Apple Confirms Wi-fi Issues on the IPad - Quick Fixes to Sort Out the Problem

A first generation mobile browser that looks like a big iPhone, is certainly an irresistible temptation for a tech geek or an Apple fan but the teething trouble associated with this brand new iPad can be pretty scary especially after the first issues with Cupertino's new iPad surfaced only a couple of days after it's successful launch where it sold over 300,000 iPads in just one weekend.

The Apple Ipad has Wi-Fi issues. Big time Wi-Fi issues.

Before getting into the details of these wi-fi problems let's take a step back and see why these problems might have big repercussions on Apple's new tablet, and why Apple needs to come with an effective fix really fast.

What makes the iPad so special?

Notwithstanding the silly jokes about iPad's name, the computer world has been eager for the iPad, since Apple disclosed details about it's launch. Even if the iPad runs apps and has the calendar, email, web browsing, office productivity, audio, video and gaming capabilities, it is more than the sum of it's features that makes this device so special.

Apple strives to make it's gadgets fun, and create an experience where its users smile as they fondle, slide and stroke their machines. The iPod and iPhone's detail, finish and polished design were so functional and eye catching that they rapidly got under the skin of their aficionados. Apple pushes hard on selling this emotional aspect in it's marketing campaigns and banks on making buyers fall in love with their machines.

Crashes and bumps just a few days after forking out $500 on an iPad can be a pretty negative experience even for a tough fan, and these Wi-Fi issues are a cold shower to the millions who have been dreaming about the iPad for months.

High expectations about the iPad

In simple terms the iPad is a touch screen slate or tablet computer which is only 9.7 inches diagonally and weighs just 1.5lbs. In an interview, iPad designer Jonathan Ive, gave to Time magazine, a week before iPad's launch, he said that his iPad is made for real people who "chuck it on the car seat and thrust it into luggage without thinking. It's not to be delicate with."

Can you imagine reading an e-book on a device which can withstand the kind of tough treatment you would give a paper book? Many have said it will be Amazon Kindle's death blow and publishers yearning to escape Amazon's tough control over pricing raved about the iPad.

John Makinson, chairman and chief executive of Penguin, hails the iPad as the future of publishing, and educators see it as is a revolution that can mash up text, video, course materials and student input.

Then there are the games. Michael Guillemont, founder of Gameloft says the iPad is the further step
in the games evolution, where iPad will build on iPhone's success and take games to another level.

What are these iPad Wi-Fi issues?

If your new iPad isn't working with wireless networks the way you were expecting, you are one of the thousands of frustrated users who are experiencing the teething troubles of your new puppy.

The new iPad cannot keep a steady Wi-Fi connection, and Apple's Support forums are flooded with comments from frustrated users who can't set up their Wi-Fi properly.

• Many users say they're unable to use their networks after their iPads come out of sleep

• Others say they have to stand ridiculously close to their wireless routers in order to get a signal.

• Finally, even devices with less definite Wi-Fi problems, experience sudden signal dropping in places where other devices (including other Apple products) work fine.

• What's more, these issues are not related to incompatible wireless hardware. MacWorld confirmed that even all-Apple setups are experiencing signal weakness and drops.

Apple's response and quick fixes

The colossus behind the iMac, iPod and iPhone family of products and the iTunes and App stores who service them, has quickly posted a note on their support site and suggested some quick fixes for these issues until Apple comes up with a real solution.

If you are experiencing connectivity issues here are a few things you can do:

• Update Your Router's Firmware and change your router's location.

• Change the router's security encription and set it to operate 802.11 standard.

• If these options fail, try renaming your network. Apple suggests using separate names for different Wi-Fi bands and making sure that multiple networks have the same security settings.

• If problems continue, try resetting the iPad's network settings. iPad users can use the following file path: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

For further information about these fixes and to log to Apple support click here.

Works cited

"On the mothership. A confessed Apple fanboy gets finger time with the iPad." Stephen Fry Time Magazine.

"Apple confirms iPad wi-fi issues- fixes" Jack Ryan www. postchronicle.com

"Apple confirms iPad wi-fi issues and suggests fixes." Marco Tabini wwwpcworld.com