Apple Tablet Speculation

[MacRumors]

In a speculative article (http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,713616,00.asp), Matthew Rothenberg believes that Apple will be entering the Tablet PC arena that Microsoft is presently entering.

Rothenberg appears to base this opinion on the circumstantial evidence provided by Apple's revivial of Newton technology as well as rumors that Apple's laptop lines are undergoing radical new design revisions for 2003.

Meanwhile, Ian Betteridge, MacUser.co.uk's editor, agrees with Rothenberg (http://www.ludicrous.org.uk/2002_11_01_archive.html#85689462) but feels that Apple will more aggressively pursue this market in 2003.

[drastik]

A tablet would be fabulous for my purposes sometimes. As long as it has some form of keyboard, or at least the USB ports ( I'm sure on the last one) the aplications for video techs are enormous, providing extra screen realestate for on site monitoring whe a seperate NTSC monitor or Powermac setup is inconvienent.

[djniche]

If we have a tibook with writting (inkwell) features would be great.
I think we should have this as an alternative portable. If apple was to do this then we would see an apple pda as well. Apple needs to come up with something to take the lead in this market. A la IPoD.

It would also be amazing also to use the pen in photoshop and illustrator. Can you do this with the new pc tablets?

[redAPPLE]

with the inkwell technology staring at us... i would be crazy not to have a hardware which uses this cool technology.

especially when apple points out all the advantages.

it will of course be a niche product. it should be directed to specialized markets like, hospitals, factories, etc.

but they would have to watch out how they market this thing.

market it the wrong way, people might misunderstand the point for such a hardware.

[agreenster]

I dont know.....

The tablet PC seems akward. Maybe Im wrong, but all I can imagine is a messy, fingerprinted screen whose software wont recognize your handwriting especially since typing is so much faster anyway.

However, Alias has new tablet software....

Also, with HyperTransport being pushed by AMD and Apple, and the speculation surrounding their partnership.....anything is possible.

A HyperTransport Apple Tablet?

Hrmm.

Niche for sure.

[kfury]

For more speculation, check out http://fury.com/topics/iPad.php.

Hint, read from the bottom up, or start here: http://fury.com/article/745.php

Right now I'd guess that they're still wating for inkwell to catch on more, and an iPad will probably be in the coming around May or July...

Kevin Fox
http://fury.com

[lmalave]

Yeah, keyboards are still a must. My guess is if Apple does a Tablet PC at all, it'll be a convertible laptop configuration, rather than a "slate" with a docking station. Apple's designers probably figured out an elegant, easy, robust way to convert a laptop to a tablet, unlike the awkward designs I've seen from Gateway, etc. that look clumsy and fragile...

[lmalave]

Originally posted by kfury
For more speculation, check out http://fury.com/topics/iPad.php.

Hint, read from the bottom up, or start here: http://fury.com/article/745.php

Right now I'd guess that they're still wating for inkwell to catch on more, and an iPad will probably be in the coming around May or July...

Kevin Fox
http://fury.com

Saw your page. Very cool. Except I think an iMac with a detachable screen would fulfill a very different need than a laptop. Without a keyboard, it's not the kind of thing one would take to school or work. It'd be more for surfing the web at home while you're sitting on your couch.

Maybe Apple will use a two-pronged approach: iMac with a detachable screen for home use, plus a rugged, convertible iBook for the mobile user.

[Cappy]

Originally posted by lmalave
Yeah, keyboards are still a must. My guess is if Apple does a Tablet PC at all, it'll be a convertible laptop configuration, rather than a "slate" with a docking station. Apple's designers probably figured out an elegant, easy, robust way to convert a laptop to a tablet, unlike the awkward designs I've seen from Gateway, etc. that look clumsy and fragile...

Nope. They're strategy would be to add an item to their product line. It follows with their hub strategy and helps build revenues.

[Timothy]

OK, I've asked this before and few people responded. At the current form factor, Tablet PC's provide very little functionality over a laptop; in most scenarios, they provide less. If a tablet is only as portable as current laptops, and I wouldn't use it in a substantially different way than my laptop, why would I choose a tablet? Given that keyboards are quicker and more efficient that pen input, if I am in a place where it makes just as much sense for me to use a laptop, then a Tablet makes no sense at all...

With regards to surfing the web with a tablet while sitting on the couch...that is exactly what I am doing right now. And, given that I am typing this lengthy message on a keyboard, it makes little sense to me to use a pen-based tablet where a laptop works almost perfectly for the application. Tablets don't make surfing the web any easier; in fact, given how much I type while I surf, they'd make it considerably slower.

Now, let's get back to discussing the perfect form factor for ultra-portable computing. The Newton 2100 size was just about perfect. It allowed me to take it everywhere, and the screen size was large enough to actually do productive work on. Current PDA's are too small for real-world use, and current Tablets are too big for ultra-portability. The Newton size/form factor was just right.

I wouldn't mind seeing a unit the approximate dimensions of a paperback book. But a full 8.5 x 11 inches? That's too large, and I'd rarely take it with me.

[dongmin]

Ugh, this Rothenburg dude is on a complete fishing expedition. He needed to meet a deadline so he puts forth some random speculation as 'reporting.' I can't believe this guy gets paid to write this rubbish. Nothing remotely factual nor vaguely insightful in the article. He doesn't even do the standard "A friend of a friend who used to clean the toilet at blah blah told me ..."

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by lmalave
Yeah, keyboards are still a must. My guess is if Apple does a Tablet PC at all, it'll be a convertible laptop configuration, rather than a "slate" with a docking station. Apple's designers probably figured out an elegant, easy, robust way to convert a laptop to a tablet, unlike the awkward designs I've seen from Gateway, etc. that look clumsy and fragile... I'm with you on this. I think they would have the ability to hide the keyboard or fold it someway behind the screen. Then they would add a built in mic and heavy voice technology.

[lmalave]

Originally posted by Timothy
OK, I've asked this before and few people responded. At the current form factor, Tablet PC's provide very little functionality over a laptop; in most scenarios, they provide less. If a tablet is only as portable as current laptops, and I wouldn't use it in a substantially different way than my laptop, why would I choose a tablet? Given that keyboards are quicker and more efficient that pen input, if I am in a place where it makes just as much sense for me to use a laptop, then a Tablet makes no sense at all...

With regards to surfing the web with a tablet while sitting on the couch...that is exactly what I am doing right now. And, given that I am typing this lengthy message on a keyboard, it makes little sense to me to use a pen-based tablet where a laptop works almost perfectly for the application. Tablets don't make surfing the web any easier; in fact, given how much I type while I surf, they'd make it considerably slower.

Now, let's get back to discussing the perfect form factor for ultra-portable computing. The Newton 2100 size was just about perfect. It allowed me to take it everywhere, and the screen size was large enough to actually do productive work on. Current PDA's are too small for real-world use, and current Tablets are too big for ultra-portability. The Newton size/form factor was just right.

I wouldn't mind seeing a unit the approximate dimensions of a paperback book. But a full 8.5 x 11 inches? That's too large, and I'd rarely take it with me.

Yeah, besides surfing the web, eBooks would be another obvious application for a tablet. Maybe Apple would add a wrinkle to its iBook/Education push and promote the idea of putting textbooks and other educational materials on its iBook/Tablet? If textbook publishers license an electronic version at a discount over the printed version (since they save printing and shipping costs, after all), then schools would at least get some savings to balance against the cost of buying the iBooks.

[unclepain]

I have to admit that I've been wanting a form factor like a Mac Tablet for a while. I've tossed about the idea of a handheld, but I hate the limited functionality and the need to sync with a host computer, plus the price! Good night- 500 to 900 dollars for some of the Pocket PC handhelds! Yeesh! A laptop is just too big to really be portable for me. I want something I can fit inside the bag I already carry, not have to carry another bag just for my laptop. I've been infatuated with the OQO design scheme as well (also the IBM MetaPad, which is being brought to market by Antelope http://www.antelopetech.com/accys.html ). I love the idea of your whole computer in an enclosure no bigger than a pack of index cards, then you just mount the component in different configs like desktop, laptop case, handheld case, or tablet case. That's really sweet- but ultimately, I'm just looking for something bigger than the newton, smaller than an ibook, DVD internal, 802.11, Firewire, USB, Tablet- I'm sold. Price it under 1500 and I'll run you over in the parking lot just to be first in line at the Apple Store.

[pgwalsh]

If you had a tablet PC and you could speak your URL's and documents you'd appeal to a number of people including my parents. Though my mother is a good typist, she has trouble with her pc. My father on the other hand can't use either. But I don't expect much for they're are 72 years young.

Surfing the web via touch screen while you're slouched on your couch is pretty nice. Also reading an ebook in bed without the large keyboard jabbing your throat or chest is a good thing. Watching TV and surfing the web during commercials and then jumping to an online poll to vote on something that's presented on the tube.

There's numerous other uses, but it's key that they make it as easy as possible. That's why I think voice command and applications like viaVoice are so important. They're not up to snuff now, but hopefully they will be.

[Archer]

The full sized tablet as it is seen by MS is too large, just use a laptop. But as some have stated above a smaller, Netwon-sized tablet is very sexy. I don't like, never have, hidden keyboards or the chiclits. Just add a USB port for a keyboard. You knnow you're going to be carrying that keyboard around, perhaps the roll-up rubbery one.

However, the true power and elegance of all tablets will be when we have a WiFi type of experience in cities. The smaller than a laptop, but larger than current PDA's will be with a person everyday. But let's face the facts, this isn't coming from Apple or anyone else till the role of a tablet type device can be defined - exactly what does this do. When yiou can answer this question folks you better understand the devices size and perhaps even its apperance. Also, an infrastructure within cities to be WiFi Enabled will be key. And most importantly above all, battery life/cells have a longer charge. I believe the Tablet PC goes for a wopping 2 hours.

So in short, the Tablet idea as it is today, is a more expensive laptop with less features. What exactly do you want to do with your Tablet?

[eric_n_dfw]

Originally posted by pgwalsh
Then they would add a built in mic and heavy voice technology.
hehe - When I read that I immediately thought of Austin Powers giving agent Shagwell a backrub and saying "How does that feel baby?" in a real low voice. (If you haven't seen Austin Powers 2, this will make no sense)

That would be interesting "heavy voice" technology!

:D :D :D

[edit: corrected misquote of Austin]

[johnpaul191]

it is darn impressive. i personally have TERRIBLE handwriting and it does a great job of translating mine. yes it might be pokier than a keyboard, but it is silent. there is talk of (does it exist now?) being able to take notes with inkwell and clicking right into drawing sketches as you go along. right now i am using it on the older graphire tablet, hooked up to a G4 with a 19" and 15" monitor. the only awkward thing i have to get used to is the square on the tablet is spread across both monitors, so if i start writing at the top left of the tablet, it goes to the top left of my desktop space (top of 15" monitor)... minor thing i have to work out or get used to. as for the software, it is impressive. it may be a little slower, but i make about as many mistakes as i do typing. within about 5 minutes of setting it up i was using it for talking to a few people on AIM. the button on the side of the pen toggles the pen from inkwell mode to mouse mode. i still have to set some of the prefs for my writing style, but all in all it is a very underrated feature in 10.2. it makes me wonder if inkwell in 10.2 is a way to field test inkwell with the masses and maybe tweak the software for a new device someday. the software is cool enough as is, but it seems like it has so much potential down the road.

[Cappy]

Actually a tablet system would have some advantages in the educational and some research fields. It would be more lightweight than a laptop of same screensize and the handwriting functions if powerful enough could be a boon to training just that, handwriting. Lets not forget such fields as the medical field where it could be used to pull up data in a more convenient way. There are a number of areas for such a device to succeed but the battery life, interface(this includes how good the HR is), and weight are the key. For many of the traditional computer users a laptop will probably be the best solution. This is why MS's PocketPC has failed on a number of fronts. They keep thinking in terms of the PC.

[redAPPLE]

Originally posted by agreenster
I dont know.....

The tablet PC seems akward. Maybe Im wrong, but all I can imagine is a messy, fingerprinted screen whose software wont recognize your handwriting especially since typing is so much faster anyway.

However, Alias has new tablet software....

Also, with HyperTransport being pushed by AMD and Apple, and the speculation surrounding their partnership.....anything is possible.

A HyperTransport Apple Tablet?

Hrmm.

Niche for sure.

this tablet computer (i hate using writing the "pc" when i talk about a mac) would, of course, not replace the notebook.

do not forget there are people who could not type (or not type fast enough).

i guess this thing would be used to check off stuff, for inventories, jotting down numbers, making crude diagrams. but never wordprocessing.

[Dunepilot]

Originally posted by redAPPLE


this tablet computer (i hate using writing the "pc" when i talk about a mac) would, of course, not replace the notebook.

do not forget there are people who could not type (or not type fast enough).

i guess this thing would be used to check off stuff, for inventories, jotting down numbers, making crude diagrams. but never wordprocessing.

Well that's what PalmOS devices excel at now. There would be no real feature-gain by going to a tablet format for the things you described...

IMO a phone-like device is much more likely. If you've used the bluetooth Sony-Ericsson and imagine what apple could do with a similar device, then that seems to be the way to go. Also, closer integration of phones and computers is happening in a big way now. A friend of mine has all of his voicemail diverted to his PC in .wav files. Just imagine Apple leveraging the power of quicktime and their Rendesvous tech towards an apple-branded phone :cool: .

Don't forget, iTunes preceded the iPod, and the iPod was Apple's response to the need for a really good MP3 player. With Apple now pushing Rendesvous (and its .mac policy) a phone seems like the ultra-portable we'll get from them.

[alset]

Originally posted by redAPPLE

it will of course be a niche product. it should be directed to specialized markets like, hospitals, factories, etc..

You forgot Graphic designers. However, I figure this group will shun such a product in favor of a full power dual gig with a $150 tablet hooked up via USB. But everyone will still try to push it there, and some people will go for it.

Dan

[dricci]

Take the TiBook. Rip off the keyboard and trackpad and LCD panel. Put the LCD panel on the keyboard side, and add a touch screen/stylus, maybe internal bluetooth as well... There's your tablet Mac. It'd have the same battery life as a portable, and would be lightweight. Same could be done to the iBook for the "i" line with the G3 (but probably a bit bulkier)...

As for use a notebook, well that's not always convienient... Think of the places clipboards are used. Inventory, Surveying, Doctors, etc... Imagine how an "electronic clipboard" could help in these every day uses. Instead of searching for patient records, a doctor could simply open up an secure wifi connection to the database server down the hall and pull up the patient records, sync their blood pressure results to it via bluetooth, look up drug information... etc... there are a lot of advantages over a clipboard, and where a notebook just wouldn't fit.

But my point is, it wouldn't be hard for apple to make one of these things. Take either of their portables, strap the LCD where the keyboard goes, and add a stylus.

[voicegy]

What's kept me from running off to meetings with my fellow IT people without a Palm Pilot in hand?

I hate the dang things. They're too small.

So I drag my Titanium into meetings.

Well, that's too big!

So I use a yellow legal pad. Hey, it works. But it would be neat to tap a portion of that pad to check my e-mail and/or look up a web page that's germane to the meeting, or zap my just written notes to whomever I please. Will this happen? Hey, without a doubt.

I've been holding my breath for Apple to bring a "tablet to the table" and I have no doubt in my mind that they're ready to unveil sometime come next year. And I'll buy one so fast the accounting department won't know what hit 'em.

[railthinner]

What could one do with a tablet pc that can't be accomplished with an ibook and wacom tablet? I can't think of anything.

The tablet screen can and probably will get scratches -- wacoms are durable and optional. don't carry it when you don't need it.

having a tablet pc tacks on about $200 to the price a complarable notebook.

I've heard several people mention that you should or could carry a keyboard to plug into your tablet pc? why carry a keyboard as an extra? carry the tablet as an extra.

seems to me there's almost space under the keyboard and besides the track pad on a powerbook for a small "tablet" with some rearranging

how about if Wacom comes out with a tablet device that latches to the bottom of your ibook or tibook and slides out when you want to use it for writing?

[dricci]

Originally posted by railthinner
What could one do with a tablet pc that can't be accomplished with an ibook and wacom tablet? I can't think of anything.

See my last post, about 2 posts up ;)

[railthinner]

I kind of dismissed a good part of it. <bad joke>My God man I don't want to rely on any software to translate a doctors handwriting.</bad joke> Anyway I think most of those applications would have a specialty product. Though, perhaps that's missing the point and your point is taken.

[bentmywookie]

Originally posted by railthinner
What could one do with a tablet pc that can't be accomplished with an ibook and wacom tablet? I can't think of anything.



Still being a college student, I would love to have a "smart" notebook - which is exactly what a tablet would be for me. Typing up math notes and drawing diagrams on a laptop does not seem worthwhile to me.

A tablet that is about the same size as a notebook and just lets me plop down my notes onto it like some sort of virtual notebook is, in my opinion, the way of the future for students at least. Add in wi-fi internet access, the capability to connect to my mp3 player and cell phone and I think you have the next hottest "toy".

Once tablets are done right, they will merely supplement not replace laptops. They are most certainly a niche product, but some of those niches (is that correct pluralization?) are significantly large. I just want apple to jump in on this and do things right.

[medea]

I do belive that Apple will enter the "tablet" market, but I don't think it will be like the current microsoft ones, Ive always said a laptop with a touchsensitive tablet type screen would be best and toshbia has made one http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_tabletPcDetail.jsp?comm=CS so I think the mac tablet would be more along these lines. It's more functional I'd say, and Jobs at one point did say "who wants to handwrite all their emails?"

[Bregalad]

The trackpad on a 'Book could easily be enlarged and take on tablet capabilities. I'd double the width and take out the mechanical button in favor of a tap or pen click. Now you've got a notebook with both keyboard and pen input. The only problem would be how many times your hands would send a stray signals to the pad when you're typing. In theory you could eliminate this problem by changing from a trackpad to a surface that only recognizes the pen, but that would reduce the flexibility and make the machine impossible to use if you ever lost the pen.

A second design possibility is having a touch screen that folds completely flat against the desk. Granted this makes the whole unit very big (about the size of a tabloid newspaper) but being able to write directly onto a full size notebook screen while not losing the feature of a built-in keyboard would be nice. This would work anywhere you've got a desk or table to place the 'Book, but obviously wouldn't be as practical for your lap. Again you could get stray input as your arm might press on keys while drawing on the screen.

As mentioned earlier a true tablet with no keyboard does have its niche uses. Whether the best size is the Tablet PC, the Newton 2000 or somewhere in between is still up for debate. Personally I think a large handheld, which fits into existing laptop bags and the large pockets found on medical garments, has greater potential than something the size and weight of a large textbook, but the Tablet PC makers may prove me wrong.

[joed]

I don't think that Apple will go into the Tablet market, I'm pretty sure they've said publically that they will wait and see.

However, what I would love to see is the following:

A 'SONY Vaio PictureBook' laptop type thing (ie with no cd drive).

The 'mini-laptop' would be the depth of a small keyboard, have a PCI slot in the side, airport and bluetooth, Firewire & USB with a touch screen that can fold back onto the keyboard. It's not a PDA or a tablet, but more of a laptop. That's what I'd like to see! Maybe I'm just dreamin' :)

[jettredmont]

1) Meetings. Use tablet to write notes on a flat surface (psychologically much more acceptable than a notebook computer to fellow meeting-goers; people don't like when you are writing something that they can't glance at, and a laptop makes too many people think you are typing something completely unrelated to the meeting at hand). Perhaps some enterprising company will put out a "whiteboard" (literally) app, where one participant can write on the shared whiteboard at a time, and all participants can write their own notes/comments on their private overlays. Any such app should not just record the begin and end states of the whiteboard, but record strokes and timeline; the key advantage of inkwell versus OCR technologies is that the strokes themselves have meaning, and that meaning is lost in a static "snapshot".

Key competitors:
a] A legal pad (advantages: easier filing than paper, searchability, emailability)
b] A legal pad + scanner (advantages: better recognition of strokes versus static text; less clumsy process)
c] Laptop (advantages: better sketch-based input, no "back of screen wall" between participants)


Ideal layout: notepad-size screen with good touch response characteristics (higher res than a Palm device). Primary orientation would be "portrait", but landscape should be supported. "LegalPad" software would be the key; if this software is not responsive and intuitive, then the device will not catch on.

Keyboard available, although not the primary input device (if keyboard ergonamics have to be compromised, this would be better than compromising overall ergonamics of the device), perhaps as a "flip-under" as on some of the PC tablets, or perhaps as a detached/detachable addition. If keyboard is "detachable", it should "snap" in place and, when attached, be attached quite solidly. Ideally, the keyboard should be able to attach to both the long and short sides of the device. I envision three connect points at the "top" of the keyboard: one USB plug at center, and two sturdy "snap-in" mount points further out, keyed so that the keyboard can not be physically attached without the USB port plugging in; the three connection points would tilt up and down in unison.

Unlike current notebooks, I see the "guts" of the computer completely behind the screen, not the keyboard, so that one doesn't end up with the problem current PC tablets suffer: a large data bus that has to pass through an ultra-flexible base/display joint.

Power under the hood: enough to perform adequate capture and storage of input. Would input have to be translated to text realtime with input? Not necessarily; as a meeting device that hooks into one's "hub", and the hub does the translation, this would be functional. Of course, being able to search meeting notes immediately might be a selling point over paper.

Battery Life: Should last a few hours in constant usage for minimal acceptance. Best acceptance would be if it could last through an "all day" meeting without recharging. Ideally, battery life would be fairly configurable so the user can choose the weight/life tradeoff for his specific circumstances.

Connectivity: I see this on a spoke of a hub, not necessarily a full-bore PC. I strongly suggest marketing it as a secondary device, not necessarily supporting the functionality or connectivity of a full computer. On the other hand, software should run on this tablet just like it would on a hub computer. I suggest a firewire port to connect to the base computer (and provide power), an ethernet port or wireless connection for sharing information during meetings, and optionally a USB port for external peripherals (like, perhaps, a/the keyboard if one chooses a detachable keyboard). When attached to a host computer, iSync should update any syncable address books, etc, cached mail items should be sent off, and notes taken offloaded to a central store. The device should appear as a firewire hard drive such that documents can be easily transfered across.

Any other requirements?

Any other use cases?

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by bentmywookie

Once tablets are done right, they will merely supplement not replace laptops. They are most certainly a niche product, but some of those niches (is that correct pluralization?) are significantly large. I just want apple to jump in on this and do things right.

I agree about supplementing a "Hub" device, not becoming another "hub". Also, regarding niches, I do believe that the tablet form factor niche is significantly larger than Apple's current market share. A tablet device done right would open the doors to corporate America along with students (those who can afford two fairly expensive electronic devices, at least), and a handful of other niches that would add up to a fairly large overall market.

[kfury]

Apple's foray into the tablet market will be distinctly different than Microsoft's in one fundamental way (and lots of smaller ways):

An iPad is targeted to be a secondary computer.

In every step of the iBook and Powerbook's evolution, Apple has tried to make the notebook a possible desktop replacement. In the case of the iPad, Apple will be looking to increase its sales (and, incidentally, create a more useful product) by designing a tablet that is a Mac through and through, but which has several compromises which, while not having a large impact on its role as a casual tablet, would prevent it from being a desktop or notebook replacement.

First off, there's naturally no chance that it would have an included keyboard. The thing would have zero moving parts except for a few hardware buttons (power switch, reset pinhole).

It won't have any sort of media drive. No CD-ROM, no combo drive, etc.

It will come with Airport and Bluetooth built in.

It will be designed to never need to be opened by the user.

It will have no hard edges.

By the time it comes out, it will be the only device Apple sells with a G3 processor.

It will have USB; it will have Firewire (one port each).

The basic positioning of the product will be as a desktop adjunct. With easy wireless networking and seamless rendezvous filesharing, it's the thing you can pick up when you have to go to a meeting down the hall or across campus, and still have access to the full data on your desktop (or powerbook, what have you).

Even more, it can be anonymous. If you have a meeting, borrow one of the office's iPads, log in as you, and it gets your computing environment from your primary machine.

As for price, once you remove the keyboard, trackpad, and optical drive, and replace a two-part hinged enclosure with a single solid structure, you've saved enough in production costs that you can add a wacom digitizer to the mix and still come out cheaper (and 2 lbs lighter) than the entry-level iBook.

Okay, now a word about digitizers: A true touch screen would be hard for a few reasons. First, they get damaged easily. You can't put a whole lot of protection into a screen and still have it function as a touchscreen with an LCD display behind it. Second, pressure sensitivity is less precise with a touchscreen, especially when using a stylus, where the actual pressure on the tip of the nub is very, very high, and is much better read by the stylus itself than the surface of the screen. Considering that a primary market for an iPad would be the creative market, lusting for a cheaper and more portable Cintiq (http://www.wacom.com/lcdtablets/index.cfm), 256 (or 512) levels of pressure sensitivity is mandatory.

The nice thing about Wacom's tablets (as those who own them know) is that the circuitry of the tablet can be as much as a half-inch away from the surface of the pen and still have it work. This makes it a prime choice for the iPad for two reasons:

First: It means that the Mac OS doesn't have to be substantially changed to handle applications that, for one reason or another, often rely on mouse position, even when the button isn't being pressed. With another tablet, pen (or finger) would have to touch screen for the OS to know where the cursor is, and they have to have a clunky way (double-tap, stylus button, or 'press harder') to represent a click or click-drag instead of just a drag. With the Wacom, a pen a half-inch above the digitizer still registers, so you can use the cursor, even if you're using it just to point, and not to click.

Second: That circuitry can live *behind* the LCD. This lets the LCD be right up in your face, with a hard-as-you-please protective covering, because the EM field that the tablet uses to find the location and state of the stylus isn't affected by the screen plastics (or glass).

If you have a Graphire, take a look at it. Notice the transparent flap covering the tablet. That could just as easily be made clear instead of frosted, and now your iPad is scratchproof, with a stylus surface that can be replaced at need. you never hear about people who've scratched their tablet.

Anyhow, we'll see how it all plays out, but considering the work that went on between Wacom and Apple to bring Inkwell into play, there's virtually no chance that Apple *isn't* working on a pen-based Mac. My guess is that we'll see fruits of this labor right around May of next year, after the iBooks bump up to G4s.

While the rest of the above post is all speculation, it makes sense to me. Certain as the sun will rise tomorrow, people posting after me will blithly talk about how it won't sell because it's underpowered, too expensive, or useless, to which I reply pbbth. As computers become less and less expensive, there will naturally be a point where a second, task-specific computer will become feasible in more than a Palm or PocketPC-sized fashion. I simply believe that time is coming very soon.

and I'm very glad that Microsoft and Co didn't go the route of the ultralight inexpensive tablet. they're so busy trying to justify Windows licneses that any Windows computer has to be positioned as a desktop or notebook equivalent.

A consumer tablet should never be seen or positioned as a primary-computer equivalent. Either too heavy, too expensive, or too sparse on functionality, there's no way to do it. I hope Apple does what it does best, which is not to try and beat Microsoft at their own game.

Kevin Fox
http://fury.com

[Johnny Johnny]

FYI, there was a company that did this sort of thing before, on a very limited scale for a niche market:http://www.everymac.com/systems/assistivetech/freestyle/freestyle.html

[ntg]

"Anyhow, we'll see how it all plays out, but considering the work that went on between Wacom and Apple to bring Inkwell into play, there's virtually no chance that Apple *isn't* working on a pen-based Mac. My guess is that we'll see fruits of this labor right around May of next year, after the iBooks bump up to G4s."

I have been looking at the Volito (new pad from Wacom) and there are no (and, by the tone of the statement, never will be!) drivers for Mac. This is despite the number of graphics designers using macs who would buy them by the dozen! I am guessing that there is instead a collaboration between them to do something more integrated, ie a new product specifically for Apple to launch. Another indicator is that the Volito is soooooo cheap!! There must be larger volumes or external funding involved somewhere...
Just my thoughts...:confused:
Nig.

[ntg]

"Anyhow, we'll see how it all plays out, but considering the work that went on between Wacom and Apple to bring Inkwell into play, there's virtually no chance that Apple *isn't* working on a pen-based Mac. My guess is that we'll see fruits of this labor right around May of next year, after the iBooks bump up to G4s."

I have been looking at the Volito (new pad from Wacom) and there are no (and, by the tone of the statement, never will be!) drivers for Mac. This is despite the number of graphics designers using macs who would buy them by the dozen! I am guessing that there is instead a collaboration between them to do something more integrated, ie a new product specifically for Apple to launch. Another indicator is that the Volito is soooooo cheap!! There must be larger volumes or external funding involved somewhere...
Just my thoughts...:confused:
Nig.

[redAPPLE]

Originally posted by Dunepilot


Well that's what PalmOS devices excel at now. There would be no real feature-gain by going to a tablet format for the things you described...


but the palm is too small. imagine, making an inventory of (i am exagerating here) thousands of stuff in a factory, imagine, reading a patients status in a hospital...

i do not think a "palm" is big enough...

[redAPPLE]

Originally posted by railthinner
What could one do with a tablet pc that can't be accomplished with an ibook and wacom tablet? I can't think of anything.


how about if Wacom comes out with a tablet device that latches to the bottom of your ibook or tibook and slides out when you want to use it for writing?

i think the discussion had something to do with an Apple-branded tablet.

i, too, think a wacom tablet and an ibook is ok... but there are things that would work a lot better with a tablet.

[DharvaBinky]

correct me if I'm wrong... but didn't some old skool Apple prototype powerbooks feature a case that was capable of flipping the screen 360 degrees over... as in. You could open it and move it to 90 degrees as you would with a standard laptop. You could open it to 180 degrees (open all the way flat) if you wanted, and you could flip the screen all the way around to rest on the back of the cpu (with the keyboard facing down). The screen was touch sensitive, so you could write on it with a stylus...

soo... it was a regular notebook. It was kinda like a waccom tablet in flat mode... and it was kinda like a tablet PC when you flipped it all the way around...

I remember reading about these things years ago... maybe that idea has come back now...

:)

Binky

[arn]

Prototype Newton Messageslate

http://www.normalkid.com/collector/images/messageslate/messageslate.jpg

[mcrain]

My only problem is that people are going to tend to use these things while on the go. Doctors, lawyers, inventory people, etc.

I know that a lot of these people are more worried about what they are doing than the "thing" they are holding.

If they come out with this thing, there will likely be thousands of them in the shop every year merely from being dropped. Laptops suffer from dings and bumps, but by design are typically used while stationary. Something that you can hold across your non-writing forearm while writing with your other hand begs to be used while walking, working, moving, etc...

Timber! Crash! Time for a new iPad.

[railthinner]

Originally posted by redAPPLE


i think the discussion had something to do with an Apple-branded tablet.

i, too, think a wacom tablet and an ibook is ok... but there are things that would work a lot better with a tablet.

I realize we're talking about the possibilty of Apple producing a tablet. My issue with this product idea is that it may prove to be useless, unappealing, and unmarketable. This doesn't mean I wouldn't love to see Apple turn my thinking around, but the tablet pcs I've seen so far are (for lack of a better term) stoopid.

[agreenster]

I agree. The Tablet seems like it would do nothing but just cuse more headache.

But, Apple always manages to find a way to make a product very appealing, especially when compared to the PC counterpart.

[zarathustra]

Originally posted by alset


You forgot Graphic designers.

Dan

I am glad he did. Somehow most people have the preconcieved notion that because you can draw on the screen, it will be good for G.Ds.

Whatever....

No self-respecting G.D. will give up his pen and paper to a TabletPC. FYI, the computer is (or at least should be) nothing more than a way to get the design into a "mechanical" (that is a way from which printers can produce plates to be printed). And for this a regular mouse/tablet combo with large screens is about the best right now.


As far as the Mac-tablet - I agree with a Newton size tablet, with full connectivity in a sleek case (the Newton was a tad fat). I have a Handspring and I almost only use it to sync data I enter in my computer, because it's a bit painful to use graffiti.

it seems that today's PDA functions could be replaced with something like this. (http://www.infosync.no/news/2002/n/2635.html)

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by zarathustra
No self-respecting G.D. will give up his pen and paper to a TabletPC. FYI, the computer is (or at least should be) nothing more than a way to get the design into a "mechanical" (that is a way from which printers can produce plates to be printed). And for this a regular mouse/tablet combo with large screens is about the best right now.
err I'm not a graphic designer, but what difference does it really make what canvas you use as long as you're satisfied with the end result. I've seen great work done by hand and on the screen and it doesn't make a difference to me as long as the end result works.

[Cappy]

Originally posted by zarathustra

it seems that today's PDA functions could be replaced with something like this. (http://www.infosync.no/news/2002/n/2635.html)

The formfactor of a watch isn't the worst idea in the world but who wants to set their watch on a charger every night?

[zarathustra]

Originally posted by pgwalsh

err I'm not a graphic designer, but what difference does it really make what canvas you use as long as you're satisfied with the end result. I've seen great work done by hand and on the screen and it doesn't make a difference to me as long as the end result works.

err you are not a graphic designer. Obviously you just skimmed through my previous post.

There is a difference in drawing up a concept and executing. I can get 100% of the concept done on paper, but most likely the execution WILL happen on a machine. So you are right, my canvas can be anything, but trust me, a tablet PC is not a convenient, precise and useful way of doing graphic design.

***edit***

I don't want to waste another post to answer pgwalsh: dude, you've got to start reading what people write and not just argue. as you can read in my posts - I agreed with you, but there is nuances that I like to bring out; just like programmers and such like to point to precise definitions and explanations from their field....

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by zarathustra


err you are not a graphic designer. Obviously you just skimmed through my previous post.

There is a difference in drawing up a concept and executing. I can get 100% of the concept done on paper, but most likely the execution WILL happen on a machine. So you are right, my canvas can be anything, but trust me, a tablet PC is not a convenient, precise and useful way of doing graphic design.

No actually I did read your post, I just disagreed with what you said and how you said it. I know many graphic designers and quite a few use the computer as there canvas. Whether they use a tablet or not, there work is good.

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by kfury
Apple's foray into the tablet market will be distinctly different than Microsoft's in one fundamental way (and lots of smaller ways):

An iPad is targeted to be a secondary computer.


I agree absolutely.


First off, there's naturally no chance that it would have an included keyboard. The thing would have zero moving parts except for a few hardware buttons (power switch, reset pinhole).


Hmmm ... While I agree it is quite possible that such would be the case, I know I personally would get more use out of such a device if a keyboard were an option. I would prefer a securely-attached keyboard (detachable), but would live with a bluetooth wireless keyboard. Yes, while in meeting mode there isn't much need for typing, but on occasion one has to send something off as an email in the middle of a meeting, etc, which is much easier with a keyboard than trying to write out an email with a stylus.

So, I wouldn't like it, but I can definitely see Apple going for the no-keyboard option from both simplicity and style perspectives.


It won't have any sort of media drive. No CD-ROM, no combo drive, etc.

It will come with Airport and Bluetooth built in.

It will be designed to never need to be opened by the user.

It will have no hard edges.

By the time it comes out, it will be the only device Apple sells with a G3 processor.


Again, I agree 100%. Just wanted those points quoted on the board again :)


It will have USB; it will have Firewire (one port each).


First, I can see a USB and firewire port on the device, which would satisfy my keyboard fetish. However, the problem with USB is this: consumers expect USB devices to plug into literally any USB port, and work.

Will this device be able to support all USB devices that desktop and laptop machines do? I suppose I can't think of a concrete reason why any particular class of devices would not be supported (I would suspect that the same driver would be used here as for OS X on the desktop), but if there were any problems in implementing universal USB driver support, I'd fall back to "just a keyboard and mouse" dictum. You really shouldn't be plugging your digital camera into this tablet, as the tablet is not the hub ... on the other hand, if it can support that without compromise, then more power to the user ...


Even more, it can be anonymous. If you have a meeting, borrow one of the office's iPads, log in as you, and it gets your computing environment from your primary machine.


I like that idea.

(interesting digitizer info skipped ... I have no knowledge of such things, but IMHO requiring a stylus is not too much to ask for a more durable and versatile tablet ...)


While the rest of the above post is all speculation, it makes sense to me. Certain as the sun will rise tomorrow, people posting after me will blithly talk about how it won't sell because it's underpowered, too expensive, or useless, to which I reply pbbth. As computers become less and less expensive, there will naturally be a point where a second, task-specific computer will become feasible in more than a Palm or PocketPC-sized fashion. I simply believe that time is coming very soon.


I absolutely agree. Palms/PocketPCs are nice, but too small for many of the tasks that people have been dreaming up. They are great for storing small bits of data, but data entry is awkward and data display of anything more than a simple list is cramped. A mid-sized Tablet device would also be too small for many tasks, but overall such tasks can be done instead on a laptop or desktop computer instead. The tablet would also not be an ideal companion for one's address book and checkbook; Palms and such will retain that niche. But tablets would be a great secondary device for the times when a mid-sized display and entry pad are required.

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by mcrain
My only problem is that people are going to tend to use these things while on the go. Doctors, lawyers, inventory people, etc.

I know that a lot of these people are more worried about what they are doing than the "thing" they are holding.

If they come out with this thing, there will likely be thousands of them in the shop every year merely from being dropped. Laptops suffer from dings and bumps, but by design are typically used while stationary. Something that you can hold across your non-writing forearm while writing with your other hand begs to be used while walking, working, moving, etc...

Timber! Crash! Time for a new iPad.

Correct.

Hence: remove the CD-ROM. Nix the fans if possible. Maybe even move to solid-state flash memory instead of an HD, although that might be a cost issue. Do your damndest to protect the crown jewels of the device (the screen/digitizer).

Fewer moving parts means much less to break when dropped. Solid state devices can withstand torture that would incapacitate a laptop in seconds.

[kenohki]

Originally posted by arn
Prototype Newton Messageslate

http://www.normalkid.com/collector/images/messageslate/messageslate.jpg

That is my dream come true. If it came in color and they updated Newton's Assist feature to use voice recognition as well as pen input, I'd pay out the waz for a tablet like that and then I'd sell my iBook.

[multifinder]

My gut feel is an iPad would sell like a pillow full of glass. Outside this forum, and a few niche markets, sales would be abysmal--there's a recession going on, and not very many people are shelling out $ for a main computer, much less a second computer that's a PDA-laptop mutant with better (but still sorry) handwriting recognition. I think Apple realizes this, which is why we haven't seen one yet. To me, the iPad and tablet PCs in general are a perfect example of engineers saying "wouldn't it be cool to build X" because they'd want it themselves, forgetting that 99+% of consumers aren't engineers.