Jobs "Extremely Happy" with Upcoming Apple Tablet and a Surprise?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/23/jobs-extremely-happy-with-upcoming-apple-tablet-and-a-surprise/)

Apple Tablet rumors have exploded in the past few days with reports (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/23/apple-special-media-event-scheduled-for-january-26th/) suggesting that Apple may introduce the device as early as January. A New York Times Blog (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/2010-the-year-of-the-tablet/) post by Nick Bilton adds a few tantalizing tidbits about the upcoming device.

As we've known, Bilton reports that Apple has been working on a tablet on-and-off for many years but never felt to be good enough to go to market. Some of the previous technology had already been adapted for the iPhone launch. It seems, however, that Apple has finally gotten the tablet to the point to launch to the market, and according to a current senior employee at Apple, Steve Jobs is said to be "extremely happy with the new tablet."

Furthermore, another source told Bilton, "You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet." No other details are offered as to what this interaction might be. Apple, of course, holds many patents on multi-touch technology and has been expected to apply it to their upcoming tablet. Implementing more advanced gestures have been considered possible, though we're not sure if this would be considered a surprising interaction.


Article Link: Jobs "Extremely Happy" with Upcoming Apple Tablet and a Surprise? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/23/jobs-extremely-happy-with-upcoming-apple-tablet-and-a-surprise/)

[Dragomer]

SWEET :D wonder what it will be ? :D

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Sounds fancy!

But what are the uses for a $1,000 touch screen computer?

[rdowns]

MacRumors: A new tablet rumor, every hour. :D

With so many rumors flying, I think we're finally going to see this mythical creature.

[flopticalcube]

I knew it! Testicular gestures. Sorry ladies, this one's strictly for the gents.

[Eidorian]

Some of us would rather have new notebooks instead.

[cvaldes]

Perhaps the "surprising interaction" is some sort of proximity activated touchless gesturing system.

[fun173]

i think its actually coming now!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[wakemac]

Sounds fancy!

But what are the uses for a $1,000 touch screen computer?

I'm hoping that it comes in at the $600 to $800 US so that I can buy them for my sales force. I have tried to make it as paperless as possible over the past few years, and this could be the final piece of the puzzle. It should also allow much faster transfer of data and real time information updates for the reps.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

I knew it! Testicular gestures. Sorry ladies, this one's strictly for the gents.

Finally I can comfortably paint with my hands controlled by my head brain and type up reports with testicular gestures and my other brain.

Although I think all my reports might be on the same subject...

[bagelche]

electrodes.

[flopticalcube]

I'm hoping that it comes in at the $600 to $800 US so that I can buy them for my sales force. I have tried to make it as paperless as possible over the past few years, and this could be the final piece of the puzzle. It should also allow much faster transfer of data and real time information updates for the reps.
Given previous rumors, think lower, much lower.

[wakemac]

Given previous rumors, think lower, much lower.

That would be even better. Hope you are right.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Given previous rumors, think lower, much lower.

Only if it's subsidized (yuck!). I don't need another contract.

[NeuralControl]

Given previous rumors, think lower, much lower.

Can you direct me to the previous rumors? I am having a hard time believing Apple would sell the tablet below $600. That is encroaching on the high-end iPod Touch range. I hope this tablet (if it really exists) will not be tied down to a carrier. That's a deal breaker for me.

[wakemac]

Only if it's subsidized (yuck!). I don't need another contract.

+1 No strings attached

[DoNoHarm]

i've got a feeling this thing will make Star Trek look quaint..... :cool:

[lilskaterpunk]

Wicked! I can't wait to see whats new in January, that is if these rumours are true... :p

[Maserati7200]

Some of us would rather have new notebooks instead.
They're probably going to be be updated at the January 'tablet event'

[herbalizer]

I'll probably get one just because Apple made it. The thinner the better.

[flopticalcube]

Can you direct me to the previous rumors? I am having a hard time believing Apple would sell the tablet below $600. That is encroaching on the high-end iPod Touch range. I hope this tablet (if it really exists) will not be tied down to a carrier. That's a deal breaker for me.
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=829972

"Shockingly" low

[lilskaterpunk]

I'll probably get one just because Apple made it.

LOL ya I bet there are many people that will for this reason :apple:

[&Ingonyama]

I'm buying...if its telepathic :rolleyes:

[notjustjay]

Like I said before: it will be round! :eek:

You saw it here first!

[DoNoHarm]

Macrumors:

Add a pre-emptive link to the buyers guide!

[Thunder82]

Some of us would rather have new notebooks instead.

Agreed entirely. I hope a tablet announcement doesn't delay updates to the MacBooks. I think the tablets are a cool concept, but nothing more than that.

[cmaier]

I'm going to buy 3.

[NeuralControl]

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=829972

"Shockingly" low

Thank you. All we can do now and wait and see.

[LagunaSol]

Steve Jobs "extremely happy?" If true, this thing must be incredibly awesome.

[Eidorian]

They're probably going to be be updated at the January 'tablet event'True enough. Still I don't want to be left with nothing or One More Thing...

Agreed entirely. I hope a tablet announcement doesn't delay updates to the MacBooks. I think the tablets are a cool concept, but nothing more than that.I like the idea of a MID but even with netbooks and the iPod Touch it hasn't reached what I want.

[nefster]

I knew it! Testicular gestures. Sorry ladies, this one's strictly for the gents.

Wow. Awesome. I wouldn't have come up with that one in a million years.:D

[thermodynamic]

Sounds fancy!

But what are the uses for a $1,000 touch screen computer?

The same as a $1600 tablet Windows-based touch-screen thing. :D

[nefster]

I'm curious what you folks who say you want notebook updates want these machines to do? They already handle what used to be desktop only work like video-editing, and each progressive speed bump doesn't seem to bring that much to everyday interaction with the computer. Frankly, if Apple didn't update their computers for another year their lineup would be fine.

I'm excited for the tablet simply because I can envision its use at my work (healthcare) - something that notebooks have not been able to do effectively.

[thermodynamic]

Agreed entirely. I hope a tablet announcement doesn't delay updates to the MacBooks. I think the tablets are a cool concept, but nothing more than that.

It might - remember, on Dec 7 Apple said "no" to Intel about a certain chipset...

If anything, the MBPs would do better if the higher-ends had more RAM and/or lower price. Given the nVidia 2x0M cards are rebranded 9x00 cards...

[TheWelshBoyo]

It might - remember, on Dec 7 Apple said "no" to Intel about a certain chipset...

If anything, the MBPs would do better if the higher-ends had more RAM and/or lower price. Given the nVidia 2x0M cards are rebranded 9x00 cards...

No, they allegedly refused Arrandale.
Personally, I think that was BS.
Why refuse it and only save a few watts when they could just add a dedicated graphics card anyway!?

[str1f3]

I'm guessing at least some of these leaks today are intentional by Apple to build hype. There is a major posting every hour.

I just hope that it is not locked into the App Store and have a $60 monthly 3G fee.

[bagelche]

Like I said before: it will be round! :eek:

You saw it here first!

I feel like I've seen that (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=8867836&postcount=18) before (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=8868047&postcount=35). :cool:

[flopticalcube]

I'm guessing at least some of these leaks are intentional by Apple. There is a major posting every hour.

I just hope that it is not locked into the App Store and have have a $60 monthly 3G fee.
I would hope that the cheapest (sub $300??) version would be like a larger touch with no phone.

[meagain]

Willing to get in line tomorrow

[DUSTmurph]

But will it blend???

[neutrinosllc]

But Windows 7...

[LagunaSol]

Some of us would rather have new notebooks instead.

Me, I'd like to see refreshed MacBooks and the mythical Apple Slab/Tablet/Slate/Pad/Plank announced.

[alexandero]

I'm curious what you folks who say you want notebook updates want these machines to do?

I'd want the cpu/gpu/disk/screen/ports/... of a MBP and the slim enclosure of a MBA - in other words, a lighter MPB without superdrive.

Plus, getting rid of all moving parts (superdrive, hdd, fans).

[zub3qin]

Perhaps the "surprising interaction" is some sort of proximity activated touchless gesturing system.

I think this is dead-on. The problem with tablets or touchscreen laptops is the arm strain of having to reach out and point all day.

There already are proximity sensors in iPhones. With a front facing camera, the tablet could combine data from the camera and prox sensor to see where you are pointing at (rather than actually touching) and this would be a much easier input mechanism. For instance, just point at the screen and a mouse arrow or cursor follows your finger.

This is "cool" enough for Steve, and could help justify the premium price somewhat, that you know Apple will charge.

[*LTD*]

This will be big. Very big.

[Eidorian]

Me, I'd like to see refreshed MacBooks and the mythical Apple Slab/Tablet/Slate/Pad/Plank announced.Oh that works too but I don't think even Apple magic can make a worthwhile tablet.

[DoNoHarm]

I'm guessing at least some of these leaks today are intentional by Apple to build hype. There is a major posting every hour.

I just hope that it is not locked into the App Store and have a $60 monthly 3G fee.

yeah, that's a good point. all of us on these boards are the target audience, too. Come to think about it, this website and Apple both share financial incentives to amp up the hype as much as possible..... hmmmm.....

[Papajohn56]

It's a giant clickwheel. Even for the keyboard.

[BVeritas]

Perhaps the "surprising interaction" is some sort of proximity activated touchless gesturing system.

I'd bet you're right. No more screen smudges. Maybe it uses the camera to triangulate your actions, be great for sign language. Heck, it could even incorporate Pixel Qi's screen and Amimon's just announced WHDI technology to send uncompressed 1080 to your TV.

http://www.amimon.com/

[interinmente]

Just one question! I have both an iPhone and a MacBook Pro! Do I need an iTablet too? I am thinkink to buy one just because is... Apple, but in my conditions:) do I really use it?

[GL2]

My guess is a combination of multi-touch and voice-recognition software.

[bagelche]

My guess is a combination of multi-touch and voice-recognition software.

Multi-voice recognition for that special touch.

I know :apple: is fond of this voice control thing these days and I'm glad it exists, but that'll be mad annoying in a library or yes, even coffee shop (locally-own with fair trade beans, of course).

[ashoka8350]

Just one question! I have both an iPhone and a MacBook Pro! Do I need an iTablet too? I am thinkink to buy one just because is... Apple, but in my conditions:) do I really use it?

The cheaper version, 7" screen could be iTablet, while more expensive 10" screen could be Mac Tablet....you never know

[cmaier]

Multi-voice recognition for that special touch.

I know :apple: is fond of this voice control thing these days and I'm glad it exists, but that'll be mad annoying in a library or yes, even coffee shop (locally-own with fair trade beans, of course).

On my iphone the darn voice recognition never gets my commands right :-(

[flopticalcube]

On my iphone the darn voice recognition never gets my commands right :-(

Reminds me of the old Doonesbury cartoons and Newton handwriting recognition. Funny stuff there.

http://www.doonesbury.com/strip/retro/timeline/90s/930827.html

[aibar8]

I think Apple will revolutionize the netbook and TV market.
My predictions:

iTablet or iBook
It will be like a 10 inch iPod touch with a hybrid screen (i think they patented this a few months ago), it will have Mac OSX with apps designed for it. No virtual keyboard, you'll be able to write directly in text fields with your finger. The iTunes LP framework will be the base for a CMS for digital magazines.

:apple: TV
A new Apple TV device with iTunes media subscription, it will offer a real competition for TV without any channels, just content providers. You'll be able to subscribe to your favorite shows and iTunes will make a personal channel for you, the other time slots will be filled with shows you might like using Genius. You will be able to see your channel in your Mac, iPod or "iTablet".

What do you think?

[muskratboy]

stevie boy was also "extremely happy" about the segway... and that didn't exactly set the world on fire.

but cool stuff is cool stuff... bring it on. :D

[GL2]

Multi-voice recognition for that special touch.

I know :apple: is fond of this voice control thing these days and I'm glad it exists, but that'll be mad annoying in a library or yes, even coffee shop (locally-own with fair trade beans, of course).

Occasions like that are when you can whip out the special touch.

[BVeritas]

No virtual keyboard, you'll be able to write directly in text fields with your finger.

It will have a virtual keyboard and needs a pen. Your finger is still way too big, no just yours mine too.

[pyramind]

"You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet."

Umm maybe a single touch screen with an external keyboard and mouse?

[I H8 UM]

Like Microsoft SYNC, this tablet should be the foundation for an in dash system. The iphone interface is great for in a car. Apple could hook up with Honda or Toyota and sell a ton of them.

[Les Kern]

Wait....
Yep, my nipples is hard.

[flopticalcube]

Like Microsoft SYNC, this tablet should be the foundation for an in dash system. The iphone interface is great for in a car. Apple could hook up with Honda or Toyota and sell a ton of them.
Absolutely not. No more distractions in vehicles please. Cell phones already cause too many accidents.

[cr2sh]

Furthermore, another source told Bilton, "You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet."

80's fashions are all the rage these days.. I got a feeling the new tablet will be retro too.

[cvaldes]

I'd bet you're right. No more screen smudges. Maybe it uses the camera to triangulate your actions, be great for sign language. Heck, it could even incorporate Pixel Qi's screen and Amimon's just announced WHDI technology to send uncompressed 1080 to your TV.

http://www.amimon.com/
Nah, I wasn't thinking about a camera. More like a near field electromagnetic sensor under the touch screen. No front facing camera on a flat panel would have the wide enough field of view to provide accurate tracking, plus you couldn't use the device in a very dark room.

[ELScorcho9]

I think Apple will revolutionize the netbook and TV market.
My predictions:

iTablet or iBook
It will be like a 10 inch iPod touch with a hybrid screen (i think they patented this a few months ago), it will have Mac OSX with apps designed for it. No virtual keyboard, you'll be able to write directly in text fields with your finger. The iTunes LP framework will be the base for a CMS for digital magazines.

:apple: TV
A new Apple TV device with iTunes media subscription, it will offer a real competition for TV without any channels, just content providers. You'll be able to subscribe to your favorite shows and iTunes will make a personal channel for you, the other time slots will be filled with shows you might like using Genius. You will be able to see your channel in your Mac, iPod or "iTablet".

What do you think?


I think having to "write" with your fingers on the screen as opposed to "type" with your fingers is much more of a hassle. I'd much rather have the virtual keyboard. It would be way faster to type anything.

Also, I think your Apple TV prediction is right on. It might not be announced with this iTablet thingy, but that's definitely the future for Apple TV and TV in general. No more commercials. Just on-demand, subscription-based content. It makes sense and would be WAY more convenient. Apple would be smart to start such a service . . .

These predictions, as far as this table goes, are a bit off I think. I mean, I don't think this is JUST going to be a touch-screen computer, nor is it going to be an over-sized iPod Touch. Something else, but I can't quite put my finger on it . . . :confused:

[mac jones]

I just hope it vibrates :)

[aibar8]

It will have a virtual keyboard and needs a pen. Your finger is still way too big, no just yours mine too.

It will have a stylus, but the virtual keyboard will just be an extra because it takes to much space in screen and it's awkward to use in a large screen.

[Peace]

"You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet."

No keyboard of any kind. None.

Your fingers and a pen.

And before the bashing starts do your "rumor" homework.:)

[thecartoonguy]

Some of us would rather have new notebooks instead.

Oh come on! YOU know that will happen. This is something new an different. Something made of myths (sound spooky music) :D

[TuffLuffJimmy]

"You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet."

No keyboard of any kind. None.

Your fingers and a pen.

And before the bashing starts do your "rumor" homework.:)

So... like a tablet? Then we wouldn't be surprised in anyway, that's what everyone expects.

I still vote testicular input.

[Terdinus Asus]

Pressure sensitive multi-touch?

Have the Apple engineers cracked it? :eek:

[ccunning]

Nah, I wasn't thinking about a camera. More like a near field electromagnetic sensor under the touch screen. No front facing camera on a flat panel would have the wide enough field of view to provide accurate tracking, plus you couldn't use the device in a very dark room.
About three years ago Apple filed for a patent with "thousands of cameras behind the screen".


http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/26/apple-patent-embeds-thousands-of-cameras-among-lcd-pixels/

[noaccess]

This will be big. Very big.
Do you think it will be bigger than when the iPhone came out? Or in terms of how it changed the industry, with the app store?

[bedifferent]

I think this is dead-on. The problem with tablets or touchscreen laptops is the arm strain of having to reach out and point all day.

There already are proximity sensors in iPhones. With a front facing camera, the tablet could combine data from the camera and prox sensor to see where you are pointing at (rather than actually touching) and this would be a much easier input mechanism. For instance, just point at the screen and a mouse arrow or cursor follows your finger.

This is "cool" enough for Steve, and could help justify the premium price somewhat, that you know Apple will charge.

This idea would make sense for desktop displays. As Apple displays have been woefully disregarded (aside from the 24" LED LCD for notebooks with Mini-Displayports), I would not be surprised if Apple released an "official" Apple desktop display line.

I had the thought regarding the pen device that displays an infrared input screen on it's reflected surface, producing a larger and multi-adjustable user interface. While not "multi-touch", building such a device into a portable tablet may produce a system that would allow for a greater HID while leaving the multi-touch display as another input option.

I recall reading a post on MacRumors years ago about an Apple published patent with multi-touch portable devices. The patent displayed a typical portable clamshell, with the difference being no [traditional] physical input device. The portable device would open to a large display. The OS would allow for a user configurable multi-touch input display, such that the display would adapt to the currently running program. Whether requiring inputs for a standard or international keyboard, musical instruments, etc., the display allows for greater user flexibility.

[aibar8]

These predictions, as far as this table goes, are a bit off I think. I mean, I don't think this is JUST going to be a touch-screen computer, nor is it going to be an over-sized iPod Touch. Something else, but I can't quite put my finger on it . . . :confused:

It's hard to know what Steve Jobs is going after. But I think it will be made for magazines and tv and it might look like an iPod touch. What do you think? :D

[iObject]

NO WAY will it be called a tablet of any kind...

i say iBook...

[MorphingDragon]

Like I said before: it will be round! :eek:

You saw it here first!

Thats a terrible idea. :(

[flopticalcube]

I still vote testicular input.
Woohoo! IN YOUR FACE! IN YOUR FACE! IN YOUR FACE! ... or maybe not.

[*LTD*]

Do you think it will be bigger than when the iPhone came out? Or in terms of how it changed the industry, with the app store?

This will be the device that in time (give it about 5 years) will replace notebooks completely.

Now imagine if you can call someone from your tablet. Speakerphone functionality. Screen Sharing with other (Apple) Tablets. Conferencing. For some reason I see this making it into the enterprise.

[MorphingDragon]

Woohoo! IN YOUR FACE! IN YOUR FACE! IN YOUR FACE! ... or maybe not.

I wouldn't say stuff like that with your avatar!

This will be the device that in time (give it about 5-7 years) will replace notebooks completely.

Now imagine if you can call someone from your tablet. Speakerphone functionality. Screen Sharing with other (Apple) Tablets. Conferencing. For some reason I see this making it into the enterprise.

No, it wont replace notebooks, unless it adopts a DS spin on things. The adjustable screen angle is a must for portable devices!

[techfreak85]

YayYayYayYayYayYay! I Just pray it dosn't have contract. Too much money. But if it does, I hope it is for something like WiMax or something, which we have here in Portland.

[bagelche]

If Steve is so happy, I wonder if that's because he's confident in their ability to monetize it through revenue streams based on control of focused distribution. In other words, the device has a purpose. The iPhone has a purpose, the :apple:TV has a purpose, the iPod has a purpose. I think the zinger with this will be the content distribution financials.

The hardware will be fascinatingly evolutionary and sexy (for those of us who fetishize such things), but the content will be key.

[Flowbee]

stevie boy was also "extremely happy" about the segway... and that didn't exactly set the world on fire.

Steve Jobs was actually very critical of the Segway.

Although Jobs was quoted in Time magazine as saying that the Segway would be "as big a deal as the PC," his reaction at this meeting is almost unprintable.

"I think it sucks!" said Jobs.

His vehemence made [Segway's] Tim [Adams] pause. "Why?" he asked, a bit stiffly.

"It just does."

"In what sense?" said Tim, getting his feet back under him. "Give me a clue."

"Its shape is not innovative, it's not elegant, it doesn't feel anthropomorphic," said Jobs, ticking off three of his design mantras.

"You have this incredibly innovative machine but it looks very traditional." The last word delivered like a stab. Doug Field and Scott Waters would have felt the wound; they admired Apple's design sense. Dean's intuition not to bring Doug had been right. "There are design firms out there that could come up with things we've never thought of," Jobs continued, "things that would make you s–t in your pants."

http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/07/07/behind-the-scenes-steve-jobs-meets-the-segway/

[LagunaSol]

For some reason I see this making it into the enterprise.

No way. Apple will never overcome 30 years of Microsoft brainwashing of IT personnel.

Cover the Apple logo with a piece of duct tape and give it some bogus nerd-esque name (Future Technologies Inc. Tablet 3000) and maybe it will have a chance.

[MorphingDragon]

No way. Apple will never overcome 30 years of Microsoft brainwashing of IT personnel.

Cover the Apple logo with a piece of duct tape and give it some bogus nerd-esque name (Future Technologies Inc. Tablet 3000) and maybe it will have a chance.

Ah, trying to communicate with windows engineers. "Terminal Services? What terminal services?" *-_-... Redhat need to improve their Clustering Suite.

[bunty]

If it doesn't have a touch-sensitive back as shown in some Apple patents, I'm not buying it.

[MorphingDragon]

If it doesn't have a touch-sensitive back as shown in some Apple patents, I'm not buying it.

Wat?

[deputy_doofy]

Steve was also happy about the Flower Power iMac. :p

Honestly, I'm looking forward to another game changer. If not that, I'll take a Core i5/i7 MBP, please.

[pullfocus]

Furthermore, another source told Bilton, "You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet." No other details are offered as to what this interaction might be. Apple, of course, holds many patents on multi-touch technology and has been expected to apply it to their upcoming tablet. Implementing more advanced gestures have been considered possible, though we're not sure if this would be considered a surprising interaction.


You control it with your thoughts....

[makkystyle]

If it doesn't have a touch-sensitive back as shown in some Apple patents, I'm not buying it.

Of course I scroll through 91 posts and the very last one is the one that beats me to the punch ;)


I agree that the surprise interaction would be a touch sensitive back so that when held in your hands your fingers don't get in the way of seeing what's on the screen.

[cvaldes]

About three years ago Apple filed for a patent with "thousands of cameras behind the screen".

http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/26/apple-patent-embeds-thousands-of-cameras-among-lcd-pixels/
Yes, yes, that's more like it.

A simple sensor grid that can detect something very close by. I doubt if there's technology priced for consumer electronics that could provide resolution and auto-focusing capabilities for something like video conferencing, but it might be good enough right now just to detect if a hand or finger is nearby, sort of like a motion-activated porch light.

A button or icon could be highlighted and thus indicates that it is "pre-selected" before it is actually "pressed". Right now on the iPhone/iPod touch, you only get a visual confirmation after you have pressed an icon/button (like those character popouts when you're using the keyboard).

[str1f3]

You control it with your thoughts....

If that happens I believe Apple has sped up the pace where we resemble the humans from Wall-E.

[Beric]

Some of us would rather have new notebooks instead.

Indeed. ION 2, anyone? Or maybe... *gasp* ... dedicated graphics on the 13-inch notebooks?

[BVeritas]

I agree that the surprise interaction would be a touch sensitive back so that when held in your hands your fingers don't get in the way of seeing what's on the screen.

That would be very interesting. I think I could learn to even type on the back, not qwerty, but perhaps a morse code style. Interesting to think about. Certainly would be interesting for games, so your fingers aren't in the way.

[davidwarren]

maybe you control it with your iPhone as a remote input device! :eek:

[aristotle]

I really hope that the tablet is actually a ground breaking device with an expanded Cocoa touch UI rather than a slightly tweaked version of Snow Leopard.

I know that some people seem to want Snow Leopard but if you want that OS, get a laptop or desktop as that is what that OS and UI is designed for.

I have not used my MBP since I got my iMac and I noticed that I was no longer taking my MBP with me on trips after I got my iPhone 3G even before I bought the iMac.

I envision a single window at a time UI possibly with an Expose interface for switching between applications. Some iPhone games/apps will work with a recompile and some full fledged OS X apps will work out of the box (redirecting controls to Cocoa Touch controls) while programs with custom controls will require a a new interface design along with minor code changes.

The multi-window, menu, icon UI does not work well with touch.

I will not buy it if it is just a rehash of windows tablets with just OS X Snow Leopard instead of windows.

[Eidorian]

Indeed. ION 2, anyone? Or maybe... *gasp* ... dedicated graphics on the 13-inch notebooks?While I really want Arrandale an ION 2 based $999 Macbook, refurbished of course, might sway me to part with my money.

[aristokrat]

I'm throwing my hat into the ring with a texturizable multitouch surface (i.e. letters grow out of keyboard, lines rise up for buttons, etc.). That would be surprising indeed.

[Beric]

While I really want Arrandale an ION 2 based $999 Macbook, refurbished of course, might sway me to part with my money.

Exactly. If Apple can do that reasonably soon, I'll buy. Otherwise, I may see myself getting a comparable Windows 7 notebook (for much cheaper of course).

[MorphingDragon]

Indeed. ION 2, anyone? Or maybe... *gasp* ... dedicated graphics on the 13-inch notebooks?

No, that rumored AMD chipset for iX series.

[Eidorian]

Exactly. If Apple can do that reasonably soon, I'll buy. Otherwise, I may see myself getting a comparable Windows 7 notebook (for much cheaper of course).I'm not in dire need of a new notebook but something with enough power to run Source games at 1280 x 800 at Medium/High to show off would be nice.

I mentioned the Steam sale to some coworkers. I have them close to installing and buying some games already since they're amazed by the Christmas sale prices.

[deputy_doofy]

No, that rumored AMD chipset for iX series.

No, no. ARMH, FTW. Well, FMW (for my win). :D

[David-fr]

U guys might think that am taking this a step further but last night I had a dream, I dreamed I was in an Interview (may be cuz I need a job badly) and the interviewer pulled out a Tablet! I ask -s this the new Apple Tablet he said yes! then I ask can I touch it? He said NO! But I remember a feeling of enjoyment when i saw that tablet..wow I need to take a Break from mAcrumors...This coming tablet is HUGe,,,my calendar has two big events next year... tablet and Sex and the city 2!!

[Cougarcat]

Advanced haptic technology?

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/07/02/new-apple-patents-include-tactile-haptic-feedback-fingerprint-id-and-rfid-tag-readers/

Imagine a virtual keyboard that felt identical to the real thing.

[pullfocus]

If that happens I believe Apple has sped up the pace where we resemble the humans from Wall-E.
Well, in some respects....

[MorphingDragon]

No, no. ARMH, FTW. Well, FMW (for my win). :D

... :confused:

[deputy_doofy]

... :confused:
I didn't mean to be cryptic. ARMH is the stock symbol for Arm, as in the processors used in iPhones and other phones (Droid, etc.).

Arm processors have a good reputation, so I just want high stock prices.

[Zyniker]

I'm throwing my hat into the ring with a texturizable multitouch surface (i.e. letters grow out of keyboard, lines rise up for buttons, etc.). That would be surprising indeed.

Relatively certain that modern battery technology does not currently support that kind of draw. However, there's always the chance Apple will reveal a new battery. ;)

[appleguy123]

Given previous rumors, think lower, much lower.

Then why would you buy the >$600 iPhone? I think it would be stupid for them to price this less than $800.

[flopticalcube]

Then why would you buy the >$600 iPhone? I think it would be stupid for them to price this less than $800.
Assuming it can make phone calls and has > 32G of memory, then it would be stupid. But the rumor is "shockingly" low prices so I would expect a stripped down version for around $300.

[aucl]

Sounds fancy!

But what are the uses for a $1,000 touch screen computer?

It could be that they invent a new market, then there would be a use.
Who really needed an MP3 player before iPod?

[SandynJosh]

I knew it! Testicular gestures. Sorry ladies, this one's strictly for the gents.

Sorry to tell you this, but testicular gestures were long ago patented in North Korea by Kim Jong Il or his father. Only the Iranian government has purchased the rights to the testicular gesturesn, and only when nuclear talks are being conducted.

All I know is that finally a "reality distortion field" can now be offered to the masses and is no longer the size of a U.S. presidential palace.

[Tamara]

Now's the time to buy more Apple shares.

[btcutter]

AI with voice command.

imbedded dictation for all application.

[aucl]

This will be big. Very big.

At least 7 inch, maybe even 10 :D

[btcutter]

At least 7 inch, maybe even 10 :D

It's how you use it. Not the size....:D

[appleguy123]

NO WAY will it be called a tablet of any kind...

i say iBook...
Do you realize Apple has used that name before? Just asking, not insulting.

[MorphingDragon]

Now's the time to buy more Apple shares.


At $202 a share?

[cmaier]

Do you realize Apple has used that name before? Just asking, not insulting.

Yep, and it would be a great way to re-use the name. I agree with him.

Or iPad.

[MorphingDragon]

Yep, and it would be a great way to re-use the name. I agree with him.

Or iPad.

Re-Using a marketing name is like reusing your underwear.

[huntercr]

anyone remember the Apple solar cell "within" the screen patent?
I wonder if that would make it into this device.

[gugy]

Don't flame but I am not sure why all the fuss about the tablet.

At least for me the I feel that I already have the iphone that is something small and portable that I can easily take anywhere and if I need more power then I have my MacBook Pro.

The tablet seems to be in between, but then why would I buy it?

Unless there is something about the tablet that I can't find anywhere else, I just do not see the value on it.

[cmaier]

Re-Using a marketing name is like reusing your underwear.

The vast majority of potential purchasers have never heard of ibook (sadly).

[David-fr]

Re-Using a marketing name is like reusing your underwear.

I'm not rich to buy new underwear every day! I've to wash it and then ues it... As far as iBook well Jibs said that they want to put the name Mac on all computers

[cmaier]

I'm not rich to why new underwear every day! I've to wash it and then ues it... As far as iBook well Jibs said that they want to put the name Mac on all computers

"mac" isn't on the iphone or ipod touch. Why is the tablet a computer but those aren't?

[MorphingDragon]

I'm not rich to buy new underwear every day! I've to wash it and then ues it... As far as iBook well Jibs said that they want to put the name Mac on all computers

Take life into your hands then.

[David-fr]

"mac" isn't on the iphone or ipod touch. Why is the tablet a computer but those aren't?

please refere to my post..i said Computers.. Now the tablet is it a computer??what is it?

Look for the keynote where the MacBook Pro was introduced..he explains there.

[Xero910]

I'm throwing my hat into the ring with a texturizable multitouch surface (i.e. letters grow out of keyboard, lines rise up for buttons, etc.). That would be surprising indeed.
I forgot about that. I could have sworn they applied for a patent regarding that a long time ago. I'd be happier with that than a new kind of touchless control.

As for the battery? it's pretty big compared to iPhone. I'm guessing it'll have a big ass battery in it :)

[appleguy123]

Re-Using a marketing name is like reusing your underwear.

After a good washing it's perfectly okay...
As to iBook again I don't think so. Apple just couldn't do it, especially with old people "Arrg I thought that came out 10 years ago."

[cmaier]

please refere to my post..i said Computers.. Now the tablet is it a computer??what is it?

Look for the keynote where the MacBook Pro was introduced..he explains there.

I am referring to your post. In discussing tablet names, you said "Jobs says all computers will have Mac in the name." This means you are saying that the tablet will have "Mac" in the name because it is a computer. Thus I am asking what makes you think that the tablet is more deserving of the "Mac" moniker than is the iPhone or iPod Touch, given that those are arguably "computers" too.

[ungraphic]

I wonder who would actually buy an apple tablet? And how they would use it for whatever needs they have? I just don't see the point of tables. I'm at computer shops a lot and it almost seems like tablets are being phased out.

Would'nt it be better if apple put more R&D elsewhere? Like, some long overdue features on the iPod, maybe even proper sound output? Decent headphones? Perhaps a headless iMac, that way we can do more with a mac than have it become a brick after 2 years. My most wanted feature:

Either come out with a small iTunes application like Vox, one that doesnt have all the bloated crap itunes has (support for nearly every device apple's ever released) thus taking down CPU usage and especially RAM usage. Well, either that or change the name of iTunes to iMedia.

[David-fr]

I am referring to your post. In discussing tablet names, you said "Jobs says all computers will have Mac in the name." This means you are saying that the tablet will have "Mac" in the name because it is a computer. Thus I am asking what makes you think that the tablet is more deserving of the "Mac" moniker than is the iPhone or iPod Touch, given that those are arguably "computers" too.


The iPod touch is more of a PDA/Media Player. the iPhone is a Smart Phone(way to smart) now the tablet will be more powerfully than those two guys therefor a Computer..

[cmaier]

The iPod touch is more of a PDA/Media Player. the iPhone is a Smart Phone(way to smart) now the tablet will be more powerfully than those two guys therefor a Computer..

I think those are arbitrary distinctions. The iPhone is essentially identical to an iPhone (slightly different hardware configuration). The tablet is likely to run an OS very similar to the iPhone. Is the dividing line between computer and phone just north of the iPhone? Why?

[kcroy]

Perfected voice recognition: 1) it reads texts & emails to you 2) you dictate to it as it types 3) verbal commands for actions. All of this finally perfected, and it learns as it goes.

Perfected handwriting recognition: 1) you write and it transcribes it into type 2) you draw a circle and it recognizes it, etc.

Advanced multi-touch: all new amazing features of touch

Facial gesture recognition: front facing camera built into the screen 1) it recognizes you 2) tracks what you are looking at and predicts an action 3) prompts you with questions, "Rick, would you like to check your email?" >Yes "You have four new messages from..." (lists them) >Please read me the email from Steve. (message is read and you can verbally rewind, pause, reply with a dictated email.)

That's it.

[Xibalba]

I'm curious what you folks who say you want notebook updates want these machines to do? They already handle what used to be desktop only work like video-editing, and each progressive speed bump doesn't seem to bring that much to everyday interaction with the computer. Frankly, if Apple didn't update their computers for another year their lineup would be fine.

I'm excited for the tablet simply because I can envision its use at my work (healthcare) - something that notebooks have not been able to do effectively.

Agree on both points - the only reason I could see someone wanting updates to the notebook line is if someone is in the market for one and just wants the newest and greatest.

I, too, am involved in health care and would love the ability to have an effective tablet - I have tested tablets at two institutions and they created more problems than benefits.

these "rumors" have been around for so long, this tablet really better be ingenious for all the hype...

[David-fr]

I think those are arbitrary distinctions. The iPhone is essentially identical to an iPhone (slightly different hardware configuration). The tablet is likely to run an OS very similar to the iPhone. Is the dividing line between computer and phone just north of the iPhone? Why?

If the tablet runs a Iphone OS that won't be cool..the beuty of that os is that AppS run in iPod and iPhone no matter hardware (well some do requiere new hw) iT will be a Mess and. Pointless the tablet must have OS X. That Will also be apples answer to netbook. Gosh if only my friend wouldn't be to loyal with apple and tell me a bit (he's iTunes engineer)

[cmaier]

If the tablet runs a Iphone OS that won't be cool..the beuty of that os is that AppS run in iPod and iPhone no matter hardware (well some do requiere new hw) iT will be a Mess and. Pointless the tablet must have OS X. That Will also be apples answer to netbook. Gosh if only my friend wouldn't be to loyal with apple and tell me a bit (he's iTunes engineer)

If he's an itunes engineer he probably doesn't know. I'm in silicon valley, and it would seem from my friends that only those actually working on secret products know anything about them.

It does seem most likely that the tablet will run some form of the iPhone version of the OS. Presumably with additional features, and presumably running on ARM. We'll see.

[Emulsion]

Perfected voice recognition: 1) it reads texts & emails to you 2) you dictate to it as it types 3) verbal commands for actions. All of this finally perfected, and it learns as it goes.

Perfected handwriting recognition: 1) you write and it transcribes it into type 2) you draw a circle and it recognizes it, etc.

Advanced multi-touch: all new amazing features of touch

Facial gesture recognition: front facing camera built into the screen 1) it recognizes you 2) tracks what you are looking at and predicts an action 3) prompts you with questions, "Rick, would you like to check your email?" >Yes "You have four new messages from..." (lists them) >Please read me the email from Steve. (message is read and you can verbally rewind, pause, reply with a dictated email.)

That's it.

This is what I was thinking. This would be perfect for reading. You would never have to turn a page. Same for playing music. The text could scroll with you. Or turn the page when you are finished.

[powers74]

Pressure sensitive multi-touch?

Have the Apple engineers cracked it? :eek:

Someone needs to give Wacom a run for it's money.

[rth231]

I still vote testicular input.
There's more chance that the tablet runs Windows XP.

But what if it used something like the XBOX project Natal touchless gesture sensing on top of the iPhonesque multitouch? Put four iSight cameras like the ones in the Macbook Pros (sleek, sexy and hidden) centered on each side of the device and it picks up air gestures and movements by the user.

Spank the Hooker would be number one in the app store in no time.

[cmaier]

There's more chance that the tablet runs Windows XP.

But what if it used something like the XBOX project Natal touchless gesture sensing on top of the iPhonesque multitouch? Put four iSight cameras like the ones in the Macbook Pros (sleek, sexy and hidden) centered on each side of the device and it picks up air gestures and movements by the user.

Spank the Hooker would be number one in the app store in no time.

Unlikely. After all, it's a tablet - you need your hands to HOLD it.

[rth231]

Unlikely. After all, it's a tablet - you need your hands to HOLD it.
I would imagine it more flat on a coffee table, or on your lap on a couch or when you lie like this /\_? in bed (bad drawing, but you get the point)

Besides, you could make that arguement for any input method. If you need your hands to hold it, how are you going to use a stylus, with your teeth? Multi Touch with your nose and tongue? Obviously, you could hold it in one hand and use the other to control it, but waving gestures require the same amount of hand use as any other input method.

[Mr. Gates]

Perfected voice recognition: 1) it reads texts & emails to you 2) you dictate to it as it types 3) verbal commands for actions. All of this finally perfected, and it learns as it goes.

Perfected handwriting recognition: 1) you write and it transcribes it into type 2) you draw a circle and it recognizes it, etc.

Advanced multi-touch: all new amazing features of touch

Facial gesture recognition: front facing camera built into the screen 1) it recognizes you 2) tracks what you are looking at and predicts an action 3) prompts you with questions, "Rick, would you like to check your email?" >Yes "You have four new messages from..." (lists them) >Please read me the email from Steve. (message is read and you can verbally rewind, pause, reply with a dictated email.)

That's it.

Future sHOCK !

[cmaier]

I would imagine it more flat on a coffee table, or on your lap on a couch or when you lie like this /\_? in bed (bad drawing, but you get the point)

Besides, you could make that arguement for any input method. If you need your hands to hold it, how are you going to use a stylus, with your teeth? Multi Touch with your nose and tongue? Obviously, you could hold it in one hand and use the other to control it, but waving gestures require the same amount of hand use as any other input method.

You have at most one hand free. Best use of it is touching the screen, not waving it in the air. Imagine using your iphone by putting it on the desk and waving your hands at it.

[MorphingDragon]

You have at most one hand free. Best use of it is touching the screen, not waving it in the air. Imagine using your iphone by putting it on the desk and waving your hands at it.

I can think of some retail uses for a tablet.

[cmaier]

I can think of some retail uses for a tablet.

There was a restaurant in Vegas that handed out tablets instead of wine lists. You could scroll around, search, etc. Cute gimmick.

[SandynJosh]

Well, either that or change the name of iTunes to iMedia.

I remember when a "media center" was called a library.

I remember when a library wasn't called a media center, and everything else had great name that it had somewhat out-grown and we knew what it was anyway.

[rme]

You control it with your thoughts....

That would be so cool.
Imagine everyone in the office wearing one of these...

[rth231]

You have at most one hand free. Best use of it is touching the screen, not waving it in the air. Imagine using your iphone by putting it on the desk and waving your hands at it.

No, obviously it would need a touch screen/waving combination... But now that I imagine flicking around in the air, waving feels silly.

Just that if we will be "very surprised by how [we] interact with the new tablet" than I'm pretty sure it's not just going to be multi-touch.

[SandynJosh]

You have at most one hand free. Best use of it is touching the screen, not waving it in the air. Imagine using your iphone by putting it on the desk and waving your hands at it.

With p0rn being one of the most used aspects of the internet, Jobs must feel something that leaves one hand free will sell like popcorn. And now you know what the lead-in story meant when it said: ...another source told Bilton, "You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet." :eek:

[Bigdaddyguido]

I knew it! Testicular gestures. Sorry ladies, this one's strictly for the gents.

This is the funniest post I've EVER read.

[Rot'nApple]

according to a current senior employee at Apple, Steve Jobs is said to be "extremely happy with the new tablet."

Would we expect otherwise?

Furthermore, another source told Bilton, "You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet." No other details are offered as to what this interaction might be. Apple, of course, holds many patents on multi-touch technology and has been expected to apply it to their upcoming tablet. Implementing more advanced gestures have been considered possible, though we're not sure if this would be considered a surprising interaction.

A rumor of that "surprising interaction" in action... :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P436vcnzTWc&feature=PlayList&p=675F688DE42C6DEB&index=6&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL

[adamw]

According to this report, Steve is happy... It is always good (for us) that Steve Jobs is happy. Maybe he will actually release some spanky new product(s) in January.

[carmenodie]

If this pans out the rest of the industry needs to understand that Jobs lives with the product. He knows tech. Go over to Engadget and all you see is a bunch of crap rolled out by the bushel. Those vendors don't care what type of bull crap they put on the market. Just as long as it is in the middle of all the current hype.They buy ALL REBRANDED TECH(YOU AIN'T KNOW!), slap their name on it and advertise like they spent millions doing r&d. Oh, don't forget how they play that mind game of juxtaposing their multimedia phone to the iphone just to make you think they spent millions making a competitor on par with Apple's. No way Jose!
If this tablet is all the rage just wait until all the wannabe jump on the bandwagon talking all that trash.
SPEND THE MONEY AND THE TIME AND MAKE YOUR OWN S***!

[MattInOz]

Pressure sensitive multi-touch?

Have the Apple engineers cracked it? :eek:

Yes....
But is it in the market yet?

Not sure but if they are getting custom Pixel-Qi screens then maybe it will have the pixel cameras /solar cells like the patents referenced elsewhere in the the thread.

In which case the computer could see how the shape of the item in contact with the screen, pen brush or finger and that would change with pressure. So the computer could see the pressure. Although of most things you'd want to see pressure you could see the shape like painting and drawing applications.

Hey question is the Apple senior engineer who left to work on Pixel-Qi list on the camera pixel patents?

Edit Answer No
Patent Michael Uy
Ex-Apple VP Dr. Carlin Vieri

[lilo777]

Just that if we will be "very surprised by how [we] interact with the new tablet" than I'm pretty sure it's not just going to be multi-touch.

How about... it'll have real buttons. Nothing beats those you know :) And it would be a huge surprise. I think I am on to something here ;)

[smeagol]

I'm waiting for a 12-core "Gulftown" hellbeast, the earlier in the 1st quarter it comes the better, but if the mythical tablet releases first I may have to push back my purchase of said hellbeast a month or two :rolleyes:

[lilo777]

I'm waiting for a 12-core "Gulftown" hellbeast, the earlier in the 1st quarter it comes the better, but if the mythical tablet releases first I may have to push back my purchase of said hellbeast a month or two :rolleyes:

And what are you going to do with your new tablet? Just curious :)

[lilo777]

I would imagine it more flat on a coffee table, or on your lap on a couch or when you lie like this /\_? in bed (bad drawing, but you get the point)

Besides, you could make that arguement for any input method. If you need your hands to hold it, how are you going to use a stylus, with your teeth? Multi Touch with your nose and tongue? Obviously, you could hold it in one hand and use the other to control it, but waving gestures require the same amount of hand use as any other input method.

Well, when I am sitting like this ( /\_ :) ) nothing beats wide-screen TV with good sound system. Tablets might be good for children though (and dorm-bound students)

[Macshroomer]

If I can do a lot of what I can do with my MBP in terms of moving images to clients from my remote servers or an external, that would be a start.

Add to that it being waterproof / temporarily submersible, shock resistant and have at least a partially photovoltaic body and you might have a sale...;)

[bijanorama]

Yep, and it would be a great way to re-use the name. I agree with him.

Or iPad.

iBook or Applet (Apple Tablet)

[nastebu]

If it doesn't have a touch-sensitive back as shown in some Apple patents, I'm not buying it.

*sigh*

Sometimes MacRumors is the most amazingly funny parody of MacRumors.

[djchuckc27]

maybe you control it with your iPhone as a remote input device! :eek:

i was just thinking, i hope the iPhone interacts with it very well...

[Bevz]

And what are you going to do with your new tablet? Just curious :)

My first thoughts when I read this article was "I'll get my credit card warned up in the new year", but then I stopped and asked myself this very same question: what would I use one for? I already have a MacBook pro laptop, a desktop machine and 2 iPhones (my son uses my first gen phone as an iPod to play games and watch movies etc)... As much of a geek as I am, I might struggle justifiying buying one.... Really looking forward to seeing it though :)

[mpantone]

*sigh*

Sometimes MacRumors is the most amazingly funny parody of MacRumors.
Indeed.

Some of these product speculation posts are hysterical. The things that people think are viable commercial products can be breathtakingly hilarious.

It's almost like they were young male virgins talking about sex. ;)

[fat phil]

Maybe it interfaces with Segways

[Pachang]

Advanced haptic technology?

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/07/02/new-apple-patents-include-tactile-haptic-feedback-fingerprint-id-and-rfid-tag-readers/

Imagine a virtual keyboard that felt identical to the real thing.

WINNAR

[EDIT] http://www.intomobile.com/2007/10/25/apple-patent-filed-for-tactile-touchscreen-raised-indented-keys.html better explanation

[Cupertino95014]

Today was last day before the holiday shutdown, most folks don't come back until Jan 4th. We will get 24th and 25th off and possibly Jan 1st. Boohoo on us but hopefully you guys will like what's being released, whatever it is :D

[NightFox]

Furthermore, another source told Bilton, "You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet." No other details are offered as to what this interaction might be.

Bet you it's coin operated with most basic functions being achieved for less than $1. Developers will be able to add their own functionality and set how much money you have to insert for the function to execute. Rather than have to worry about recharging a battery, you just have to take it into your local Apple Store every few days to have the coin box emptied into Apple's tills.

[Marx55]

The REAL surprise would be if it runs Mac (touch).

[SurfSpirit]

The product is not out yet, and the publicity of how good it will be is out already. I am a Mac user for decades, and I do think Apple needs serious competition from Google and Nokia etc, if that won't happened, then we will have a fancy tablet very under powerful with just one usb port and amazingly expensive :p

[baryon]

Wow! This without a doubt means it will be brain controlled and that it will read your thoughts and do whatever you want! The surprise will be that there will be no screen since everything will go through your brain! Basically the device won't be physical, it will be software only, that can be loaded onto your mind via a USB 3.0 cable that will support brain/computer interfaces.

No but seriously, this sounds awesome!

[t0mat0]

Here's to hoping they're going to come out with something special. I'd love for them to have some 3D gesture based system. Would really show how Apple can bring something like that to market, like Android and Apple have brought AR to phone apps in a mainstream way etc.

[peterdevries]

And before the bashing starts do your "rumor" homework.:)

Exactly.. It is beyond me that there are still frequent posters on this forum that genuinely ask "what a tablet could do what a laptop can't". This question has been asked and answered a thousand times..

Example:
Don't flame but I am not sure why all the fuss about the tablet.

At least for me the I feel that I already have the iphone that is something small and portable that I can easily take anywhere and if I need more power then I have my MacBook Pro.

The tablet seems to be in between, but then why would I buy it?

Unless there is something about the tablet that I can't find anywhere else, I just do not see the value on it.

[peterdevries]

That would be so cool.
Imagine everyone in the office wearing one of these...

I already wear one of those quite frequently. It doesn't do anything though, except attracting lightning when outside. :-)

[TuffLuffJimmy]

IIt doesn't do anything though, except attracting lightning when outside. :-)

and babes. It attracts a lot of babes.

[mateus]

What about...

Proximity detention (zooming screen to help with pressing small GUI elements)
Eye tracking (auto scrolling/panning of large documents)

[johnnyjibbs]

Ok, so we all know it's going to be more expensive than we hope or expect (but that we will still open up our wallets and in time learn to accept and realise the genius of Apple's new product start points).

We also know not to get too excited just yet:

1) while it will undoubtedly wipe the floor from other tablet devices, it can never be as good as we all hope it is

2) it's unlikely to come out until the Summer.

Still - I'm hoping it's going to be fantastic - but I doubt I'll be able to get one just yet. 2nd gen has my name on it!

Oh - and the proximity gestures (if they could work) sounds intriguing!!!!

[peteyD]

I still vote testicular input.

Will I be able to use it? I am left testicled. Will they cater for the 10% of men who are left testicled?

[chado53]

ok, a couple questions of concern: Would people be really happy with an oversized iPod touch running the OS w/a remarkable processor (i wouldn't be too excited)? and, Do you think there's a possibility it could be a more hybrid cross between the mac osx and ipod/iphone OS (in that case, if circumstances are right, i'm sold)?

there's something about this tablet/netbook going on here that implies it should replace 'something' and not just add another device to your long lists of devices. Ask yourself: Replace what? definitely NOT your ipod/iphone or your imac. Now, what i think it will replace, is laptops in general. Yes, even their macbook but most importantly, other competitors laptops AND netbooks for that matter. This will excuse the macbook (or our usual mobile computing devices, save the iphone/ipod) from being dragged to unnecessary places for use.

Now, what they're going to do with the product in terms of OS, services, connectivity between devices is beyond me. But, i do have faith in apple that they always reinvent a product ahead of the game just as they have done with mac os and iphone OS. Everyone seems to be treading their heels with each new product. Expect something to surpass the game, for sure!

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Will I be able to use it? I am left testicled. Will they cater for the 10% of men who are left testicled?

You'll have to pay Apple a $50 premium to get the OS reversed (it's a simple terminal command that does it, but we all know how Apple is)

[arkitect]

Will I be able to use it? I am left testicled. Will they cater for the 10% of men who are left testicled?
Thank god I'm ambidextrous…

[brucebrendon]

remember this patent
http://www.touchuserinterface.com/2008/12/grippity-back-typing-keyboard.html

"Apple filed a patent application claiming a device with force-sensitive back-side interface."

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/05/10/apple_filing_reveals_multi_sided_ipod_with_touch_screen_interface.html

[iphones4evry1]

Consumer: "How can it do that ???" :eek::eek::eek:

Steve Jobs "It just knows what you are thinking. Don't ask. It's patented technology that we can't share."

SJ whispering "and it uploads your every thought to the Apple servers"

Consumer "What?"

SJ: "You heard that?"

Consumer "No, that's why I'm asking."

SJ: "oh, nothing important."

[applemumba]

It will have a slide out keyboard.... As it will not be expected this will be the surprise!

[scottness]

This thing better have a good battery. My 3GS battery life sucks.

[Tampa Tom]

I understand it can perform liver transplants with a simple push of an icon. Jobs SHOULD be happy~ :eek:

[ranguvar]

I really don't see how a tablet can actually be useful. I suppose it's just going to be another Apple gadget that fanboys are going to buy because it's made by Apple.

I guess it's going to be like the iPhone, a thing to show off useless apps (games) with.

The only good thing about such a tablet is that Apple will probably earn a lot of money with it, which they will hopefully use to work on Macs and Mac OS X, rather than Yet-Another-Useless-Apple-Gadget™.

[strangeday]

I will be purchasing the smaller version to place into my car. I have thought about doing the Mac mini in the car, but on every custom install I have seen, people use 3rd party crappy, LCD screens where the screen resolution on the mac mini is "forced" to fit the wide screen, so things are "stretched out", ie: objects shaped as circles become oval (egg) shaped. I hate that. I'm not one of those people who stretch the images on my wide-screen TV just so they can "fill up" the screen. That is crap. Not to mention, buying all of the separate components is pretty expensive and messy.

Ok, so, yes, I would like to install this in my ride, then sync it w/ iTunes (from bedroom) when parking car in the garage :)

I want:
- Correct, proportional resolution
- Cover flow in my car
- 3G connection to use Navigation
- Not just a touch-screen, but APPLE Multi-touch so that I can easily control things QUICKLY (or "snappy" as you guys say) while driving.

How about you?? :confused:

[strangeday]

I really don't see how a tablet can actually be useful. I suppose it's just going to be another Apple gadget that fanboys are going to buy because it's made by Apple.

I guess it's going to be like the iPhone, a thing to show off useless apps (games) with.

I'm pretty sure Apple has already thought about that years ago. I don't think they would waste their time and hard work to come up with something that has already been done. If they are going to release something new, they would be smart enough to make it worth their time and energy, not to mention money. Has to be worth it in the end.

[ImperialX]

I do think this is actually it.

Bring the tablet on!

[Compile 'em all]

I really don't see how a tablet can actually be useful. I suppose it's just going to be another Apple gadget that fanboys are going to buy because it's made by Apple.

I guess it's going to be like the iPhone, a thing to show off useless apps (games) with.

The only good thing about such a tablet is that Apple will probably earn a lot of money with it, which they will hopefully use to work on Macs and Mac OS X, rather than Yet-Another-Useless-Apple-Gadget™.

SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS? NO PHYSICAL KEYBOARD? THAT IPHONE IS USELESS.


The way you guys think make me wanna murder little children. No wonder only very very very few people innovate, let alone create something new.

What makes you think it will be just a bigger iPhone? What makes you think it will just be used to show off games? Have you ever thought that this new device might feature some sophisticated apps like iWork Touch and image processors? How about the ability to read newspapers with a subscription service right in the iTunes store? Remember the new iTunes LP, will make sense now, right? Larger device means larger battery, meaning more complex things can be done. There are endless possibilities to what Apple can do with a much larger multi-touch surface.

Think Different: not very many of you do.

[gfiz]

just announced:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BnLbv6QYcA

[headfuzz]

It will have a rectal microphone attachment so all the fanboys can speak louder.

[ELScorcho9]

I'm pretty sure Apple has already thought about that years ago. I don't think they would waste their time and hard work to come up with something that has already been done. If they are going to release something new, they would be smart enough to make it worth their time and energy, not to mention money. Has to be worth it in the end.

Ya, exactly. They aren't going to be working on it for years and spending millions on all this stuff and simply have a "cool" tablet computer. They obviously want to market this thing to the general public. So I think they'll be (again) revolutionizing a new industry.

Or at least I hope so . . .

[pro2type]

No way it will have OS X. Think reality low. 7-10 inch iBook with books and magazines. Hopefully OLED screen. Wild guess: Wii Air Gegstures, captured with camera.

[*LTD*]

Ya, exactly. They aren't going to be working on it for years and spending millions on all this stuff and simply have a "cool" tablet computer. They obviously want to market this thing to the general public. So I think they'll be (again) revolutionizing a new industry.

Or at least I hope so . . .

The future of reading, really. Books, magazines, newspapers . . . all on your "iBook."

[javierbds]

The future of reading, really. Books, magazines, newspapers . . . all on your "iBook."

Yep, it will do magnification following where your eye points to, we´ll see :cool: ... (and a pony).

[fat phil]

Why is everyone speculating what it's target market is?

It runs App Store apps. Pick a category and leave it at that.

As the strapline goes, "There's an app for that"

I want one so I can play games on a bigger screen. I want one so I can design more useful productivity apps. I want one so I can read emails without having to scroll up and down so much.

And yeah, I probably want one just because it's 'more', and I'm most definitely not alone. This is going to be great fun.

[kdarling]

Wild guess: Wii Air Gegstures, captured with camera.

Could be. Air gestures seem to be the Next Big Thing.

Microsoft has been doing R&D on handhelds that use a ring of camera chips placed around the case for a few years now. Gestures are recognized not only from the front, but the sides as well.

As someone mentioned above, cameras following your head and eyes could also be used.

Another possiblity is multi-touch pressure sensitivity. There was a company last year who came up with a multi-touch resistive screen that was so sensitive, you could use a small paintbrush and it would track each bristle.

[clownie]

I work in a place where various people take turns putting their iPods (often nanos) in a dock. The music plays, the nanos fall asleep, but if I look at the nanos, or walk by within about 8 feet, the nanos wake up. Is that normal, or explainable?

[MacbookSwitcher]

Apple filed a patent on controlling a touch screen interface from the rear of the device. Perhaps this is what is meant by "surprising"?

[eawmp1]

http://www.jesseshunting.com/images/flounder_oh_boy.png

[peterdevries]

It will have a rectal microphone attachment so all the fanboys can speak louder.

Yep, and for you a vaginal attachment, so we can hear you think inside the box :D

[psingh01]

I hope it doubles as a phone where I can just place my current 3G's sim card in it and go. No way I'm paying for another contract just to get on the internet. I'm sure companies would want their customers to pay $60/mo for each device but one contract is enough.

[gnasher729]

Assuming it can make phone calls and has > 32G of memory, then it would be stupid. But the rumor is "shockingly" low prices so I would expect a stripped down version for around $300.

I wonder how you would make phone calls with say a 10 inch tablet. Does it come with a headset to plug in? Or do you just hold it in front of you, with microphone and tiny speakers? I'm quite sure I wouldn't want to hold it to my ears.

[kmiahali]

I can't wait to see what kind of new tech Apple has up their sleeve. Afterall, they have never failed to surprise customers.

[Peter Harrison]

This is all pure speculation, and based entirely on all the wild rumours in here... but how does this sound:

Cameras under the screen recognize and follow your eyes. The back of the tablet can sense you tapping. You look at something on the screen, tap the back of the tablet and it selects what you are looking at. I think that could be very cool indeed, and still allow touch gestures and a virtual keyboard etc.

OK, that's the really wild thing out of the way. This is what I predict:

- Either 7 inch or 10 inch. I don't think there will be a choice.

- Virtual keyboard.

- New Book Store for ebooks and the ability for anyone to submit ebooks like we can currently with apps and podcasts etc.

That's all I can feel confident about. Now, what I would LIKE to see in January:

- The eye-tracking idea above.

- A virtual keyboard, but the ability to optionally use the bluetooth apple keyboard.

- Completely new native apps made by Apple which use the new system and its features. This includes a much-improved app for taking notes (sketching or typing).

- A microphone. Even if it doesn't have a phone. Hopefully some voice-recognition on-board.

- The ability to run iPhone apps you have already purchased, and not only new tablet-friendly higher resolution versions. The OS would recognize an app is older (a bit like Classic we used to have to run OS9 apps etc) and would run the app properly. Apple will get bad press if people have to re-purchase apps.

- I'd like there to be two versions: Both have wireless capabilities for use at home or in wifi hotspot... but one has 3G activated and the other doesn't. So people can pay monthly for 3G, or can opt out if they want to. So it's not really two versions. It's just that you can purchase it and not have to activate 3G and have a carrier. You could still get online in wifi areas like the iPod Touch.

- Even if the back doesn't get used alongside the eye-tracking, I still like the idea of the back being used in some way. Not 100% of the time, otherwise you will accidentally select things just by holding the thing. But apps can activate the touch sensor on the back. So a driving game may activate the back of the device, and you hold it like a steering wheel. You could turn it to steer (accelerometer), but tapping certain fingers or making other gestures on the back would change gears, brake, change camera angles etc.

I've got loads of ideas going around my head at the moment. These are just some of the things I'm half expecting, some I really want, and one that probably won't happen but would be very cool. :cool:

[Mk2]

It will run OS X and you will control the mouse with the accelerometer. You'll be working and playing Labyrinth at the same time! Just think of the hours of fun you'll have!

[Peter Harrison]

It will run OS X and you will control the mouse with the accelerometer. You'll be working and playing Labyrinth at the same time! Just think of the hours of fun you'll have!


Accelerometer to control a cursor is a terrible idea and I hope we don't see it. OS X would be very cool, but just not practical. OS X works perfectly for computers. iPhone OS works perfectly for iPhones. I'm expecting a more advanced (simply meaning it has more features) version of iPhone OS specifically for the tablet. It makes most sense for them to have it run something similar to iPhone OS that has extras to make use of the new hardware features.

[DakotaGuy]

Get ready for some spotty 3G coverage.

[Mk2]

Accelerometer to control a cursor is a terrible idea and I hope we don't see it. OS X would be very cool, but just not practical. OS X works perfectly for computers. iPhone OS works perfectly for iPhones. I'm expecting a more advanced (simply meaning it has more features) version of iPhone OS specifically for the tablet. It makes most sense for them to have it run something similar to iPhone OS that has extras to make use of the new hardware features.

I guess I should have put the </sarcasm> tag at the end of my post.. oh well :)

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Also, I think your Apple TV prediction is right on. It might not be announced with this iTablet thingy, but that's definitely the future for Apple TV and TV in general. No more commercials. Just on-demand, subscription-based content. It makes sense and would be WAY more convenient. Apple would be smart to start such a service . . .

Except that the public happily(?) pays for a subscription to cable/satt now that also includes over $43 BILLION in (U.S. alone) commercial revenues on top of those subscription fees. While your suggestion would be great for the end user (the consumer), big business doesn't just dump $43 BILLION overnight for a "better way." The dream of this is exciting, but the reality doesn't appear to work from a business standpoint, especially when Apple's solution will apparently have to be pumped through the same broadband pipes owned by the dominant cable/satt players.

Let's summarize the new TV subscription service rumors:
1. Commercial free favorite programming all available via one cheap subscription
2. About $30/month, which is generally much cheaper than most anyones cable/satt bill now
3. So that it can be a cable/satt replacement, it will somehow address the live programming (like sports) and local programming (like local news) issue
4. Apparently, the public will be happy with minimal 720p at best compared to the 1080i/1080p options via cable/satt subscriptions for years now
5. The companies that control the broadband pipes through which this will work just happen to be the same companies that would take the revenue hit if the masses switched from cable/satt to this new Apple option
6. The companies that collect over $43 Billion in ad revenues (U.S. only) will just let that money evaporate for this new, better way.

As should be obvious, something has to give here.

[Peter Harrison]

Yep, lost on me. Sounds similar to some ideas that have been posted in all seriousness.

[eawmp1]

I wonder how you would make phone calls with say a 10 inch tablet. Does it come with a headset to plug in? Or do you just hold it in front of you, with microphone and tiny speakers? I'm quite sure I wouldn't want to hold it to my ears.

Direct cortical plugin:

http://www.mobilecrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/softbank_iphone3gs_launch_japan_8.jpg

[sishaw]

I'd bet you're right. No more screen smudges. Maybe it uses the camera to triangulate your actions, be great for sign language. Heck, it could even incorporate Pixel Qi's screen and Amimon's just announced WHDI technology to send uncompressed 1080 to your TV.

http://www.amimon.com/

Heck with that. It uses the camera to see where you are and follow you around!

[flopticalcube]

I wonder how you would make phone calls with say a 10 inch tablet. Does it come with a headset to plug in? Or do you just hold it in front of you, with microphone and tiny speakers? I'm quite sure I wouldn't want to hold it to my ears.
Exactly. iPhone is a phone. touch is a PDA. <new tablet> is a tablet. It will have 3g data but hopefully that is an option.

[Bubba Satori]

The same as a $1600 tablet Windows-based touch-screen thing. :D

You're only about 4x off but keep fighting the good fight. Some new netbooks are coming out with touch screens.

[igazza]

7 inch would be to small....:eek:

[Banyan Bruce]

I'll probably get one just because Apple made it. The thinner the better.

If this is going to be a really useful tool rather than a wafer thin ornament, it will need to be robust enough to take a few knocks, especially if it's used by kids and engineers. Life just isn't gentle and table/hand to floor and gravity can't be ignored. :eek:

7 inch screen is too small...10 inch min.

May be it has a motion sensor that deploys an air bag if it's dropped. :rolleyes:

[talkingnewmedia]

Wow, ten pages of comments -- is this because it is close to Christmas and people have nothing to do, or because people are genuinely excited.

aristotle: I have not used my MBP since I got my iMac and I noticed that I was no longer taking my MBP with me on trips after I got my iPhone 3G even before I bought the iMac.

Exactly -- this is what has made the iPhone a revolutionary new product. I also have stopped using my laptop on trips since its main function was to get e-mail while out of the office, or to do presentations -- all of which can be done with the iPhone or through other mediums.

My guess is that the tablet will be a revolutionary new product if it is not simply perceived to be either a new computer or an enlarged iPhone -- it has to stand on its own as a product that is in a different category.

Publishers are anxious for this launch because they see the product as a new reader -- only this time created by a company they know can truly innovate. (Stories here: Folio: (http://www.foliomag.com/2009/new-face-digital-editions) and TNM (http://talkingnewmedia.blogspot.com/2009/12/time-previews-sports-illustrated-tablet.html).) So for them, this product is not to be compared with a computer or a phone but with the Kindle -- and don't you think Apple can create something better than a Kindle?

(Oh, and Merry Christmas everyone -- almost forgot to add that.)

[Thomas2006]

I am more curious about the default look of the GUI, and the individual applications, than I am about its technical specifications.

As far as how people will interact with it, I think Apple will allow us to use touch, keyboard, and pens. I am sure there are plenty of people that would love to use this as a Wacom tablet.

[iMacmatician]

Would people be really happy with an oversized iPod touch running the OS w/a remarkable processor (i wouldn't be too excited)? For me it will be dependent on the new apps and how the larger display is used to the device's advantage.

Why is everyone speculating what it's target market is?

It runs App Store apps. Pick a category and leave it at that.

As the strapline goes, "There's an app for that"

I want one so I can play games on a bigger screen. I want one so I can design more useful productivity apps. I want one so I can read emails without having to scroll up and down so much.

And yeah, I probably want one just because it's 'more', and I'm most definitely not alone. This is going to be great fun.This.

[Tamara]

At $202 a share?

Would you repeat the question, please? :)

[rdowns]

7 inch would be to small....:eek:

If men would stop overestimating the size of their johnsons, you wouldn't be saying that. :D

[newcronos]

I'll believe it when I see it.



Wait... that's what I'm supposed to say when the rumor is about a non-Apple device. Never mind then. This is great!!! This thing would be the bomb!!!

[jahsavi]

It has to be "Facial Gestures" with the built in iSight.

..my guess.

http://www.tgdaily.com/business-and-law-features/39190-apple-submits-voice-finger-gaze-and-facial-recognition-patent-application

http://www.geekologie.com/2009/03/control_your_ipod_with_facial.php

[Spandexman]

Are the people posting about "eye movement sensing cameras" joking? Seriously? Firstly, that's completely ridiculous that a camera would be that sensitive, and secondly, what would it achieve? I mean, why would you want the cursor to move with your eyes? If there's touch screen, then surely it'd be more practical to just jab where you wanted? You're still going to need to click with your finger anyway. Do you intend to use it like a finger swipe to change pages or apps? what about when you want to look somewhere other than the 7 or 10" screen? Do you want to turn a page every time you look right or left?

I could see gesture tracking being useful, what with swipes etc, but eye or facial recognition? I think the tablet could be a big hit, but only in the right price bracket. I think it'd have to be mid to low hundreds here in the UK. If it'd the cost of the Macbook, then it'd be crippled from the get go. Probably...

[Dr.Pants]

Here's hoping Apple's recent patent on moving windows in 3-D as to the observer's position isn't the absolute new feature of the tablet.

[simulacra]

7 inch would be to small....:eek:

I dunno, it's twice the size of the iPhone, I'd rather see 10 inch but 7 would cut it.

[wobudong]

[QUOTE=MacRumors;8993631]http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/23/jobs-extremely-happy-with-upcoming-apple-tablet-and-a-surprise/)

...Etch-a-Sketch on the back side, I may not get it.
:cool:

[ashoka8350]

7 inch would be to small....:eek:

There also coming out with 10" one..just to please you..lol

[ashoka8350]

Would you repeat the question, please? :)

yes...$208.00 a share...lol

[ashoka8350]

Yep, and for you a vaginal attachment, so we can hear you think inside the box :D

Don't have to be that low in your expression....may be it is good to get it of your system so that you come out clean...

[Antares]

I think the possibility of Apple releasing a tablet device is fairly high right now.

[Eric-PTEK]

No way. Apple will never overcome 30 years of Microsoft brainwashing of IT personnel.

Cover the Apple logo with a piece of duct tape and give it some bogus nerd-esque name (Future Technologies Inc. Tablet 3000) and maybe it will have a chance.

I love quotes like this.

What holds back Apple, in some cases, from being taken in is a lack of ability to work in a mixed enviroment.

As more applications move to the web Safari especially on the iPhone has issues.

We are a 99.9 percent Microsoft based company, we do everything from day to day support to application developement, most of it web based.

I recommend the iPhone to everyone of my customers if they buy Exchange from us, and I will sell the living crap out of this tablet thing IF it fixes some of Safari's issue with asp.net apps.

I will buy one in a heart beat if it comes with 3G connectivity and it'll work with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, I don't even care about the cost, I'd pick up another $60 a month in a second if it will do what I want it to do. My number 1 compalint is that CRM is not Safari compliant, and yes you can blame Microsoft but I have a lot more invested in our CRM system than I do in an iPhone and if I had to switch I would.

That is what some of the Apple fanboys don't get, people in business want things that work and work well together. Apple/Mac's do NOT work well in a business situation unless your 100 percent Apple. If you have someone smart enough on staff to make it all work, then your paying for that talent and it comes at a cost most do not want to incur.

My first printer I used for our advertising kept blaming "my PC" for the artwork not coming out right. Well lady, your MAC issues just cost you the job and I moved somewhere else.

In the end she could have made it work(I spent years working in the industry doing digital pre-press), but she chose to whine about the PC, keep whining, my dollars are going somewhere else.

I can see myself bundling up a tablet, CRM, and a few other things into a easy to use sales tool we could bundle and resell.

[wobudong]

[QUOTE=MacRumors;8993631]http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/23/jobs-extremely-happy-with-upcoming-apple-tablet-and-a-surprise/)

...Etch-a-Sketch on the back side, I may not get it.
:cool:

...and it will let me talk to myself, read the minds of subway-riders and cloud the minds of Mac Rumors commenters (see last 10 pages), who know that the price will be no more than $1000 and no less than $601; that it will not be operated by owners but will operate the owners, automatically casting votes for or against single-payer health care for parakeets; that you won't have to turn it on or off because Jobs will be turning it on and off for you. Sorry I can't reveal anymore. Ignorance forbids me.
:cool:

[pale9]

The new Apple tablet computer will be able to mind-melt, vulcan style, simply by inserting two tiny probes into your eyeballs!

[danvdr]

The new Apple tablet computer will be able to mind-melt, vulcan style, simply by inserting two tiny probes into your eyeballs!

Mind-melt is staring at a Windoze screen all day.
Mind-meld is the Steve Jobs RDF.:rolleyes:

[bit_bucket]

I bet it is going to utilize one of Apple's patents and actually raise the screen on demand where the keyboard pops on screen and so you will have the advantage of a physical keyboard, but without having one.

[mr.steevo]

"You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet."

A two button mouse and full size keyboard would be very surprising.

s.

[Stately]

Sounds fancy!

But what are the uses for a $1,000 touch screen computer?

Ha haaaaaa you will seee . . :D

[skate71290]

Sounds fancy!

But what are the uses for a $1,000 touch screen computer?

lol same use for a £1300 MacBook Air that does less than a standard MacBook - i'm seeing this Tablet as a larger iPod Touch with multi-task capabilities, HD capability other iWork/iLife capabilities - with the standard iPod Touch/iPhone apps (not sure about camera?) - advanced multi-touch gestures - 3/4 fingered swipe/controls like on latest trackpads - Happy Christmas

[skate71290]

A two button mouse and full size keyboard would be very surprising.

s.

two button mouse/trackpad.... nah it's Apple lol not sure they actually know what two buttons are lol - probs could see button... but not aesthetically pleasing so probs be full touch screen :apple:

[mcmlxix]

80's fashions are all the rage these days.. I got a feeling the new tablet will be retro too.

whoaaaa...open apple & closed apple...I had fogotten about those keys.

[cmaier]

http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/12/24/could.be.applied.to.forthcoming.tablet/

[Skoal]

Originally Posted by kmiahali
I can't wait to see what kind of new tech Apple has up their sleeve. Afterall, they have never failed to surprise customers.

True. Unfortunately some of those surprises have been let downs. Hmm, the iPod shuffles latest incarnation comes to mind. Woopie with it's early B movie voice capability. Cheese!

I hope this tablet wow's folks like the iPhone did but like many have stated here, I think it's simply a niche market that won't sway those other than the dyed in the wool apple fanatics.

[MacPhilosopher]

After months of rumors, I can no longer fool myself into believing that this will be a high end Mac Tablet. It seems as though they are going to shoot for the media player market. That is where most of their profits have come from lately. Those of us hoping for a tablet capable of laptop functionality with a touch screen may just have to go the Axiotron route. Although, I must say that with all of the technological advances Apple has made in the last few years, the tablet they could produce would be amazing. The advances in unibody aluminum books, iPhone/Touch specs, battery life, etc are so far ahead of the other computer manufacturers. Really, there are no limitations for Apple other than what the market will bear and what products in their line-up will be stepped on by competition from their own tablet. Still, one must follow the money in business and that screams medium format media player.

[wizard]

Steve Jobs "extremely happy?" If true, this thing must be incredibly awesome.

If Apple even comes close to things they envisioned years ago then I'd be extremely happy too. It all depends upon how big of a push Apple actually makes to advance technology. Some possibilities might be below:

SMP support with 2 to 4 processors.
Possibly multiple SMP machines running in their own address space.
All this computational power will be needed to support intelligent agents. That is AI will be central to the user interface.
While those SMP processors will be ARM cores they will be supported by additional hardware to accelerate a wide variety of tech. That is a programmable array of logic that is more than what is commonly accepted yoday. Nueral network support would easily supported on the array. The machine or actually each core dynamically reprograms the array as needed for the processes running on the core.
Voice input, recognition and parsing is fully supported. In otherwords instead of just stroking your tablet to get it to do what you want you can also talk to it.


What we will see is entirely dependant on just how hard Apple pushes technology. It is not just a hardware problem though, true agent based services are bleeding edge, especially at the level I could imagine.

As to people wondering what one might do with such a tablet and no keyboard. Well the combination of a touch and voice interface could be extremely potent. It comes down to how fluidly the device can interface with the user.



Dave