the iPad2 does indeed have more RAM at 512 MB.