IHS* (http://www.ihs.com/about/index.aspx)released a report that describes some of the reasons why Apple has critical advantages in designing the iPad and why it may be able to keep those advantages in the foreseeable time.

The market research firm believes that Apple's control over the entire platform, especially the software provides it with a unique opportunity to design tailored hardware that deliver cost and integration scenarios its rivals cannot achieve.

“Apple takes a vertically integrated approach to its products, from the operating system to the user interface, to the hardware design, down to the selection of individual parts used in the device,” said Wayne Lam, senior analyst, competitive analysis, at IHS. “For example, Apple even uses its own applications processor design in both the iPad and iPad 2. In contrast, Android tablet makers buy those capabilities from the likes of Nvidia, Texas Instruments and Qualcomm. This gives Apple greater control in multiple areas of product development.”

For example, IHS said that Apple's ability to control the OS enables the company to reduce cost by limiting the quantity of memory in the iPad. The current-generation iPad 2 uses 512 MB SDRAM, while its rivals use 1 GB. "This memory density reduction results in a nearly $14 reduction in the bill of materials of the iPad 2 compared to other tablets, the market research firm noted.

“Since Apple controls both the operating system and hardware design of the iPad, it is able to attain design efficiencies that other tablet manufacturers cannot,” Lam said. “These efficiencies become obvious in areas like the memory and the battery, where Apple maintains advantages in cost, space savings and performance compared with every competitor in the business.”