eWeek: Apple Tablet?

[MacRumors]

Matthew Rothenberg discusses (http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,807965,00.asp) the coming MacWorld Expo and potential Apple announcements... and suggests that MWSF may be the launching pad for an Apple Tablet:


My sources sketch the following picture: A device that superficially resembles a large iPod with an 8-inch diagonal screen, lacks a keyboard, packs USB and FireWire ports, and runs Mac OS X along with a variety of multimedia goodies.


Matthew Rothenberg first "speculated" about this Apple tablet (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2002/11/20021119085448.shtml) in November... but appears to have had some basis in circulating rumors.

Tablets are no new concept to Apple who designed prototype Newton tablets (http://www.normalkid.com/collector/messageslate.html) back in the early 90s.

[Noiseboy]

But will it fit on the little plastic display stands?

[richard5mith]

Well that clinches it for me. Apple Tablet it is.

[Goblin2099]

gahh...there will be no tablet! We all love Apple because Apple makes innovative products that work damn well. Tablet PCs, despite all the ridiculous marketing, have not found a real niche. The only decent suggestions that have been put forth are for educators, doctors, and factory workers taking inventory, but they can't be used successfully there because the battery life runs between 2 and 3 hours at best. If there is ever going to be an iTablet, it's not going to be until the necessary technologies are good and ready. Inkwell is there, but I doubt even Apple can stretch battery life past 6 hours...triple what's out there now, but still not a full work day. If nothing else, Apple won't put it out because they want to see the PC crowd fall on their faces as the tablet craze dies a horrible death, and then maybe...Maybe....they put out their own tablet that does everything Microsoft promised but failed at

[vniow]

Originally posted by Noiseboy
But will it fit on the little plastic display stands?

Not unless it's some sort of PDA/Tablet hybrid.

[Beej]

Originally posted by richard5mith
Well that clinches it for me. Apple Tablet it is. You're easily convinced, aren't you? :)

[Rajj]

If it is introduced, I wonder what the specs would be??
Maybe a 800Mhz G3 with low voltage
30GB HDD
256Mb of RAM,
2 Gigawire Ports
2 USB Ports
Bluetooth
And weigh 4 Lbs?
Also I hope it is not white!!!! ;) :p

[iGod]

Sounds quite possible - but that would essentially constitute...a...PDA!
I suppose it would be useful with iCal and the OSX Addressbook feature...but that would basically make it an iPod with text-input capabilities minus the music.

It would certainly have to do more than that...photos, perhaps?

But that would still only make it a Sony CLIE rip-off - check out the following link (cut and paste into browser):

http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1652&pcount=&Product_Id=3027398&Sort=Mfr_Name,Current_Price,Product_Name

Check out this too (similar PDA with camera):

http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1652&pcount=&Product_Id=3650424&Sort=Mfr_Name,Current_Price,Product_Name

[Hawthorne]

My credit cards just ran away and hid from me. They know that if this comes out, it's cost will be added to their burden! :D ;)

seriously, if this includes 802.11b (or g? Please? :) ), it would be perfect for my wife, and an excellent sidekick to a desktop Mac.

Time to head down to the local Apple store and get in line for Tuesday's webcast, it seems. :D

[pyrotoaster]

That makes the Apple tablet article pretty tempting, but I'm still giving an iPod-like DLD better odds (65% vs. 35% for a tablet).
Then again, this sort of sounds like an iPod-like DLD, doesn't it...
Anyway, we all know the real question is: "are the display stands clear so we can see the Dynamic Ornamental Appearance through them?!" :rolleyes:

[iJed]

What is the point of a tablet computer?

I cannot see any real use for a tablet computer at all. Surley a large PDA would be more useful since it would have a much much better battery life. There are also only about five situations where it may be more useful than a laptop. I don't think that Apple would sell very many of these if they did make one.

[gunb0y]

if Apple does release a tablet computer it wont be the first apple failure... Apple is known for releasing poor selling items that are ahead of their time (cube, newton). And a tablet can be classified as ahead of its time right now since we don't have the technology for long battery life.

[yamadataro]

I'm 85% convinced about this tablet thingy!
I was thinking about Video iPod for a while, but that multimedia tablet makes more sense marketing-wise.

I mean Video iPod won't have as much impact as iPod had.
Press people would just go "Apple has released a video version of iPod."
On the other hand, multimedia tablet would give much more to write for the press guys. It would be music, video, OS X and more!

By the way, 8" screen sounds real convincing and good.
I'd give Video iPod a thought before pulling my Visa card out of my wallet.
But with OS X multimedia table? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... :p

[Goblin2099]

Just out of curiousity, does anyone see a way in which the tablet would fit into the digital hub? From what people seem to be interpreting about its multimedia implications, it seems like it would just be a middleman between the computer and the peripherals.

[sanford]

I just can't imagine a video iPod! But, then again, I'm not much of a video fanatic. I watch movies on DVD on my television set.

I've used a Tablet PC and frankly I find them unwieldy. The handwriting recognition is certainly acceptable but the whole "user experience" failed for me. And a tablet Mac certainly wouldn't replace my TiBook. When we get to the day you can buy all your textbooks as ebooks, tablet computing may find a home in schools and universities.

I also did not realize that the Tablet PC has only a 2-3 hour battery life. You're still chained to the wall outlet for the most part.

Back to the video iPod: who will be ecstatic about this? I'm sure I'll find it cute and gee-whiz, but otherwise utterly useless.

[Hawthorne]

Originally posted by gunb0y
if Apple does release a tablet computer it wont be the first apple failure... Apple is known for releasing poor selling items that are ahead of their time (cube, newton). And a tablet can be classified as ahead of its time right now since we don't have the technology for long battery life.

While I agree that Apple has had their miscues, as all innovators must have occasionally, I don't think battery life is one of the things holding back a tablet right now. The Microsoft versions claim 10 hours of life, though if that's like the "5 hour" battery life of most PC laptops, half, or even a third of that time is more reasonable.

My iPod can easily play all day on one overnight charge, and 4 hours+ is the norm with for my iBook. If this (alledged) tablet uses simliar battery and power management technology, battery life on if would be excellent.

What's holding back tablets is that they're a solution in need of a problem. What can they do that an iBook or a PDA cannot? I can see them as useful for surfing or lightweight office work (which, admittedly, is what 80% of the PC's out there are used for), but without an upgrade option, they'd be useless for anything else.

[superkatalog]

i don't know where do you would take the videos from to play with the video pod? rips of your own dvds? that needs so much space. and divx encoding and others need much time. i think it is not so cool if you have to wait half a day before you can watch the movie on your "video pod". i think it is pretty useless.

[adamcoop]

Originally posted by sanford

Back to the video iPod: who will be ecstatic about this? I'm sure I'll find it cute and gee-whiz, but otherwise utterly useless.

How many of you thought about buying an MP3 player before the iPod was released? I sure didn't. Who would want something that could only store 1/2 an hour of music.
The iPod changed the face of the MP3 player market.
This could happen with a video iPod. There are others out there, but with the usual bulkiness, unattractive design and user unfriendliness associated with PC brand periphials.
Imagine if Apple released a device, similar to the EyeTV, or even a software based product, that could record TV shows and download them to the 'vPod'.
I could be sitting back watching the Simpsons right now.

[Gus]

the functionality of a tablet that connects to your Mac as well and can be used with Inkwell when connected to your computer. Obviously not the main function of the machine, but an added feature.

I hope it is a tablet. Like somebody up above said, how many of us thought about buying a $400 Mp3 player a year and a half ago? I think we are forgetting that if Apple has chosen to go this route they will only have done it if they have overcome the maiin limitations (battery life, etc.). They don't want it to flop out of the gate. I mean come on, give them a little credit. They learned a little from the Newton. I loved the Newt, but it was not ready for prime time when released. They would never do that again. The cube was a great machine, but at the wrong price. At its price, it didn't have a niche, a market. IF they do a tablet, it will not just be the same old tablet with an Apple on it. It will be something worth making noise about.

Regards,
Gus

[sanford]

Originally posted by adamcoop

I could be sitting back watching the Simpsons right now.

But I wouldn't, so I guess that's the point. A video iPod would be great for some, useless for others. As I guess the iPod is for people who don't like music.

[adamcoop]

You could also run iTunes style visuals...

Great for all those ravers out there, with pills to pop, but no funky lightshow to go with them.

[aharon]

Can I use it on the Enterprise?

I'll be the first one to admit, I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what we are going to see on the 7th. But chances are, I'll buy it, at some point.

Maybe someone should call TIME Canada?

[pyrotoaster]

I didn't think we'd be seeing a tablet, but if we do, I'll be very excited. There are a few things I want to address first:

1. People who complain about the battery life aren't thinking about the iPod. I know a tablet uses more power than the pod, but I know Apple won't make a tablet that can't be taken on the road.

2. Stop thinking about Tablet PCs! We're talking about an Apple Tablet. It won't be a mutant laptop, it'll be a revolutionary look at technology of the future.

An Apple Tablet would (probably) be a good thing!

[mac15]

Well if apple bought out a tablet, how many of you here would buy one, if it turned out to be like TiVo then I'd stear clear, but its apple so it must be decent. Nothing apple is making now is bad, its all good

[clonenode]

Apple is NOT trying to come up with a replacement for it's laptops. They're trying to give people with desktops an in-house (or around the town and at work) portable solution.

So, it is NOT my primary computing device, but it can share the cable-modem connection my iMac has and I can surf the web with a wireless Airport connection from the couch. And, with a quick FireWire downlaod, it can hold my iPhoto library and some of my iMovies so that the next time I visit my parents, I can share all the great shots of my kids. Watch the new version of iMovie to have "sharing" capability.

[Goblin2099]

I still haven't heard an argument for an Apple tablet short of "wouldn't it be cool" or "well, if Apple makes it, it'll find a purpose sooner or later." I'm all for innovating and Apple forging new ground, but can anyone even speculate on any practical uses?

Edit: Didn't see the post right before mine, those do seem like some possible applications for a family to have one of these. Any guesses on price though? It would have to be significantly less expensive than even a low end iBook, or else most of the advantage is negated (at least in my mind).

[pyrotoaster]

If Apple makes a tablet, it would need a price around $599. Maybe there could be a price range from $499 to $699...

[Insider]

Yea, it's called the "HipTop".

Drew

[Gus]

I just thought of something. Other than the LCD itself, if Apple only used the 4 pin Firewire connector and the similar USB connector, then that would cut down on the power consumption of this thing when plugged into certain devices right? Then the battery would not have to be AS hefty. Of course, you still have to power the AirPort card which is a power hog...

I don't know, I'm just reaching now, I suppose.

Regards,
Gus

[brainchild2b]

richard5mith,

Are you willing to bet on that? Do you have any proof that there isn't?

I'm willing to bet you $10,000 right now you will see a "webpad" at Macworld on the 7th.

Any takers? We can get my or your attoney to write up a contract. Let me know if your interested.

[harmless]

Originally posted by clonenode
Apple is NOT trying to come up with a replacement for it's laptops.

I absolutely agree.

But ...


So, it is NOT my primary computing device, but it can share the cable-modem connection my iMac has and I can surf the web with a wireless Airport connection from the couch. And, with a quick FireWire downlaod, it can hold my iPhoto library and some of my iMovies so that the next time I visit my parents, I can share all the great shots of my kids. Watch the new version of iMovie to have "sharing" capability.

... guess what I'm using my iBook for. :rolleyes:

I think you just explained, why Apple won't release a tablet.


bye. Andreas.

[Macmaniac]

Makes sense, if they could cram it all into the cube I'm sure they could do a tablet. Steve has said no PDA, but he has never said no TABLET!!

Specs would be a 600mhz G3, a 20gb HD, at least 256mb of ram and 2 USB and 1 firewire port with airport and bluetooth. All starting at $600.
Its possible!!

Get in while the market is brand new!

[Brandon Sharitt]

Right Apple's main strengths are in portables with the low power consuming powerpc(one good thing about Motoralla being mainly embeded), so a tablet makes sense

[drastik]

I wonder if this might have somehing to do with the rumors of low stock iMacs? It should be possible to make what is essentially a 14 screen with a combo drive and USB/Firewire ports built into it. Sell some type of stand, hook up a key board, you have a desktop. Not expandable, but neither is the iMac. Then, unplug peripherals and slap over the cover. portable tablet and a desktop replacement. It would definitely suck power though.

[brainchild2b]

Hey if any of you are willing to bet me on the tablet, I could use the extra money.

You will see it at macworld, regardless of if you think it's a "good move" for Apple or not.

Here's some of the logic:
(This in no way is the information that 'proved' it to me, this is just to help you see why Apple decided to)

They used Newton technology to create "inkwell" for OS X. Any of you who are stupid enough to believe the paid 40 engineers for an entire year so that Wacom owners could use handwriting recognition on their tablets are idiots. It was designed for use with an Apple device that uses a stylus.

A tablet would be very well used. PDA's suck, they are small can't run most full blown software, and are underpowered. It's the reason I have to haul my stupid laptop around everywhere. But with a webpad, it's lighter, smaller, and fully functional.

You'll be believers in 2 days.

[pyrotoaster]

I agree with brainchild2b on his point about Inkwell.
It obviously was put in Jaguar with some grander purpose in mind.

Has anyone considered the possibility of connecting this tablet to your Mac either as a second monitor or a tablet (a stand could hold it up).

[macmatt]

iPod is iTunes in my pocket. I can listen to my music library or plug it into the car adapter for everyone to hear..... I think it would be great to have an "ultra-portable" display for my digital pictures like the iPod does for music. I could view my most recent shots and show them around, or I could plug it into a TV for the whole room to enjoy. AND it could very easily be able to download photos off of my digital camera so that i can format my card and keep shooting. These things alone would be enough to turn my head... anything else they can squeeze in there would be icing.

p.s.
a laptop can do all that too.... just like it can play music....think "ultra-portable"

[arnette]

Originally posted by harmless

... guess what I'm using my iBook for. :rolleyes:

I think you just explained, why Apple won't release a tablet.


bye. Andreas.


Absolutely right. There's nothing you can't do with an $999 ibook that you can do with a fictitious iTablet. And who said that a tablet should be priced around $600??? You mean just a hundred bucks more than a 20GB iPod??! C'mon!

Everyone's reaching here... and drastically.

[smashedapart]

Has anyone else seen this picture over at Spymac?

http://www.spymac.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6514

It sounds a lot like what has been described in the eWeek article. Kinda makes you wonder...

-- smashedapart

[macmatt]

Originally posted by arnette



Absolutely right. There's nothing you can't do with an $999 ibook that you can do with a fictitious iTablet. And who said that a tablet should be priced around $600??? You mean just a hundred bucks more than a 20GB iPod??! C'mon!

Everyone's reaching here... and drastically.


can you slip your iBook into your pocket?.... i'm thinking that this thing (if there even IS a "thing") will be closer to iPod size than Wacom tablt size. An iPod for your pictures.

[Bandit]

This would explain a lot of the other rumors out there.

Apple Digital Picture Frame
Video iPod
Color Screen
Watered down OSX
A PDA but not a "PDA"
Lite versions of iApps

It could run a light version of iPhoto that will allow you to download pictures and view them in a slideshow. A QT player to play movies. iPod functionality with MP3s. A simplified iCal and address book that can be synced with the new version of iSync. I would think it would be more than $600 though. I would guess $699. Right between the iPod and iBook price.

[HasanDaddy]

I have little use for a tablet

regardless though.....I want one if Apple makes it!

APPLE STORE HERE I COME (ON TUESDAY)!!!!!

[macmatt]

Say that this device has a display around 4x6 inches... the most common print that people get from their photofinisher.... now say it has a 20 gig HD....think about having every picture you take from now on (with that digital camera you just got for christmas) with you wherever you go. Organize with iPhoto, transfer with firewire, view with the ease of the iPod. Show Gramma a slideshow within minutes of taking pictures at Christmas dinner.... if you could go right from the camera you wouldn't even need a computer. I for one can see value in a device like this.

[mangoman]

Originally posted by smashedapart
Has anyone else seen this picture over at Spymac?

http://www.spymac.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6514

It sounds a lot like what has been described in the eWeek article. Kinda makes you wonder...

-- smashedapart

Yeah. That's my iLitterbox for my cat, Rocky. He loves it cause it glows red when he drops a really stinky *****. Steve Jobs sent me fifty clams to walk on stage Tuesday with Rocky and do a live demo.

(sound of buzzer) (sound of spastic laugh track).

Keep reachin'.

:D

[smashedapart]

Wow, pardon me for breathing you sarcastic twit. I was just adding a little life to what has ultimately become banal conversation about an apple branded picture frame. Next time I'll keep my ponderings to myself.

-- smashedapart

[pyrotoaster]

Here's the problem as I see it.

We're divided into two camps:
1. Tablet!
2. iPod-ish DLD!
(I won't go to the trouble of including the numerous other rumors)

Combine them!
Let's think of a DLD-Tablet. A device that is small, portable, and affordable. Like nothing we've ever seen before! Let's be "wowed" by Apple! :D

[mangoman]

Originally posted by smashedapart
Wow, pardon me for breathing you sarcastic twit. I was just adding a little life to what has ultimately become banal conversation about an apple branded picture frame. Next time I'll keep my ponderings to myself.

-- smashedapart

Awww, now, it's all in fun, amigo. Just pokin' ya in the ribs. Sorry if I offended ya. You're right, you added a little somethin'-somethin'. And I'm just a bit burned out with the rumor mill. Again, sorry.

(But didn't I make a laugh just a wee bit?)

:(

[AlexandrWolf]

It will probably have to be at least $699. This tablet device better be quite something if they expect people to buy it over a much more capable ibook...
I just can't see it!
(Something I would very much like would be a strictly graphics tablet, a la the Wacom Cintiq)

[macmatt]

The iPod has been an overwhelming success. And "all" it does is play music! so, why was it such a success? Because it's cheap? no, it's because it plays so much music for so long and so easily that nothing else can compare to it. Plus the fact that it's backed up by the "home-base" organization of iTunes and has Firewire connectivity.

So, why can't a device that "just" views digital photos be a success if it matches the above criteria but with iPhoto as it's big brother instead of iTunes?

I think this could be a very logical and do-able step in the digital hub strategy.

[Cappy]

People have commented on the obvious that battery life needs to be good. If they can pull off 6 hrs realistically I think it'd be alright. The thing I haven't seen anyone mention yet is that Apple could look at alternative processors for such a product that might be better on the battery life. It's not like they need classic for such a beast.

[matttichenor]

iPad (xPad)

700MHZ G3
256MB RAM
60GB HD
8" LCD
Firewire (Giga)
USB
Airport (G)
Bluetooth
Ethernet??
PCCard??
Composite Video/Audio Out??

Jaguar X (Lite?)
TouchScreen
InkWell
iApps
Rendezvous
Runs most or all Mac apps.
Remote Desktop Software:
Control you desktop remotely. Think not as consumer but from professional POV. In the office or other network environment this technology could be really amazing. We can't forget Apple is now really pushing towards enterprise and office environments. This might be a great way to work with an Xserve, or a whole rack of 'em. Couple this with X running on Xserve via Rendezvous & Airport (G) and you have quite a nifty little remote access device.

Becomes extension of your Mac, while connected or not.

Attach to Desktop:
Sync Music, Address Book, Email, Calendar, iWeb
Grab Photo Library, grab Digital Video
Or simply use as extremely advanced USB Tablet.


Disconnect:
Surf Web, Display Pics / Video, Listen to Music (w/ iTunes 4 & Rendezvous), Cut DV, connect DigiCam, works like subcompact powerbook.

WiFi Connect: (Airport / Bluetooth)
Sync, remote control, grab resources, Rendezvous other Macs & Peripherals.
It would be fantastic.


Think of all the software possibilities that haven't yet been thought of. Great for Database management & Productivity in Office environment or Warehouse. With Rendezvous enabled it could be really amazing. Print to local printers, access local servers, connect to Rendezvous enabled devices like scanners or stuff that hasn't yet come to market, whatever. It is in many ways the next logical step.

Because of the cheap parts, and less need for small parts, the thing could be relatively cheap. If they can make and sell an iBook for $999, this thing could feasibly hit the market at $599 - $699, depending on the feature set and Apple's greedy Profit Margins.

Think about it, all of the above technologies are currently available. The hardware is older, relatively cheap stuff. All of the software Apple has already implemented in jaguar, even the Remote Desktop and Rendezvous. This isn't really far fetched stuff. In fact I'd be really surprised if they aren't already designing, even if it doesn't make its debut at Macworld SanFran.


I think any of this is possible, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.


Matthew

[mangoman]

Cool lineup. Just one more thing: Tell me--no, SHOW me-- that it can be dropped without shattering and I'll whip out my credit card faster than you can say, "black turtleneck strikes again".

[sanford]

The 20GB iPod is $499. A Tablet Mac for only $100 more?!?! IF Apple makes a tablet it will cost $1500 minimum.

[ELYXR]

"New Year's Resolutions ... Get Organized. Stay in Sync."

Sounds like an Apple PDA to me. They just launched this new ad on the 1st promoting iCal and iSync. I think Dell's Axim Pocket PC got to them... to me this would be another great reason to switch. The Pocket PC (which is way cooler than my Clie) is incompatible. Also, when Steve canned the Newton in '98 after the MP2100 didn't sell to expectations he said that he'd rather produce a PDA that ran the Mac OS instead of the Newton OS. Apple still has a license to use the Palm OS which they got from good 'ol 3Com (even though it is inferior to the Newton OS).

Sorry Tungsten T ... you suck! Gimme the iNewt Steve!!!!! :)

[macmatt]

many of the descriptions of an "iTablet" seem (to me) to be very nearly laptops with touch-screens instead of keyboards. Now, that's all well and good, but I ask you, why would Apple introduce a third laptop-sized device (iBook, TiBook) to essentially compete with its current models and yet do nothing more or better than a laptop? No, I think that, as with the iPod, Apple will go ultra-portable or not at all.

[razoné]

http://www.danger.com/products.php

[JINX]

But iBooks go for $999, so they should be able to make a reasonable tablet for less than that or around the same. I think the $600 estimate is probably too low, but remember that the iPod is only $499 because of the high price of the HD. I'm assuming a slightly larger form factor would allow apple to get much cheaper HD's (2.5" vs. 1.8").

I'm not saying we'll see a tablet on the 7th, but I do think they could do it relatively cheaply. Maybe this is why Apple hasn't been more hostile to Motorola - they need those low power G3's to keep coming.

[sanford]

Anybody remember their Shakespeare?

Jobs said Apple would not make a PDA. Isn't a limited-function Mac tablet just that? A PDA?

If it's cheap -- $700 -- and limited-function it's a PDA. If it's a full-blown Tablet Mac, you aren't going to see any $700 price tag.

[adamcoop]

Originally posted by mangoman
Cool lineup. Just one more thing: Tell me--no, SHOW me-- that it can be dropped without shattering and I'll whip out my credit card faster than you can say, "black turtleneck strikes again".

Ah, mangoman. This is the story for you:

http://theregister.co.uk/content/54/28692.html

[macmatt]

as a result of keeping it small they wouldn't try to make it a full-featured PC....just like they didn't try to make the iPod more than it is. It worked once, it could work again.

[pyrotoaster]

I looked at Danger's Hiptop.
Nope. I don't see Apple making anything close to that.

[liloconf]

can anyone say archos jukebox on crack....finally a portable divx player worth owning!!!

[macmatt]

I thought to myself, "what might Apple have up it's sleeve for the 7th?"
Then I thought, "what did they do last time?" Did they try to jam a bizillion weird and wonderful technologies together and create the digital device of the year?
No, they made a little device that played music. That's it. It played music, and it's being still being talked about now over a year later.

So, will their next DLD be something they tried to jam a bizillion weird and wonderful technologies together into to create the digital device of the year?

I think it will a little device that displays pictures. just that simple.

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by macmatt

I think it will a little device that displays pictures. just that simple.

I liked your point on keeping things simple, but that's too simple. There's been far too much talk about this being revolutionary for it to be that simple.

[e-coli]

i think it's going to be something geared towards an entertainment-certer-type-thing. the windows media center is making apple look behind the times. that is the true maturity of "digital hub". It's going to be something that works with airport, and ties your computer, stereo and television together.

a tablet computer?

i would be utterly shocked.

after all, my frend works on apple's point of sale displays, and he's mentioned on numerous occasions that apple thinks they can take the home theatre / home audio market.

[macmatt]

What do I do with my computer (besides the internet)?

1: Listen to music

2: Organize my digital photos

3: Make home movies

This is how I see it, Apple saw these three things as the most important features the average consumer should be able to do easily on their computer. What did they do? They made their iApps. iTunes for music ... iPhoto for pics ... and iMovie for video editing And they are things of beauty.

Apple says to itself, "Stage 1 complete".

Next they introduce the digital hub strategy.

They look at their iApps and wonder which is the easiest to make a portable for?

Music is the obvious answer: They do it by extending iTunes with the iPod.

Photos are what I say is next: They will extend iPhoto, (which is the next easiest thing to do) with a portable viewing device.

Then, when the technology catches up, will be on-the-fly video.

[macmatt]

Originally posted by pyrotoaster


I liked your point on keeping things simple, but that's too simple. There's been far too much talk about this being revolutionary for it to be that simple.

who says it's going to be revolutionary?.... not Apple, it's people like us who may have gotten a bit carried away :)

[sfr79]

if you ever read cnet, they had a video interview with someone from intel a few months ago showing a pocket sized video player.
probably a 4-5" screen, for watching video....
they were showing it saying it would be coming soon (i think like 6+ months).

i'm guessing apple wants to do something like this. imagine being able to take the video with you. watching seinfeld on the train...

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by macmatt

who says it's going to be revolutionary?.... not Apple, it's people like us who may have gotten a bit carried away

Three reasons it'll be revolutionary.

1. All the legal and financial people who have seen it and commented on it say that it is.

2. The Apple Store's showing the keynote with those mysterious shipments they can't open until halfway through SJ's speech.

3. We're talking about Apple here. SJ knows we don't expect anything less than amazing.

[macmatt]

Originally posted by pyrotoaster


Three reasons it'll be revolutionary.

1. All the legal and financial people who have seen it and commented on it say that it is.

2. The Apple Store's showing the keynote with those mysterious shipments they can't open until halfway through SJ's speech.

3. We're talking about Apple here. SJ knows we don't expect anything less than amazing.

if i may play devil's advocate for a moment...

1. You'll pardon me if I ask for some specifics, I personally haven't heard of any.

2. You have to admit that's a pretty weak one.

3. As for that, i guess that depends on your definition of revolutionary. Was the iPod revolutionary then?

[wrylachlan]

eBooks, eBooks, eBooks!!!

If Apple makes an iPad that is roughly 4x6 and doesn't inlcude some sort of eBook management software they're nuts. People a couple of months back were talking about an ILibrary app and that makes a lot of sense to me. And by eBook, I don't just mean novels. But also textbooks and news. Imagine being able to carry all your college textbooks in one iPad. Or pluggin it in overnight and when you pick it up in the morning, your news is waiting for you organized the way you like it (like a clipping service)(this could involve .Mac integration giving people another incentive to get .Mac).

If they do release an iPad, my money for the rumored new iApp is on iReader!

[A@ron]

I've got one word for you people GOBI. If you read ThinkSecret it was rumored to be the next predicessor to the Sahara (750FX) G3 chip. I give this product a 40% chance of materializing at or released @ MWSF. I think it may be postponed until the gobi chips are ready. Just my thoughts :)

A@ron

[macmatt]

definitely...

[smashedapart]

It's very simple Macmatt: lack of interest. A simple toy that displays digital pictures on the go would hold people's attention about as long as a jiggling jello mold would. Sure, it's fun for a minute, then it gets boring because it does the same thing over and over again...and it does things your nice, full-sized computer over in the corner could do, only its so small everyone has to crowd around it. That's no fun. Especially if the older people in your family have a funny smell...I know mine do. BUT! What if gramma lives somewhere else? That's what email is for. Apple's only going to do something if it's innovative, different, and better than what's on the market (see: iPod). Apple also has a habit of making its moves based on market trends...and not the sudden one-offs and chance hits (PDAs, and so far, tablets). Steve knows what's going to sell and what isn't...and what he brings us on Tuesday will be a direct reflection of his intuition. Of course I could be completely wrong, but...digital picture frame!? cmon...ask yourself why these things aren't already on the market in large numbers, and you'll see why people here are having a hard time understanding your logic.

-- smashedapart

[goodedesign.cc]

ok, the tablet... i agree in some regards that the whole hand writing thing to be a pain. however, let's take a gander at some of the PC laptops that have those monitors that flip to be a touch-screen/pen tablet... now that's got some promise - thus taking the GUI and making it into a solid user interface. We all know that the graphical user interface is one step away from being a real USER INTERFACE. the user has to use a mouse and a keyboard. i want to be able to take a pen and draw straight on the screen. i want it to add effects to my marks and pen strokes. we want to be able to have a pen tablet that give the graphic design market caligraphic lines when we want them. heck, what do we need a keyboard for? think of this. the tablet could be a 15" flat screen with a titanium cover for transporting... no keyboard... hey, it's been done... look at your old palm pilots.. now you have a place on the bottom corner or a hot spot on the touch screen that pops up an on-screen keyboard.... you could have little nobules where the "F" & "J" keys are. but beyond that the keyboard only appears when you want it to... the only think i can't figure out is the ability to have key board commands.. which i think will be the downfall of this little pipe dream of mine... the keyboard is much faster for most. my wife doesn't seem to agree, but who cares. i'm not sure the itablet or ipad would be a great thing... i think we should all just buy laptops, then you get a DVD player, CD burner, jukebox, work station.. all in one! all the rest is just stuff to litter the desk with!

now, what most of us are waiting for: I WANT MY FRIGGIN G5! Or, let's make BMW look dumb... we had a G3, they have a Z3, we got a G4, they came out with a Z4... hey, conspiracy theory, huh? how about calling it the X2 and put a terabyte drive in it.. let's get 6GB of ram and a 62" Hi-Def. display with surround sound. now that's a computer! could you include the BOSE system with that too...

oh, and could i get fries with that?

[dethl]

But whatever SJ comes out with, we will probably be in awe... (note that I said probably...he might dissapoint us after all)

[mangoman]

Originally posted by adamcoop


Ah, mangoman. This is the story for you:

http://theregister.co.uk/content/54/28692.html

Couldn't read a lick of the drilldown page (with the actual photos), but the visuals were great! SOMEBODY gets it! :D

Thanks, adamcoop.

[macmatt]

Originally posted by smashedapart
It's very simple Macmatt: lack of interest. A simple toy that displays digital pictures on the go would hold people's attention about as long as a jiggling jello mold would. Sure, it's fun for a minute, then it gets boring because it does the same thing over and over again...and it does things your nice, full-sized computer over in the corner could do, only its so small everyone has to crowd around it. That's no fun. Especially if the older people in your family have a funny smell...I know mine do. BUT! What if gramma lives somewhere else? That's what email is for. Apple's only going to do something if it's innovative, different, and better than what's on the market (see: iPod). Apple also has a habit of making its moves based on market trends...and not the sudden one-offs and chance hits (PDAs, and so far, tablets). Steve knows what's going to sell and what isn't...and what he brings us on Tuesday will be a direct reflection of his intuition. Of course I could be completely wrong, but...digital picture frame!? cmon...ask yourself why these things aren't already on the market in large numbers, and you'll see why people here are having a hard time understanding your logic.

-- smashedapart


i see where you're coming from, but i still disagree.... first of all (and i know i'm going to sound like a broken record for comparing to iPod again) iPod plays songs over and over and I'm not tired of it yet... because of the sheer number of songs and beacause i add to it too. I don't ask people to "crowd around" and listen to my headphones .... i'd plug it into a stereo or computer for a group. in the same way, an iPhoto-pod would act as a personal viewing device primarily (which could be passed around) or plugged in to a larger display/TV for groups.

As for why there aren't tons on the market already? I'll tell you. No one else has the 100% compatability that Apple would with an organizational hub like a mac running OS X with iPhoto.

[mangoman]

Originally posted by macmatt
it's people like us who may have gotten a bit carried away :)

(said in best imitation of Anthony Michael Hall in Weird Science): "Dat's da troof, baby! Dat's da troof!"

[macmatt]

...you don't always have your nice, full-sized computer over in the corner.;)

[macmatt]

Originally posted by mangoman


(said in best imitation of Anthony Michael Hall in Weird Science): "Dat's da troof, baby! Dat's da troof!"


:D

[boobers]

some of you are getting carried away with this 15" display business..No bloody way will this happen.
How can you hold that with one hand and write with the other? HOW?
Those laptops with the tablet flip screens are just plain wrong.
If its a Tablet it must be able to be held with one hand.
As for the picture Frame idea..sure its that and a computer! just like my LCD screen is a Pictureframe..
My point is why make a single purposed picture frame when you can have the whole enchilada?
Stick the thing in the stand and watch it in screensaver mode. Bob's yer uncle.

Now a few questions:

Will it have a CDrom drive?
Will they sell a mini BT keyboard and mouse to boot?
any takers?

[sanford]

Since I've been following this thread all night, that's my feeling about Apple releasing a Mac Tablet at MWSF: The Mountain Goats song "Cubs in Five".

SM

[Xerov]

Alright here we go...

Why it can be new iPods....

while I do think the iPods will be updated in size...the 'new product' wont be an iPod because just that the iPod isn't new.
also with the 6" stands...why would the stores need new stands for new iPods...when they already have plenty for the iPods now...

Why it wont be a tablet....

tablet will be not as functional as an iBook or Tibook and cost the same or even more...what would be the point? also with the 6" stand...no way a tablet will fit on a 6" stand...

Why it Will be a Cell phone...

Perfect size for the stands...also SJ has said "The PDA is dead, but there is hope for cell phones" (not exact quote, but something along those lines)

Also..Just think about it...what is a digital device that everyone already uses AND is missing from the digital hub? cell phones...If apple could make some improvement...or even just a cool enough looking cell phone people would buy it.
and it would fit perfectly into the 'new cool device for the digital hub'

ponder that for a while...

[JINX]

Remember this?

http://www.oqo.com/

It was talked about all last year when they claimed to have this handheld running windows xp at 1GHz with a 20GB hard drive. These guys designed the Titanium powerbook and I remember reading that before they made this a windows machine, they went to Steve Jobs to see if Apple wanted to buy the design. He passed so they made a windows version.

here's the thing - they were supposed to have it out this past fall and yet there hasn't been word one about it anywhere on the web in ages. in fact, the website looks like it hasn't be changed since it made its first media splash. Maybe bill gates decided that this would compete with the Tablet PC and decided not to support it after all. If that were true, it's possible that Jobs could have rethought his position after the success of the iPod.

By way of comparison, the iPod is 4" x 2.4" x .78" and the oqo has a similar footprint at 4.1" x 2.9" x .9" and weighs just 2.5 oz more. It also already has firewire and bluetooth built-in.

I'd still be surprised if we saw this on the 7th, but at least its a plausible possibility.

JINX

[Timothy]

I've been checking their website every month since they announced, just looking for some movement. I think the form-factor of the OQO is so cool, that I've been considering buying it, even if it is released as an XP device...

But, I've always known that the OQO developers are mac fans, and have always hoped that Steve would see the beauty of the device, and pull them back into the Apple fold.

We can only hope! ;-)

[Gus]

You know, that thing was always really cool. USB, Firewire, VGA out. Those two buttons look like they are begging for colors on them. :-)

Regards,
Gus

[JINX]

Yeah, me too (re: the OQO). It is the only time I have ever envied windows users. I'd be so psyched if it did come out for mac instead. Of course I'd be pretty happy with a souped up cell phone as well.

JINX

[greenstork]

What about a 4X6" screen with a bluetooth thumb keypad and/or mouse in addition to a touchpad screen that takes full advantage of inkwell. That way you could use it with a stylus and a keypad. I just wouldn't put that past Apple and that would be without a doubt a very cool new device.

My guess is that it really isn't going to fit into an easy category like PDA or tablet. I'm counting an Apple for a unique little device.

I also think that Apple would shoot themselves in the foot by charging over $600. In order for this device to have any success, it will have to be coupled with another home/laptop Apple computer to fully take advantage of the iApps. That being the case, any switchers would then have to shell out big $$$ to purchase all of these peripherals.

Some price dropping is in order. If this device has MP3 or AAC capabilities, I think we would seee $100 price drops across the board on the ipods, after all, who would want an MP3 player when there is MPEG-4. That would put this device in the $500 range, a bit more pallitable to switchers.

If Apple is to remain competitive, their prices should continue to drop. It would be prudent for them to explore other options for their business model, hardware is a much tougher business than software (software is Apple's strongest suit IMO). I'm not saying that they would go overboard but if rumors hold true about upgrades charges for iApps then it is entirely possible that they are steering the ship in a new direction as it relates to their business model.

Damned exciting is this MWSF, I can't wait.

[bryng]

I think what we may see is some cool device that ties together all the Apple stuff that many of us will accumulate in our homes.

If Apple goes Home Theater / Multimedia then you end up with a Mac, a Home Theater System, mp3s, and video all over the place, but with nothing to allow a user to control them all seamlessly - as a single integrated set of services.

An idevice that allowed you to do that from anywhere in the house, and maybe even do a few extra things (e.g. a telephone) would be the bomb....

Plus it wouldn't cut into Apple's other markets. They can unleash a pile of upgrades of systems (the laptops and desktops all seem set for upgrades...) to help us all Apple-ise our homes.

Maybe parts of that sound a little far out - but it seems to me that's one place that Rendezvous, the iApps, the iPod etc could take you...

[greenstork]

Better yet, how about a bluetooth stylus that could write on any surface, now we're talking. My optical mouse knows when it's close to a surface or whther I am just waving it in mid-air.

[iAndy]

Although have regularly lurked here for over a year, mainly just prior to each major Apple show, this time I just had to finally register and add my 5 cents...
Why ? Well because (1) I am now a (semi) switcher, and (2) you folks have been driving me _nuts_ :eek: with the avalanche of rumors and counter rumors surrounding SJs likely BIG announcement at MWSF.

So here is my first posting - sorry if it seems a bit long winded... :o

Although I have always used PCs since the early twin floppy XT days, bought an iMac Indigo a while back for our young son. Soon realised that the iMovie app blew all the add in cards and software for my W#ndows machine to hell. Not to mention that OS-X was the coolest (and most stable) OS I had ever seen. New iMac, Superdrive and iDVD was the next logical step. Then just before Xmas stuck an extra huge ESDI drive into my PC, added a wireless AP router (non Apple) and hid it all in a cupboard. Now both iMacs and my Sony Vaio can share broadband, and now use the W#ndows box mainly as a storage device - with ~20GB of digital photos, 10GB+ of audioBooks etc.

At this point you are no doubt asking "OK dude - so what are you getting at? :mad:"

Well my point is that wireless has made me entirely rethink my computer needs. For Xmas my wife was going to buy the latest replacement (PCG-R505TFP) for my aging Sony Vaio (PCG-Z505RX) - yes I still need a PC for my work(although I have already sneaked an eMac in at the office for video work). If a G4 powered iBook had been available, it would probably have got the nod, and to hell with the consequences - but that is battle for another day, maybe Jan 8th ? ;)

So I now realise that what I REALLY need at home is NOT the latest "hot" laptop computer, but a wireless enabled device, with a good screen, instant on/off, good battery life that can give me access to all my stored data (photos, music, audiobooks, movie clips, eBooks etc.), or download news and info from the Net. Of course, some form of telecoms integration would be a BIG bonus. It doesn't need a big hard drive (as I have wireless access to >0.5TB), and it doesn't need cray-like processing power (as the iMac happily does all my video and photo editing).

Having read just about every rumour thread on multiple sites relating to MWSF, I am really excited at the prospect of a possible iPad/iTablet device. Actually the mentioned 8in form factor reminds me of the Ericsson HS210 ScreenPhone device, which coincedently looked fairly Mac-like.
http://projects.comp.hkbu.edu.hk/telecoms/images/screenphone1.jpg
http://projects.comp.hkbu.edu.hk/telecoms/images/screenphone3.jpg

This would be a great form factor and with Bluetooth capability would integrate brilliantly with my SE T68i phone via Rendezvous as SJ demonstrated on stage last time. Such a device could be held like a book on the sofa or in bed, or attached to a stand at the breakfast table or kitchen, or just left on my desk or coffee table to flip through photos until giving an alert of an incoming email or phonecall. If it was given a cool docking station much like the Sharp PC-MM1, and near instant on capability, then a huge battery life would not even be that important. Use it for the info you want, then dock it away until you need it again.

Such a device wouldn't directly compete with the iBooks/PowerBooks, or the cheaper iPods (which are more mobile), but it would fit perfectly into the digital hub strategy. It would also complement, rather than compete, with phones and PDAs from Apples collaborative partners. A win win situation for all...

Yes, an iPad is what I am rooting for !!!
...and AAC support on the iPod, iPhoto2, iMovie3, iDVD3, better value .Mac etc.,etc.... ;)

Anyway Happy New year to you all, and thanks for finally bringing me out of my (lurking) shell. :D

[ntg]

I've been following this thread, and there is one thing that hasn't been mentioned that I personally would find useful. I would like to edit contacts and iCal info on my 20Gb iPod directly using some form of stylus device, without having to fire up my G4 to do it.
Also, bearing in mind that there is CDRW and 2-way I/O built into the iPod, does anyone know if you are able to plug a tablet of this kind directly to display visuals from iTunes?:confused:
If so, and wiith supposed *new* quicktime features, couldn't the iPod store video and picture info and display these on the tablet?

Just wondering....

[Glossybear]

Ntg is close to what I have been thinking...
Hear me out...

The iPod VUE (or something) a roughly 6x10x1 pad with an 8" diagonal (widescreen) color touch-screen. on the right side there is about an inch os space with a few hard bottons and the apple logo. This section is slightly thinker than the rest and holds most of the battery and the stylus. It has USB, FireWire, Phono jack, and video-out (like the iBooks) along the top. Airport and maybe bluetooth are built it.

It is built to run in tandem with your main mac and your ipod.

The device has a 10-20GB HD and a low-power G3, and runs a scaled down OSX. Its main function is a Videoplaying device. It plays back whatever flavor of DV you've got as well as displays pics. Perhaps it will have some DVR aspects to it. It has a stand and an AC adapter to become the digital frame when you don't need to carry it.

It has iTunes, QT, and iPhoto as its main apps.

You can plug your ipod into its firewire and acess all the tunes (and Movies) stored there...

Think of it like a non-clamshell portable DVD player with a HD. (maybe apple provides some slick way to rip a DVD onto the it (and only onto IT)

But the killer thing is, if you turn it the other way it becomes a mini-tablet/PDA+/Newton2/whatever. sudden;y you can use ink-well to modify contacs and appontments in iCal. Write e-mails. Whatever.... And browse the web.

It would be GREAT at 700-800, but I see it more like 900...

Oh, and the 6" displays... This is just a TOTAL shot in the dark, but i think it will be for the iStick... a Flash memory keycahin, but bluetooth as well as usb (it would kick ass. you could jusr have it in your pocket and any BT mac you walked by coukld see it). Not too exciting, but Apple would do it WAY better than sony or anybody else. And since I jsut bought one at frys today, Murphys law says that something will come out to make me with that I hadn't!!

[pyrotoaster]

I just a few comments this morning.

1. That OQO thing looks like something Apple would design. It would make a very cool super-portable DLD/Tablet.

2. I agree with anyone frustrated by their inability to edit their iCal entries on their iPod. I don't think current iPods will get touch screens, but whatever is released should.

3. Back to the OQO, look at the number of people who have agreed that something similar to this would be a cool Apple device. I think that means we could be very close to what SJ is going to "revolutionize" the computing world with.
On top of that, a device like that could be used with a PC, giving Apple further access to that market (not to mention a further push to "switch").

The keynote is less than 30 hours away, it'll be very interesting to watch. :)

[joed]

If Apple releases an iTablet or iPad or similar devices, wouldn't you think that it would seamlessly sync with a desktop mac?

And if it syncs seamlessly, wouldn't they intetgrate it into iSync, oh but wait, they've already released it a couple of days ago. And it syncs with .mac, the ipod, palm os devices and sony ericsson phones. Apple is very unlikely to update the software again to include this new idevice or an updated iPod!

I honestly can't think of any hardware they would announce - except for updated Airport. Displays would be announced with or close to the announcement of new towers (which isn't due for a month or so), they have too much stock of iMacs and eMacs (as some sites state) and MW isn't really the place to announce an updated xserve or introduce the xserve raid.

However, I still would love an OQO like device from Apple (oh, and on OQO's web site the say the product will be availble in stores in the first half of 2003).

James.

[pyrotoaster]

iSync probably has syncing for whatever new device that is released already built-in, but hidden.
My guess is your new i_____ will come with a simple install disk to add the required functionality to iSync.
Or, iSync 1.0 was a ploy to make us question the possibility of some kind of new iGizmo more. We saw iCal 1.0.2 today, why not iSync 1.0.1 tomorrow?

[dobbin]

Originally posted by clonenode
FireWire downlaod, it can hold my iPhoto library and some of my iMovies so that the next time I visit my parents, I can share all the great shots of my kids. .

For me, this would be the key. Since I bought a digital camera last year I have taken many times more photos than I used to (because it doesn't cost anything). However also since I got my digital camera I haven't shared as many photos with my family.

Some of my friends look at my photos on the web but my Mum doesn't have a computer and neither do my grandparents. I would love to have an ipod or similar that held all my photos and either displayed them on a 6x4 screen or maybe by hooking up to a TV.

That would be great. I have not yet had the need for an ipod but I would get one tomorrow if it could display my photos.

Dobbin

[mangoman]

The lil' cute OQO rocks. I want to pet it... then buy it.

Are ya listening, Steve Baby? Talk to us brother-- and show us!

[Clockwork]

Why would you want to walk around and watch pictures on a small iPod like device. You would probably trip over and crack your skull open like the dude in Bad Taste. The iPod is great because you use it every day and it's actually quite useful. It's built and marketed on a very old concept known as the walkman, so people where kinda into it from before and they understood what it could be used for. How often would you want to watch dvd or divx movies on a 8" screen with crappy sound quality. There is a reason why everyone would love a 56" plasma hanging on your wall at home and getting Dolby 6.1 pumped into your brain. I for one will not be buying something like this because it would be totally useless!

[Clockwork]

Microsoft is pushing it's software to the mobile platform, but this is a market where Nokia, Moto and Ericsson have the ball. Apple could release something close to the P800 with QuickTime as a cornerstone in the architecture and show everyone what can be done with apple tech. The telephone is evolving into what the PDA is supposed to do. This is also something that most of us use on a daily basis. It also makes sense when you look at the fact that apple released new versions of iCal and iSync.

[mangoman]

Yup. Yup. Yup. (slobbering... small bits of foam forming at corners of mouth...)

[lmalave]

Originally posted by xrhajj
If it is introduced, I wonder what the specs would be??
Maybe a 800Mhz G3 with low voltage
30GB HDD
256Mb of RAM,
2 Gigawire Ports
2 USB Ports
Bluetooth
And weigh 4 Lbs?
Also I hope it is not white!!!! ;) :p

Jeez, why not just get an iBook? I say unless a device is pocket size, it holds no advantage over an iBook (especially if it weighs 4 lbs.!). How would you carry this thing? In a bag? Then a laptop is a much better solution, in my opinion.

[lmalave]

Originally posted by gunb0y
if Apple does release a tablet computer it wont be the first apple failure... Apple is known for releasing poor selling items that are ahead of their time (cube, newton). And a tablet can be classified as ahead of its time right now since we don't have the technology for long battery life.

Ahead of its time?!!? Tablets have been available, are currently available, and apparently will continue to be available until computer makers realize that fundamentally it's just not a good human/machine interface. Keyboards work great, and unless a tablet has truly flawless handwriting recognition that's 10 times better than inkwell, I think a Tablet has no chance.

[lmalave]

Originally posted by pyrotoaster
I didn't think we'd be seeing a tablet, but if we do, I'll be very excited. There are a few things I want to address first:

1. People who complain about the battery life aren't thinking about the iPod. I know a tablet uses more power than the pod, but I know Apple won't make a tablet that can't be taken on the road.

2. Stop thinking about Tablet PCs! We're talking about an Apple Tablet. It won't be a mutant laptop, it'll be a revolutionary look at technology of the future.

An Apple Tablet would (probably) be a good thing!

Look, unless this Tablet has a telepathic interface, how the heck are you going to interact with it? Let's face it, Inkwell blows chunks. Have you tried to use it? After the initial amusement, it's just not useful. I really don't see Apple releasing a tablet right now that would be better than my iBook. Keyboards rule!

[lmalave]

Originally posted by clonenode
Apple is NOT trying to come up with a replacement for it's laptops. They're trying to give people with desktops an in-house (or around the town and at work) portable solution.

So, it is NOT my primary computing device, but it can share the cable-modem connection my iMac has and I can surf the web with a wireless Airport connection from the couch. And, with a quick FireWire downlaod, it can hold my iPhoto library and some of my iMovies so that the next time I visit my parents, I can share all the great shots of my kids. Watch the new version of iMovie to have "sharing" capability.

Ahhh, at last something that makes sense. Keep in mind, though, such a device would have to be pretty cheap. I mean, how much value is it adding? I don't think such a device would be worth more than $500 to me, but being Apple I think they'd price it for $700 minimum.

[lmalave]

Originally posted by brainchild2b
richard5mith,

Are you willing to bet on that? Do you have any proof that there isn't?

I'm willing to bet you $10,000 right now you will see a "webpad" at Macworld on the 7th.

Any takers? We can get my or your attoney to write up a contract. Let me know if your interested.

And hey, this would coincide with Apple releasing its own Browser, since I don't see IE being the interface to this iWebpad

[lmalave]

Originally posted by ELYXR
"New Year's Resolutions ... Get Organized. Stay in Sync."

Sounds like an Apple PDA to me. They just launched this new ad on the 1st promoting iCal and iSync. I think Dell's Axim Pocket PC got to them... to me this would be another great reason to switch. The Pocket PC (which is way cooler than my Clie) is incompatible. Also, when Steve canned the Newton in '98 after the MP2100 didn't sell to expectations he said that he'd rather produce a PDA that ran the Mac OS instead of the Newton OS. Apple still has a license to use the Palm OS which they got from good 'ol 3Com (even though it is inferior to the Newton OS).

Sorry Tungsten T ... you suck! Gimme the iNewt Steve!!!!! :)

PDA's are doomed. Excellent PDA funtionality (including the ability to install 3rd party apps, etc.) is rapidly being added to mobile phones. In the battle for consumer dollars, phones will beat PDAs almost every time. Almost everyone has a mobile phone now - but how many people can you say actually use their PDA on a day-to-day basis? If Apple releases a PDA-like device , it had better just be part of their iPhone.

[Timothy]

Is still planned for release as an XP device. They are now taking pre-orders, for fulfillment in April of 2003. It's not cheap, but then we could have guessed that. It's somewhere around $1600-$1900 based on which transmeta chip you put in it.

But still...if Apple doesn't provide some ultra-portable computing solution, then I may be buying my first Windows computer in 2003. I love the form factor, and I need that style of portable computing.

[rant on]

Those who continue to think that anything currently offered as a pda/phone hybrid fills the need for a PDA have either never understood the PDA concept, or lack much imagination.

The PDA/Phone hybrid, in its current iterations, will all fail. Period. Screens are too small, input too clunky and slow, and speeds are much too slow.

[/rant off]

[cubist]

Woz will be there with his Danger PDA... maybe iSync will talk to it.

If there is a mac tablet, which I doubt, it will probably have a USB port into which you can plug your beloved keyboard. Or I suppose you can use a bluetooth keyboard...
:rolleyes:

[pyrotoaster]

Stop thinking about a tablet as what they are today.
Think about a tablet as what they were.

Yep, I'm talking about Newton.

The technology in Newton wasn't ahead of its time, and that was what sunk the clunky tablets. Yes, I know I called the Newton a tablet, that's how it was ahead of its time.

The Newton was truly a Tablet, in a time when few knew about the concept, and the technology to create a decent one didn't exist. The idea of the Newton was ahead of its time.

Now the time seems just right...
Let's see a small, powerful tablet. In no means meant to replace your iBook, but meant to make it, and any other Mac, more complete.

[Wash!!]

No matter what you call it the newton was and is the best PAD ever made.
no palmcrap, mini winblows, or what ever you call it.
Bring back the newton OS with new hardware that takes advantge of isync, bluetooth, firewire.

Yeah!!!!!:D

[pyrotoaster]

As much as I liked the Newton Operating System, I don't see Apple reviving it.

Best case scenario (if you want more Newton OS) would be a new OS X meets Newton system.