Also this article could shed some light to why Apple did not add a web cam to the ipad:

http://www.techweb.com/article/showArticle?articleID=222600823&section=news

The next question is, will Apple allow users to download web cam drivers?

Hope you will find what u look for:
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/02/apple-ipad-may-ship-with-webcam/

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/kit-eaton/technomix/apple-keeping-secret-ipad-webcams-and-verizon-version-us?partner=homepage_newsletter

Maybe another reason why the iPad doesn’t come with a webcam is because the cell phone system is not yet ready to handle the high levels of data that comes with this added feature? I keep reading articles about AT&T’s system being overloaded because of unlimited plans — even seen talks about plans for tiered pricing. Apple’s playing it safe…

Do not forget that FCC is trying to break the “oops, overlooked so and so item for deaf” cycle while reviewing brand new telecommunication devices like iPad. FCC wants your inputs on such devices before they are approved. You can raise hell with FCC in order to
approve iPad WITH a web camera. Steve Jobs already has provision for a web camera in iPad in case.

At the International Consumer Electronics Show in 2008 and 2009 there were many products similar to the iPad, hence the enormous disappointment on my part.

They were touchscreen, 7-8 inches wide, had widgets all over (the simplified, intuitive desktop you referred to), had wifi and even bluetooth, a true browser, etc etc, but weren’t as thin and had far less impressive battery life spans… but they were CHEAP ($400 range for some of them).

I don’t think Apple made any leap whatsoever with the iPad. They just came out with a better packaging, which is expected for 2010. The cynic in me has to question if they skimped on the webcam so they could have a second round of sales.

I love Apple but is concerned about this. Other devices have nothing on the iPad. I’m amenable to buying 16 GB with WiFi (I’m using Verizon MiFi 2200). Nothing high-end until Apple upgrades iPad to feature video capabilities. http://i.gizmodo.com/5458382/8-things-that-suck-about-the-ipad

Chad,

I totally agreed with what you said. I have a feeling that Apple will add camera in the second version, hopefully! Guess we have to wait and see :)

Hello, speaking of Ipad and here we have Iphone. Ipad is here in Sweden now I think. Do you have 3g pole to see cam as we have in Europe. We got mobile phone with cam before 2000 or a little later? Hearing people used it before us and didn’t like it, because the sound is after the picture, maybe 2 – 3 sec after. They stopped using it. Thank God that they still produce and sell it for deaf people in Europe, wow! Now we can use VRS via mobilphone + cam. Excellent to use it for shopping for ex.. asked for clothes, size, colour etc through VRS.. :-)
Soon we will have cam in Iphone, and I really hope in the future we also have it in Ipad. A question: Do you have 3 g pole for the network..It is coming first! Good luck if you success with Ipad then!

Chad,

You mentioned about hearing people are able to communicate with each others, even though with any different telephone carriers/products. It’s required by FCC.

I think you are referred to Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), right? That’s why they have central switch around the world. While we, Deaf people, don’t have central switch yet and with limited technology. I hope that they will expand that part for Deaf. (Correct me if I am mistake and open to discuss). =) Thanks.

@Erik: Yes, the PSTN is part of the interoperability solutions. When I mentioned FCC, I am implying that they have enforced standardization in ensuring voice data are exchanged across any platforms. In other words, FCC has shaped how PSTN behaves.

Chad,

You mention about the ipad have not send out the new release and I am confuse. Your post on this video ( My Thoughts on iPad ) shows feb. 2, 2010. It is already shown before that date. So if surpise for not the frist showen release then it would be that one for now and will have the cam front and back for next year. Correct me if I am wrong. Please help fedback to see how this mine blowing will impact use.

How to contact FCC to do my part? Pls ASAP thanks.

Yo Chad

Thanks for the sharing comment about iPad! yeah i noticed first many neg comments came out at first and disappoint etc.. but i’m positive it ll coming new level mac user for deaf community, always need approval from FCC etc…