Apple Purchased iSlate.com in 2007. Apple's New Tablet Called iSlate?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/24/apple-purchased-islate-com-in-2007-apples-new-tablet-called-islate/)

With rumors of the Apple tablet reaching new highs, MacRumors has found evidence of that Apple acquired the domain name iSlate.com presumably in preparation for the new device.

The iSlate.com domain was originally registered in October 2004 by a comany called Eurobox Ltd. It since changed hands to Data Docket, Inc. in 2006. In 2007, however, the domain was transferred to registrar MarkMonitor.com (http://markmonitor.com/). MarkMonitor handles domain name registrations and trademark protections for many companies including Apple. As typical, however, the name of the actual registrant was initially hidden to obscure the identify of the actual owner. Up until this point, one could still easily dismiss all this as a simple coincidence.

However, after further investigation of the domain name registrant history, it seems Apple's name was temporarily exposed as the actual owner of "iSlate.com" for several weeks in late 2007. It was changed back within a few weeks, but MacRumors has found the historic record proving Apple ownership of the iSlate.com domain:


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/12/24/231621-historic.jpg

Historic Whois record for iSlate.com
iSlate.com currently points to no website. Apple is rumored to be announcing an Apple tablet in early 2010 and given this evidence "iSlate" seems a likely candidate for the device's name.

Thanks to Mark Gurman (http://www.markgurman.com/) from AppleRejectedMe.com (http://applerejectedme.com/) for first pointing us in the direction of iSlate.com


Article Link: Apple Purchased iSlate.com in 2007. Apple's New Tablet Called iSlate? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/24/apple-purchased-islate-com-in-2007-apples-new-tablet-called-islate/)

[celticpride678]

Yet more evidence that the Apple Tablet is coming!

[robsaskibum]

I really hope they don't call it the iSlate...

[ahuman7341]

Might I be the first to say that is an awful name.

[aeaglex07]

I hope that really is the name of the tablet..

[sesnir]

The "i" prefix is so worn out.

[BJB Productions]

iSlate..I don't know..That sounds pretty good, although it also could kinda sound like "iRock" or "iStone" don't want to sound stone age. :)

[J the Ninja]

It's better than "iTablet", "MacBook Nano" or recycling "iBook" (there are some of those still in service, after all).

Good scoop, Arn. :)

[ntrigue]

Jason Chen talked about the name 'making sense.' I feel Slate is perfectly applicable. The 'i' makes sense in front of phone but slate should be it's own.

I'd buy a Slate.

[hwhalers]

People register domains like it's going out of style. Particularly corporations. Hell, Verizon owns 'verizonsucks.com'. I know people with tiny companies that own dozens of vaguely related domains simply because they don't want a potential competitor or disgruntled customer with ill will to gank it and use it against them. I think Apple owning iSlate.com means very, very little.

[flopticalcube]

iSlate = is late. Not going to happen.

[Skoal]

WOW, that would be a terrible name.....For anything! And yes the I prefix is getting real old!

[cmaier]

Probably nothing. They needed to protect the i* names for trademark reasons, and registration costs pocket change.

[klrobinson999]

The editor of the NY Times DID call it the 'Apple Slate'.

They will never get the domain name for slate.com, since that's an on-line magazine (originally started by Microsoft, ironically).

The Apple Slate sounds nice. iSlate just sounds...stupid.

[zedsdead]

I think the name Slate is better than iSlate, but whatever. Sounds better than most of the names being tossed around.

[str1f3]

iSlate isn't totally horrible. Would have liked iPad better. It doesn't have the same ring as iPhone. Anyway what's in a name?

[Revelation78]

Probably nothing. They needed to protect the i* names for trademark reasons, and registration costs pocket change.


I would agree here, myself. iSlate is still better than iTablet; though either name could be discarded for the better. MacTablet has my vote until I see or hear of a better name.

[arn]

Probably nothing. They needed to protect the i* names for trademark reasons, and registration costs pocket change.

well, not if you buy it from an existing owner.

arn

[milbournosphere]

I'm conflicted on this name. I am hoping that the tablet, if/when released, would be available without contract lock-in. This diminishes my hopes a little bit. I would think that if this was designed as a more fully featured device, it would carry the "Mac" prefix carried by Apple's computing products (with the exception of the iMac, but that's been around for a decade). With this name, my impression is that the tablet might not be as fully featured as I had hoped; it could possibly be sold under a contract plan, as with the iPhone and AT&T. Hopefully this isn't very bad news. Of course, this is all ramblings based off of a domain name registration. Regardless, I'm crossing my fingers.

[ArtOfWarfare]

I hate the name.

How about an iTab? iTap?

idk, I want it to start with an i prefix with a T immediately following... and maybe it should end in an X?

[Neotyguy40]

I agree.

iDon't...

Look, first it was e, and now it is i. Would you rather it be o?

oPhone
oPod
oMac

Or u?

uPhone
uPod
uMac

[str1f3]

I would agree here, myself. iSlate is still better than iTablet; though either name could be discarded for the better. MacTablet has my vote until I see or hear of a better name.

Except that from all evidence this is not a Mac though I hope it has more of the capabilities of the Mac OS.

[iMacmatician]

I'm conflicted on this name. I am hoping that the tablet, if/when released, would be available without contract lock-in. This diminishes my hopes a little bit. I would think that if this was designed as a more fully featured device, it would carry the "Mac" prefix carried by Apple's computing products (with the exception of the iMac, but that's been around for a decade). With this name, my impression is that the tablet might not be as fully featured as I had hoped; it could possibly be sold under a contract plan, as with the iPhone and AT&T. Hopefully this isn't very bad news. Of course, this is all ramblings based off of a domain name registration. Regardless, I'm crossing my fingers.It just told me that it'll probably be under the "i" family of devices and run iPhone OS (using corresponding hardware) instead of being under the "Mac" family of devices (using corresponding hardware). Agreed that an "i" device won't be as fully featured as a "Mac" device, but I don't think that necessarily means a contract.

I hate the name.

How about an iTab? iTap?iTap sounds like an Apple faucet.

idk, I want it to start with an i prefix with a T immediately following... and maybe it should end in an X?iTax?

[J the Ninja]

I hate the name.

How about an iTab? iTap?

idk, I want it to start with an i prefix with a T immediately following... and maybe it should end in an X?

No, that is almost worse than "i". Apple pulls out the "X" or the word "Pro" whenever some product is too badass/hardcore for an "i"

-Mac OS X
-Quicktime X
-XCode
-XGrid
-XServe
-Somewhere in Final Cut (actually Compressor) is "CompressorTranscoderX"
-There's a rumor about "Aperture X"
-"Xmac"
-Final Cut Pro
-Logic Pro
-MacBook Pro
-Mac Pro
-Soundtrack Pro
-Quicktime Pro

[bedifferent]

Well, I know opinions are like **********, everybody has one lol, but here's mine.

iDon't like it. MacTab or MacAnything would be a better option in my opinion. Then again, I also didn't like the rudimentary "iPhone" when it was announced. For a device that is more than a "phone", I thought iMobile would have been better.

[TechWhore]

Although the name of this site is MacRumors, I am always pleased with the amount of actual investigative reporting, and quoting of sources on this site.

I personally come here daily and 9to5mac.com, because of superb reporting. Thank you and keep it up.

Ps there were previous reports referring to it as the slate, can't remember where I saw it, I believe this news adds more credence to it.

[mrkgoo]

MacSlate's not too bad, but that would imply Mac. Chances are, it'll be more related to the iPhone than a Mac.

Names all sound stupid, but once you get used to it, you don't give a damn. Wii, XBox360, MacBook, MacBook Air, iPod were probably all laughed at.

[OriginalMacRat]

Apple pulls out the "X" or the word "Pro" whenever some product is too badass/hardcore for an "i"

iPod touch Pro

[J the Ninja]

MacSlate's not too bad, but that would imply Mac. Chances are, it'll be more related to the iPhone than a Mac.

Names all sound stupid, but once you get used to it, you don't give a damn. Wii, XBox360, MacBook, MacBook Air, iPod were probably all laughed at.

Oh God, I remember when "Wii" was announced. We all called it the "Revolution" before that. To quote Matt at IGN to....I think it was Perrin Kaplan (sp) "We are now called 'IGN Wii.' How could you do this to us?"

[str1f3]

MacSlate's not too bad, but that would imply Mac. Chances are, it'll be more related to the iPhone than a Mac.

Names all sound stupid, but once you get used to it, you don't give a damn. Wii, XBox360, MacBook, MacBook Air, iPod were probably all laughed at.

With the exception of the Wii I don't really have a problem. iPhone was the perfect name for the device. I do wish that Jobs would have kept the Powerbook name. It was the only good thing to come out of the Scully & etc. era. PowerBook Air sounds much better.

[Warbrain]

Doubtful that this is the name. Normally these things would redirect to their home page but it does nothing.

[str1f3]

Doubtful that this is the name. Normally these things would redirect to their home page but it does nothing.

This is something that wouldn't be activated until after the press conference. I don't think Apple did this with the iPhone or MobileMe.

[ShiftyPig]

Doubtful that this is the name. Normally these things would redirect to their home page but it does nothing.

FFS man, if Apple went to the lengths of having a separate company purchase the domain, it isn't going to redirect to apple.com.

[Santabean2000]

I agree.

iAgree Too

[lightpeak]

How about because it sounds like something Fred Flintstone would use????

"Yabba Dabba Doo! Did ya hear, Barney? The new iSlate is coming out soon. I'm gonna go to Mr. Slate's office so I can ask him for a raise so I could buy one. They just don't pay a guy enough rocks these days."

[Grimace]

I vote for the Apple XPad and XPad Pro!

[Seshan]

This means nothing. EA owns domains for Battlefield all the way up to battlefield9.com, does that mean there will be battlefield 9 or that it will be called that? No, they are just registering it for a "just in case" purpose. I'm sure if we saw all the domains Apple owns, there would be some weird ones in there.

[arn]

Doubtful that this is the name. Normally these things would redirect to their home page but it does nothing.

If it is the domain, then it wouldn't point to anything until it's announced. That's how it's been in the past. iPod.com didn't point to Apple's site until the day of its launch.

arn

[Flowbee]

Ps there were previous reports referring to it as the slate, can't remember where I saw it, I believe this news adds more credence to it.

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/26/new-york-times-editor-refers-to-impending-apple-slate/

A report from Gawker about recent comments by The New York Times executive editor Bill Keller regarding Apple's tablet project has been gaining a significant amount of attention today. While Apple's tablet has been rumored for several years and evidence has continued to mount that a release is likely in the relatively near future, public comments from those likely to have inside knowledge of the device have understandably been scarce.

Keller's brief comment came at an October 16th "all hands" meeting for the newspaper's digital staff at which Keller detailed a number of issues the paper is focusing on in the next few months. Among the issues mentioned by Keller was delivery of content to mobile devices, including the "impending Apple slate".

[arn]

This means nothing. EA owns domains for Battlefield all the way up to battlefield9.com, does that mean there will be battlefield 9 or that it will be called that? No, they are just registering it for a "just in case" purpose. I'm sure if we saw all the domains Apple owns, there would be some weird ones in there.

While I agree the domain doesn't prove usage. The difference here is that Apple didn't just pick up "islate.com" for $10/year. They actually went through the trouble of negotiating with a 3rd party.

arn

[gkarris]

Apple's coming out with a new product that begins with the letter "i" - what a complete shock!!! :eek: :rolleyes:

Happy Holidays anyways.... :D

[ashoka8350]

Well, I know opinions are like **********, everybody has one lol, but here's mine.

iDon't like it. MacTab or MacAnything would be a better option in my opinion. Then again, I also didn't like the rudimentary "iPhone" when it was announced. For a device that is more than a "phone", I thought iMobile would have been better.

Mac-Tablet sounds pretty good to me

[iJesus]

This sounds almost similar to when the rumor that the next Apple Laptop would be called the MacBook Air. People laughed at the idea left and right, called the name stupid, and said that the whole "mac" moniker was overused. Arn bought the MacBookAir.com domain the night before and then transferred it to Apple the next day when it was announced. Sounds like Apple has been thinking about the slate ever since the iPhone was released.

[bwillwall]

I think that it will be ok. Remember when you first heard of google? Or the Wii? You thought seriously wii? I think iSlate will become so natural like iPhone and iPod that you will think nothing of it.

[newdeal]

this will be announced along with a sneak preview at iphoneOS 4.0 which will then of course be renamed to something else since it will be used on the iphone and this device. Along with a much improved user interface it will bring resolution independance so that it can run on the original iphones, the new iphone HD and the slate all seamlessly. Rather than page after page of icons the OS will be more reminiscent of OS X and so even though it won't be nearly as powerful the OS will be something that people can live with (which can't be said for page after page of icons on a tablet). Apple can't put full os x on it because even though it will likely use a 1ghz dual core arm processor it wont be powerful enough for to provide lag free media content and multitasking without being stripped down a bit. That said the OS will also have multitasking ability for certain handsets of the iphone, likely the 3GS will be able to multitask a few apps, the 3g and lower will be restricted to only one app running at a time and the new handset will allow many more apps simultaneously

[str1f3]

This sounds almost similar to when the rumor that the next Apple Laptop would be called the MacBook Air. People laughed at the idea left and right, called the name stupid, and said that the whole "mac" moniker was overused. Arn bought the MacBookAir.com domain the night before and then transferred it to Apple the next day when it was announced. Sounds like Apple has been thinking about the slate ever since the iPhone was released.

Is that true arn? If so, you the man. I still got you in Eliminate so I'll take that meager victory.

[MikhailT]

Does anybody feel like sleeping for the next several weeks till Jan 26th, just to skip all the hourly news of the tablet?

[cmaier]

While I agree the domain doesn't prove usage. The difference here is that Apple didn't just pick up "islate.com" for $10/year. They actually went through the trouble of negotiating with a 3rd party.

arn

That is even more evidence that they don't intend to do anything for it. To protect their line of iXXXX product trademarks they need to make sure no one else is using marks starting with "i."

[MacDaddy901]

If it is the domain, then it wouldn't point to anything until it's announced. That's how it's been in the past. iPod.com didn't point to Apple's site until the day of its launch.

arn

That's what I'm guessing it will be. I'd be willing to be that's its name is the Apple Slate. Which I really like. It sound modern, fresh, and sophisticated.

[arn]

That is even more evidence that they don't intend to do anything for it. To protect their line of iXXXX product trademarks they need to make sure no one else is using marks starting with "i."

Apple can't own every "i*" name, and doesn't automatically have rights to all i* names.

arn

[cmaier]

That's what I'm guessing it will be. I'd be willing to be that's its name is the Apple Slate. Which I really like. It sound modern, fresh, and sophisticated.

If their trademark lawyers have anything to say about it, it won't be "Apple Slate." "Slate" is almost certainly not entitled to a trademark when used to mark slate-shaped computers, so you'd end up with every competitor making eSlates and xSlates and plain ol' Dell Slates.

[VirtualNsanity]

Do we not think that they would have come up with a huge number of "i" domain names by now? This seems like a really big stretch...

The name isn't catchy, is somewhat unnatural for most people, and just doesn't sit right (I'm with you on the "is-late" reading of it).

But, regardless of the name, I just want to see this thing!

[str1f3]

Does anybody feel like sleeping for the next several weeks till Jan 26th, just to skip all the hourly news of the tablet?

On the contrary. This feels like before the iPhone keynote. I'm excited like a kid which only Apple & Jobs can do. You can call me an Apple fan since the first Mac I used was an Apple IIe in Catholic school.

[cmaier]

Apple can't own every "i*" name, and doesn't automatically have rights to all i* names.

arn

Actually they can (though it's not automatic.) For example, McDonalds sues every variation (McDavids, McWhatever) and wins.

In computers/portable computing devices the i* name is generally identified with Apple products, and thus entitled to be protected against unfair competition by others using the marks. Portions of names are just as protectable as entire names.

P.S.: here's a link to some info on the mcdonalds example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald's_legal_cases#Cases_brought_by_McDonald.27s

[notjustjay]

iSlate sounds so 2007.

Oh, wait...

[arn]

Actually they can (though it's not automatic.) For example, McDonalds sues every variation (McDavids, McWhatever) and wins.


But it still makes little sense. If that's their motivation, why haven't they bought up iTablet.com, iComputer.com, etc...

iSlate.com was very specifically bought, and was not a competing or emerging product that would have easily drawn the attention of Apple.

arn

[cmaier]

But it still makes little sense. If that's their motivation, why haven't they bought up iTablet.com, iComputer.com, etc...

iSlate.com was very specifically bought, and was not a competing or emerging product that would have easily drawn the attention of Apple.

arn

Are those owned by anyone? To protect your trademarks you only have to prevent everyone else from using them. (You have to use them, too, but you don't have to use every variation). If no one is using those other marks in commerce as marks on computers, then apple doesn't need to go after the marks to protect itself.

[nagromme]

Yet another name grabbed "just in case.”

I expect the tablet will simply be called an iPod Something. It will sound weird at first, like Nano or Air (or iPod itself) and then we’ll be used to it.

[mac jones]

Now please just stop it :o

[cmaier]

I note itablet and icomputer are owned by someone in taiwan, which would be irrelevant to U.S. trademark protection so long as they aren't participating in U.S. commerce. Of course, may be an issue for i____ in Taiwan, but I don't know Taiwanese law.

[arn]

If no one is using those other marks in commerce as marks on computers, then apple doesn't need to go after the marks to protect itself.

So by following your logic, iSlate must have been used in commerce on Computers.

arn

[mac jones]

Maybe they'll call it the Macnook

oh...that's already taken I guess :o

[macbookfan]

this makes no sense considering that none of the other stuff they sell has it's own website. Macbook.com macbookpro.com ect nothing.

[theorracle]

I find this article to be a relatively good pointer towards the possibility of the introduction of a tablet, but not necessarily defining of an imminent release. Not that it purports to be, but a healthy sense of realism helps one sift better through this mounting evidence.

The registration more likely points to the fact that they have been working on something. And I'm sure we can all agree upon that. If, in 2007, Apple decided that they were moving forward with a releasable, tablet-like device, and not a R&D toy, then the effort behind the domain acquisition would certainly make sense. However, it does not mean the project was continued. With it obscured now, we can't tell.

That said, with all of the other evidence that seems to be circulating, I think the chances are good for a release in the coming year.

As to the actual name, well, AppleTV was called iTV in-house. As I'm sure other products have had a different development name. IOW, iSlate could very well be a development name, and Apple picked up the name with the idea that it could be called iSlate in production, lest a better name arise.

[Simplicated]

this makes no sense considering that none of the other stuff they sell has it's own website. Macbook.com macbookpro.com ect nothing.

However, MacBookAir.com IS Apple's.

[cmaier]

So by following your logic, iSlate must have been used in commerce on Computers.

arn

Sort of. Under trademark law it would have been enough if there were ads for computers on it. Arguably reviews of computers, etc.

The test is whether a consumer would be confused about the origin of the commercial activity and think it had something to do with Apple. Unfortunately, common sense has little to do with it - there is a test that takes into account 15 or 16 factors depending on what part of the country you're in, and it's all very counterintuitive.

[wizard]

Is anyone else getting tired about all the whining heard here for products not yet delivered or even announced? I mean really just whatfeature do you imagine would be missing based on a name?

By the way they can't call it a Mac if it is running ARM hardware. That would just confuse the market place



Dave

I'm conflicted on this name. I am hoping that the tablet, if/when released, would be available without contract lock-in. This diminishes my hopes a little bit. I would think that if this was designed as a more fully featured device, it would carry the "Mac" prefix carried by Apple's computing products (with the exception of the iMac, but that's been around for a decade). With this name, my impression is that the tablet might not be as fully featured as I had hoped; it could possibly be sold under a contract plan, as with the iPhone and AT&T. Hopefully this isn't very bad news. Of course, this is all ramblings based off of a domain name registration. Regardless, I'm crossing my fingers.

[J the Ninja]

this makes no sense considering that none of the other stuff they sell has it's own website. Macbook.com macbookpro.com ect nothing.

It will likely redirect to apple.com/islate where the tablet's main product page will be. Go type iphone.com into your browser. You'll end up on the same page as if you'd hit the "iPhone" on the Apple.com homepage. Apple has a lot of urls that redirect like that. They use it for older products too. For example, apple.com/powermac redirects you to apple.com/macpro. Although oddly enough, apple.com/powerbook goes to apple.com/macbook, not apple.com/macbookpro.

[Michael CM1]

Better than anything with "tablet" in it, since that also makes me think of pills. I wouldn't be opposed to "iBook" despite the fact that it's been slightly used before by Apple.

For those sick of everything beginning with i, you might as well get used to it. When McDonald's stops Mc'ing everything, then Apple might drop the i prefix.

[cmaier]

From the wayback machine it looks like the previous occupant of islate.com had nothing to do with computers, so probably apple had no obligation to buy the name. however, if the lawyers were being extra cautious, they might have felt that there was some reason to do so (and, as well, the wayback machine is pretty sparse on this domain - many recent years with nothing).

[mac jones]

Don't they just grab up many of the variations to the label concept enabling them to have some leeway in any final designation?

Doesn't seem like this bit of news is anything but more fuel.

Also, since they have been working on a tablet for years this doesn't suggest anything new

[appleguy123]

Does anybody feel like sleeping for the next several weeks till Jan 26th, just to skip all the hourly news of the tablet?

When a date is announced I wish I could sleep for that time. Just so I could see what they have. Yes, my life is that lame.

[str1f3]

Is anyone else getting tired about all the whining heard here for products not yet delivered or even announced? I mean really just whatfeature do you imagine would be missing based on a name?

By the way they can't call it a Mac if it is running ARM hardware. That would just confuse the market place



Dave


Always respect your comments but I don't think this has anything to do with the company who makes the processor but rather what kind of "platform" this is. If this had the same capabilities as the Mac it would carry that name. However I do agree that that no one knows what this thing can do.

[ImperialX]

This name sounds awful...but no doubt the RDF to make it sound better.

[cmaier]

Always respect your comments but I don't think this has anything to do with the company who makes the processor but rather what kind of "platform" this is. If this had the same capabilities as the Mac it would carry that name.

I agree with him, actually. Calling an ARM machine a Mac would result in chaos because it couldn't run Mac software.

[bedifferent]

I agree with him, actually. Calling an ARM machine a Mac would result in chaos because it couldn't run Mac software.

What if this isn't an ARM based system but an Intel based mobile processor? A 9-10" screen would allot for a mobile processor (especially if no optical drive is present).

[jaykk]

Everyone calls iPod Touch as iTouch. hence, iSlate = iPod Slate

[dagamer34]

well, not if you buy it from an existing owner.

arn

You assume the people which the domain was being purchased from know that the intermediary has Apple as a client. Plus, there are a million different words to stick the letter i in front of.

[cmaier]

What if this isn't an ARM based system but an Intel based mobile processor? A 9-10" screen would allot for a mobile processor (especially if no optical drive is present).

Could be. But we also hear about a 7" screen. Could be two machines. Who knows. Personally, if it's multitouch, Mac software isn't the best choice, and iPhone software works better, so I'm thinking ARM. Of course, iPhone software could be recompiled for x86, but why bother - x86 burns way too much power compared to ARM, and any improved performance is not needed for iphone-type software.

[str1f3]

I agree with him, actually. Calling an ARM machine a Mac would result in chaos because it couldn't run Mac software.

I think if this thing was running full OSX it would be called a Mac regardless of the architecture it was based on. At this point the only questions I have is how capable this machine is and how you can interact with it besides multitouch.

[bj3949]

What would be a better name? I want to see all of your opinions posted :)


Might I be the first to say that is an awful name.

[cmaier]

I think if this thing was running full OSX it would be called a Mac regardless of the architecture it was based on. At this point the only questions I have is how capable this machine is and how you can interact with it.

iPhone runs on OS X. I assume you mean "the version of OS X that runs on Macs." But the version that runs on Macs won't run on ARM. If it's re-compiled to run on ARM, it is now some new thing, which won't run any existing software.

"Mr. Apple Store Genius? I bought this copy of Mac Office but for some reason it won't run on my Mac Slate?"

[arn]

Don't they just grab up many of the variations to the label concept enabling them to have some leeway in any final designation?


That might make sense, but can you name a single other variation that Apple grabbed. I can't.

arn

[eddietr]

Everyone calls iPod Touch as iTouch. hence, iSlate = iPod Slate

Yep, I think we have a winner. I bet that's it.

[bedifferent]

Could be. But we also hear about a 7" screen. Could be two machines. Who knows. Personally, if it's multitouch, Mac software isn't the best choice, and iPhone software works better, so I'm thinking ARM. Of course, iPhone software could be recompiled for x86, but why bother - x86 burns way too much power compared to ARM, and any improved performance is not needed for iphone-type software.

That's assuming Apple is after a device "similar" to the iPhone. Based on many "rumors", this device seems it will handle more than iPhone-eqsue tasks. A few rumors have hinted that this device may dock into a Cinema Display as a desktop unit. The 9-10" rumored device would be perfect as a mobile/docked system. OS X would be better suited for a multi-tasking device based around a multi-core mobile processor. I agree though, OS X with an Intel mobile processor would require much more power than an ARM based system. However, I'm hard pressed to believe a device rumored to be "impressive" would be based anything similar to the iPhone, yet bigger. If it's that ground breaking, it would need to be powerful for its size.

[Matthew Yohe]

this makes no sense considering that none of the other stuff they sell has it's own website. Macbook.com macbookpro.com ect nothing.

Yeah really. No sense at all.

quicktime.com
apple-inc.com
iphone.com
iphone.org
ipod.com
imac.com
itunes.com
newton.com
airport.com
xserve.com
xserve.net
ichat.com
finalcutpro.com
firewire.org

Oh, and another failed product?

hotclubsexxxx.com

[J the Ninja]

I agree with him, actually. Calling an ARM machine a Mac would result in chaos because it couldn't run Mac software.

"Macs" have had 68k, PowerPC, and x86 (in both i386 and x64 flavors). What's one more in the party? JUST RECOMPILE™

[Small White Car]

There is NO WAY this thing will have "Mac" anywhere in the name.

The genius of 'iPhone' is that PC users will just buy it and plug it into their Windows machine without even thinking twice. If it'd been called "Mac-Phone" I can promise you that sales would be hurt by all the people thinking you had to own a Mac to use the Apple cell phone.

Apple avoided that issue perfectly with the phone. There's zero chance they'd make a boneheaded mistake like that once the tablet gets here. It won't be a Mac, period. They'll want everyone to own one.

[scotty321]

No, it is not going to be called the iSlate. That is a very weak name.

[appleguy123]

hotclubsexxxx.com

Why does Apple need that? I lol'ed when I saw that you were right.

[J the Ninja]

Oh, and another failed product?

hotclubsexxxx.com

What the hell?

(For those on shared machines who can't try it....it really does redirect to Apple.com. No, Google does not shed any light on this.)

[Eidorian]

Is everyone still betting on an ARM product?

[cmaier]

"Macs" have had 68k, PowerPC, and x86 (in both i386 and x64 flavors). What's one more in the party? JUST RECOMPILE™

Look, I'm with you guys. I'd love for this to run full Mac OS Cocoa, with Cocoa Touch additions, for full compatibility with iphone and mac software.

I just don't think it will happen.

Is everyone still betting on an ARM product?

On every other thread and every other website but this one, apparently. For some reason people here think Mac OS. I just don't see that happening.

[str1f3]

iPhone runs on OS X. I assume you mean "the version of OS X that runs on Macs." But the version that runs on Macs won't run on ARM. If it's re-compiled to run on ARM, it is now some new thing, which won't run any existing software.

"Mr. Apple Store Genius? I bought this copy of Mac Office but for some reason it won't run on my Mac Slate?"

I should have been more clear. Mac OS X. The iPhone OS is based off OS X but I believe they officially don't use the "OS X" label. It could always be a hybrid which I believe is the most likely. The question is how closer is this related to Mac OS X than to the iDevice line while still having that "i". Apple has been known for surprises and the OS has still been a well-kept secret.

Is everyone still betting on an ARM product?

It could only be ARM. Intel's Atom still consumes too much power against the A9. Apple cares about battery life as much as power. PA Semi can also use the tech they're developing for the tablet in the iPhone as well.

[appleguy123]

What the hell?

(For those on shared machines who can't try it....it really does redirect to Apple.com. No, Google does not shed any light on this.)

I also googled it. Nothing.

[bedifferent]

There is NO WAY this thing will have "Mac" anywhere in the name.

The genius of 'iPhone' is that PC users will just buy it and plug it into their Windows machine without even thinking twice. If it'd been called "Mac-Phone" I can promise you that sales would be hurt by all the people thinking you had to own a Mac to use the Apple cell phone.

Apple avoided that issue perfectly with the phone. There's zero chance they'd make a boneheaded mistake like that once the tablet gets here. It won't be a Mac, period. They'll want everyone to own one.

EXCELLENT POINT. I completely missed that one. Apple revamped .Mac to MobileMe for that very same purpose, making it platform neutral.

Although with more and more individuals "switching" to Apple systems, utilizing "Mac" would be smart in marketing the Apple brand.

[Peace]

Slate.com (http://www.slate.com/) would ( and could ) have issues with this name.

[djchuckc27]

Sounds like Professor Snape.

[Eidorian]

On every other thread and every other website but this one, apparently. For some reason people here think Mac OS. I just don't see that happening.I was hoping for something x86. It's a big iPod Touch otherwise.

[bedifferent]

I was hoping for something x86. It's a big iPod Touch otherwise.

Exactly. I hope it isn't just a larger iPod Touch/iPhone with a 3G contract. Ugh.

[Small White Car]

I was hoping for something x86. It's a big iPod Touch otherwise.

Every rumor related to software for the tablet has been about Apple talking to iPhone developers about their apps and NOT Mac developers.

Now, those are only rumors of course but pretty much all of the rumors are going that way.

I think that should tell us something.

[cmaier]

I was hoping for something x86. It's a big iPod Touch otherwise.

Well, there are some pretty decent high-end dual core ARM chips, and it's possible the PA Semi guys have been working on an even better ARM implementation (though I doubt they'd be ready with it yet).

So it comes down to software.

[macbook yes]

terrible. and it sounds like isolate.

[Eidorian]

Every rumor related to software for the tablet has been about Apple talking to iPhone developers about their apps and NOT Mac developers.

Now, those are only rumors of course but pretty much all of the rumors are going that way.

I think that should tell us something.I mention that fact on other boards as well. There are still quite a few x86 hold outs that want to run Windows on the iTablet until I break the news that it's more than likely ARM based.

Well, there are some pretty decent high-end dual core ARM chips, and it's possible the PA Semi guys have been working on an even better ARM implementation (though I doubt they'd be ready with it yet).

So it comes down to software.Scaled up iPhone apps, goodie.

[Darth.Titan]

Everyone calls iPod Touch as iTouch. hence, iSlate = iPod Slate

Yep, I think we have a winner. I bet that's it.

If that's the case, explain why Apple doesn't own iTouch.com?

This is going to be outside the iPod family.

[ibjoshua]

That wasn't particularly unexpected (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=8221255&postcount=68).

[cmaier]

I mention that fact on other boards as well. There are still quite a few x86 hold outs that want to run Windows on the iTablet until I break the news that it's more than likely ARM based.

Scaled up iPhone apps, goodie.

As an iphone developer, i think pretty much anything you can do on a mac you can do on a "scaled up iphone," as long as they give us some sort of shared filesystem and enough RAM.

[arn]

Why does Apple need that? I lol'ed when I saw that you were right.

apple doesn't own it.

You can make a domain point to anything you want. It doesn't imply ownership.

arn

[swingerofbirch]

I can't say "islate" without hearing "isolate"

what do they have to leverage? mac and ipod (iphone is already too derivative to derivate something from it)

i think it should either be a derivative of mac or ipod or have a completely new name like ipod did

they could use the name of an apple fruit again, like sundance or telstar

there's even an apple called transparent!

with the way it will be so ubiquitous and transparent in our lives, transparent would be a good name

or how about novamac! it's an apple and includes mac in the name


i'm falling asleep and am kind of punchy so i will include this list of apples and see if you all can glean anymore good names from it:
http://www.allaboutapples.com/varieties/

[Eidorian]

As an iphone developer, i think pretty much anything you can do on a mac you can do on a "scaled up iphone," as long as they give us some sort of shared filesystem and enough RAM.What about a keyboard? I'm not typing on a touch keyboard.

[Darth.Titan]

hotclubsexxxx.com

Why does Apple need that? I lol'ed when I saw that you were right.

That one's not Apple's. Anyone can redirect their domain to whatever site they want. Whoever owns this one thought it'd be fun to redirect to apple.com.

The whois listing for hotclubsexxxx.com gives no indication that it is owned by apple.

[rth231]

Oh, and another failed product?

hotclubsexxxx.com
Yes it redirects to Apple.com but how exactly does that mean Apple owns it? Couldn't I easily buy sexytimewithgoats.com and just redirect it to MacRumors?

PS: Don't try that link... I didn't test it, nor do I want to. However, if you have a weird thing for goats, by all means...

EDIT: I had to try that site, curiosity won in the end. Sexytimewithgoats.com doesn't exist, so if anyone wants to buy it... first come first serve!

[J the Ninja]

apple doesn't own it.

You can make a domain point to anything you want. It doesn't imply ownership.

arn

Metang:~ Jason$ whois hotclubsexxxx.com

Whois Server Version 2.0

Domain names in the .com and .net domains can now be registered
with many different competing registrars. Go to http://www.internic.net
for detailed information.

Domain Name: HOTCLUBSEXXXX.COM
Registrar: PLANETDOMAIN PTY LTD.
Whois Server: whois.planetdomain.com
Referral URL: http://www.planetdomain.com
Name Server: NS1.EVERYDNS.NET
Name Server: NS2.EVERYDNS.NET
Name Server: NS3.EVERYDNS.NET
Name Server: NS4.EVERYDNS.NET
Status: clientTransferProhibited
Updated Date: 17-dec-2008
Creation Date: 16-dec-2008
Expiration Date: 16-dec-2013

>>> Last update of whois database: Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:10:36 UTC <<<

NOTICE: The expiration date displayed in this record is the date the
registrar's sponsorship of the domain name registration in the registry is
currently set to expire. This date does not necessarily reflect the expiration
date of the domain name registrant's agreement with the sponsoring
registrar. Users may consult the sponsoring registrar's Whois database to
view the registrar's reported date of expiration for this registration.

TERMS OF USE: You are not authorized to access or query our Whois
database through the use of electronic processes that are high-volume and
automated except as reasonably necessary to register domain names or
modify existing registrations; the Data in VeriSign Global Registry
Services' ("VeriSign") Whois database is provided by VeriSign for
information purposes only, and to assist persons in obtaining information
about or related to a domain name registration record. VeriSign does not
guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a Whois query, you agree to abide
by the following terms of use: You agree that you may use this Data only
for lawful purposes and that under no circumstances will you use this Data
to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail, telephone,
or facsimile; or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to VeriSign (or its computer systems). The compilation,
repackaging, dissemination or other use of this Data is expressly
prohibited without the prior written consent of VeriSign. You agree not to
use electronic processes that are automated and high-volume to access or
query the Whois database except as reasonably necessary to register
domain names or modify existing registrations. VeriSign reserves the right
to restrict your access to the Whois database in its sole discretion to ensure
operational stability. VeriSign may restrict or terminate your access to the
Whois database for failure to abide by these terms of use. VeriSign
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.

The Registry database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .EDU domains and
Registrars.

The data contained in the database of Primus Telecommunications Pty Ltd
(PlanetDomain/PrimusDomain) is made available to assist persons in
obtaining information pertaining to the domain name registration
record. No guarantee of accuracy is offered or given. By submitting a
search request you agree to use the data for lawful purposes, and also
agree NOT to
1) use the data to allow, enable, or otherwise support any marketing
activities, regardless of the medium used. Such media includes but is
not limited to e-mail, telephone, facsimile, postal mail, SMS, and
wireless alerts.
2) sell or redistribute the data except insofar as it has been
incorporated by yourself into a value-added product or service that does
not permit the extraction of a substantial portion of the bulk data from
the value-added product or service for use by other parties.
Primus Telecommunications Pty Ltd (PlanetDomain/PrimusDomain) reserves
the right to forbid access to any party who abuses the terms and
conditions herein or who is deemed to have queried the database
excessively, and to change these terms and conditions at any time.

Domain Name: HOTCLUBSEXXXX.COM
Reseller..............: CheapDomains UK
Created on............: 17 Dec 2008 10:37:39 EST
Expires on............: 17 Dec 2013 10:37:39 EST
Record last updated on: 17 Dec 2008 10:37:39 EST
Status................: ON LOCK


Owner, Administrative Contact, Technical Contact, Billing Contact:
Sean Deviney (ID00396883)
3901 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
United States
Phone: +1.9544785372
Email: seandeviney@hotmail.com


Domain servers in listed order:

NS1.EVERYDNS.NET
NS2.EVERYDNS.NET
NS3.EVERYDNS.NET
NS4.EVERYDNS.NET

[cmaier]

What about a keyboard? I'm not typing on a touch keyboard.

Can't help you there. Of course that problem is OS-neutral and processor architecture-neutral.

[J the Ninja]

I would like to now inject a wee-bit of PPC fanboyism, and mention that PA-Semi built a Power Architecture product with fairly low power use, once upon a time. OMG WHAT IF THIS IS A SCALED UP VERSION OF THAT.


Anybody with more programming knowledge (esp about the iPhone SDK) want to chime in on how much work porting an app to PPC would be?

[Eidorian]

Can't help you there. Of course that problem is OS-neutral and processor architecture-neutral.In before external keyboard add-ons?

Seriously, beyond a case to protect the tablet I don't want to have stuff plugged in or wirelessly tethered. They're treading a gray area between a pocketable PMP and a netbook/notebook without the benefits of either.

[dsalehipour]

thought this was interesting

http://jkontherun.com/2005/08/23/apple_hiring_ha/ (2005)

[MikhailT]

What about a keyboard? I'm not typing on a touch keyboard.

Then the macbook would be perfect for you, or any of the hackinstosh netbook.

The tablet using iPhone OS suggests it'll probably be more of an information consumption device than an information creation device.

Think of how iPhone has changed the way mobile web sites looked and feel on the mobile devices as well as the iphone applications. Now imagine with App Store for the tablet, every developer will be developing customized software that's designed specifically for the tablet's screen and multitouch capability. It can change the way we interact with our information at once, granted many developers will just be porting their iPhone to the Tablet but they'll be including much more interactive data to fit the screen since the tablet will be far more powerful and bigger screen.

[SandynJosh]

Doubtful that this is the name. Normally these things would redirect to their home page but it does nothing.

Read the d*mn story. It says: "iSlate.com currently points to no website."

Apple can own a DNS name without lighting it up.

[Eidorian]

Then the macbook would be perfect for you, or any of the hackinstosh netbook.I already have a MacBook. I'm still have some interest in a MID device though.


The tablet using iPhone OS suggests it'll probably be more of an information consumption device than an information creation device.I think we're concerned about the price tag now.


Think of how iPhone has changed the way mobile web sites looked and feel on the mobile devices as well as the iphone applications. Now imagine with App Store for the tablet, every developer will be developing customized software that's designed specifically for the tablet's screen and multitouch capability. It can change the way we interact with our information at once, granted many developers will just be porting their iPhone to the Tablet but they'll be including much more interactive data to fit the screen since the tablet will be far more powerful and bigger screen.Like I said before, it's a bigger iPod Touch.

[GQB]

It's better than "iTablet", "MacBook Nano" or recycling "iBook" (there are some of those still in service, after all).

Good scoop, Arn. :)

And WAAAAAYYYY better than iPad.

[ntrigue]

Slate is beautiful. It's solid. It's quality. It's thin and light.

[GQB]

Everyone calls iPod Touch as iTouch. hence, iSlate = iPod Slate

It won't be an 'iPod' anything.
Any more than the iPhone is an 'iPod phone'.

This is new territory and markets, and they're not going to saddle themselves to the constrained image of a 10 year old music player.

There is NO WAY this thing will have "Mac" anywhere in the name.

The genius of 'iPhone' is that PC users will just buy it and plug it into their Windows machine without even thinking twice. If it'd been called "Mac-Phone" I can promise you that sales would be hurt by all the people thinking you had to own a Mac to use the Apple cell phone.

Apple avoided that issue perfectly with the phone. There's zero chance they'd make a boneheaded mistake like that once the tablet gets here. It won't be a Mac, period. They'll want everyone to own one.

Most sensible post I've seen in weeks.

Slate.com (http://www.slate.com/) would ( and could ) have issues with this name.

They don't make electronic devices.
Actually, I didn't even know they made anything any more.

[cmaier]

They don't make electronic devices.
Actually, I didn't even know they made anything any more.

They could argue dilution, but their brand is probably not sufficiently famous.

[Mackan]

MacTablet.

[mstrmac]

Slate is beautiful. It's solid. It's quality. It's thin and light.
From the Thesaurus
slate
verb
we've slated your speech for 2:10 on Thursday afternoon plan, schedule, book; organize, arrange.

From the Dictionary
slate |slāt|
noun


2 a flat piece of slate used for writing on, typically framed in wood, formerly used in schools.

• a range of something offered : the company has revealed details of a $60 million slate of film productions.
• a board showing the identifying details of a take of a motion picture, which is held in front of the camera at its beginning and end.

verb [ trans. ]

4 identify (a movie take) using a slate.
PHRASES
wipe the slate clean see wipe .

DERIVATIVES
slaty |ˈsleɪdi| adjective
ORIGIN Middle English sclate, sklate, shortening of Old French esclate, feminine, synonymous with esclat ‘piece broken off’ (see slat ). Sense 3 of the verb arose from the practice of noting a name on a writing slate.


:apple:

[Peace]

They don't make electronic devices.
Actually, I didn't even know they made anything any more.

Trademarks aren't devices.

[coolbreeze]

MacTouch.

BTW, I have a slate PC and hate it. It's a nightmare for inputting any worthwhile data (writing long emails, etc). Tapping and pecking with the stylus is tiresome.

Yes, I realize AAPL will have an iPhone like capacitive touch, but still, it's hard to beat a physical keyboard on a computer.

[puppyflightclub]

Most sensible post I've seen in weeks.

true enlightenment.

[SandynJosh]

Yes it redirects to Apple.com but how exactly does that mean Apple owns it? Couldn't I easily buy sexytimewithgoats.com and just redirect it to MacRumors?

PS: Don't try that link... I didn't test it, nor do I want to. However, if you have a weird thing for goats, by all means...

EDIT: I had to try that site, curiosity won in the end. Sexytimewithgoats.com doesn't exist, so if anyone wants to buy it... first come first serve!

Snap up that domain name and here's a short clip for the home page:
http://www.jimmeruk.com/Video/windows-startup-prank.html

[bobertoq]

Is anyone else getting tired about all the whining heard here for products not yet delivered or even announced? I mean really just what feature do you imagine would be missing based on a name?Oh my gosh, someone with an ounce of sense! :eek:

[SandynJosh]

MacTouch.

Yes, I realize AAPL will have an iPhone like capacitive touch, but still, it's hard to beat a physical keyboard on a computer.

I heard that kind of argument when computers began to switch from "typewriter" type of key action to the more common "chicklet" keys of today. If people can adapt to something that has some advantages as well as downsides, they will adapt. If it has no advantages, or the downsides are too great, they will refuse to support the change. A good example is the difference in how people dislike the Droid physical keyboard vs. the iPhone virtual keyboard.

[Eidorian]

I heard that kind of argument when computers began to switch from "typewriter" type of key action to the more common "chicklet" keys of today.It's still QWERTY and a physical device with feedback. :confused:

[RTee]

I hope they don't call it that!

[LagunaSol]

The difference here is that Apple didn't just pick up "islate.com" for $10/year. They actually went through the trouble of negotiating with a 3rd party.

Ugh, and yet another scummy domain squatter cashes in. :(

[MorphingDragon]

Ugh, and yet another scummy domain squatter cashes in. :(

Yep, you should try it one day. You might actually like it.

[LagunaSol]

I heard that kind of argument when computers began to switch from "typewriter" type of key action to the more common "chicklet" keys of today. If people can adapt to something that has some advantages as well as downsides, they will adapt.

Yep. Remember the wailing and gnashing of teeth from the iPhone doomsayers? That the virtual keyboard would be a massive failure? Wrong. I find the iPhone keyboard to be extremely usable - enjoyable even.

iPhone competitors are finally - 2 years later - starting to realize this. You'll see fewer and fewer physical keyboards in upcoming devices.

A good example is the difference in how people dislike the Droid physical keyboard vs. the iPhone virtual keyboard.

The Droid keyboard is crap. A physical keyboard merely for the sake of a physical keyboard - and a horrendous physical keyboard at that. Flat, almost no tactile feedback, no distinct separation between keys - it's nothing more than a plastic representation of a virtual keyboard. What's the point?

Yep, you should try it one day. You might actually like it.

Having been on the beatdown side of this equation - trying to name a new business based solely on finding an available domain that isn't being squatted on (an impossible task) - I loathe this business practice.

[AAPLaday]

Merry xmas or whatever you celebrate MacRumours posters and lurkers where ever you are in the world!!!!! Oh and not iSlate please, or else it will get slated :)

[ChuckG]

iSlate is a good name.

You have to understand the device was designed to be an iconic appliance. iTablet was really always just a placeholder name for a touchscreen device that's been rumored for over a decade.

The essential functions of a tablet are nowhere near what Apple's technical aspirations were from the beginning. In Steve Jobs' mind, 'tablet' is a Bill Gates term for an antiquated (and thus failed) idea of handwriting-based input.

Given Microsoft's failed attempts, the word 'tablet' has a become a burnt out and eroded term. For Apple to pick up the term and just stick the "i" would've been conforming to a category that's too mediocre to categorize this device. The tactile feedback, advanced multi-touch, and UI are distinct enough to warrant an entirely new name. (The iPhone name was a big exception in this line of thought, since Apple was entering an existing 2-billion unit market, and its brand clarity and simplicity were key.)

'iSlate' is as new to the consumer's conscience as 'iPod' was. It quickly tells you the thing was built to display an infinite amount of media. Practice saying it and notice how it slips out of one's tongue like a finger through glass. Simple.

[iJesus]

I don't know about you guys; but, the only names that make asthetic sense to me are "MacBook Slate" and "MacBook Tablet."

[ChuckG]

I don't know about you guys; but, the only names that make asthetic sense to me are "MacBook Slate" and "MacBook Tablet."

I completely disagree.

I think the naming process has more to do with the general public's perception than aesthetics. (Apple uses the same font on all of its products).

Names like MacBook Slate or MacBook Tablet are stupid names because they're too loaded, heavy, and confusing for a handheld appliance. It would be equivalent of the device weighing 20 pounds.

Even if Steve were stubborn enough, the device, people, is simply not a Mac. It simply will not run full Mac OS X.

[Eidorian]

I don't know about you guys; but, the only names that make asthetic sense to me are "MacBook Slate" and "MacBook Tablet."I like MacBook Slate.

[iJesus]

I completely disagree.

I think the naming process has more to do with the general public's perception than aesthetics. (Apple uses the same font on all of its products).

Names like MacBook Slate or MacBook Tablet are stupid names because they're too loaded, heavy, and confusing for a handheld appliance. It would be equivalent of the device weighing 20 pounds.

Even if Steve were stubborn enough, the device, people, is simply not a Mac. It simply will not run full Mac OS X.

Yeah, Apple does only use one font for its products (Myriad) but they use different weights:

Regular: Family names such as MacBook Pro, MacBook, iPod.
Light with first letter being uppercase only appears on Macs (MacBook air)
Light with all lowercase are for iPods: classic, touch, etc.

The iPod Touch is an example of something the general public has renamed as the iTouch. Perhaps Apple has taken this into consideration and suspects that if they do come out with a product titled "MacBook Slate" people will just call it the "iSlate."

Kind of like when people ask me if I have the Apple Air.

[AAPLaday]

iSlate just sounds so ugly and I immediately think of cold, hard, and rough round the edges. I hope it's none of these things!

[inkswamp]

Might I be the first to say that is an awful name.

Totally! I mean, it sounds so awkward. Say it out loud... "MacBook Air." Ugh... Apple would never call something that. It just sounds...

Oh, wait a minute.

[Doctor Q]

Check back in a few months or a year. We'll be so used to the name "iSlate" that we won't remember that it could have had another name.

[iMJustAGuy]

Scaled up iPhone apps, goodie.

I think we all know better, and we also know that Apple knows better than to do something like this. It WILL have some feature that will stand it out for sure... Maybe it wasn't something for your particular use but in the past couple of years can you think of anything that Apple has released that has been an absolute let down? (I'm going to exclude the 3Gs per being in denile... BUT I still bought it, and I'm sure that I will get the tablet no matter what it is.

[trekkie604]

I know its just a domain, but that name is terrible.

[Maserati7200]

What is it was Simply "Slate" or "Apple Slate"? They would buy the domain iSlate.com to get people thinking that it's the iSlate. Or they named it the iSlate :D I personally don't have any problem with the name, but it is very unexpected. Doesn't sound like an Apple product. But if this is true and it is called iSlate, like Doctor Q said, "We'll be so used to the name "iSlate" that we won't remember that it could have had another name". I'm sure if I heard the word iPod before it's debut I'd think it would be odd.

[focalplane]

My Money's on MacBook Touch, unless it turns out to be an e-reader type product.

Merry Christmas Everyone

[ChuckG]

The iPod Touch is an example of something the general public has renamed as the iTouch. Perhaps Apple has taken this into consideration and suspects that if they do come out with a product titled "MacBook Slate" people will just call it the "iSlate."

Kind of like when people ask me if I have the Apple Air.

By your logic, Apple would've also reserved Air.com and Touch.com

I'm guessing the device's name was intended to be a word that has the zing to replace "book" or "magazine" or "tv" and can represent all of those functions. In that sense, iSlate works really well. It reminds me of the omnipotent monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

iSlate is not a long word, nor an extension of any product family. It'd be the fourth leg in Apple's four-legged stool, as Steve Jobs would say.

-Mac
-iPhone
-iPod/iTunes
-iSlate

Each division with a different name and market in mind. Nice and simple.

[Thex1138]

It will be interesting to see the naming outcome now...
The speculation over gen 3 iPhone, then turning out to be called 3Gs...

Who knows it may not yet be named as yet, or maybe it is...
iSlate may be just shoring up options...

iPod Slate
iPod Tablet

Macbook Slate
Macbook Touch
MacBook Tablet
MacBook Tile
MacBook Pad
MacBook Shingle
MacBook Pantile
MacBook Quire
MacBook Jotter
MacBook Ice
MacBook Scratch [hmm a bit harsh]

iPod Rosetta [Stone]
MacBook Rosetta [Stone]
:rolleyes:

[Andronicus]

It's not iSlate (eye-slate) but it's pronounced "is-late"....
That's all I've got...

[8CoreWhore]

Let's suppose they want to call it the "Slate". It makes sense they would snatch up several iterations of that, especially, "islate". Of course they's want slate.com but it's taken. So islate.com is as much evidence of the device being called Slate as it is iSlate. Keep in mind, they didn't use the "i" for the Touch. They used the "i"for iPhone because Phone wouldn't be good. For Tuch, it was unique enough to drop the "i". Slate is also unique enough. AND we heard that news paper exec call it the Slate, not iSlate.

[baryon]

The name "iSlate" sounds kinda of ugly, "Slate" is an ugly word on its own... but iTablet is lame as well... can't is jut be "The Apple Tablet"? I mean MacBooks don't have the "i" prefix, so that means that not everything made by Apple has to have it... It could be called... MacPad... or something :) No that's lame too...

[ChuckG]

It's not iSlate (eye-slate) but it's pronounced "is-late"....
That's all I've got...

Ha, that'll never get old.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Chiat+Day agency guys told Steve that the "ICE-LAID" gives it a subliminal cool factor. Sneaky, eh?

Don't forget there are ad people (Don Draper, anyone?) that actually earn a living picking out and researching words like Bing, Pod, Wii, Zune, etc. Bottom line is can you sell the *********g thing to people that haven't heard of it in obsessive forums and blogs?

[iphones4evry1]

sheesh! I'm glad they decided to name the iPhone the iPhone instead of iSlate. ;)

[FreeState]

iSlate isn't totally horrible. Would have liked iPad better. It doesn't have the same ring as iPhone. Anyway what's in a name?

Seriously? iPad? Thats about the worst... think feminine hygiene - I think SNL even did a skit on that name already implying the same thing.

EDIT: Sorry it was MADTv and here it is on youtube LOL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1BUH9eXy18

[Yixian]

It's almost certainly "Slate", not "iSlate". The i prefix is still associated by most people with Apple, and Apple often secure domain names 'around' the actual product name in order to catch people who might have got it slightly wrong and redirect them to the site.

The Apple Slate it is, imo.

Plus that NYT guy said it.

[ChuckG]

It's almost certainly "Slate", not "iSlate". The i prefix is still associated by most people with Apple, and Apple often secure domain names 'around' the actual product name in order to catch people who might have got it slightly wrong and redirect them to the site.

The Apple Slate it is, imo.

Plus that NYT guy said it.

I don't see how Apple could possibly trademark 'Slate.'

[Yixian]

The could trademark the "Apple Slate" and "Slate" would still be used as the de facto name for the device.

[ChuckG]

The could trademark the "Apple Slate" and "Slate" would still be used as the de facto name for the device.

Could happen. But people would get confused with Slate Magazine.

It would make sense for Apple to drop the "i" moniker, you know, beginning a new decade with a more direct naming scheme. The NYT editor did say "impending Apple slate," but could've just goofed it, as most dinosaurs usually do.:D

'Slate' is a lock though.

[MorphingDragon]

Honestly, if it is called the iSlate. I would buy enough of them if I had the money to make a slate roof with them. Just for the sake of taking the P1ss out of it. :D I mean an iSlate, that's a terrible name.

[kirky29]

I hope the name has an 'i' in it, but Slate? I don't know.....
I still like iTablet though, so.....!

[Thex1138]

There is another possibility might be...

A new 'class' of Apple computing device... the Tab, Tablet, Slate, Shingle name could be the prefix...

Because if it's not an iPod, and not a Mac or MacBook...

Then it's now a new class or line of Apple computing device...

So instead of MacBook or iPod...

Tablet Media or iTab Slate, Tablet Educator...
Tablet Mac

[amirite]

I would bet money on the name "Slate".

[scottness]

I can't get myself to like the name "Slate" or "iSlate". Horrible name, IMO.

[ChuckG]

Tablet Media or iTab Slate, Tablet Educator...
Tablet Mac

Sounds like a Fisher Price product :D

No Tab, 'cause it would imply the whole interface is tabbed. Leave that for the Squirrelboy's Chrome netbook.

[TraceyS/FL]

Slate makes sense if you think about what used to be done on them. Everything. Kids didn't have paper in school, all lessons were done on their slates. It was cherished.

Looking at it from that aspect, it really is the best name I've seen thown out.

Not hip on the iSlate, but slate works for me.

Now I have a kid up. Bring on Christmas!

[Lesser Evets]

iSlate....

How appropriate: IS LATE.

[MecPro]

I was always under the understanding that Mac/iBooks meant that it had a lid, or top cover, like a reading book. So I guess we can definitely count out the Macbook esk name

As for iSlate it could be as either people have said on the site; it's either just protecting the name via a domain purchase, or something else. But normally companies won't protect a domain name unless they intend to have a product by that name.

But we should all wait for the 26th, where they'll probably just announce the new Macbook Pros with the new Intel chip :apple:

http://www.itablet.com/

[ChuckG]

Slate makes sense if you think about what used to be done on them. Everything. Kids didn't have paper in school, all lessons were done on their slates. It was cherished.

Looking at it from that aspect, it really is the best name I've seen thown out.

Not hip on the iSlate, but slate works for me.

Now I have a kid up. Bring on Christmas!

Exactly.

In that context, the name is a turnoff, so I see why people are complaining.

The iPod was inspired by the shiny cool white space pods in 2001. The slate on the other hand, is a 19th century relic used by our greatx4 grandparents during the time of the US Civil War and Pancho Villa. Not sexy or futuristic at all by comparison. :(

iSlate....

How appropriate: IS LATE.

And if you play too much with it, U will be LATE.

[Thex1138]

Sounds like a Fisher Price product :D

No Tab, 'cause it would imply the whole interface is tabbed. Leave that for the Squirrelboy's Chrome netbook.

...or a bitter pill :D

[Compile 'em all]

Well, I know opinions are like **********, everybody has one lol, but here's mine.

iDon't like it. MacTab or MacAnything would be a better option in my opinion. Then again, I also didn't like the rudimentary "iPhone" when it was announced. For a device that is more than a "phone", I thought iMobile would have been better.


A Mac[x] product indicates that it runs full blown OS X or a touch variant of the full version you find in the current line up. The device being revealed on the 26th will be running a custom OS X just like the iPhone OS.

[Mjmar]

Whatever the name is we will eventually get used to it... Remember how dumb MacBook Air sounded at first? Well now it just seems normal. I'm more concerned about the devices functionality.

[ChuckG]

Whatever the name is we will eventually get used to it... Remember how dumb MacBook Air sounded at first? Well now it just seems normal. I'm more concerned about the devices functionality.

After Googling more slate images, the name is childish.

With the MBA, it was different 'cause we've all learned to associate the Air suffix with cool hip products (i.e., Nike Air trainers, Air Jordan, even airliners). A writing slate today is just a cheesy prop used in elementary school portraits.

I wonder if they're also gonna add a worm to the Apple logo to go with the iSlate. :p

[strangefate]

My ass is the 'i' prefix is dead/getting old. Like it or not, it's gold for Apple. It's instant brand recognition and the 'i' prefix alone is worth tons to Apple. There's a reason why they still use it after over a decade.

And to whomever said the 'e' came first, no the iMac came first, then the onslaught of 'e' websites (alongside some 'i' websites), Apple pretty much being the only one to remain using the convention - as far as mainstream culture goes it went from being cool to overused back to cool again with Apple's dominant success in the MP3 player and phone markets. The brand recognition alone conveys something akin to "iAmcoolerthanyourproduct", or "iAmcuttingedge", or "iAmafashionsymbol,buyme"

[fobfob]

I already knew this in November and used in my previous post (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=8844942&highlight=islate#post8844942) (that was a thread about OLED screens).

Source: This post (http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1308954&r=21316906#r21316906) in Whirlpool (Aussie site) that just came out of nowhere and was basically ignored in the thread. When I read that I knew it was true. October 27.

[zami]

iSlate is an appalling name !

Apart from "is late" there is also "I slate" which in UK English can mean to criticise or slag off or to punish.

Apple should go for something more friendly... maybe MacPad or iPad ?

[Ubuntu]

iSlate isn't totally horrible. Would have liked iPad better. It doesn't have the same ring as iPhone. Anyway what's in a name?


Quite a lot? iPad just sounds like a typo of iPod.

[flopticalcube]

iSlate....

How appropriate: IS LATE.

It's not iSlate (eye-slate) but it's pronounced "is-late"....
That's all I've got...
Yep. That's why I said on pg 1 it will never happen. The funny thing is if you go to itouch.com it takes you to the Apple iPod touch page so its possible that it coulf be an iPod slate or just Slate and they reserved the name for all the people that will call it an iSlate.

[zarusoba]

iSlate. No. For reasons others have mentioned: it evokes the stone age, etc. It also sounds a bit like "isolate" and "iSlut".

Maybe I'm drawing a long bow but I believe that's the kind of thing marketing types talk about.

[Thex1138]

Recently there were news stories of schools testing iPhones and iPod Touch to deliver education content this past year...
The form factor is a bit small, but I think it is more likely an Apple funded test-bed for delivery and result driven testing of these kinds of devices...
Students were provided free devices pre-loaded with educational content for reading, listening and viewing video...
These trials were done globally.

[Thex1138]

.... "isolate" and "iSlut".

Wooh Baby hehehe

[applesupergeek]

I dislike islate.

But I think that registering certain domains that one might use who might not be aware of the actual name of the end product is a good move. So this is an all probability is not the actual name.

I would go for ibook for sure, it fits into apple's history, it's intuitive, it makes sense wrt the uses of the tablet, it's elegant and classic, like air or touch or for that matter phone is, common words emitting an air of originality in their use.

I would bank on it that it's called the ibook, but I could be wrong because there are so many variables.

Anyway, you heard it here first.

[fobfob]

I don't know about you guys; but, the only names that make asthetic sense to me are "MacBook Slate" and "MacBook Tablet."

Wow, are you guys seriously still thinking that this device will have anything remotely "Mac" about it? Man there are gonna be some serious tears when this is announced.

Apple is not bringing out a general purpose computer (ie. a Mac) in a tablet form. The tablet will most likely have an iPhone based OS. Even if it is a new version of the OS that is closer to OSX than iPhone, general purpose computing will not be allowed (you'll have to jailbreak). That's pretty much certain. The "apps" and "App Store" concept is here to stay with Apple.

[griz]

EXCELLENT POINT. I completely missed that one. Apple revamped .Mac to MobileMe for that very same purpose, making it platform neutral.

Although with more and more individuals "switching" to Apple systems, utilizing "Mac" would be smart in marketing the Apple brand.

I'm thinking Apple is more apt to push the Apple name than the Mac brand. This product will be entirely new. I've always found it funny how Apple and Mac are used synonymously. What would happen if some day Apple were to end the Mac brand but still continue with a large line of products? Apple as a company being so tied to the Mac brand is a dangerous thing. It would be comparable to a car company only selling one model of car but with varying engines and other features. They need to spread out the product line. It is no longer just desktops and laptops because as more power comes to smaller platforms we will no longer use laptops or desktops. The Mac brand will die off naturally and unless Apple has something else to prop it up we can forget about Apple as a company.

[pimentoLoaf]

Instantly coming to mind (though making no sense whatsoever) was:

iSlate you slate we all slate for iSlate

:p

[leonstafford]

I picked up islatelinux.com just in case... but I still think it will be called iCantBeliveItsNotBurningMyNuts

[Barbie]

I dislike islate.

But I think that registering certain domains that one might use who might not be aware of the actual name of the end product is a good move. So this is an all probability is not the actual name.

I would go for ibook for sure, it fits into apple's history, it's intuitive, it makes sense wrt the uses of the tablet, it's elegant and classic, like air or touch or for that matter phone is, common words emitting an air of originality in their use.

I would bank on it that it's called the ibook, but I could be wrong because there are so many variables.

Anyway, you heard it here first.

why would we name it iBook, when the tablet computer is not a notebook shape at all: it does not close or open in anyway

[DanielSw]

I think iPod Slate makes the most sense.

"2 a flat piece of slate used for writing on, typically framed in wood, formerly used in schools.
• a list of candidates for election to a post or office, typically a group sharing a set of political views : another slate of candidates will be picked for the state convention.
• a range of something offered : the company has revealed details of a $60 million slate of film productions.
• a board showing the identifying details of a take of a motion picture, which is held in front of the camera at its beginning and end."

Apple, with its established infrastructures of the iTunes and App stores, as well as the rumored subscription services to TV shows and periodicals, will now have a great new device on which users can experience all this material.

There's nothing wrong with the word "Slate". It's still in use in the movie industry as a device to identify shots. It's still at least historically significant for its use in schools a century ago. That all makes it both appropriate for being "resurrected" to name this innovative new device.

The old school slates were practical in that they were affordable devices with reusable surfaces on which to write and draw. They were used widely in schools and other activities which needed such functionality.

Same with the iPod Slate. Apple will be bringing similar but new functionality to millions with its new gadget. Slate is an old sedimentary mineral, but now the name will get a new run with Apple. That's really "cool" in my mind.



I

[Luke1robb]

Although the name of this site is MacRumors, I am always pleased with the amount of actual investigative reporting, and quoting of sources on this site.

I personally come here daily and 9to5mac.com, because of superb reporting. Thank you and keep it up.

Ps there were previous reports referring to it as the slate, can't remember where I saw it, I believe this news adds more credence to it.

It was the director from the NYT who at a "closed door event" stated, "with Apple's Slate product coming..."

Things are lining up...

[Pilgrim1099]

You're NOT the first one to think of iBook. I mentioned it before you in another posting and a few others brought it up as well.

Yes, iBook makes a lot more sense because of the publishing content to read on with plus other features that will be revealed. If I'm not mistaken and this thing has two screens (I heard of one asian company, Korean(?) that developed a double screened laptop/tablet.

Remember, Apple does'nt invent ideas, they take them and merge them into their own. And this is why iBook is a proper name for it.

I dislike islate.

But I think that registering certain domains that one might use who might not be aware of the actual name of the end product is a good move. So this is an all probability is not the actual name.

I would go for ibook for sure, it fits into apple's history, it's intuitive, it makes sense wrt the uses of the tablet, it's elegant and classic, like air or touch or for that matter phone is, common words emitting an air of originality in their use.

I would bank on it that it's called the ibook, but I could be wrong because there are so many variables.

Anyway, you heard it here first.

[lilskaterpunk]

iSlate just doesn't sound right :p

[applesupergeek]

why would we name it iBook, when the tablet computer is not a notebook shape at all: it does not close or open in anyway

That's a good point. But no name is simiologicaly perfect. It does function as a book reader though and has the same size as an average book, and similar depth.

You're NOT the first one to think of iBook. I mentioned it before you in another posting and a few others brought it up as well.

Yes, iBook makes a lot more sense because of the publishing content to read on with plus other features that will be revealed. If I'm not mistaken and this thing has two screens (I heard of one asian company, Korean(?) that developed a double screened laptop/tablet.

Remember, Apple does'nt invent ideas, they take them and merge them into their own. And this is why iBook is a proper name for it.

I agree of course, but I don't think there is a chance that it will be dual screen, that would bring the cost up very high besides other things. Of course apple can and usually do surprise us.

[Pilgrim1099]

A 'book' styled tablet/laptop does exist in the market. It was developed in the Asian market and I believe it was from South Korea. I can't recall the name of the brand but it's out there. So, I would'nt put it past Apple to USE that idea.

Think of it as a interactive digital book. I believe this will be a major step above the Nook and Kindle in function. I expect it to do a bit more than just that. Obviously, it will also play music which I suspect would be the ultimate iPod of iPods.

why would we name it iBook, when the tablet computer is not a notebook shape at all: it does not close or open in anyway

[Pilgrim1099]

There's a possibility that Apple found a way to use the uni-body design for each screen and hinge it together like a book. Take a look at Nintendo's dual-screen (DS). I have one and it works beautifully, and cheap to boot.

If Nintendo can pull this off, Apple can. It's not new technology but rather a engineering puzzle that needs to be solved and overcome to perfect how we interact with a dual-screened tablet or laptop.


I agree of course, but I don't think there is a chance that it will be dual screen, that would bring the cost up very high besides other things. Of course apple can and usually do surprise us.

[Slash X]

Come on now everybody, I like the "iPad" best so far

We could even have a high end model of the "iPad" called the:

"Maxi Pad"

[maclancer]

Why not called it "Newton 2"? Apple could bring back the same name, or even called it "Newton".

[robbyx]

Horrible name!!! I'd rather it be called "iPad", not that it's much better. That said, I think they should give a nod to the past and call it the Knowledge Navigator. Longtime fans would love it.

[jnc]

NO chance

[cmaier]

Trademarks aren't devices.

True, but except for very famous marks, they apply only to specific types of products. Thus you can have two companies or products with the same name so long as they are in very different businesses. For example, Athlon is a chip, a magazine, and a bathroom stall divider.

[DipDog3]

Looks like someone believes this.

All the good domains have been taken:

islateapps
islategames
islatestore

etc

Of course these domains were registered back in October 09... When was the story of the iSlate first released?

[dove]

Why not called it "Newton 2"? Apple could bring back the same name, or even called it "Newton".

Or they could call it the “Einstein.” That way, it would also have that “i” sound at the start!

[sishaw]

I would bank on it that it's called the ibook, but I could be wrong because there are so many variables.

Anyway, you heard it here first.

You're joking, right?

iSlate indicates to me that you can write on it, because that's what a slate is (was?) for. Presumably, using your finger. Will Apple try handwriting recognition in a device again?

[Manderby]

As a non-native-english speaker I kinda have some problems with the name iSlate. As the only use of the word for me was in the movie "last action hero" where Mr. Schwarzenegger plays Jack Slater, I actually think of some kind of murdering device. Sounds a little like iSloughter. Or something jou can hit somebody with. Actually no joke. I also had problems to understand what the iPod should be. There is the german word Pott which is something like a waste container. Believe me, it didn't sound too good to me in the first place.

[cmaier]

As a non-native-english speaker I kinda have some problems with the name iSlate. As the only use of the word for me was in the movie "last action hero" where Mr. Schwarzenegger plays Jack Slater, I actually think of some kind of murdering device. Sounds a little like iSloughter. Or something jou can hit somebody with. Actually no joke. I also had problems to understand what the iPod should be. There is the german word Pott which is something like a waste container. Believe me, it didn't sound too good to me in the first place.

Ja, Ich auch.

[sishaw]

As a non-native-english speaker I kinda have some problems with the name iSlate. As the only use of the word for me was in the movie "last action hero" where Mr. Schwarzenegger plays Jack Slater, I actually think of some kind of murdering device. Sounds a little like iSloughter. Or something jou can hit somebody with. Actually no joke. I also had problems to understand what the iPod should be. There is the german word Pott which is something like a waste container. Believe me, it didn't sound too good to me in the first place.

This is a slate:

http://www.harvestofhistory.org/assets/object-images/main/slate.jpg

[applevx]

Wow, people are exciting here...:)

IMO, I'm guessing that the iSlate is just a name of a program for the next coming Apple Tablet. :D Just like iTunes, iPhoto, iDVD, iChat ......

And Apple will never let you get the name of its hot product. :rolleyes:

Only my thought

[ChuckG]

Wow, people are exciting here...:)

IMO, I'm guessing that the iSlate is just a name of a program for the next coming Apple Tablet. :D Just like iTunes, iPhoto, iDVD, iChat ......

And Apple will never let you get the name of its hot product. :rolleyes:

Only my thought

Once you google "writing slate" it'll become clear why what you're saying makes no sense.

[Xibalba]

Might I be the first to say that is an awful name.

that's exactly what everyone said about the iPod and now nobody thinks twice about that for the name of a music player. and the kindle as well.

plus, companies do buy domain names quite often and I am sure apple would buy several during the brainstorming process for names - still if this becomes true no one will care about the name once they are actually using the device...

[ri0ku]

iDontthinkso


Seriously islate? like someone already mentioned (is-late) and another thing... it sounds you iSLATE as in i slate people dunno if you americans use that but here in the UK it normaly means completely rip someones idea apart..

So idontthinkso

[doctoree]

Haha, this is so clearly an irritational seeding by Apples Secret Information Devision. The iPad is clearly late. Hahaha

[bedifferent]

I'm thinking Apple is more apt to push the Apple name than the Mac brand. This product will be entirely new. I've always found it funny how Apple and Mac are used synonymously. What would happen if some day Apple were to end the Mac brand but still continue with a large line of products? Apple as a company being so tied to the Mac brand is a dangerous thing. It would be comparable to a car company only selling one model of car but with varying engines and other features. They need to spread out the product line. It is no longer just desktops and laptops because as more power comes to smaller platforms we will no longer use laptops or desktops. The Mac brand will die off naturally and unless Apple has something else to prop it up we can forget about Apple as a company.

Steve Jobs has gone on record stating that the "Mac" monicker will never retire. In fact, he's gone as far as to hint of expanding upon "Mac" even further. Spending millions on the "Get a Mac" ad campaign is a prime example... As well, marketers have pointed out the consumer association of "Mac" with Apple is high. For example, most don't state "Is that an Apple?" when referring to an Apple computer system. Peripherals maybe, but when it comes to computer systems, Apple has clearly stated "Mac" will most certainly remain a part of Apple's branding.

[*LTD*]

The purchase of the name could mean absolutely nothing. Apple might have simply wanted to prevent a competitor from using it. It's likely Apple purchased quite a few names as potential candidates. On any case I'm not a fan of iSlate, either.

A good name might be Macpad.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

[bedifferent]

A Mac[x] product indicates that it runs full blown OS X or a touch variant of the full version you find in the current line up. The device being revealed on the 26th will be running a custom OS X just like the iPhone OS.

Already covered... and not entirely true. Read the thread... :p

The purchase of the name could mean absolutely nothing. Apple might have simply wanted to prevent a competitor from using it. It's likely Apple purchased quite a few names as potential candidates. On any case I'm not a fan of iSlate, either.

A good name might be Macpad.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

QFT

Merry Christmas!

[Doctor Q]

Calling it "Macsomething" would be a double-edged sword:

+ sounds good to Mac owners (but they are easy to sell to anyway)
+ encourages non-Mac owners who buy a Macsomething users to switch to a Mac
+ has features like a Mac, such as application management

- less attractive to people who have an anti-Mac bias but buy iPods and iPhones (many not realizing it's the same company that makes Macs)
- runs iPod touch apps, not Mac apps

But the most important reason for Apple to call it "Macsomething" is that it is being covered by a site named MacRumors!

[Flowbee]

Looks like someone believes this.

All the good domains have been taken:

islateapps
islategames
islatestore

etc

Of course these domains were registered back in October 09... When was the story of the iSlate first released?

October 26, 2009:

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/26/new-york-times-editor-refers-to-impending-apple-slate/

[Kwill]

Frankly, I don't care what it's called -- as long as its features blow half the world away and it doesn't impinge upon other trademarks. (At least it isn't called "iTab". MacRib is out too.)

[iPhoney:)]

For cryin' out loud Apple, just call it an iBook and be done with it, it's the perfect name for a tablet!

[bedifferent]

For cryin' out loud Apple, just call it an iBook and be done with it, it's the perfect name for a tablet!

Apple already used iBook for their PPC based laptops (which eventually became MacBook's)

[gentleman00]

After reading these posts, I think one thing is certain the "i" will be part of the name for the new device. Like the ipod, iphone, itunes etc. I think apple plans to market this device to a wide range of consumers. The plan is to target untapped markets such as newspapers, books, magazines.

You will probably purchase the device b signing a two year contract like the iphone in order access and purchase online newspaper, magazine and other media content.

It will probably be equipped with itunes version 10.0

[cmaier]

Apple already used iBook for their PPC based laptops (which eventually became MacBook's)

So what. They can use it again. 99% of potential purchasers never heard of the old iBook, anyway. The only reason not to use iBook, from my perspective, is that it may confuse the general public into thinking it's just a kindle/nook competitor.

[Jelite]

It begins

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/SlateUSGOV.jpg

[skinnylegs]

As far as I'm concerned, they can call it iTurd and I'll still be waiting in line at my local Apple Store the day it is released.

That said, I don't think this will be the actual name of the device. My sense is that Apple is simply buying up .com's with anything remotely close to whatever they choose to call this little gem.

All of Apple's front-end hardware have either "Mac" or "i" in the name so I'm sure this will be included in the name of the device. Anything beyond that is pure speculation at this point in time.

[cmaier]

As far as I'm concerned, they can call it iTurd and I'll still be waiting in line at my local Apple Store the day it is released.


I suggest preordering from store.apple.com :-) That's my plan.

[applesupergeek]

It begins

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/SlateUSGOV.jpg

hahaha, great post.

You're joking, right?

iSlate indicates to me that you can write on it, because that's what a slate is (was?) for. Presumably, using your finger. Will Apple try handwriting recognition in a device again?

No way this is named islate. Wanna bet?

[kmiahali]

I think the whole "I" thing is kindnof played out, they need something discreet. and iSlate doesn't sound too great either but I'm not worried. Apple always comes out with the best names ever. That why they hire the best of the best to specialize in these things..

[bedifferent]

So what. They can use it again

If you know anything about Apple and Steve Jobs, it'll never happen.

[dicklacara]

This site has done some additional research re: the iSlate name.

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/12/25/apple-islate/

Personally, I like the name "iSlate".

It is simple, efficient and easy to say with a DAH-dah, dah-DAH or dah-dah emphasis... much easier than mumbling "Ap-ple Tab-let" or other names that have been offered.

It also is consistent with with iPod, iPhone, iMac... so there would be little confusion about the device origin or purpose.

Finally, I expect that the iTablet device will be able to be used as a co-peripheral with floortop, desktop and laptop computers-- both Macs and PCs. If so, it makes perfect sense to use the universal "i" prefix rather than "Apple" or "Mac",

*

[cmaier]

If you know anything about Apple and Steve Jobs, it'll never happen.

Probably not, but it's still a good idea. Of course, given that somehow Steve Jobs let iPhone 3GS get by him, who knows what it will be called.

[Clix Pix]

The Washington POST has also picked up TechCrunch's article.

Fascinating reading!

[dicklacara]

Or they could call it the “Einstein.” That way, it would also have that “i” sound at the start!

Shouldn't that be pronounced: een-steen :eek:

*

[doctoree]

So what. They can use it again. 99% of potential purchasers never heard of the old iBook, anyway. The only reason not to use iBook, from my perspective, is that it may confuse the general public into thinking it's just a kindle/nook competitor.

iBook implies its something foldable (like a laptop), but the new device is just a clean pice of glass basically

[cmaier]

iBook implies its something foldable (like a laptop), but the new device is just a clean pice of glass basically

Perhaps. I think people have accepted that "books" need not be foldable anymore, with the (apparent) success of nook and kindle - i.e. eBook readers are never foldable.

[42gb]

I would call it the Apple Slice.

[dicklacara]

iDontthinkso


Seriously islate? like someone already mentioned (is-late) and another thing... it sounds you iSLATE as in i slate people dunno if you americans use that but here in the UK it normaly means completely rip someones idea apart..

So idontthinkso

The "is-late" double entendre disappears when the iSlate turns out to be a revolutionary new device-- how can it be late if it is revolutionary?

As to the slang-- maybe the iSlate will "rip apart" the current concept of mobile computing devices.

Also, don't you UKers "Knock people up"?


*

[AbblePC]

Looking back on all the i names, there seems to also be a verb -like association attached to each name. As in I see sight - I play Pod - I use Phone - I use Mac - I can Touch -

So thinking in verbs

iBook
iBoard
iWalk
iGlide
iSlate
iPack
iSlide
iWatch
iMod
iMobile
iSeek
iFind
iJot
iStride
iBox
iNook
iPouch
iPocket
iCurve
iHand
iSlate
iTablet
iCreate
iWork
iPlay
iStand
iLap
and something Mac users can't be iSquare...
and On and on...

That is if they remain with the i, which is a very good scheme for Apple thus far.

Slate and Book are starting to sound more efficient toward making a name that implies a scholar like appearance as well as something we can all relate.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then an iBook is worth a hundred dreams.

[dicklacara]

*

They should just call it SOS, which stands for:

S____O____S____.

You fill in the blanks!

:D

[Doctor Q]

As far as I'm concerned, they can call it iTurd and I'll still be waiting in line at my local Apple Store the day it is released.
I was considering the remote possibility that I'd wait to find out what it does and what it costs before making my purchase decision. But maybe not. :cool:

[iOrlando]

to me...i am still debating wheter this will be a stand alone product such as ipod, iphone, or within the mac/ipod lineup like a macbook air. That will ultimately be a sign of the name. If it is by itself i suspect i(something) if not than iPod Tablet, Mac Tablet. etc.

[dicklacara]

I was considering the remote possibility that I'd wait to find out what it does and what it costs before making my purchase decision. But maybe not. :cool:

Mmmm...

I wonder what would happen if Apple were to add an unannounced product to their store:

--Call it... whatever
--Available... whenever
--Introductory priced at... $500 guaranteed (or less)
--with free overnight shipping
--guaranteed to arrive day of launch.

Would you be a taker?

I, actually, think I would be... knowing Apple's history. Also, Apple doesn't charge your CC until they ship the order.

Pretty good bet, IMO!

*

[appleguy123]

When this guy says "Impending Apple Slate" He might mean "Impending range of Apple Products" Slate: 3 schedule; plan : renovations are slated for late June | [ trans. ] the former brickyard is slated to be renovated.

[iMJustAGuy]

I was considering the remote possibility that I'd wait to find out what it does and what it costs before making my purchase decision. But maybe not. :cool:

"If it's shiny and made by apple"

If you know anything about Apple and Steve Jobs, it'll never happen.

I also never thought the 3Gs would be a re-release with a speed bump and pretty much one actually useful new feature with the same damn design and everything.

[!¡ V ¡!]

I really hope they don't call it the iSlate...

The name brings up memories of the TV show "Saved By The Bell" a character on that shows name was Slater. :)

[!¡ V ¡!]

*

They should just call it SOS, which stands for:

S____O____S____.

You fill in the blanks!

:D


Sell__Our__Shares__.

[tirerim]

"Apple Slate" seems pretty likely to me. And they won't run into trademark problems with Slate.com -- they're different products.

But I'm going to go ahead and put in my vote for "Maclet". :-)

[Peace]

You guys are gonna be disappointed when you find out the name is *******.

[sishaw]

hahaha, great post.



No way this is named islate. Wanna bet?

No! But I will bet that whatever name Apple comes up with, it will be a household word within a year.

[guzhogi]

If Apple does come out with a tablet & they call it the iSlate, I have a feeling it'll run a modified iPhone/iPod Touch OS, not the full Mac OS X. I remember hearing that Steve Jobs said that he wanted all Macs to have "Mac" in the name. But, we'll just have to wait & see.