Apple investigating Wi-Fi issues with new iPad, says leaked document

Apple is investigating potential Wi-Fi connectivity problems with its third-generation iPad tablet, according to a leaked internal AppleCare document.

The document, seen by Apple commentary site 9to5Mac, recommends that Apple support staff dealing with complaints should ensure the devices are sent to the firm's engineering department for analysis.

It suggests that the problems could include intermittent connectivity, slow Wi-Fi speeds, and failure to recognise available networks.

A recent thread on Apple's own support forum entitled "Poor wifi reception on new iPad" had hundreds of replies at the time of writing, suggesting that the issue could be widespread.

Although it boasts strong performance in the consumer tablet market, having sold 15.43 million iPads in the first fiscal quarter of 2012 (according to Apple's own figures), the iPad does not have the enterprise market to itself.

For example, leading UK retailer John Lewis is currently rolling out Cisco's Cius tablets to customer-facing staff.

"We're looking to test Cisco Cius tablets in Q1, allowing retail staff easier access to stock information," John Lewis CIO Paul Coby told Computing recently.

"They'll also be able to go to the website to show customers products that aren't on the shelves," he added.

And last year, Surrey County Council rolled out RIM's PlayBook device to some of its staff, citing security concerns as a reason to avoid the iPad.

"The PlayBook is fully encrypted, and the data is all centrally stored," said Surrey County Council CIO Paul Brocklehurst.

"Whereas the iPad has some security issues, and doesn't meet the relevant government standards."