Apple May Have Neutered AirPrint For iOS 4.2 Release | Cult of Mac: Why is the potential removal of AirPrint capability from wireless connected Macs a big deal? Because it means the iPad will continue to be a neutered pseudo-laptop with significant deficiencies. Don’t misunderstand me, I still love my iPad. I use it every day. But, it’s greatest strength is the ability to take work/play with you and move around. It has a large screen and is very responsive. It looks really cool. People will ask you out because of it. OK, maybe not the last one, but you get the picture. It’s a great tool.
But not if Apple prevents it from performing a very necessary function common to all computers – printing.
Both home and enterprise users will eventually realize that getting work done sometimes means printing off a copy of your document. If you don’t purchase one of the new HP AirPrint approved printers (and few will at first), you can’t use the technology. Seriously, that will stop many folks from moving forward. “Here you go mom, I got this for you and dad.” “Can I print directions to the doctor’s office?” “Um, no. You still have to use your desktop for that. Or, you can just take the iPad with you.” “No, I’m afraid of breaking it.” This is a reasonable response to the inability to print. Few would argue that Apple could be making a big mistake if this is not available soon.
My wife likes my iPad. She wants to take it with her on trips for work. I don’t mind letting her. But, she needs to print things often to give to others. While she can’t expect to have an AirPrint approved printer at every hotel, she can reasonably expect a computer that is capable of handling the print request connected to the hotel printer. See the problem? She, and many like her, will consider this broken.
Please Apple, let this only be a rumor and not the future of iPad printing.
(Via Cult of Mac.)
[Update] It appears none other than Steve Jobs has (supposedly) chimed in on the subject. He is quoted on TUAW as saying:
AirPrint has not been pulled. Don’t believe everything you read.
Great news if this is true.