The introduction of the Apple iPad tablet device created ripples across the IT industry with its various functions and the hype that surrounded the device, months before its unveiling. However, the most significant factor of the iPad is the A4 processor designed and developed by Apple Inc. to power the tablet device. The reason for the A4 processor to be in a league of its own is that, almost every mobile device manufacturing company relies on established chip makers. Even Google for that matter, relied on HTC for the handset that is now known throughout the world as Google Nexus One.

But in the case of the iPad, Apple decided to do everything on its own, including the designing and development of the processor that powers the tablet device and the software of the iPad. One of the major upsides of complete in house production for Apple is that, it gives the company every bit of freedom to create more revolutionary products and at the best keep its projects completely under wraps. However, this approach has also led to increased engineering and developing costs, including the hiring retaining of professional who have years pf experience in chip designing.

The self development of the A4 processor by Apple isn’t going to become a breakthrough, because the battery life as well as the operating speed offered by the iPad is not more than that of the rival chip makers. Furthermore, with the slated launch of various smart books later this year, the A4 processor, would infact come in the same league as that of processors from Nvidia and Qualcomm.

Via Venture Beat