Apple January 26th Event 'Confirmed' by Internal Source? Focus on 'Mobility Space'? [Archive]

MacRumors

Dec 30, 2009, 02:13 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/30/apple-january-26th-event-confirmed-by-internal-source-focus-on-mobility-space/)

FOXNews.com claims (http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2009/12/30/exclusive-apples-january-announcement-confirmed/) to have received confirmation from a "source inside Apple" that the company will in fact be holding a media event (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/23/apple-special-media-event-scheduled-for-january-26th/) on January 26th in San Francisco. According to the source, the "big" event will focus on the "mobility space", suggesting an iPhone, iPod touch, or, as many people expect, tablet announcement.Following a Financial Times report that Apple has scheduled a special media event for January 26th in San Francisco, I've spoken to a source inside Apple who confirmed a "big" event for January.

While nothing official has been handed down from the notoriously tight-lipped company, my source took the Financial Times report one step further by saying this event will focus on the mobility space, meaning we'll see something related to the iPhone/Touch product line.Anticipation has continued to build as Apple appears to be coming closer to the long-rumored release of its tablet device. While the company has remained silent about any possible launch of such a device, rumors and tidbits of information, including recent discoveries suggesting that the device may be called the iSlate (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/25/apple-islate-trademark-and-what-is-a-magic-slate/) or iGuide (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/28/another-buried-apple-trademark-iguide-as-an-alternative-name-to-islate/), have fed the frenzy of anticipation.

Earlier this week, Cloned in China pointed (http://www.clonedinchina.com/2009/12/kaifu-lee-said-apple-tablet-looked-like-a-bigger-iphone.html) to a Chinese-language article (http://tech.163.com/09/1229/01/5RLPNMBP000915BD.html) [Google translation (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http://tech.163.com/09/1229/01/5RLPNMBP000915BD.html&hl=en&langpair=auto|en)] about a blog post apparently from former Google China president Kai-Fu Lee claiming that device will in fact be introduced in January at a price point of under $1000 and will carry a 10.1" multi-touch screen and offer an "amazing user interface", video conferencing capabilities, and e-book offerings in a package described as a "large iPhone". Lee also claims that Apple is expecting first-year sales of 10 million units, far above most observers' expectations at this time.

Lee theoretically could be in a position to have information about the Apple tablet, as his current venture capital company has attracted Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn as an investor. Furthermore, Lee was an executive at Apple during the early 1990s and oversaw development of the Apple Newton handheld device among other projects. Later in the decade, after a stint at SGI, Lee was reportedly personally invited back to Apple (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/15/why-kaifu-lee-turned-down-steve-jobs-and-is-still-cool-with-that/) by Steve Jobs despite the two never having spoken before, an offer Lee declined in order to return to his native China with Microsoft.

One would think that Lee's reputation and experience in the industry with such heavyweights as Apple, Google, Microsoft and SGI would cause him to refrain from publicly sharing any inside information he might have on such a secret project as the tablet, but it is an intriguing possibility, despite the lack of any new, groundbreaking details.

Article Link: Apple January 26th Event 'Confirmed' by Internal Source? Focus on 'Mobility Space'? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/30/apple-january-26th-event-confirmed-by-internal-source-focus-on-mobility-space/)

zedsdead

Dec 30, 2009, 02:17 PM

DipDog3

Dec 30, 2009, 02:24 PM

Funny if they just release some new software or something.

With all the hype it has to be the Tablet or Nothing!

MacsRgr8

Dec 30, 2009, 02:24 PM

kmiahali

Dec 30, 2009, 02:25 PM

This has to be the new Apple tablet, because iPod refreshes are usually later on in the year.

ChazUK

Dec 30, 2009, 02:28 PM

jonnyb

Dec 30, 2009, 02:29 PM

The 'Mobility Space'? What on earth has happened to the English language?

OSX10.6

Dec 30, 2009, 02:32 PM

Optimus Frag

Dec 30, 2009, 02:33 PM

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

appleguy123

Dec 30, 2009, 02:33 PM

ANy chance it could be an introduction of Mac OS 10.7 with one of the new features being extended cloud computing? Or is it too soon?
Hold Up, I bought a new iPod on the 26th of December... Are you telling me that in 2 weeks, there will be a new iPod with the camera? This is BS
TEchnology is an ever changing market. Anything you buy will be "Out of date" in a few months anyway.

derek1984

Dec 30, 2009, 02:35 PM

Bring on the MacTab.

iMacmatician

Dec 30, 2009, 02:36 PM

ANy chance it could be an introduction of Mac OS 10.7 with one of the new features being extended cloud computing? Or is it too soon?WWDC 2010.

Ke1ington

Dec 30, 2009, 02:37 PM

I'd like to believe that Apple has broken their mold and are set to release an update to the iPod Touch/iPhone line or an early release of iPhone 4.0. They seem like a company who would despise being predictable.

Of course that's wild, baseless speculation and, moreso, wishful thinking.

puckhead193

Dec 30, 2009, 02:37 PM

I want mac pros and mbp updates asap!

OSX10.6

Dec 30, 2009, 02:37 PM

ANy chance it could be an introduction of Mac
TEchnology is an ever changing market. Anything you buy will be "Out of date" in a few months anyway.

But common, it hasn't even been six months since the last iPod refresh. I still don't believe this will come out.

griz

Dec 30, 2009, 02:38 PM

A number of things to consider here.
One. The Macbook Air has not been refreshed in a while which could mean that the tablet is its replacement.
Two. The tablet, if released now, will need to be running full OS X since there would be no lead time for software development.
(Notice I said release and not announce)
Three. If this device includes full OS X, it will need a completely new way of interacting with the screen which combines touch capability while giving the user complete point and click control they are used to with a mouse.
Think finger motion tracking over the display with pressure click sensitivity.

I also believe that there is the possibility that Apple will include a software version of the iPhone or iPod Touch interface where you could run a large number of the touch apps inside of this environment.

Lastly, it is my firm belief that Apple has been grooming us for some time now for the use of an on screen keyboard given how the most recent keyboards are now all flat.

Pachang

Dec 30, 2009, 02:38 PM

The 'Mobility Space'? What on earth has happened to the English language?

Mobility Space noun*The set of products defined by the entire collection of mobile products and possible variations of them.

darthraige

Dec 30, 2009, 02:40 PM

iPhone on Verizon will be announced for late 2010. That will be the one more thing.

He'll talk about the iPhone last and give us all the statistics and carriers around the world with check marks. Then underneath it all will be Verizon's red check mark.

mac jones

Dec 30, 2009, 02:40 PM

That Lee guy is probably guessing like everyone else that's why he's openly talking about it.

(Those Chinese translations are dangerous ;) )

holbie

Dec 30, 2009, 02:42 PM

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

Congratulations. You have summarized this whole story.

Moderator, can we please close this thread?

joshuwack

Dec 30, 2009, 02:43 PM

Well - I predict something else for this event.

1. Refreshed MacBook Pro 13", 15" and 17"
2. Refreshed Mac Pro (New Look, Six-Core or Eight Core)*
3. New LED 30" Display*
4. Announcement of iPhone OS 4.0
5. Tablet (iSlate)

*Does not go with the Mobility Theme

Sounds more like a wishlist than a prediction :rolleyes:

jonnyb

Dec 30, 2009, 02:44 PM

Mobility Space noun*The set of products defined by the entire collection of mobile products and possible variations of them.

Typing your answer in the style of a dictionary doesn't make it a noun, I'm afraid :)

It's a horrible sounding phrase. Why not just say the event will focus on mobile products? I still like plain English the best.

espressoroast

Dec 30, 2009, 02:44 PM

I am hoping for a good refresh on the MBP and the Air.
Maybe iPhone OS update,
leading into the main event ("one more thing"), the tablet, as an announcement.

It's a dream scenario but hope springs eternal, right?:)

str1f3

Dec 30, 2009, 02:46 PM

My guess is:
-tablet
-8GB 3GS
-iPod touch with camera

Interesting that it is said that Apple is projecting to sell 10 million units when it will be just an oversized iPhone. The only way they could sell that many is if it was sold at a very low price which Alex Albrecht has rumored on Diggnation.

riversky

Dec 30, 2009, 02:48 PM

cvaldes

Dec 30, 2009, 02:49 PM

Mobility...could be a number of things:

(1) Tablet
(2) Laptop Updates, particularly the Air, which is in dire need of a redesign and price drop
(3) iPod Touch with Camera

Although what I want more than anything is a new Apple TV:(
I doubt if Apple would bother with a major event for notebook updates or the addition of a camera to the iPod touch at this point.

A major redesign of the MacBook Air might warrant a press event; the introduction of a tablet would certainly deserve it.

Another possibility would be a sneak preview of a radically different design for the next-generation iPhone/iPod touch.

peterdevries

Dec 30, 2009, 02:51 PM

8 Gb iPhone 3GS
iPod Touch with Camera
iWork 2010 Cloud edition (or whatever name they give it)
Further mobileMe extensions
Tablet announcement for release in Q2-Q3

clydefamous

Dec 30, 2009, 02:51 PM

I'd be more than happy with Iphone OS 4 news. Cause that islate sounds pretty pricey for a "large iPhone". Although the interface might be something out of minority report, which would be bad ass!

Full of Win

Dec 30, 2009, 02:51 PM

Awsome - Fox News is A+ #1 when it comes to the news, so if they say it's January, then bank on it. Now the long wait for release begins...like it did three years ago.

DCJ001

Dec 30, 2009, 02:55 PM

Hold Up, I bought a new iPod on the 26th of December... Are you telling me that in a month, there will be a new iPod with the camera? This is BS.

You could have bought an iPod with a (video) camera on December 26:

http://images.apple.com/ipodnano/gallery/images/silver_image5_20090909.jpg

The iPod Touch with a camera is coming. The signs have been there. It's just a matter of time.

applesupergeek

Dec 30, 2009, 02:57 PM

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

Haha this is true, lol.

Bring on the ibook!!!!!!

sampro

Dec 30, 2009, 02:57 PM

does this mean only updates for iphones and maybe a tablet ? because im waiting for them to update the macbook pro 13"....if they dont announce an update for macbooks in jan im not waiting any longer:mad:

jo0

Dec 30, 2009, 02:57 PM

My guess is:
-tablet
-8GB 3GS
-iPod touch with camera

^^ having a release event and including an 8GB 3GS seems like step backwards.
"...the next thing we've been working really hard on and is full of innovation is our new 8GB model of the 3GS..." -Jobs

I bet they don't mention it at all (if it even happens) and it just shows up in stores.

appleguy123

Dec 30, 2009, 03:00 PM

^^ having a release event and including an 8GB 3GS seems like step backwards.

I bet they don't mention it at all (if it even happens) and it just shows up in stores.
He probably would be like "We realize that 16GB is still to much for people these days; so we are introducing a much requested product, An 8gb iPhone 3gS"
Then he would show the charts and mention everything that makes iPHone 3gS so great.

dwd3885

Dec 30, 2009, 03:01 PM

under $1000 is not much of a prediction. Could be $99, could be $999.

SirOmega

Dec 30, 2009, 03:01 PM

My guesses:

1. CDMA iPhone, to be released in July (after the exclusivity agreement is up). Apple is simply losing too many sales to not have an iPhone on the Verizon network. The information from France regarding multiple carriers and Apple's dominant smartphone marketshare is significant, and announcing it six months ahead of time means that anyone who is going to be up on their Verizon contract in the next six months doesn't go buy a new smartphone and waits impatiently for the new iPhone to be released. An 8GB 3GS might be included too, specifically for new features created in item #2 (due to the needed extra CPU horsepower to do stuff like video calls).

2. OS 4.0 (or it might be called 3.5, who knows) - many API changes, moving some private APIs devs have been wanting to official. Support for some features on the iPhone and iPod Touch that are standard as a part of...

3. The Tablet.

It fits in the standard "3 item rule" Apple has for many of their keynotes.

wobudong

Dec 30, 2009, 03:01 PM

They've cloned Steve Jobs!!!!
(10million times, finally got it right.)
:cool:

kingtj

Dec 30, 2009, 03:01 PM

I think you're making one of the best guesses here, so far. Exactly my line of thought too, after everything I've read.

It looks like any tablet they announce won't even be shipping until the end of March or early April at the earliest (given rumors about having to add another process to strengthen the glass, etc. etc.), so they'll have to have other items to announce simultaneously, so at least one of them can be purchased soon after the event. But it's not SO far away that they wouldn't announce it by the end of January either.

I think the 8GB version of the 3GS is likely, since it's easy for them to offer... almost a "Why not?" item they can throw in.

Adding a camera to the iPod touch is another item they could easily do, to provide an easy revision bump for the device. After the big Xmas sales, they're probably in a good position to update it too. (No huge inventories of existing stock lying around in warehouses.)

As for selling 10 million tablets? I think it's very possible, if you figure they'll probably sell it for one price, stand-alone, and optionally at a big discount if you sign up for a 2 year 3G cellular data plan for it, through whatever carrier they partner with. (Quite possibly Verizon, since it might explain all those partnership rumors AND still explain why Verizon is even an option, given their anti-iPhone stance in the past. Maybe the iPhone will go to T-Mobile instead?)

My guess is:
-tablet
-8GB 3GS
-iPod touch with camera

Interesting that it is said that Apple is projecting to sell 10 million units when it will be just an oversized iPhone. The only way they could sell that many is if it was sold at a very low price which Alex Albrecht has rumored on Diggnation.

Peace

Dec 30, 2009, 03:01 PM

I think along with the ****** they will show off the new iMedia website. The one they purchased a while back ?.

Cloud computing will come to Apple.

applesupergeek

Dec 30, 2009, 03:02 PM

Since the MacBook Air hasn't been updated for a long time perhaps the iSlate is it's replacement.

Some low power/full multitouch/Mac tablet rather than a new iPhone based device. Perhaps a emulator to run iPhone apps as well as full mac apps.

I 've heard this completely irrational scenario reapeated here a few times...

Some posters just don't get it, the tablet cannot replace the air, they are different classes of devices.

The air is here to stay for a long long time, it's an ultra light and thin and portable computer that has no equal in the apple line up, why would anyone want to take it out of the line up?

What would ultra mobile users use instead? The thick backward macbook pro?

applesupergeek

Dec 30, 2009, 03:06 PM

They've cloned Steve Jobs!!!!
(10million times, finally got it right.)
:cool:

That's sadly not enough Steves to go round...might have to take that sleeping bag and pull a few nights out in the queue. :cool::apple:

niji

Dec 30, 2009, 03:09 PM

MacBook Air morphs into a tablet.
iTunes streaming.
Cloud computing through increased Mobile Me functionality leading to iWork apps via Mobile Me and iWork.com
WiFi model (carrier agnostic) only at first (in order to not totally destroy ATT pipes) followed by LTE model in autumn 2010 (unlocked).

bristleworm

Dec 30, 2009, 03:10 PM

triscuitbiscuit

Dec 30, 2009, 03:11 PM

My guesses:

1. CDMA iPhone, to be released in July (after the exclusivity agreement is up). Apple is simply losing too many sales to not have an iPhone on the Verizon network. The information from France regarding multiple carriers and Apple's dominant smartphone marketshare is significant, and announcing it six months ahead of time means that anyone who is going to be up on their Verizon contract in the next six months doesn't go buy a new smartphone and waits impatiently for the new iPhone to be released. An 8GB 3GS might be included too, specifically for new features created in item #2 (due to the needed extra CPU horsepower to do stuff like video calls).

Why would they waste time developing a CDMA iPhone? That is a step back in technology. It would be an utter waste of resources and time when CDMA will eventually be dead.

odedia

Dec 30, 2009, 03:24 PM

My guesses are:

- Bye-bye to iPhone 3G 8GB
- New 8GB iPhone 3GS, and a bump in size for the other models to 32&64GB (Matches Toshiba's announcement of new NAND chips)
- New Tablet
- Possible updated iPod touch with camera (though I doubt it)
- Double the screen resolution. This goes well with the request from Apple to develop for "full-screen" mode. The iPhone is lacking in this area compared to the competition these days.

scoobydoo99

Dec 30, 2009, 03:25 PM

WHY do we keep seeing iGuide as a possible name for a new tablet? That is ridiculous on the face of it. Apple would NEVER use such a lame, nondescriptive name for their high-profile tablet.

It seems obvious that iGuide would be a good fit for an Apple entry into the online mapping market. Since Apple bought Placebase earlier this year, there is evidence that they will do mapping at some point so they don't have to rely on Google. So, anywhere you see "Goole Maps", think "iGuide" and I think you'll be close :)

Luke1robb

Dec 30, 2009, 03:25 PM

GQB

Dec 30, 2009, 03:26 PM

3. The Tablet.

It fits in the standard "3 item rule" Apple has for many of their keynotes.

Actually, that would be the Captain Kirk rule of three, as in...
"We must follow...the...EXAMPLE... of the... great visionaries.
Thomas Edison,
Steve Jobs, and
Barthog of Remulak."

odedia

Dec 30, 2009, 03:28 PM

I'm pretty sure there won't be a 8GB 3GS or a touch with camera.
An 8 GB model of the iPhone would be a huge step backwards and wouldn't allow for apple to reduce the pricing very much. The memory is not what makes the iPhone expensive.
An iPod Touch with camera is a nice thought, but unless it's a useless video-only camera like in the ipod nano, it wouldn't fit the current form factor. And I don't think people want a thicker iPod touch.

It's not a step backwards if it replaces the current 8Gb iPhone 3G.

And it is a big difference if they bump the other models to 32 and 64 gigabytes.

I recall they did something similar with the first gen iPhone, no? Adding a new option in the middle of the product's life cycle with twice the capacity.

Also don't forget that manufacturing costs go down all the time, a 3GS today costs less to manufacture compared to 6 months ago.

Doctor Q

Dec 30, 2009, 03:28 PM

"Focus on the mobility space"?

I think this means that they've added wheels to iMacs, Mac Pros, and Cinema Displays.

Nicky G

Dec 30, 2009, 03:28 PM

I'm beginning to think that OS X v4 for mobile devices makes a heck of a lot of sense, plus a tablet announcement that, guess what, runs OS X v4 for mobile devices.

Can't you see it?

A 45-minute-plus demo of all the wonderful aspects of OS X 4 for mobile devices. A lot of features shown that might work on the iPhone and iPod Touch, but really scream for a "one more thing" announcement -- the iSlate! Or whatever it's to be called. Frankly, I'd love for them to bring back the iBook branding for such a device, but that seems unlikely.

Yep -- this will be a good one, I think.

Man, I've been on this site for probably a decade or so now, and we've been talking about a true Apple tablet device for that entire time. iPhone and iPod Touch are mostly there, but if this is actually IT, I might just poop my pants.

MattSepeta

Dec 30, 2009, 03:29 PM

wizard

Dec 30, 2009, 03:30 PM

Hold Up, I bought a new iPod on the 26th of December... Are you telling me that in a month, there will be a new iPod with the camera? This is BS.

Why is it BS? Besides this rumor is about a video conferencing camera not the camera that is missing from the current Touch. There for it is a new device. You do want Apple to continue to produce new devices don't you?

Well - I predict something else for this event.

1. Refreshed MacBook Pro 13", 15" and 17"

Yep I still believe this will happen.

2. Refreshed Mac Pro (New Look, Six-Core or Eight Core)*

Nope! Before or after the big event but not during.

3. New LED 30" Display*

So how does a 30" inch display fit into the mobility focus.

4. Announcement of iPhone OS 4.0

I'd rather hope for actual delivery. However I'm truely worried that the new OS might exceed the capability of my current iPhone. I really don't want another contract.

5. Tablet (iSlate)

I'd say this is a very high probability depending upon what your tablet desires are. I say this because I still believe a 7" or smaller tablet has huge potential. However many seem to want a 10" tablet.

In any event I think the Touch family of devices needs to expand significantly over the current line up. For one Apple needs more phones in it's line up because one size does not fit all. Second iPod Touch gaming is huge and a seven inch device just makes that market even more explosive. The seven inch market by the way serves an entirely different market than the ten inch market.

So yeah an expansion in the Touch line up is coming and that is no BS.

Dave

*Does not go with the Mobility Theme

rdowns

Dec 30, 2009, 03:32 PM

After all the hype, if they don't release or announce this mythical tablet, AAPL will tumble.

"Focus on the mobility space"?

I think this means that they've added wheels to iMacs, Mac Pros, and Cinema Displays.

Or maybe they're going to take a run at thescooterstore.com :D

Awsome - Fox News is A+ #1 when it comes to the news, so if they say it's January, then bank on it. Now the long wait for release begins...like it did three years ago.

Must you come into news threads with your political trolling?

Luke1robb

Dec 30, 2009, 03:34 PM

It seems obvious that iGuide would be a good fit for an Apple entry into the online mapping market. Since Apple bought Placebase earlier this year, there is evidence that they will do mapping at some point so they don't have to rely on Google. So, anywhere you see "Google Maps", think "iGuide" and I think you'll be close :)

I think you might be on to something...It iGuide will either be there entry into Maps or renaming the Maps application on the phone or it will become the iTunes of print media as others have suggested. You'd go into iGuide to download the NYT or WSJ or People Magazine or your favorite book (possible Kindle Store integration).

BJB Productions

Dec 30, 2009, 03:34 PM

iPod Touch with camera please. :D ;)

jo0

Dec 30, 2009, 03:34 PM

4. Announcement of iPhone OS 4.0

I'd rather hope for actual delivery. However I'm truely worried that the new OS might exceed the capability of my current iPhone. I really don't want another contract.

I would imagine they would tune 4.0 to previous models...ie turning off certain features, etc. They aren't complete upgrade nazi's are they? :apple:

bergmef

Dec 30, 2009, 03:36 PM

After all the hype, if they don't release or announce this mythical tablet, AAPL will tumble.

Or maybe they're going to take a run at thescooterstore.com :D

Must you come into news threads with your political trolling?

Aren't the others trolling as well?

wizard

Dec 30, 2009, 03:42 PM

But common, it hasn't even been six months since the last iPod refresh. I still don't believe this will come out.

if it is entirely new product it could come out anytime. As to the current iPod Touch that item has clearly been designed for a camera, as such anybody buying the current Touch should realize that an upgrade is not far off. A person would have to be pretty dense not to expect a refreshed Touch real soon now.

In any event a refreshed Touch isn't likely to be the focus of the show. Rather I'm convinced new products will be. Oh by the way the notebooks may very well be overhauled to the point they could be called new products too. Even so I don't think the notebook refresh will be the primary focus, instead we will see really new products.

Of those really new products one has to ask just how many will there be. My hope is for multiple tablet sizes to make everybody happy.

Dave

ashoka8350

Dec 30, 2009, 03:44 PM

:D

MOBILITY..SPACE = WEB..CLOUD

Cyclotrode

Dec 30, 2009, 03:45 PM

Hold Up, I bought a new iPod on the 26th of December... Are you telling me that in a month, there will be a new iPod with the camera? This is BS.

You still have time to restore it back to factory default and return it to the store you got it from.

mstrmac

Dec 30, 2009, 03:50 PM

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

Certainly would not want you to report back, they told the truth. THE SKY IS BLUE BUT BECAUSE FOXNEWS REPORTED IT...well get the point!!!:D
:apple:

brendanspah764

Dec 30, 2009, 03:52 PM

Mobility...could be a number of things:

(1) Tablet
(2) Laptop Updates, particularly the Air, which is in dire need of a redesign and price drop
(3) iPod Touch with Camera

Although what I want more than anything is a new Apple TV:(

You never know, it would sound like Apple to update all four. I would love the Tablet, and the Air is actually a computer that I would like to get for college. I don't need the iPod Touch; I got the iPod Nano instead. So the invites (if 26th is confirmed) would be sent when?

appleguy123

Dec 30, 2009, 03:52 PM

SirOmega

Dec 30, 2009, 03:52 PM

Why would they waste time developing a CDMA iPhone? That is a step back in technology. It would be an utter waste of resources and time when CDMA will eventually be dead.

Easy - because it wont be until 2015 where you can go all the places Verizon has their CDMA 3G network now and will have 4G/LTE network access.

So Apple can wait 5 years for a pure LTE phone that works seamlessly on Verizon's network, or they can intro a CDMA iPhone and capture another 10M in annual US phone sales.

In 2011 maybe we see the 4G iPhone, but even then its LTE/GSM/CDMA to work on AT&T's and Verizon's networks because LTE coverage wont be everywhere.

tonyshucraft

Dec 30, 2009, 03:54 PM

Must you come into news threads with your political trolling?

Heh, if you think somebody who disagrees with the political tones of Fox News is the only one that might object to what they call news, I probably could find somebody whom would disagree with you. Recall how they handled the coverage of Mass Effect and the tiny amount of sexuality in it? It was basically people whom didn't know much about the game talking about how bad that scene was and then the expert later admitting that she knew little of what she was talking about.

That's just an example of quite a few. They could be right on this one, but that would mean that others before them were right. As a news source, I don't really trust them. Which I guess is relevant to the topic on hand.

Really, I think that iGuide is the guide to get around our iMedia on the iGo using our iSlates as we realize that we have no iLife and need to get iLaid.

JAT

Dec 30, 2009, 03:54 PM

What would ultra mobile users use instead? The thick backward macbook pro?

Well, duh. The theory is that these users would use a tablet, instead. An even-lighter-than-the-MBA product. For some it will be enough.

And calling any current Apple laptop "thick" is just stupid. They feel like paper compared to Dell machines.

lcm123

Dec 30, 2009, 03:57 PM

I predict there will be a sell out on man-purses to go with these :p

shen

Dec 30, 2009, 04:02 PM

Heh, if you think somebody who disagrees with the political tones of Fox News is the only one that might object to what they call news, I probably could find somebody whom would disagree with you. Recall how they handled the coverage of Mass Effect and the tiny amount of sexuality in it? It was basically people whom didn't know much about the game talking about how bad that scene was and then the expert later admitting that she knew little of what she was talking about.

That's just an example of quite a few. They could be right on this one, but that would mean that others before them were right. As a news source, I don't really trust them. Which I guess is relevant to the topic on hand.

indeed. political leanings aside, Fox "news" has a collection of insane tabloid journalists yelling about anything they want to shill. if they get something right it is sheer luck, as they wouldn't know a fact if it curled up on Glen Beck's head and died there....

...in other words, not a rumor i take seriously.

hwhalers

Dec 30, 2009, 04:04 PM

I want mac pros and mbp updates asap!

We're in the minority, but that's the only announcement I want to hear at the moment, apart from iPhone 4,1. Apple could have about four thousand of my nice, green dollars if they'd just announce the 12-core MPs.

flynz4

Dec 30, 2009, 04:04 PM

Well, duh. The theory is that these users would use a tablet, instead. An even-lighter-than-the-MBA product. For some it will be enough.

And calling any current Apple laptop "thick" is just stupid. They feel like paper compared to Dell machines.

Both your post, and the one you quoted are blown out of proportion.

Clearly the MBP is not a "backwards" device.
Also clearly... the MBA is an incredible laptop... irrespective of the relative size between a MBP and a Dell.

The MBP and MBA compliment each other quite nicely. The MBP is a great mainstream laptop... and the MBA offers a product that is in a class by itself. I own one of each.

/Jim

capoeirista

Dec 30, 2009, 04:05 PM

Awsome - Fox News is A+ #1 when it comes to the news

Hahahaha

On topic, the hype machine is in full swing now, Every news source I've seen/heard (mostly non-tech) has mentioned this event. I hope that whatever they release is going to be good...

odedia

Dec 30, 2009, 04:05 PM

MacFly123

Dec 30, 2009, 04:09 PM

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

Haha, very nice! :D

I am very excited for this event though! :eek:

dagamer34

Dec 30, 2009, 04:12 PM

wizard

Dec 30, 2009, 04:12 PM

A number of things to consider here.
One. The Macbook Air has not been refreshed in a while which could mean that the tablet is its replacement.

I'd rather see Apple fix the mistakes they made with AIR because right now it should be an embarrassment. The unfortunate thing here is that tablets can't replace laptops. The use cases aren't interchangable.

Two. The tablet, if released now, will need to be running full OS X since there would be no lead time for software development.
(Notice I said release and not announce)

That is BS as many iPhone apps could run fine on a tablet right now. The provisions for higher resolution displays is already built into the SDK. Of course some won't but that happens with any hardware/software revision. The biggest problem areas are likely to be graphics intensive games. Given that there would be fewer issues than trying to run kegacy Mac IS apps on the thing. Plus if it runs ARM you really wouldn't want Mac OS on the thing for marketing reasons.

Three. If this device includes full OS X, it will need a completely new way of interacting with the screen which combines touch capability while giving the user complete point and click control they are used to with a mouse.

It is beginning to sound like Apple has put a lot of work into this device. As such I've imagined a number of possibilities all of which work to minimize the chance of running Mac OS on the tablet. In any event think about the development issues here, with iPhone OS as the base for the interface you can innovate without pissing off a large number of users or developers.

Think finger motion tracking over the display with pressure click sensitivity.

I also believe that there is the possibility that Apple will include a software version of the iPhone or iPod Touch interface where you could run a large number of the touch apps inside of this environment.

Why? If it is an ARM based machine why not run the apps as is? I'm not convinced that windowing iPhone apps is required but it certainly could be offered as an option. The reality is the app owning screen metaphor works well with Touch tablets.

Lastly, it is my firm belief that Apple has been grooming us for some time now for the use of an on screen keyboard given how the most recent keyboards are now all flat.

I don't know about that. In the end the user either accepts the interface or he doesn't. Of course there is a lot more to acceptance than the interface as AIR demonstrates. The Tablet could flop simply because Apple doesn't get the I/O right. That is if you accept that AIR flopped more for what it didn't offer rather than for what it did.

Now if Apple does a 180 and puts an Intel processor in the tablet then all bets are off. I don't think that will happen though because the only way to get enough processors into the tablet, to do the job, is via ARM processors. Cites and parallel processing will make the Tablet hum.

Dave

DakotaGuy

Dec 30, 2009, 04:13 PM

Easy - because it wont be until 2015 where you can go all the places Verizon has their CDMA 3G network now and will have 4G/LTE network access.

So Apple can wait 5 years for a pure LTE phone that works seamlessly on Verizon's network, or they can intro a CDMA iPhone and capture another 10M in annual US phone sales.

In 2011 maybe we see the 4G iPhone, but even then its LTE/GSM/CDMA to work on AT&T's and Verizon's networks because LTE coverage wont be everywhere.

I don't think we will see a Verizon iPhone. It is easily possible and profitable to build one that works on a CDMA network, but that's not the reason. We won't see it because AT&T will do whatever it takes to keep the device exclusive. Yes, AT&T sells other phones, but the iPhone is what has kept them growing at a record pace the last few years. Apple has stated before they value AT&T and think AT&T is the best service for their phone.

Apple has commercials that say Verizon is not acceptable because you can't surf and talk at the same time. Now are they going to turn around a month after the commercials ran and say... oh yeah forget what we said about Verizon, we are going to be partners with them? Not likely. At least not this year.

I'd say the possibility of an iPhone on Verizon at the present time is highly doubtful and not because it is not possible, but because AT&T will do whatever it takes to keep the iPhone exclusive. I doubt Apple is going to slap AT&T on the face if they are a partnership they value so much.

Bye Bye Baby

Dec 30, 2009, 04:18 PM

It would be nice if the iSlate or whatever could have the power of a macbook and that it could be paired with a bluetooth keyboard and then used either as a tablet or as a laptop. That would be cool. Just a tablet- I just can't see it working.

OSX10.6

Dec 30, 2009, 04:23 PM

The iSlate name really makes me mad. I hate that name.

I liked MacTab or Macsipad better. iSlate sounds so... weird :confused:

ermir4444

Dec 30, 2009, 04:24 PM

This is my opinion about what will go down on Jan 26th.

PART ONE - LAPTOPS

- Jobs will come on stage and say that this event is all about mobility.
- He will start off with the MacBook Pro's. All of them will be updated with the base 13" going to 2.66 and the 15 and 17 getting arrandales (like the Imac 21.5 and 27). Same goes for the Macbook air wich will have glass track-pad and glossy display
- New MBP need to go with updated Cinema Displays. Dont have any idea on size but one thing is for sure all will be LED backlit

PART TWO - IPHONE, IPOD TOUCH

- A lot of bragging about iphone sales worldwide and all that crap
- New iphone 3gs 8 GB and ipod touch with camera

PART THREE - ONE MORE THING

- ISLATE ISLATE ISLATE - Nothing like you thought it would be

applesupergeek

Dec 30, 2009, 04:26 PM

Well, duh. The theory is that these users would use a tablet, instead. An even-lighter-than-the-MBA product. For some it will be enough.

And calling any current Apple laptop "thick" is just stupid. They feel like paper compared to Dell machines.

Yeah but they feel like bricks compared to the air.

The tablet can't and won't replace the uses of the air. It's just a different device. It's a reading/video/music/light email type of device, it's not a thin and light notebook, it wont run os x. Thin and light notebooks are the hypest thing in the tec world and the most practical for people on the go, and have been so for a few years.

Apple made a stunning entry with the air and there's no chance in hell that they take it out of their line up. They didn't go through the pains of a super low gb hd or ssd, or a custom cpu, in the first iteration, to have it vanish into thin, well, air in a few years. The air is a device with the future in mind above all, made thinner than then tec would allow, verging on too thin for its own good even, but positioned to take advantage of the revolutions in tec in these coming years.

If there's one outcome actually it's the completely opposite of this inane "prediction" that the air will be replaced by the tablet: it's that the air will become an even better, even more of a powerful mac than ever before, really coming along. Until eventually the macbook pro gets as thin as the air, and then only will apple possibly stop producing this iconic computer.

rdowns

Dec 30, 2009, 04:28 PM

Apple has commercials that say Verizon is not acceptable because you can't surf and talk at the same time. Now are they going to turn around a month after the commercials ran and say... oh yeah forget what we said about Verizon, we are going to be partners with them? Not likely. At least not this year.

That wouldn't even factor into Apple's decision. Nobody wants to watch video on a screen the size of the iPod's. A month later the Video iPod was introduced. Just one example, Apple has done this many times.

FWIW, I don't think Verizon will ever see the iPhone.

thejakill

Dec 30, 2009, 04:33 PM

Yeah but they feel like bricks compared to the air.

The tablet can't and won't replace the uses of the air. It's just a different device. It's a reading/video/music/light email type of device, it's not a thin and light notebook, it wont run os x. Thin and light notebooks are the hypest thing in the tec world and the most practical for people on the go, and have been so for a few years.

Apple made a stunning entry with the air and there's no chance in hell that they take it out of their line up. They didn't go through the pains of a super low gb hd or ssd, or a custom cpu, in the first iteration, to have it vanish into thin, well, air in a few years. The air is a device with the future in mind above all, made thinner than then tec would allow, verging on too thin for its own good even, but positioned to take advantage of the revolutions in tec in these coming years.

If there's one outcome actually it's the completely opposite of this inane "prediction" that the air will be replaced by the tablet: it's that the air will become an even better, even more of a powerful mac than ever before, really coming along. Until eventually the macbook pro gets as thin as the air, and then only will apple possibly stop producing this iconic computer.

Agreed. The air and a tablet would fit into different categories. I have an air and it does not disappoint.

Why are all these people hoping the tablet runs full OSX? Just get a laptop. The tablet will run iPhone OS.

SirOmega

Dec 30, 2009, 04:37 PM

I don't think we will see a Verizon iPhone. It is easily possible and profitable to build one that works on a CDMA network, but that's not the reason. We won't see it because AT&T will do whatever it takes to keep the device exclusive. Yes, AT&T sells other phones, but the iPhone is what has kept them growing at a record pace the last few years. Apple has stated before they value AT&T and think AT&T is the best service for their phone.

Apple has commercials that say Verizon is not acceptable because you can't surf and talk at the same time. Now are they going to turn around a month after the commercials ran and say... oh yeah forget what we said about Verizon, we are going to be partners with them? Not likely. At least not this year.

I'd say the possibility of an iPhone on Verizon at the present time is highly doubtful and not because it is not possible, but because AT&T will do whatever it takes to keep the iPhone exclusive. I doubt Apple is going to slap AT&T on the face if they are a partnership they value so much.

And after all the shenanigans on AT&T's network in places like NYC, Chicago and SF, I don't think AT&T really wants too many more iPhones on their network. They love the higher per-device revenue but they don't like the network infrastructure investment.

And remember, Apple has to agree, and if there was an extension of the exclusivity, Apple could ask for AT&T to put a SLA in the contract so AT&T would be forced to keep their network from falling apart in major metro areas. Remember - Apple loses out on device sales when people skip over AT&T because their network cant handle that many devices. Apple loses money when AT&T's network sucks.

applesupergeek

Dec 30, 2009, 04:40 PM

Agreed. The air and a tablet would fit into different categories. I have an air and it does not disappoint.

Why are all these people hoping the tablet runs full OSX? Just get a laptop. The tablet will run iPhone OS.

Ι 've kept my powerbook g4 12" which to me is probably the best notebook ever created, because of the some minor quibbles with the air (screen opening max angle, size of ssd, no matte option) but I am very much looking forward to an air as soon as some of these minor issues are ironed out, I am sure I am going to love it.

Of course what with the new air and tablet I better start saving some money!

wizard

Dec 30, 2009, 04:40 PM

I would imagine they would tune 4.0 to previous models...ie turning off certain features, etc. They aren't complete upgrade nazi's are they? :apple:

Considering todays iPhone/Touch hardware is twice as fast as my 3G I could see great difficulty in running a more complex version of iPhone OS on it. Combine that with a possible hardware refresh that takes performance beyound 2X and you would have to agree that the 3G is aging fast. Even so I'd like to get another 6-12 months out of it running current software.

So no they are not Nazis, I just don't want to be left out in the cold with an iPhone that is sluggish running the latest OS. On the otherhand there may be room for optimization in 4.0. I say that because 3.0 seemed to be a performance regression. A new set of libs, Safari with a new Javascript engine and a few other refinements could lead to performance improvements. So I'm hopeful but at the same time fully aware that cell phones age real fast.

Dave

jimoase

Dec 30, 2009, 04:42 PM

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

Since the beginning of time we are individually responsible for our own choices and actions. There seems to be a growing need to verify our sources of information from all sources including media, government and even school books. Its unfortunate.

We as a society get more of what we pay attention to. If our information sources are suspect we the people need to research and question these sources. In the end a better educated society is our key to free us from misinformation.

We the people are going to need to do more than point fingers, we are the problem and the solution.

jasonv1

Dec 30, 2009, 04:49 PM

I dumped my Kindle DX a few weeks back in anticipation of an upcoming Mac tablet. I liked the device for viewing my (PDF) tech books but I really wished it did more for the price.

Assuming a tablet is announced it should be able to do way more, keep a similar footprint (the Kindle keyboards are essentially wasted space in my opinion), and not cost a significant amount more in terms of price versus a Kindle DX (from a money per feature standpoint anyway; I figure the tablet will have to be at least $700 if not $800).

Just my worthless opinion anyway.

Jason

Speedy2

Dec 30, 2009, 04:52 PM

This is my opinion about what will go down on Jan 26th.

I think you're pretty much spot on, apart from the new MBPs. There's no way we'll see Arrandale in a MBP anytime soon. Way too much power consumption. The Arrandale notebooks that are available right now are pretty crappy in terms of battery life, weight, thickness and fan noise. Apple can't do magic in this area.

I say instead: MBPs will get a spec bump and that's it.

BTW, the new iMacs use desktop-class CPUs only, so they can't serve as basis for predictions about MBP or MB developments anymore.

applesupergeek

Dec 30, 2009, 04:53 PM

Since the beginning of time we are individually responsible for our own choices and actions. There seems to be a growing need to verify our sources of information from all sources including media, government and even school books. Its unfortunate.

We as a society get more of what we pay attention to. If our information sources are suspect we the people need to research and question these sources. In the end a better educated society is our key to free us from misinformation.

We the people are going to need to do more than point fingers, we are the problem and the solution.

Sure, but it doesn't help at all that some people are actively involved in misconstruing or concealing reality, the media being a prime force there. And of course you have to consider that most people are both very easily swayed (and that's why propaganda is ripe) and not intelligent enough to discern. Add to it that most of us lack the time and resources, especially the former, to research every conceivable interest field, which makes honesty in reporting in the media all the more pertinent.

Speedy2

Dec 30, 2009, 04:58 PM

Since the beginning of time we are individually responsible for our own choices and actions. There seems to be a growing need to verify our sources of information from all sources including media, government and even school books. Its unfortunate.

Well, I don't see how this was different in the past. It's not that the sources became unreliable, it's more the fact that we have many more sources now and at the same time the possibility to verify their claims by comparing them and getting to the bottom of things. It takes time and effort tho. Still way better than 20 years ago when we could believe what TV or newspapers told us or basically go to hell.

So when Fox News tells us "jump" and some people jump, well, it's basically up to them because they could always find out if we should really jump. Free country. And no, I wouldn't jump.

Detlev_73

Dec 30, 2009, 05:02 PM

Let's see: the ugly, white, polycarbonate "education" MacBook is reduced as per a Page 2 thread. There are no other products currently called "MacBook". The MacBook Air, although beautiful for its thinness, only has two models: hard-drive based and SSD.

I can see it now. Steve Jobs walks on stage, starts giving stats on iTunes, apps sold, market share increase in the iPhone, etc. to continue the excitement buildup.

Then he announces "Starting today we are discontinuing the MacBook Air; it's history. Also we are discontinuing the Macbook. Say hello to the [insert tablet product name]!" Pictures of the beautiful, physical keyboard-less tablet comes up, and EVERYONE in the room makes a standing applause wave that lasts for many minutes with Jobs grinning until he tells everyone "shut the ******* up! You got what you wanted!" :p

Black Belt

Dec 30, 2009, 05:02 PM

The Tablet is coming! It is more than just a "big iPhone", it will do all of that of course and be a superb web-browser, but it will also be a direct competitor to the Amazon Kindle and take it even further - Electronic Textbooks. Apple has always been tied in with education, what better way to further that mission than to transform the textbook market by delivering textbooks on an e-reader, with notation capabilities and the works. Cheaper books, no lugging around 40 pounds of pulp. It will feature a new section in iTunes - books and textbooks and also allow teachers to publish notes (much like you publish a podcast) for deliver as a companion to textbooks. And as a competitor to Kindle it will do what Kindle won't, deliver full-color books and PDFs along with full-color VIDEO. AND WIRELESS! You can read your book and do your papers and homework on the same device. And being LED backlit, it will hopefully provide a superior battery-life than previous Apple devices.

And the iPod Touch with camera is coming as well, so look out for new Apps that take advantage of the camera feature to read bar codes, etc. Finally Evernote will be fully featured for the Touch as well!

iMacmatician

Dec 30, 2009, 05:03 PM

My (somewhat vague) predictions (which I am likely to modify closer to the event but here goes…):

1. Possible updates before the event

MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lines may be updated the week before January 26.

2. Small updates at the start of the event

iPod touch with camera? Other small iPod/iPhone updates?

3. Main product

iSlate tablet, 7" and 10", runs iPhone OS with additional features and apps.

CPU, RAM, and flash memory are increased by 2x-4x over the iPhone and iPod touch.

Apps that are made to fit the larger display of the iSlate are demoed.

New Apple software (e-book reader?) on the iSlate.

Apple software, either updates to existing software or new software, that ties into the iSlate (iGuide?). iTunes update is likely.

shadowbird423

Dec 30, 2009, 05:04 PM

Shall22

Dec 30, 2009, 05:05 PM

For what it's worth, I think Steve will be appearing on stage and designating 2010 'the year of 3-d'.

Imagine a tablet that can sense where your eyes are (via a behind the screen camera) and thus display a true 3-d image without polarising glasses; that uses the perception of depth and the touch screen to take the OSX interface to a whole new level of engagement, intuitiveness and interactivity; that can offer developers an SDK to build interactive 3-d games and applications as well as creating a whole new means of expression for magazine and newspaper publishers (thus creating a whole new itunes marketplace).

It would also be a tablet that could play Avatar, in full 3-d glory.

All the above technologies are published Apple patents; I think they just might be brought together this January to create the killer gadget to end all gadgets.

Now wouldn't that be fun?

Chupa Chupa

Dec 30, 2009, 05:05 PM

Hold Up, I bought a new iPod on the 26th of December... Are you telling me that in a month, there will be a new iPod with the camera? This is BS.

Well - I predict something else for this event.

1. Refreshed MacBook Pro 13", 15" and 17"
2. Refreshed Mac Pro (New Look, Six-Core or Eight Core)*
3. New LED 30" Display*
4. Announcement of iPhone OS 4.0
5. Tablet (iSlate)

*Does not go with the Mobility Theme

Agree w/ 1 & 5. MP & new 27" display (yes, not 30") will wait for another day in late Feb or March. Lately Apple has not mixed consumer toys w/ consumer toys.

iPhone 4.0 won't come until WWDC. Bank on it. However, we might see iPhone 3.3.

iPod updates unlikely. Apple's not going to screw w/ it's now-traditional Fall launch period. iPhone 3GS 8GB, maybe as the warm-up act.

iLife '10 also a possibility -- though I get the feeling it's fallen off Apple's annual to-do priority list given the lame updates the past few years.

Xibalba

Dec 30, 2009, 05:05 PM

I can only chuckle that in this age of technology, social networking, and spread of information that Apple has been able to keep us all completely confused about this new "big" event.

People have postulated new iphone, tablet, mac pro, appletv, ipod, cloud computing, etc and everyday a new rumor pushes one closer to the top only to be dismissed the next day.

I am amazingly confused but patiently waiting...kudos Apple.

lilo777

Dec 30, 2009, 05:08 PM

For all we know, the "mobility space" could just mean super thin Steve Jobs. I guess my speculation is as good as anyone's. The noise to news ratio in Apple "mobility space" is clearly too high.

Rocketman

Dec 30, 2009, 05:10 PM

That Lee guy is probably guessing like everyone else that's why he's openly talking about it.

(Those Chinese translations are dangerous ;) )
I think he is simply reinforcing those public rumors he feels most likely to be true. He is better positioned to TALK about the sift wheat from chaff than anybody else who does know or is talking.

The event is likely to announce a new ecosystem and show prototype hardware that will be released at a future date. There is an above average chance developers will be able to buy prototype hardware for application development.

This means the 10.1" variant will go now and by the time of actual release the 7" variant will have a dense enough display to have similar resolution. This will allow only a single second resolution to be out there for developers to work on. Gamers are pixel junkies so the iPhone's fixed screen res is important to them.

For years we had expected 10.6 to have a resolution independent scaling capability, but it appears this is a feature not yet ready for prime time.

We are still in Apple II pixel counting mode. :)

Rocketman

inkswamp

Dec 30, 2009, 05:11 PM

Typing your answer in the style of a dictionary doesn't make it a noun, I'm afraid :)

It's a horrible sounding phrase. Why not just say the event will focus on mobile products? I still like plain English the best.

Even more succinctly, just say the event will focus on mobility. "Mobility space" sounds like one of those jargon phrases that get corporate types all hot and bothered. It does sound horrible.

LagunaSol

Dec 30, 2009, 05:14 PM

Tablet, great. But MacBook updates please!

And BRING BACK THE NEWTON NAME! Tired of iStuff. Newton is a great brand.

Must you come into news threads with your political trolling?

He didn't start it.

Chupa Chupa

Dec 30, 2009, 05:14 PM

Then he announces "Starting today we are discontinuing the MacBook Air; it's history. Also we are discontinuing the Macbook.

I can see Apple EOLing the MBA but Apple not only just updated the MB but they gave it a brand new case. There is no way Apple spent all those scarce R&D dollars to re-engineer the MB only to kill it a few months later. If that was their intent they would have just given the MB a lousy speed/HD bump to string it along until they were ready to dump it.

I suspect the limited MB reduction was to pump up EDU market share by making it easier to grab students' Xmas cash and nothing else.

hugodrax

Dec 30, 2009, 05:17 PM

The rumor is the xMac is going to be announced with Duke Nukem Forever OS X port demonstration to show off the graphics of the new low priced minitower Mac.

Tablet is not gonna happen.

wizard

Dec 30, 2009, 05:20 PM

Agreed. The air and a tablet would fit into different categories. I have an air and it does not disappoint.

I'm glad you like the AIR but for many of us the initial device was a huge disappointment. It is probably the best Apple example of failure due to an excessive focus on design over function.

They improved the machine a lot with the NVidia chipset but in my opinion it still doesn't offer everthing a laptop should offer. Even that would be so bad but we gave $399 Netbooks far outclassing AIR in features. In the end I highly doubt that AIR brings in enough revenue to justify the whole development process.

Why are all these people hoping the tablet runs full OSX? Just get a laptop. The tablet will run iPhone OS.

That is what I'd like to know myself. Mac OS/X simply would be a huge mistake. I think part of the problem is that people look at iPhones tiny screen and equate that functionality with a tablet. That won't be the case at all; much of what is seen on iPhone are apps, these can beceasily enhanced to offer up even more features on a tablet. Those fatures can be easily supported by the larger screen and faster hardware.

Part of the problem is that Anericans are so technically ignorant now that the don't know the difference between an app and an operating system. On the iPhone all that users really see are the apps, the OS for the most part is hidden away. About the only thing that can be considered OS related might ve Spring board and the preferences pane.

Also when it comes to the tablet Apple might see web apps as the future for some services. E-Mail might be a good example with Apple dropping the native app.

Note right now I'd hate to see that happen as I prefer the native E-Mail client. However an E-Mail service accessed with a full HTML 5 client, on a fast machine, might not be that bad. In the end though we are still talking about iPhone OS, the apps and services might be different but does anybody expect Apple to simply port the apps over with no effort to use the new screen real. estate?

Well some apps they might due simply to the lack of need to add features. But let's face it Safari on a tablet could use a few more features than what is offered up by iPhone. With more RAM and faster hardware those features are easy to add. All would still use the Multi Touch base that comes from iPhone.

Plus on top of all of this it is well known that the tech in iPhone was acquired from tablet project at Apple that has yet to see the light of day. This should be most significant as one can easily imagine a triming process to prune that code base to fit an iPhone as originally speced. All Apple needs to do now is to finish off that development, make sure it is compatible with iPhone software and sell it to us in a cheap tablet.

Dave

Chupa Chupa

Dec 30, 2009, 05:24 PM

The rumor is the xMac is going to be announced with Duke Nukem Forever OS X port demonstration to show off the graphics of the new low priced minitower Mac.

Tablet is not gonna happen.

If nothing is going to happen it's a low priced Mac minitower. Desktops are becoming less and less popular. Portable computing is where the dollars are these days. Apple's not going to waste it's cred announcing a 1990s style minitower.

BryanLyle

Dec 30, 2009, 05:28 PM

Maybe iPhone will be coming to Verizon. :)

Pretty please.

cvaldes

Dec 30, 2009, 05:29 PM

The rumor is the xMac is going to be announced with Duke Nukem Forever OS X port demonstration to show off the graphics of the new low priced minitower Mac.
Chupa's right.

Every year, the percentage of notebook sales increases (they account for over half of Mac sales these days). The Mac Cube sold poorly and a mini-desktop tower would be a rehash.

There is growth potential for a media tablet. There is no growth for a minitower.

hwhalers

Dec 30, 2009, 05:30 PM

Tablet, great. But MacBook updates please!

And BRING BACK THE NEWTON NAME! Tired of iStuff. Newton is a great brand.

Newton was John Sculley's baby. Steve Jobs isn't going to do anything that gives any kind of tribute to Sculley if he can at all help it.

Black Belt

Dec 30, 2009, 05:31 PM

I agree with a couple of posts -

iPhone OS for the Tablet, lord help them if they put MacOS on it, no one wants that on a utility device.

The Newton is a GREAT name. They'd be fools to not call it that. Sure John Sculley was a moron but what better way to wipe him off the history books than to make the Newton that actually sells.

spydr

Dec 30, 2009, 05:37 PM

My bet is on:
Mobility device(s) - Revised iPhone/iPod touch and a preview of iSlate
Mobility service(s) - iWork on the cloud and the next version of iTunes that has Lala within.

iMacmatician

Dec 30, 2009, 05:38 PM

I think part of the problem is that people look at iPhones tiny screen and equate that functionality with a tablet.To me it seems that this is the main assumption people will make, they think that everything but the display size will be copied right over to the tablet.

Hence the comments along the lines of "the tablet will be nothing but a larger iPhone."

Mr. Gates

Dec 30, 2009, 05:38 PM

I think that 4.0 will not be announced until closer to the release date of the next gen iPhone. iPhone 2g & 3g support will have to be included because the 3g is still being sold today, which puts it in the update window. The 3g and 2g are extremely similar, so the 2g will probably be included because of its shared components. Major optimization of the OS is necessary in order to maintain a consistent user interface. They certainly have their work cut out for them....

I don't see why incompatibility of OS 4.0 with the 2G means lack of support. The OS has already undergone several revisions and all have been supported so far. But in hopes of some Really Amazing hardware....... I reall hope the 2G is NOT supported .;)

applesupergeek

Dec 30, 2009, 05:38 PM

I'm glad you like the AIR but for many of us the initial device was a huge disappointment. It is probably the best Apple example of failure due to an excessive focus on design over function.

They improved the machine a lot with the NVidia chipset but in my opinion it still doesn't offer everthing a laptop should offer. Even that would be so bad but we gave $399 Netbooks far outclassing AIR in features. In the end I highly doubt that AIR brings in enough revenue to justify the whole development process.
Dave

Dave, tell me one netbook that outclasses the AIR in features. ONE. And tell me ONE netbook then that "far outclasses" the AIR.

Actually the contrary is true, the air far outclasses ALL and ANY netbook that was EVER on the market.

And what is everything a laptop should offer? Because each laptop class , the 13", the 15" the 17" has a very different scope of what they should offer.

What's more, the air is lighter and thinner than most laptops, and thus it offers MORE than most laptops in that sense.

The air is a fully developed product that's just churning in a great deal of $$$, no need for further development at the moment, except the addition of better features as the ssd, cpu and memories evolve.

flynz4

Dec 30, 2009, 05:54 PM

Dave, tell me one netbook that outclasses the AIR in features. ONE. And tell me ONE netbook then that "far outclasses" the AIR.

Actually the contrary is true, the air far outclasses ALL and ANY netbook that was EVER on the market.

And what is everything a laptop should offer? Because each laptop class , the 13", the 15" the 17" has a very different scope of what they should offer.

What's more, the air is lighter and thinner than most laptops, and thus it offers MORE than most laptops in that sense.

The air is a fully developed product that's just churning in a great deal of $$$, no need for further development at the moment, except the addition of better features as the ssd, cpu and memories evolve.
I have owned about 20 laptops in my life... and my MBA is my favorite of all time. I also have a 15" MBP (supplied by my employer) and I do not like it 10% as much as my MBA.

Having said that:

If I could only have a single computer (or if I chose to have only one)... I would choose a MBP. I would be torn between a 13" and a 15"... but I would probably choose the 15".

If I could own two computers... it would currently be a 27" i7 iMac and a MBA w/SSD. This is what I personally own for my private use... and the combination is fantastic. As more of our data moves naturally into the cloud... the MBA gets better and better.

I also own a 15" MBP... but I use that exclusively for work. Previously, I always used my corporate laptop for both work and personal use... but the MBA is such a joy to use... I no longer use my 15" MBP for personal use.

I cannot see Apple dropping the MBA. The trend in laptops is thinner and lighter... and the MBA is the best of breed already.

/Jim

str1f3

Dec 30, 2009, 05:56 PM

I agree with a couple of posts -

iPhone OS for the Tablet, lord help them if they put MacOS on it, no one wants that on a utility device.

I see this tablet coming in at a very low subsidized price (possibly $300). Maybe even the data plan would be cheap.

IMHO, the problem is the iPhone OS is too simple for a larger screen and the Mac OS is not meant for multitouch.

I would have liked to see them remake OSX to be a touch OS, at least for this device. It doesn't have to have all the features of the Mac but just the fundamentals. As it is rumored this thing will have to jailbroken to get even the fraction of the potential this machine has to offer.

TheWatchfulOne

Dec 30, 2009, 06:00 PM

Has everybody but me forgotten that January seems to be the time when new versions of iLife and iWork are talked about?

How about this for an event agenda:

1. iLife 2010 and iWork 2010 software suites introduced as full 64 bit applications for Macs running Snow Leopard. 32 bit version included for Macs running Leopard.

2. But what if you want to take it with you on your iPhone? Introducing mobile version of iWork (and maybe some select iLife applications) which can sync with desktop iWork via iWork.com. Now you can have iWork in your pocket! Available in the App Store starting today!

3. Oh, and there is just one more thing... iSlate (iGuide, iTab, iSlab, or whatever it will be called) The mobile iWork we just showed you was actually running on our new tablet device which we are calling... (iSlate?)
Available in black or white in 7" and 10" sizes!
64GB or 128GB internal storage!
Bluetooth/WiFi/GSM 3G and 32 pin connector for connectivity and synchronization!
FaceBook and Flicker support built in!
Mobile iWork suite included!
Built in camera for pictures and video as well as forward-facing iSite camera for use with mobile iChat!
Synchronize with iPhone, Mac, and/or PC via MobileMe over web or celular data network!
Available subsidized and unsubsidized. Data plans and carriers to be announced at a later date.
High profile publishers on board to supply content including NY Times; Random House; etc...

Remember y'all... iTunes/iPod stuff usually happens in September.
iPhone stuff has always happened in July.

Please keep in mind, my event "prediction" is intentionally "outrageous." The only thing I find I can ever realistically expect from Apple is for them to do something I never would have thought of.:cool:

jfudem

Dec 30, 2009, 06:08 PM

Rot'nApple

Dec 30, 2009, 06:23 PM

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

Whereas the Jeffrey Immelt group, who is part owner of the MSNBC.com fiasco, could tell you the sky is blue and if you go out to check, they would label you a tea bagger who hates Obama for the color of his skin, and can't understand why you can't see that he is God's gift to the United States of America. What are you unpatriotic? You don't get a tingle running up your leg every time the man reads his teleprompter? Better watch out or you're going to be on Bathtub Boy Keith's "Worst Person in the World" line up! :D

Alright enough with dispensing with that...

What really is going to be announce at the January 26th event is the new Applewear for Mobile Computing. Remember how Steve was always pulling out an iPod or iPhone from his pants. Well for a 10" tablet, you need the right apparel... :rolleyes: ;)

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll300/LucidFlight_album/Baggy_Pants_280_474470a.jpg

http://n2.nabble.com/file/n3953580/skinny-lowrider-jeans-skateboarders-gay1.jpg

Detlev_73

Dec 30, 2009, 06:24 PM

I can see Apple EOLing the MBA but Apple not only just updated the MB but they gave it a brand new case. There is no way Apple spent all those scarce R&D dollars to re-engineer the MB only to kill it a few months later. If that was their intent they would have just given the MB a lousy speed/HD bump to string it along until they were ready to dump it.

I suspect the limited MB reduction was to pump up EDU market share by making it easier to grab students' Xmas cash and nothing else.

Although you make a good argument that the MB seems different, is it really that revolutionary technologically speaking rather than cosmetically-speaking? I'm sure someone else will compare the specs. As the MB didn't interest me, I didn't memorize the current specs. I posit that Apple didn't spend too much in reengineering the MB to what it is now. I haven't taken a look at the current specs versus previous specs, but perhaps it wasn't all that difficult? I don't know. :confused:

Perhaps another scenario is that the current MB will only be sold to the education market similar to what Apple did with the eMac; wasn't it essentially a low-spec'ed iMac? I'm only going from memory and granted it's not what it used to be 10 years ago, but I don't feel like I'm ready to retire to Shady Pines yet. :o

CAAPPLE

Dec 30, 2009, 06:32 PM

I'd love to be able to attend this event, it would be sooooo cool to watch them reveal their latest products especially if they demo the tablet. I live in SF and am part of my High-school newspaper and am wondering if there is any way I could get in. I know this event isn't official yet but I'm thinking I should contact the Apple PR department. Does anyone have any tips for getting inside these things?

Thanks!

This is invite-only event and your chance being able to get in very slim. Otherwise you may contact Tareq and Michaele Salahi, the infamous White House dinner party crashers and get some helpful tips ;)

G@@d Luck!

na1577

Dec 30, 2009, 06:37 PM

Part of the problem is that Anericans are so technically ignorant now that the don't know the difference between an app and an operating system. On the iPhone all that users really see are the apps, the OS for the most part is hidden away. About the only thing that can be considered OS related might ve Spring board and the preferences pane.

I had to disregard your entire post because of this mistake. The word you were looking for was "technologically."

zacman

Dec 30, 2009, 06:38 PM

PeterQVenkman

Dec 30, 2009, 06:44 PM

That tablet better not cost $1000. I already think the base white MacBook is overpriced.

Although if it runs Zombieville USA, I'll take a look. ;)

DakotaGuy

Dec 30, 2009, 06:47 PM

Chupa's right.

Every year, the percentage of notebook sales increases (they account for over half of Mac sales these days). The Mac Cube sold poorly and a mini-desktop tower would be a rehash.

There is growth potential for a media tablet. There is no growth for a minitower.

There will never be a mini-tower or low priced tower from Apple. Apple's flagship desktop is the iMac. The Mac Pro and Mac Mini are only small side line businesses at this point and Apple isn't very interested in them. Apple is all about mobile devices and portable computers now. If they could get away with it and not get clobbered by their loyal professional customers I think they would trim their desktop line down to just the iMac.

str1f3

Dec 30, 2009, 06:49 PM

I'm glad you like the AIR but for many of us the initial device was a huge disappointment. It is probably the best Apple example of failure due to an excessive focus on design over function.

They improved the machine a lot with the NVidia chipset but in my opinion it still doesn't offer everthing a laptop should offer. Even that would be so bad but we gave $399 Netbooks far outclassing AIR in features. In the end I highly doubt that AIR brings in enough revenue to justify the whole development process.

That is what I'd like to know myself. Mac OS/X simply would be a huge mistake. I think part of the problem is that people look at iPhones tiny screen and equate that functionality with a tablet. That won't be the case at all; much of what is seen on iPhone are apps, these can beceasily enhanced to offer up even more features on a tablet. Those fatures can be easily supported by the larger screen and faster hardware.

Dave

Not many are asking for full OSX to be installed on a tablet. What I'm asking for is a redesigned & simpler OSX. Is it too much to ask for:

-downloading files off the net
-install apps without the App Store
-a touch replacement for the menubar (more simplified)
-iWork, iTunes, Disk Utility and Time Machine
-recognizing an external hard drive and the MBA's external Dvd player
-support for Bluetooth keyboard and mouse

95% of all of us would buy this machine in a heartbeat if this was included. These shouldn't be difficult features to implement.

I remember Mossberg asking Jobs and Gates at the All Things D conference about what is the future of the modern OS. Neither answered the question specifically. I believe this would be it.

zacman

Dec 30, 2009, 06:53 PM

That tablet better not cost $1000. I already think the base white MacBook is overpriced.

Well the not subsidised iPhone 3GS 32 GB is already around 1000 USD, so an unsubsidised tablet will probably not be any cheaper.

My guess is:

* 999 USD with a 25 USD data plan (like 1 or 2, maybe 5 GB UMTS traffic included, after that GPRS speed)
* 499 USD with a 50/75 USD data plan (like 25 GB UMTS included)

swingerofbirch

Dec 30, 2009, 07:02 PM

I'm not sure if this is the right place for nomenclature conjecture, but I do think iSlate is a mistake as a name.

Apple started by naming its products after apples. But then by the late 90s it was really only about one apple: the Mac. They expanded again with the iPod (not an apple). It's certainly a vague enough term that it encompasses just about anything and everything. The iPhone was a rather derivative name that was expected of Apple. But iPod is a very valuable brand to Apple and it's Apple's only segment with low or no growth. I think naming the new device iPod would both strengthen the new devices' immediate appeal and recognizability and would save the iPod name, which I think will otherwise eventually die out. I frankly think that as all these new device are so similar, and that the iPod touch and iPhone share the same OS, the iPhone should have been called iPod mobile to prevent brand dilution. However, there is a chance with the slate/tablet to reuse the iPod name in some way. iPod is an iconic name now, and at face value is not synonymous with music but with being a pod for carrying things. It's rather generic and could be applied to anything like a slate, but it now has special meaning to people. I suppose it could be the iPod slate. And the iPhone could still become the iPod mobile! Now honestly I'm not wild about the name iPod, as it would seem from my suggestions. But I think based on the logic of both taking advantage of and saving a powerful brand, it makes sense.

str1f3

Dec 30, 2009, 07:02 PM

Well the not subsidised iPhone 3GS 32 GB is already around 1000 USD, so an unsubsidised tablet will probably not be any cheaper.

My guess is:

* 999 USD with a 25 USD data plan (like 1 or 2, maybe 5 GB UMTS traffic included, after that GPRS speed)
* 499 USD with a 50 USD data plan (like 25 GB UMTS included)

I think you're going to be shocked at how low the price is if this is an enlaraged iPhone. If it is true that Apple is projecting 10 million units sold, then it has to be cheap. Apple projected 10 million iPhone 2Gs sold in the first year and that carried a $600 price tag. People could justify the cost because it was a phone. Since this is an entertaient device, it will have to come in at a much cheaper price.

3D0G

Dec 30, 2009, 07:04 PM

The 'Mobility Space'? What on earth has happened to the English language?

Yeah, sounds like they're going to announce a scooter paid for by Medicare.

Bodypainter

Dec 30, 2009, 07:05 PM

:apple:

mjtomlin

Dec 30, 2009, 07:14 PM

applesupergeek

Dec 30, 2009, 07:16 PM

Not many are asking for full OSX to be installed on a tablet. What I'm asking for is a redesigned & simpler OSX. Is it too much to ask for:

-downloading files off the net
-install apps without the App Store
-a touch replacement for the menubar (more simplified)
-iWork, iTunes, Disk Utility and Time Machine
-recognizing an external hard drive and the MBA's external Dvd player
-support for Bluetooth keyboard and mouse

95% of all of us would buy this machine in a heartbeat if this was included. These shouldn't be difficult features to implement.

I remember Mossberg asking Jobs and Gates at the All Things D conference about what is the future of the modern OS. Neither answered the question specifically. I believe this would be it.

No this is not too much to ask for (except for non app store apps) and I am sure you are going to get most if not all of these need covered with the tablet OS.

applesupergeek

Dec 30, 2009, 07:20 PM

str1f3

Dec 30, 2009, 07:22 PM

Why not just buy a MacBook?

I have a unibody MB. All OSs as we know it have gone as far as it can be taken. The next step is for a touch based OS. It is far more intuitive. The keyboard/mouse combo has ran its course and is not as efficient.

Bill Gates was right that the future is the tablet. The problem for MS is they plopped the same OS onto a tablet which made it a usability nightmare. XP was already a UI nightmare on a desktop much less a tablet.

zacman

Dec 30, 2009, 07:24 PM

I think you're going to be shocked at how low the price is if this is an enlaraged iPhone.

In that case there must be a data plan like > 100 USD/month. Maybe it will also include a iTunes music flatrate.

Or additional stuff like:

* 9.99 USD for iTunes Music flatrate + 2 free movie rentals per month
* 29.99 USD for iTunes Music flatrate + 10 free movie rentals per month
* 49.99 USD for iTunes Music flatrate + 25 free movie rentals per month + 4 free tv episode per month

roosta

Dec 30, 2009, 07:39 PM

lets focus on that word and consider the possibility apple is going to get into the gypsy food wagon business serving iburritos, itacos, iburgers all with free wifi so you can browse while you wait. of course, iliver and onions will not be on the menu.

sanford

Dec 30, 2009, 07:39 PM

Why not just buy a MacBook?

Yeah. What he or she said. If it is "under US$1,000" that means US$999. This thing makes no sense if they can't bring it in at US$499. Sure, with a two-year data plan at no more than $50/month, which puts the unsubsidized price at least around US$800 and maybe as much as US$999. But out the door for $499. This is one reason the the iPod took off so well: you could get in on cool Apple tech for US$500 or less. The original iPhone was US$599, and within a couple months Jobs realized at that price point even w/ contract subsidy it was a nonstarter, and he slashed the price US$200. Then w/ the iPhone 3G intro, they knocked ANOTHER $200 off, for a better phone; and a year later they kept that $US199 subsidized price with the 3GS for a phone with a lot more improvements, both superficial and deep, over the 3G than the 3G had over the original iPhone.

At $US499 you can still pull people away from the Kindle and Nook products -- and sell it to people who already carry iPhone products. But at US$999, anyone w/ any sense who wants the features of a high-quality mobile media device and an e-reader will pair an iPhone 3GS w/ a Kindle or Nook for a total of US$560 and be done w/ it.

If they price it at US$999 it's essentially a Mac (whether or not it runs a full computing version of OS X), not part of the iPhone/iPod product line. Apple owns the smartphone and the media player markets. The Mac has made gains in market share, but it remains a marginal player compared to Windows PCs. I pay a substantial premium for Macs because I've always used them and they are my clear preference. You can get Apple's "mobility space" device customers to pay a premium for Apple products, but not nearly the kind of premium you can get from their Mac customers. If it's that expensive, they're aiming it only at the Mac space, and it'll never take off like their more broadly marketed consumer devices.

str1f3

Dec 30, 2009, 07:41 PM

In that case there must be a data plan like > 100 USD/month. Maybe it will also include a iTunes music flatrate.

Or additional stuff like:

* 9.99 USD for iTunes Music flatrate + 2 free movie rentals per month
* 29.99 USD for iTunes Music flatrate + 10 free movie rentals per month
* 49.99 USD for iTunes Music flatrate + 25 free movie rentals per month + 4 free tv episode per month

If this is just an oversized iPhone, then it will be sharing many of the components of next year's iPhone (processor, RAM, drive space, etc.). This could potentially cost little more than the iPhone. You'd also believe they would keep the price low to compete against the Kindle.

A projected 10 million units sold in the first year would mean either this thing is heavily subsidized or could function as a main computer for many average users. This can't be just a media player, cost $700 w/ data plan and for Apple to sell 10 million of them. The average person can't justify that price.

Keep in mind Apple sold about 11+ million iPhones in their first year. They projected 10 million. Apple is pretty accuate with their expectations. there has to be a reason they would believe they'd sell as many tablets as first gen iPhones besides how you interact with it.

sanford

Dec 30, 2009, 07:47 PM

If this is just an oversized iPhone, then it will be sharing many of the components of next year's iPhone (processor, RAM, drive space, etc.). This could potentially cost little more than the iPhone. You'd also believe they would keep the price low to compete against the Kindle.

A projected 10 million units sold in the first year would mean either this thing is heavily subsidized or could function as a main computer for many average users. This can't be just a media player, cost $700 w/ data plan and for Apple to sell 10 million of them. The average person can't justify that price.

I agree: if this is anything like what it should be, the biggest part of a higher price will be the larger, more reader-friendly display -- most everything else will be in software. That display plus a few other hardware costs will see up US$300 w/ subsidy over iPhone 3GS, but nowhere near US$800 over iPhone.

Another thing, this sub-US$1,000 price, reasonably presumed to mean US$999, this comes from Google China's Lee. No matter what a great pal of Apple's is Lee, you seriously think anyone at Apple is going to blab all the secrets of an Apple tablet to GOOGLE? You know, the maker of the OS for numerous competitive smartphone devices and at least one, certainly more in the future, competitive tablets? Jobs would probably tell ME more about the tablet than he would some guy at Google.

Winni

Dec 30, 2009, 07:59 PM

Seriously, what else can justify the "big event"?

Opening Mac OS X to third party hardware and OEMs would justify an event as big as 1999's New Year's Eve. And it would certainly have more impact on the IT industry than another consumer iGadget that nobody needs and that's not really good for anything that you can't already do superbly with the current product portfolio.

Hutch1

Dec 30, 2009, 08:22 PM

E.Lizardo

Dec 30, 2009, 08:22 PM

Rocketman

Dec 30, 2009, 08:23 PM

HiVolt

Dec 30, 2009, 08:39 PM

NT1440

Dec 30, 2009, 08:51 PM

10 million tablets? They must be on crack. Phone is one thing, its a small form factor and everyone uses phones.

Good luck getting 10 million people who almost 100% have a laptop of some form, to buy a tablet.

That 10 million goal to me says this device is going to have some sort of must have functionality that we don't know about. Very Apple style, whip up a market no one has even thought of yet and be THE example of how to do it right.

macduke

Dec 30, 2009, 08:53 PM

1. iPhone
a) Elimination of the 8GB iPhone 3G, replaced by 16GB 3GS
b) Introduction of 64GB iPhone 3GS

2. iPod Touch
a) Elimination of the 8GB 2nd Gen, replaced by 16GB 3rd Gen
b) Introduction of the 128GB 3rd Gen and the EOL of the iPod Classic

3. iPhone OS
a) Introduction of iPhone OS 4.0
b) Update = Free for iPhone 3GS and 3G owners, but not available for iPhone 2G owners

4. "One more thing..." iSlate
a) iPhone-esque introduction of iSlate (e.g public announcement, demoing, but no immediate availability)

"5". Silent bump of MBPs with more memory and processor ...a wish, but probably not gonna happen

I feel like you're the only one who "gets it." That said, I was about to post something similar! :D I especially like how you picked up on Apple not supporting the older hardware in iPhone OS 4.0. I've been saying that for awhile and believe it is very likely, especially when they add in support for multitasking, which I will get to later.

This is how Apple announcements go, and they've left room at the bottom of their line in the iPhone and iPod Touch space for these bumps. This also makes sense as it was announced recently that Toshiba had found a way to double their capacity for cheap. EOL'ing the iPod Classic makes sense also, as a 128gb Touch would replace it quite well. iPod Touch with camera is an almost certainty at this point.

As for iPhone OS 4.0, I'm not sold on a release in January, but it' is possible (more on that in a minute). Apple usually announces the next version around March, makes the SDK available in beta for several months, and then releases the final version along with the iPhone updates in the summer. I would think that Apple could, perhaps, preview the coming OS update. Although it has been awhile since 3.1.2 was released--three months in a week.

If there is no iPhone OS update by the end of January then we might expect to hear something. Looking back on the timeline of iPhone OS updates, the last update before 2.0 was February 27, 2008 and then it was updated to 2.0 on July 11. The last update before 3.0 was on January 27, and it was updated to 3.0 on June 17th. I know it's only 2 years worth of data, but they've stayed around 4.5 months between the last update and the next version of the OS. If we don't see an update in January, then it is likely that the October 8th update to OS 3.1.2 will be the final update, barring a security patch on the scale of the SMS vulnerability.

So what does this mean? Well it might mean nothing, or it might mean that that iPhone OS 4.0 is coming out around Valentine's day. Given that the event is on January 26, Apple might do a delayed release making it available two weeks later. What I'm saying is probably completely wrong, but it is plausible, especially if Apple has gotten to the point where they can release 4.0 and it won't mess with developer's existing code, therefore not requiring an advance notice. This also plays to their advantage, 1. They won't have 125,000-ish apps resubmitted for approval based on 4.0 standards and 2. The older iPhone hardware wouldn't play nice if everyone made their apps 4.0 required (because of the lack of support for the older hardware, which I'll also get to briefly).

In addition, it is also possible that the tablet device could be running 4.0, and that this version is only supported on iPhone 3GS / 3rd gen iPod Touches as well due to higher hardware requirements. Could we see multitasking? Perhaps they have gotten their power management under control during the tablet development. However, on the iPhone and Touch it would probably see a limited implementation--such as 3-5 3rd party apps running at a time. I would prefer to see this done in the style of how mobile Safari handles tabs, similar to the Palm Pre's cards. The other day there was a JailBreak app released that does this beautifully.

Finally, the Macbooks and Pros. I doubt they would go with a silent update if they update the processor, as these will be updated to the Intel Core i3 and Core i5 processors, which is kind of a big deal. nVidia is still fighting with Intel over chipsets and even the feds have gotten involved. The integrated graphics of the new Intel chipsets is below the performance of the current nVidia 9400 series, so if we see updates in the processors, we will also see discrete graphic cards in the Macbooks and 13" MBP. This would also warrant further need for something more than a silent update, and Apple would probably play it up to be some big advancement to finally have discrete graphics in their lower end offerings and how they did it for performance and the consumer. I give this two possible scenarios, as I'm sure Apple has already made decisions to go ahead with these new processors. Either 1. They announce new updates in January and make them available by the end of Feb / beginning or March, or 2. They simply wait and hold a press event around the middle to end of March. Maybe nVidia will be allowed by then? This second scenario seems more likely, as the Mac Pro recently had a silent update and theoretically more time should pass before it is updated. In addition, it would probably be a more significant update to the new Intel 6-core processors. This would also be a good time for minor speed bumps in the iMac line and perhaps even the Mini.

So there are my long-winded thoughts and predictions. I'm just using simple logic based on what Apple has done before, patterns we've seen, industry news, and a sprinkle of rumor. Nothing fancy or groundbreaking. All the information is out there. I'd say that I'll probably be at least 70% right when everything is said and done. Sometimes things get pushed back to later events too. I mean there has to be some crap to show at WWDC, besides a 10.7 preview. But it will be fun times until then!

NiuFengLe

Dec 30, 2009, 08:56 PM

10 bucks on my left nut says that if they do infact annouce the tablet and give details the following will be true of the surprising new interface.

- The virtual keyboard will be on the bottom of the device located on each side for both hands. This way you will not have to awkwardly place the device on your lap or some other surface to type. It will essentially be a split keyboard that you will use 4 fingers to type with on each side.

- When in keyboard mode the keyboard will show up on the screen and you can see where your fingers have pressed the keys on the bottom as you make each keystroke.

- The device may or may not have the raised surface feature that was previously hinted at in other patents. If it does have this feature I am assuming that the accelerometer with rotate the raised surface depending on whether the device is being held in portrait or landscape mode.

rockosmodurnlif

Dec 30, 2009, 09:24 PM

The 'Mobility Space'? What on earth has happened to the English language?
Best thing I read all day.

As far as the Apple tablet, I now know how all the Mac people felt about the constant iPhone rumors.

skh

Dec 30, 2009, 09:40 PM

well.. if it's a new device.. start the count to 10 mil at one, cause' I'm buyin it.

No other company would I say this with such confidence before a release other than apple. Hate if you want, but their stuff never lets me down.

peterdevries

Dec 30, 2009, 09:47 PM

I'm pretty sure there won't be a 8GB 3GS or a touch with camera.
An 8 GB model of the iPhone would be a huge step backwards and wouldn't allow for apple to reduce the pricing very much. The memory is not what makes the iPhone expensive.
An iPod Touch with camera is a nice thought, but unless it's a useless video-only camera like in the ipod nano, it wouldn't fit the current form factor. And I don't think people want a thicker iPod touch.

8Gb 3GS: you are wrong. It's cheaper to manufacture a lower end version of the 16GB and 32GB versions than to keep manufacturing the 8GB version of the 3G alongside the 3GS. The 8GB 3G is still flying out the stores and is an absolute hit. If the memory is the most expensive part as you say, than it would from a cost point of view make sense to replace the 8GB 3G with the 3GS.

iPod Touch with Camera: Sorry, wrong again. It has already been seen several times in spy shots and confirmed by several trustworthy sources that Apple was close to introducing this a few months back. They retracted it because of manufacturing or other difficulties. Due to memory, OS and usability, the inclusion of a camera in the iPod Touch makes more sense than in the iPod Nano.

peterdevries

Dec 30, 2009, 10:04 PM

This is my opinion about what will go down on Jan 26th.

PART ONE - LAPTOPS

- Jobs will come on stage and say that this event is all about mobility.
- He will start off with the MacBook Pro's. All of them will be updated with the base 13" going to 2.66 and the 15 and 17 getting arrandales (like the Imac 21.5 and 27). Same goes for the Macbook air wich will have glass track-pad and glossy display
- New MBP need to go with updated Cinema Displays. Dont have any idea on size but one thing is for sure all will be LED backlit

I really don't see this happening. Unless Apple is introducing a new hardware or software feature they will update (speed bumps etc) the laptops silently as they always have.

Apple will certainly not update form factor or software features as both have just been done (unibody and Snow Leopard). Minor updates to the laptops like you mentioned with the Macbook Air will be done silently too as was the case with the unibody MacBook Plastic.

blackpond

Dec 30, 2009, 10:10 PM

I feel like you're the only one who "gets it." That said, I was about to post something similar! :D I especially like how you picked up on Apple not supporting the older hardware in iPhone OS 4.0. I've been saying that for awhile and believe it is very likely, especially when they add in support for multitasking, which I will get to later.

This is how Apple announcements go, and they've left room at the bottom of their line in the iPhone and iPod Touch space for these bumps. This also makes sense as it was announced recently that Toshiba had found a way to double their capacity for cheap. EOL'ing the iPod Classic makes sense also, as a 128gb Touch would replace it quite well. iPod Touch with camera is an almost certainty at this point.

As for iPhone OS 4.0, I'm not sold on a release in January, but it' is possible (more on that in a minute). Apple usually announces the next version around March, makes the SDK available in beta for several months, and then releases the final version along with the iPhone updates in the summer. I would think that Apple could, perhaps, preview the coming OS update. Although it has been awhile since 3.1.2 was released--three months in a week.

If there is no iPhone OS update by the end of January then we might expect to hear something. Looking back on the timeline of iPhone OS updates, the last update before 2.0 was February 27, 2008 and then it was updated to 2.0 on July 11. The last update before 3.0 was on January 27, and it was updated to 3.0 on June 17th. I know it's only 2 years worth of data, but they've stayed around 4.5 months between the last update and the next version of the OS. If we don't see an update in January, then it is likely that the October 8th update to OS 3.1.2 will be the final update, barring a security patch on the scale of the SMS vulnerability.

So what does this mean? Well it might mean nothing, or it might mean that that iPhone OS 4.0 is coming out around Valentine's day. Given that the event is on January 26, Apple might do a delayed release making it available two weeks later. What I'm saying is probably completely wrong, but it is plausible, especially if Apple has gotten to the point where they can release 4.0 and it won't mess with developer's existing code, therefore not requiring an advance notice. This also plays to their advantage, 1. They won't have 125,000-ish apps resubmitted for approval based on 4.0 standards and 2. The older iPhone hardware wouldn't play nice if everyone made their apps 4.0 required (because of the lack of support for the older hardware, which I'll also get to briefly).

In addition, it is also possible that the tablet device could be running 4.0, and that this version is only supported on iPhone 3GS / 3rd gen iPod Touches as well due to higher hardware requirements. Could we see multitasking? Perhaps they have gotten their power management under control during the tablet development. However, on the iPhone and Touch it would probably see a limited implementation--such as 3-5 3rd party apps running at a time. I would prefer to see this done in the style of how mobile Safari handles tabs, similar to the Palm Pre's cards. The other day there was a JailBreak app released that does this beautifully.

Finally, the Macbooks and Pros. I doubt they would go with a silent update if they update the processor, as these will be updated to the Intel Core i3 and Core i5 processors, which is kind of a big deal. nVidia is still fighting with Intel over chipsets and even the feds have gotten involved. The integrated graphics of the new Intel chipsets is below the performance of the current nVidia 9400 series, so if we see updates in the processors, we will also see discrete graphic cards in the Macbooks and 13" MBP. This would also warrant further need for something more than a silent update, and Apple would probably play it up to be some big advancement to finally have discrete graphics in their lower end offerings and how they did it for performance and the consumer. I give this two possible scenarios, as I'm sure Apple has already made decisions to go ahead with these new processors. Either 1. They announce new updates in January and make them available by the end of Feb / beginning or March, or 2. They simply wait and hold a press event around the middle to end of March. Maybe nVidia will be allowed by then? This second scenario seems more likely, as the Mac Pro recently had a silent update and theoretically more time should pass before it is updated. In addition, it would probably be a more significant update to the new Intel 6-core processors. This would also be a good time for minor speed bumps in the iMac line and perhaps even the Mini.

So there are my long-winded thoughts and predictions. I'm just using simple logic based on what Apple has done before, patterns we've seen, industry news, and a sprinkle of rumor. Nothing fancy or groundbreaking. All the information is out there. I'd say that I'll probably be at least 70% right when everything is said and done. Sometimes things get pushed back to later events too. I mean there has to be some crap to show at WWDC, besides a 10.7 preview. But it will be fun times until then!

Or, you could just say, "Apple will continue to innovate with regular software updates and upgrade its existing line of products to use the latest hardware that makes economic sense."

;)

lilskaterpunk

Dec 30, 2009, 10:13 PM

Excited! :) This could be interesting to see if any of these rumours of Apple products are true.

HiVolt

Dec 30, 2009, 10:20 PM

That 10 million goal to me says this device is going to have some sort of must have functionality that we don't know about. Very Apple style, whip up a market no one has even thought of yet and be THE example of how to do it right.

Well, it'll be an all in one device, mobile internet device, ebook reader, game device, video chat device, remote presentation controller, etc, etc... wrapped in a nice apple interface, locked into the iTunes App store for total control of the device.

People learned the limitations of the iPhone, and if it's as restricted as the iPhone, many might stay away, no matter how purdy it is.

firewood

Dec 30, 2009, 10:32 PM

... wrapped in a nice apple interface, locked into the iTunes App store for total control of the device.

People learned the limitations of the iPhone, and if it's as restricted as the iPhone, many might stay away, no matter how purdy it is.

A few might stay away. But more people have purchased iPhones over the last couple years than less-restricted Macs. And iPod Touches roughly doubles that number. Why wouldn't Apple go with what a larger number of customers are responding to with their pocketbooks?

adamw

Dec 30, 2009, 10:46 PM

Looking forward to this event, and the announcements that will likely be made. I am very excited to see what Apple will come up with...

HiVolt

Dec 30, 2009, 10:49 PM

A few might stay away. But more people have purchased iPhones over the last couple years than less-restricted Macs. And iPod Touches roughly doubles that number. Why wouldn't Apple go with what a larger number of customers are responding to with their pocketbooks?

Yeah but iPhone/Touch is a pocketable device. the Tablet won't be nowhere near as portable or durable, and at $1k rumored price that'll be expensive, and that probably wont include a data plan.

Don't get me wrong, i'm excited to see what it'll be, but I'm a bit of a realist, knowing what type of business model Apple has been using since the success of the locked down iPhone platform.

gfiz

Dec 30, 2009, 10:57 PM

I really don't see this happening. Unless Apple is introducing a new hardware or software feature they will update (speed bumps etc) the laptops silently as they always have.

Apple will certainly not update form factor or software features as both have just been done (unibody and Snow Leopard). Minor updates to the laptops like you mentioned with the Macbook Air will be done silently too as was the case with the unibody MacBook Plastic.

well if they do move to the i5/i7, then selling the additional cores seems reasonable (even if they're virtual), I could see them throwing it into a "mobility" presentation.

skinnylegs

Dec 30, 2009, 11:04 PM

knowing what type of business model Apple has been using since the success of the locked down iPhone platformUnlocking and/or jailbreaking an iPhone is brain-dead easy even for non-geeks like me. Seems like a moot point.

macduke

Dec 30, 2009, 11:08 PM

Must you come into news threads with your political trolling?

Funny how you don't even criticize this guy who posted before him:

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

It's basically the same thing. One is saying they think Fox News reporting is good, the other is saying that it is bad. So why single out the one who thinks it is good? By doing so you are also injecting your preference into the conversation.

Besides, what made his comment (or the other, opposite opinion) political? He said that he thought that Fox News had good reporting. It seems that you are the one who made it political in the first place.

Myself? I'm a pretty middle of the road moderate, and I enjoy watching both Fox News and CNN. I don't quite enjoy MSNBC as much though. But those are my preferences, and they don't have much to do with politics. Though people always try to make it that way.

Next time I would refrain from blaming someone for making something political if it wasn't political until you entered the conversation and made it that way. That said, that poster usually is a bit extreme, but has made some good points before. Not everything is black and white in this world. Both sides make good points. Both sides occasionally have stupid reports that favor one side or the other. Should we hate on each other for it? No. Obviously it would be ideal if we could learn from each other, but I don't see that happening any time soon.

</soapbox>

I want a 3GS Extreme Edition and a quad-core 13" MBP. Will those things come out in January? Hell no, but I still want them!

lilo777

Dec 30, 2009, 11:15 PM

That 10 million goal to me says this device is going to have some sort of must have functionality that we don't know about. Very Apple style, whip up a market no one has even thought of yet and be THE example of how to do it right.

I see Apple fans are excited to the extent of being irrational ;) So, Apple is going to implement a functionality that I must have, I just did not know about that. How ridiculous is that? How this could ever happen? Let's see. Probably this happened when Apple invented a portable music player I did not know I needed or when they invented a mobile phone which also nobody knew they needed.

lilo777

Dec 30, 2009, 11:27 PM

Well the not subsidised iPhone 3GS 32 GB is already around 1000 USD, so an unsubsidised tablet will probably not be any cheaper.

My guess is:

* 999 USD with a 25 USD data plan (like 1 or 2, maybe 5 GB UMTS traffic included, after that GPRS speed)
* 499 USD with a 50/75 USD data plan (like 25 GB UMTS included)

How many people buy laptops/netbooks with data plans? How many people in general have mobile data plans? Very few (remember that iPhone is just 4% of mobile phone market in US). It is hard to see how people could afford two mobile data plans. So they will face a choice: to have data plan on a phone or on a tablet. I suspect that most people will choose the phone.

ipodtouch3g

Dec 30, 2009, 11:44 PM

my predictions are:
1.tablet difinetely!
2. ipod touch with camera hopefully. i am waiting to buy one with a camera. really hope it will be better than the nano's though. nano's is BS.
3. 8gb iphone 3gs maybe.

FanboyE

Dec 30, 2009, 11:49 PM

I cant wait to se what it is :)

kcroy

Dec 31, 2009, 12:04 AM

ELScorcho9

Dec 31, 2009, 12:13 AM

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

Ha!

Well, it'll be an all in one device, mobile internet device, ebook reader, game device, video chat device, remote presentation controller, etc, etc... wrapped in a nice apple interface, locked into the iTunes App store for total control of the device.

People learned the limitations of the iPhone, and if it's as restricted as the iPhone, many might stay away, no matter how purdy it is.

People didn't like the limitations of the iPhone, but they still bought the device. If this new iSlate thingy creates (or perfects!) a market that appeals to the general public, it's gonna sell. If they are truly anticipating selling 10 million of these things that quickly, I imagine this thing is going to be pretty impressive in its functionality and price.

peterdevries

Dec 31, 2009, 12:35 AM

People didn't like the limitations of the iPhone, but they still bought the device.

That's a generalization. Many people that are tech oriented didn't like the limitations of the iPhone. Many of those bought it anyway and jailbroke it. Many also accepted the limitations and just used it (as did I).

BUT the vast VAST majority of people love the device as it is and don't care or even see the limitations. They use it as a phone with a built in iPod, webbrowser and a few cool apps, and don't even think of multitasking, copy-pasting and customization..

Many here might think it is too restricted etc.. but to most users (including my girlfriend) the iPhone IS the Jesus phone and it hasn't been touched by any other phone on the market.

Michael CM1

Dec 31, 2009, 12:38 AM

I really hope this tablet device isn't just a 10-inch device at $800 to $1,000. That'll be pricing me out and making me probably look at a Kindle.

I'm hoping there's a 7-inch (or close to that) model that will allow a price closer to $500. I would love it as kind of a jack of all trades. Put it on a stand on your counter for a digital photo frame, news reader, multimedia device. Take it with you to do such things and use as an e-reader -- able to read Kindle books if not the other proprietary formats. You can build in a 3G radio, but I guarantee you I won't use it because I'm already strangled with iPhone charges.

greygray

Dec 31, 2009, 12:38 AM

Hold Up, I bought a new iPod on the 26th of December... Are you telling me that in a month, there will be a new iPod with the camera? This is BS.

Well - I predict something else for this event.

1. Refreshed MacBook Pro 13", 15" and 17"
2. Refreshed Mac Pro (New Look, Six-Core or Eight Core)*
3. New LED 30" Display*
4. Announcement of iPhone OS 4.0
5. Tablet (iSlate)

*Does not go with the Mobility Theme

Here are my predictions. I don't think we'll see refreshed Macbook Pros. Possibly just a refreshed Mac Pro with Gulftown. [1 day] No announcements of the 30" display. Announcement of iPhone OS 4.0 is a confirmed thing.[1 day] Finally, the introduction of the Tablet and its features. [2 days]

LagunaSol

Dec 31, 2009, 12:42 AM

Opening Mac OS X to third party hardware and OEMs would justify an event as big as 1999's New Year's Eve. And it would certainly have more impact on the IT industry than another consumer iGadget that nobody needs and that's not really good for anything that you can't already do superbly with the current product portfolio.

Wow, we've come around to the "let Dell put OS X on their crapboxes" argument already??? :rolleyes:

jaykk

Dec 31, 2009, 12:52 AM

Just came across this news item -> Axiotron Kicks Off 2010 with Modbook Discount Promotion (http://www.usetdas.com/TDAS/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=14734)

I think tablet is coming. modbook have this promotion till March 1st. They didn't have this promotion before the holiday season.

Edit: they had this promotion since Nov, but extended till March 1st.

ELScorcho9

Dec 31, 2009, 01:00 AM

That's a generalization. Many people that are tech oriented didn't like the limitations of the iPhone. Many of those bought it anyway and jailbroke it. Many also accepted the limitations and just used it (as did I).

BUT the vast VAST majority of people love the device as it is and don't care or even see the limitations. They use it as a phone with a built in iPod, webbrowser and a few cool apps, and don't even think of multitasking, copy-pasting and customization..

Many here might think it is too restricted etc.. but to most users (including my girlfriend) the iPhone IS the Jesus phone and it hasn't been touched by any other phone on the market.

You're right and I could've worded that better too. The iPhone HAD its limitations, but they still sold millions of them.

Well whatever. This tablet doesn't have to be the most impressive in its hardware for it to sell like crazy, although I think it'll have some interesting, new features we haven't speculated about yet.

cvaldes

Dec 31, 2009, 01:08 AM

well if they do move to the i5/i7, then selling the additional cores seems reasonable (even if they're virtual), I could see them throwing it into a "mobility" presentation.
Nah, Peter Devries is right.

That's too minor of an improvement to merit mention in a presentation at a Yerba Buena Center media event.

New MacBook Pros, new Mac Pros, new Cinema Displays, addition of video camera to iPod touch? All of those are fairly minor and would probably be introduced a few days before or after the Jan 26 event via the website (and a corporate press release). You don't need Steve to get on the stage and say "We've put faster processors in a bunch of old systems." That basically devalues his presence, it devalues Steve Jobs as a brand.

In 2010 and beyond, Steve is gonna get on stage when there is something *NEW* to announce, something you haven't seen before. We've already seen this pattern more recently from Apple. Minor updates are announced by Phil Schiller.

Apple gets far more bang to the buck when Steve makes a groundbreaking announcement, not introducing some glorified boombox. Apple has figured this out in the past couple of years, more so since his surgery.

cvaldes

Dec 31, 2009, 01:15 AM

You're right and I could've worded that better too. The iPhone HAD its limitations, but they still sold millions of them.

Well whatever. This tablet doesn't have to be the most impressive in its hardware for it to sell like crazy, although I think it'll have some interesting, new features we haven't speculated about yet.
Remember, the original iPhone didn't have all that much additional functionality beyond the existing smartphones.

Sure, it had e-mail and a few apps (stocks, weather) plus a web browser, but everyone was underwhelmed when Apple told developers to write web apps. Most of the devices were purchased by diehard Apple fans.

Both the original iPhone and iPod touch were pretty, overpriced gadgets until the App Store showed up a year later (June 2008). That's when everything got turned upside down.

The phantom tablet already has the best ecosystem in the world for its incubation, including the best online content delivery system in the iTunes Store.

BabyFaceMagee

Dec 31, 2009, 01:47 AM

Sure, but it doesn't help at all that some people are actively involved in misconstruing or concealing reality, the media being a prime force there. And of course you have to consider that most people are both very easily swayed (and that's why propaganda is ripe) and not intelligent enough to discern. Add to it that most of us lack the time and resources, especially the former, to research every conceivable interest field, which makes honesty in reporting in the media all the more pertinent.

You mean misconstruing reality like MSNBC and CNN do?

CoolHotCold

Dec 31, 2009, 01:47 AM

Just throwing this out there

http://gizmodo.com/5437479/google-china-ex+president-says-apple-tablet-is-a-101+inch-iphone-with-webcam

The Apple Tablet looks like a bigger iPhone that sports an awesome UI packed in a beautiful 10.1-inch screen. The tablet combines the functions of both netbook and kindle, an ebook reader. It has virtual keyboard for text entry and a webcam for video conferencing

Seems plausible for a January release.

Can also see Jobs on stage using the device to control the presentation, then right at the end go, "Oh yea one more thing" and whips out another tablet and holds it in the traditional Mosses descendant from Mount Sinai with the 10 commandments.

peterdevries

Dec 31, 2009, 01:57 AM

The phantom tablet already has the best ecosystem in the world for its incubation, including the best online content delivery system in the iTunes Store.

Exactly, what most people here seem to forget is that the largest portion of Apple's target market doesn't care about how many cores the processor has, whether it has an AMOLED screen, what kind of OS is on it, as long as they can use it for their purposes.

The vast majority of Apple customers buy the products because they are easy to use and intuitive (and not like Windows "easy to get used to", which is a big difference). They can pick up an iPhone and use it, install apps without clicking 30 times and reading a manual, can use the touchscreen with their fingers etc.. That's what the customers want. They want camera's in iPods, bright and colorful screens, products that look nice..

That's why all Apple events (except the developer ones) have a decidedly customer oriented non-tech marketing focus. Steve Jobs talks about experience, not technicalities. And the reason is simple: the average customer is not interested whether an 8 core or a core duo renders their movies on a laptop while they are on a plane. The point is that it does what they want, and Apple is great at showing just that.

So what does this mean: probably Apple will introduce a tablet in a few weeks that will underwhelm the techies here that want to use photoshop, logic studio and aperture on the tablet, but to the rest of the planet it will be the introduction of the Jesus Tablet (or Moses tablet if you will :D). It will be presented as a tablet with few buttons, a shiny glass screen that can handle your media and enables you to surf the web etc etc.. Reporters of general opinion and fashion magazines will go wild (see it in Esquire, GQ, FHM, Stuff, Der Spiegel, Newsweek, Stern, Elsevier etc..). Flame wars will be started here, on Engadget, on Gizmodo and CNet will review it as spec-wise not state of the art, but implemented best of class.

A good example of this is the Apple TV: technically and feature-wise absolutely underwhelming (I sold mine yesterday), but if you consider ease-of-use for the average Joe, his mother, sister and our dads that couldn't even program the VCR, it is and remains the best player on the market. Plug and go.

peterdevries

Dec 31, 2009, 02:04 AM

And it would certainly have more impact on the IT industry than another consumer iGadget that nobody needs and that's not really good for anything that you can't already do superbly with the current product portfolio.

I have a bycicle AND a car
I have a shower AND a bathtub
I have a frontdoor AND a backdoor in my house
I have a MBP and a Mac Mini

Some things enhance or complement each other. What's your point?

appleguy123

Dec 31, 2009, 02:12 AM

Well, it'll be an all in one device, mobile internet device, ebook reader, game device, video chat device, remote presentation controller, etc, etc... wrapped in a nice apple interface, locked into the iTunes App store for total control of the device.

People learned the limitations of the iPhone, and if it's as restricted as the iPhone, many might stay away, no matter how purdy it is.

Cue jailbroken tablets!

vvebsta

Dec 31, 2009, 02:20 AM

I hope mobility space means a push toward cloud apps and network integration similar to what the Pre does with combining address books from all your social networks.

I really really hope they jump the gun and announce iPhone updates! Google is going to smash them if they don't come out with phone updates at least twice a year.

I'm not really sure why they would make iworks available in the cloud when I'm sure even Apple uses google docs. They should seriously be working with Google not competing against them.

zingo01

Dec 31, 2009, 02:20 AM

I work apples cpu tier I and they don't give us any inside info or anything but they have told us that we needed to hire 150 cpu agents before summer and 250 Iphone agents in the same period because of "upcoming announcements"

vvebsta

Dec 31, 2009, 02:31 AM

I think you might be on to something...It iGuide will either be there entry into Maps or renaming the Maps application on the phone or it will become the iTunes of print media as others have suggested. You'd go into iGuide to download the NYT or WSJ or People Magazine or your favorite book (possible Kindle Store integration).

Print media is a step backward. As much as older people like having the feel of physical media in their hands to read, books and prints are slowly becoming phased out into PDFs.

Plus the name 'iGuide' doesn't really convey a printing application for books and magazines. If they do implement some form of this idea it makes the most sense to simply add it in as an itunes feature.

lurch09

Dec 31, 2009, 02:34 AM

The BBC has posted their own version of the story, which I find more believable than Fox News... But hey, even Fox can't get everything wrong all the time?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8435257.stm

king john

Dec 31, 2009, 02:47 AM

Hi to forums members,
I am new here Hope i am welcome/
was reading for a while Your forum and now decided to register:-)

vvebsta

Dec 31, 2009, 02:52 AM

Hi to forums members,
I am new here Hope i am welcome/
was reading for a while Your forum and now decided to register:-)

welcome

freddiecable

Dec 31, 2009, 02:55 AM

Then you can rule out iPod touch with camera. That simply can't be a big thing.

Agree that Air should see a price drop and even some changes to be more in line with MacBookPro's. However - this can hardly be a big thing either.

If we say that Apple worked approx. 3 years before releasing the original iPhone - they've had some time to move the iPhone experience in two directions:

1. diversify the phone - basically make a 3" and 3.5" iPhone - with the same pixel size.

2. branch out the iphone or merge with OSX - with a tablet. (Personally i dont understand all the fuss about eBook-reader etc? that's just one of many functionalities a "tablet" should address. and - it should obviously have a 3G or 4G chipset in it).

Everyone is looking at what Apple is doing. And they still have the lead. They know they gotta re-invent now - to push the bar up even more.

My 5cents

Mobility...could be a number of things:

(1) Tablet
(2) Laptop Updates, particularly the Air, which is in dire need of a redesign and price drop
(3) iPod Touch with Camera

Although what I want more than anything is a new Apple TV:(

wizard

Dec 31, 2009, 03:00 AM

Not many are asking for full OSX to be installed on a tablet. What I'm asking for is a redesigned & simpler OSX. Is it too much to ask for:

That pretty much is what iPhone OS is. The question is which OS would be easier to extend for the new tablet.

-downloading files off the net

You can do that today if the app supports it. By they way I'm agreeing with you here, for me it would be very important to have a more feature complete Safari for example. Saving files, like on the desktop, is one of those features that is missing. But remember these are nothing but apps and as apps it is up to the programmer to give us the required features.

-install apps without the App Store

I actually like app store so I'm mixed on this one. Given that alternatives are always good. One alternative I'd like to see is an Apple supported scripting environment beyound Javascript. In this regards I'm talking about Python or Ruby. A good scripting language would lead to an explosion in what i call micro apps.

-a touch replacement for the menubar (more simplified)

Unfortunately this is one of the primary reasons that I would see implementing Mac OS/X would lead to failure. The menu bar will not work in a Touch or tablet environment. History is pretty clear here.

-iWork, iTunes, Disk Utility and Time Machine

Desiring iWork on a tablet is falling off the deep end. Sorry to be so blunt but how would you use iWork apps productively on a tablet. Also why disk utility? My fear here is that you are setting your self up for a device that amounts to a flat laptop. I don't believe Apple has the least bit of interest in delivering such a device.

-recognizing an external hard drive and the MBA's external Dvd player

The ability to mount an external drive would be huge. But this needs to be knocked down to simply supporting a couple of USB ports. While external is good I'd like to see a couple of internal ports supporting the latest SD standard. The ability to expand storage internally would be huge in my mind as it means that portable unit grows with your needs.

-support for Bluetooth keyboard and mouse

Actually I don't care to much about those two. Rather i'd like to see Blutooth support for other devices like port adapters, network adapters and the like. In fact it should be easy for developers to add new drivers for innovative hardware. My guess is that Blutooth might be the only I/O available with no USB support.

95% of all of us would buy this machine in a heartbeat if this was included. These shouldn't be difficult features to implement.

First off don't speak for every body here. We may or may not buy based on any number of consideration.

As to implementation I'm not sure you grasp the human factors issues. They could easily port over the menu bar for example, but it would be very stupid to do so.

I remember Mossberg asking Jobs and Gates at the All Things D conference about what is the future of the modern OS. Neither answered the question specifically. I believe this would be it.

The tablet will get an "OS" that is targetted at the consumer devices business. Mac OS/X will take a different route to the future. There may be Touch in that future Mac OS but it will be implemented in a way to solve different problems.

The primary difference here is that a tablet or iPhone only needs to support one input method. That on a handheld device. Large screen monitors familiar to the desktop impose a different set of constraints on what Touch can do for you.

In any event definitions are important here. For me an iPhone based device is one that uses UIKit and associated software from the SDK. Obviously these would be updated libraries but the app structure would be more or less the same.

Dave

hwhalers

Dec 31, 2009, 03:21 AM

I'm sure even Apple uses google docs. They should seriously be working with Google not competing against them.

There is a market for people who despise privacy completely and want nothing more than to sign their lives over to whatever the latest shallow social networking anti-community is currently in vogue. You're assuming Apple is going after that audience. If you're right, look for iPhone OS 4.0 to have similar features to the Motorola interface on Android with regards to display of messages and social network integration. I think and hope you're wrong, however.

Anyway, that market is truly better served by what amounts to glorified messaging phones, not smartphones. The applications don't require the horsepower or interface, and the people who use them usually have seperate devices for games and media. A good portion are minors on pre-paid carriers, and thus are not going to be getting subsidized handsets. Look for Android to turn more and more into a glorified Sidekick, as the developers start to go back to their instincts.

Apple owns the consumer spectrum as of current, but won't forever even if they do maintain a significant hardware and software lead. They only have so much extra market they can actually squeeze from there. They need to get into business.

And a lot of corporations, particularly small businesses, are simply not going to buy into the cloud in the next few decades. Some never will. Google Wave isn't the future for everyone, probably not even most people. In fifty years there will still be people attaching spreadsheets to e-mails. And that isn't a bad thing, unless you're Google.

It will get cheaper for providers like Google to get bigger and bigger, but it will simultaneously get cheaper (and in some cases, possible) for small organizations to establish their own private networks on higher levels.

This is, coincidentally, one of the few extant and significant advantages of Blackberry's platform. Say all the nasty things you will about BES (and there's plenty to say), but it's going to be responsible for the slow adoption rate of cloud services/applications. Corporations are conservative for a reason. Bleeding edges sometimes have blood-borne diseases.

But back to Apple. Relying on Google, an entity that is only shoving its way into the mobile OS sphere to create a slicker platform to deliver ads and generate demo data, is an unwise idea. Even if it would be of short-term assistance to build their devices upon the sand of Google's temporary goodwill, there's always chances of tsunamis.

MobileMe sucks, but it shouldn't have to. If Apple starts going cloud, it's in their best interest to either do it themselves or at least do it outside of the sphere of Google. And to do it on all their platforms, from iPhone, (speculative) tablet, desktop/portable OS X, and OS X Server.

Pigumon

Dec 31, 2009, 03:22 AM

I will not watch a play by play of the upcoming event. The few times I've done that, they've announced nothing new or worth mentioning. Like the last apple event...

So I decided I will not watch, which should ensure the most amazing Apple hardware since the iPhone.

Thanks may be offered as text or paypal donations.

colmaclean

Dec 31, 2009, 03:43 AM

So I decided I will not watch, which should ensure the most amazing Apple hardware since the iPhone.

I'll give you 50p if you sit with your fingers in your ears shouting "LALALALA" for the entirety of January.

AceFernalld

Dec 31, 2009, 03:43 AM

What would you guys do if Steve Jobs did this:

"Almost 3 years ago Apple announced the iPhone, a revolutionary product that changed mobile phones. Today, we would like to change mobile computing, so we are bringing two aspects of the iPhone, the internet communicator and touchscreen media player, into a tablet device that you have all been waiting for. *takes an iPod touch out of his pocket* This is our tablet, get used to it."

I'd cry.

hwhalers

Dec 31, 2009, 03:47 AM

*takes an iPod touch out of his pocket* This is our tablet, get used to it."

I'd cry.

I'd laugh like hell and plan to spend my money on an MBA instead of the mythical hypeslate :p.

NetScheduler

Dec 31, 2009, 03:51 AM

So it really will just be a fun drive with iPhone OS for a 1000 USD and not a real computer. I guess most people will probably buy a 200 USD netbook instead.

"Hey I just bought that 1000 dollar thing. And have a look, it has an AppStore and it runs flashlight and fart apps! Oh it's so brilliant!!!!!111"

Zacman, you are 100% correct. Most consumers don't even know what an OS is. It's transparent to them and simply a vehicle used to launch apps.

The hardcore fanboys here like to point out "iPhone OS IS OS X"...Big deal, it uses the same underpinnings, the same core. It doesn't use any other the Mac OS X API's. You can't run "real" Apps in iPhone OS. No MS office, No iPhoto, No iMovie, No Cad, No Project Management, No real programs..

BUT.... AHHH Huh, For $1000 and probably $30 a month, you will be able to do email, surf the web (except for sites that require flash), and (as you point out) make your $1000 device fart and light up. On top of that, Apple will let you pay every month more $$$ for books, Magazines, etc. How cool is that????

I'll stick to with my Macbook. It's a real computer. The rest of you can pay forever to be seen with you money pit of a tablet that looks "delicious" , "is soooooo thin" and of course, ..... is "elegant"..... (These are the qualities that make a fine device in the eyes of fanboys as they mention them in relation to every Apple product)....

And on top of all of that, You can downloads apps that will make it fart.

AceFernalld

Dec 31, 2009, 04:09 AM

I'd laugh like hell and plan to spend my money on an MBA instead of the mythical hypeslate :p.

I'd probably do the exact same, possibly buy a new iPod touch & Google Nexus One though ;]

Is it sad that I've saved up $900 for this mythical device so far? And that I'm 14? xD

dongmin

Dec 31, 2009, 04:16 AM

10 million tablets? They must be on crack. Phone is one thing, its a small form factor and everyone uses phones.

Good luck getting 10 million people who almost 100% have a laptop of some form, to buy a tablet.

1. Wouldn't put too much stock into the 10 mil number. It's a rumor based on hearsay. If and when Apple introduces the tablet, they will no doubt play down their expectations. I agree that given that there is no clear market for this tablet, 10 mil is wildly over-estimating.

2. The MacBook Air runs OS X. The tablet will run iPhone OS. They are completely different products for completely different set of users.

3. I don't think there is any solid evidence about the price point. Rumors have been all over the map, from "shockingly low" to $1000-plus. One of the truisms of the Apple rumor mill: Apple will charge more than what most Macrumors forum poster expect the rumored product to cost. Another truism: Apple charges a premium to early adopters. My guess, given the added cost of the big multitouch screen and bigger battery, is that it'll cost a couple hundred more than the iPhone, meaning $400-600 subsidized and $600-800 unsubsidized.

4. Apple will have some content-related announcement to go along with the new hardware, either a new section on iTunes for downloading eBooks or new network TV subscriptions.

Allanf

Dec 31, 2009, 04:39 AM

I think along with the ****** they will show off the new iMedia website. The one they purchased a while back ?.

Cloud computing will come to Apple. A good bet based on their plans to build a $1 Billion Data Center in North Carolina. (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/08/18/apples-north-carolina-data-center-to-focus-on-cloud-computing/)

offwidafairies

Dec 31, 2009, 04:40 AM

I want mac pros and mbp updates asap!

ditto. bring it on. im cashed up and waiting for a new mac pro and 13" mbp to add to my collection....

djrod

Dec 31, 2009, 05:04 AM

8Gb 3GS: you are wrong. It's cheaper to manufacture a lower end version of the 16GB and 32GB versions than to keep manufacturing the 8GB version of the 3G alongside the 3GS. The 8GB 3G is still flying out the stores and is an absolute hit. If the memory is the most expensive part as you say, than it would from a cost point of view make sense to replace the 8GB 3G with the 3GS.

iPod Touch with Camera: Sorry, wrong again. It has already been seen several times in spy shots and confirmed by several trustworthy sources that Apple was close to introducing this a few months back. They retracted it because of manufacturing or other difficulties. Due to memory, OS and usability, the inclusion of a camera in the iPod Touch makes more sense than in the iPod Nano.

In june-july there will be a new iPhone, the 3G would be dropped and the 8GB 3GS would be the current 3G successor.

Broric

Dec 31, 2009, 05:05 AM

Allanf

Dec 31, 2009, 05:21 AM

I'm really excited about this as I'm looking to buy an ebook reader so plan to hold off now until the end of January, however...

Is it going to be a tablet that displays PDFs or is it going to be an ebook reader? They're certainly not the same thing...

I don't see how they can make an ebook reader that doesn't use eInk. And I can't see how the can create this multimedia tablet without using a real screen. Evidently the Pixel Qi technology (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/11/3qi-screen-technology-shipping-in-time-for-apple-tablet/) provides easy readability in full sunlight and supports video and full color. Whether the quality lives up to Apple's very high standards remains to be seen.

Peter Harrison

Dec 31, 2009, 05:21 AM

I'll eat my hat if they put Snow Leopard on it. Not only do I not think it will happen, but I don't want it to happen. That would be horrible.

I love Snow Leapard, don't get me wrong. But it has its place. Imagine using SL on your iPhone.

Ironduke

Dec 31, 2009, 05:33 AM

First off: What is wrong with Rupert Murdoch? He is richer than you are? Boo hoo...

B: I predict
-a tablet exact date and sneak peak
-ipod touch gets camera in next rev.
-updated mobileme type system, some sort of cloud "breakthrough" of some sort
-

he trys to get involved in other countries politics, Im in england but I can easily see he hates obama & the democrats.

Hes a facist.

Mackan

Dec 31, 2009, 05:34 AM

And the reason is simple: the average customer is not interested whether an 8 core or a core duo renders their movies on a laptop while they are on a plane. The point is that it does what they want, and Apple is great at showing just that.

This whole thing with 'it does what they want'... Well, while I agree the general user experience and simplicity of Apple products is great, I can't really agree that Apple's products are always doing what I want. Apple restricts pretty well what you can do with their products, which can be quite annoying. For example, can't use custom SMS tone on the iPhone. Why? It's basic mobile phone stuff. The only company whose products you cannot expect to do 'normal stuff' is Apple's.

Chupa Chupa

Dec 31, 2009, 06:24 AM

he trys to get involved in other countries politics, Im in england but I can easily see he hates obama & the democrats.

Hes a facist.

Facist b/c he doesn't like Obama or Dems? That statement has a "facist" flare to me -- if you use a proper definition, i.e. a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism (from Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fascism)).

Facist is such a loaded word the way you use it, as-if anyone who doesn't support Obama or Dems is evil. This isn't a political thread, but I can tell you Obama and the Dems don't have a lot of friends these days, especially the way they rammed healthcare down. Their favorability is way below 50%.

hashholly

Dec 31, 2009, 07:43 AM

Facist b/c he doesn't like Obama or Dems? That statement has a "facist" flare to me -- if you use a proper definition, i.e. a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism (from Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fascism)).

Facist is such a loaded word the way you use it, as-if anyone who doesn't support Obama or Dems is evil. This isn't a political thread, but I can tell you Obama and the Dems don't have a lot of friends these days, especially the way they rammed healthcare down. Their favorability is way below 50%.

Really, i didn't know that 53.7% favorability was "way below 50%" in President Obama's case.

http://www.pollster.com/polls/us/fav-obama.php

carmenodie

Dec 31, 2009, 07:49 AM

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHNNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!
It's about to get hot in heeeeerrrrr! Goodbye Kindle! Goodbye Sony e reader. Yo a** is grass.

str1f3

Dec 31, 2009, 08:01 AM

That pretty much is what iPhone OS is. The question is which OS would be easier to extend for the new tablet.

This is semantics. It doesn't even remotely approach even the basic functionality of Mac OS X.

You can do that today if the app supports it. By they way I'm agreeing with you here, for me it would be very important to have a more feature complete Safari for example. Saving files, like on the desktop, is one of those features that is missing. But remember these are nothing but apps and as apps it is up to the programmer to give us the required features.

This is a terrible idea. Downloading files should not be handled by an app but by the OS itself. It is creating more complexity where there shouldn't be. Give me a Downloads, Documents, Movies & Music folder and I'll be fine.

I actually like app store so I'm mixed on this one. Given that alternatives are always good. One alternative I'd like to see is an Apple supported scripting environment beyound Javascript. In this regards I'm talking about Python or Ruby. A good scripting language would lead to an explosion in what i call micro apps.

I like the App Store too but it rejects too many apps that exists in a gray area. If Apple allowed this, most people would still use the App Store as their sole place for getting apps. This would just provide some level of openness and freedom.

Unfortunately this is one of the primary reasons that I would see implementing Mac OS/X would lead to failure. The menu bar will not work in a Touch or tablet environment. History is pretty clear here.

I'm not asking for the menu bar just rethinking of it. I don't think there should literally be a menu bar for the tablet. Apple has been thinking of this themselves. There's an in-depth patent they have of a dictionary of gestures. Gestures can accomplish this task for the most part instead of having to rely on keyboard shortcuts which are far less natural.

Desiring iWork on a tablet is falling off the deep end. Sorry to be so blunt but how would you use iWork apps productively on a tablet. Also why disk utility? My fear here is that you are setting your self up for a device that amounts to a flat laptop. I don't believe Apple has the least bit of interest in delivering such a device.

Why is having iWork going overboard? There are document creating and editing apps for the iPhone. Apple is being rumored to be moving things to the cloud. If a tablet can't even handle this basic feature, then what is the point of this thing at all?

The reason I ask for Disk Utility is for the ability to format an external hard drive. The apps that I mentioned would give it the ability to act as a standalone device and it wouldn't be dependant on Mac for the most basic of things.

The ability to mount an external drive would be huge. But this needs to be knocked down to simply supporting a couple of USB ports. While external is good I'd like to see a couple of internal ports supporting the latest SD standard. The ability to expand storage internally would be huge in my mind as it means that portable unit grows with your needs.

Nice we agree on this point. I just would like the ability to format the hard drive as well.

Actually I don't care to much about those two. Rather i'd like to see Blutooth support for other devices like port adapters, network adapters and the like. In fact it should be easy for developers to add new drivers for innovative hardware. My guess is that Blutooth might be the only I/O available with no USB support.

I don't care about this too much either but I would like to see it there for other users who may need it. Maybe it doesn't need a mouse but something like stylus support would be better.

First off don't speak for every body here. We may or may not buy based on any number of consideration.

Most people would use the standard set of features which I've mentioned. This is the reason such things as netbooks have taken off. It's not a wild assumption to believe that most would choose this tablet over a netbook or a Macbook if a basic feature set is provided that most use on daily basis.

As to implementation I'm not sure you grasp the human factors issues. They could easily port over the menu bar for example, but it would be very stupid to do so.

The tablet will get an "OS" that is targetted at the consumer devices business. Mac OS/X will take a different route to the future. There may be Touch in that future Mac OS but it will be implemented in a way to solve different problems.

I understand enough about this. Just because the menubar wouldn't fit a touch based OS doesn't mean you just strip out all the functionality it provided. To me it can be rethought as something for a tablet.

Maserati7200

Dec 31, 2009, 08:08 AM

I would LMFAO if no tablet was announced... but then 5 mins later I would cry...
The humour of having all these tablet-rumours proven to be complete rubbish, does not outweigh the negative effect if Apple don't deliver some form of tablet.
An iPhone 4.0, iPod Touch w/ camera, new Displays, new Mac Pro are all expected new Apple products for first half of 2010.

Seriously, what else can justify the "big event"?
re: iPhone OS 4: They usually introduce that in March but things could change. But, do NOT count on seeing the 4th Generation iPhone at this event, you won't see it until WWDC 2010.
Laptop Refreshes are very likely, as well as this tablet introduction. The Mac Pro would probably be updated to Gulftown or whatever it is between now and March but I don't know if they would focus on that in the event.

Must you come into news threads with your political trolling?
I'll answer that with this, which is trolling
Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.
A

phineas

Dec 31, 2009, 08:59 AM

Hey maybe, a new iPhone, never know

WestonHarvey1

Dec 31, 2009, 09:11 AM

Well, duh. The theory is that these users would use a tablet, instead. An even-lighter-than-the-MBA product. For some it will be enough.

And calling any current Apple laptop "thick" is just stupid. They feel like paper compared to Dell machines.

Why would I want to trade my MBA for a tablet? How would I use a tablet to do the things I use my MBA for?

Some of us have jobs. I won't be getting a new job as a "professional magazine reader", or "competitive touch-based game player". I need a keyboard, and I need to run Mac software, not a bunch of App Store downloads.

zacman

Dec 31, 2009, 09:29 AM

How many people buy laptops/netbooks with data plans? How many people in general have mobile data plans? Very few (remember that iPhone is just 4% of mobile phone market in US). It is hard to see how people could afford two mobile data plans. So they will face a choice: to have data plan on a phone or on a tablet. I suspect that most people will choose the phone.

That's true however I wanted to add the possibility of a MultiSim card - but didn't know if they are common in the US? Can you get a multisim from AT&T for example?

Here in Germany I can get a multisim + additional sim cards from O2 which are all connected to just one mobile contract. But you can use them all at the same time. So for example you can have your main sim card which you put in your iPhone, a second card is for your MacBook and maybe a third sim card for your SMS only business phone (just an example). You can exactly define which card does what, for example card 1: phone+data, card 2 only data, card 3 only phone. But all 3 cards are conntected to your one and only mobile contract.

Is there such a thing in the US too?

peterdevries

Dec 31, 2009, 09:31 AM

*LTD*

Dec 31, 2009, 09:47 AM

Apple has a way of making products people never knew they wanted.

When this tablet is unveiled, watch the naysayers clog the internets checking their credit card balances.

str1f3

Dec 31, 2009, 10:37 AM

Sigh... Is it so difficult to grasp that this thing will not be a replacement for any of the current products, but an extension, complementary and enhancing current products?

I'm sure Apple does not have the ambition to convert al laptop people to tablet people.

Take a look at the products that replace nothing like the Apple TV and see how they've fared. Apple's most successful products have replaced something you already had. The iPhone replaced your phone/smartphone, the touch replaced the PDA, the iPod replaced your CD collection and the Mac replaced your substandard Windows machine.

How is the Apple TV doing?
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/12/31/apple_tv_3_0_update_not_helping_sales_as_airport_routers_lose_share.html

The only reason why the Apple TV may have a future is because of a rumored TV subscription service which will, in effect, replace your cable box.

If you don't believe me, take a look at the things in your house and see how many items in your house did not replace anything. You'll find very few if anything at all.

milo

Dec 31, 2009, 10:55 AM

The Mac Cube sold poorly and a mini-desktop tower would be a rehash.

There is growth potential for a media tablet. There is no growth for a minitower.

Wow, that's about the worst comparison I can possibly imagine, the cube and a budget mini tower are virtually opposites.

The cube failed because it had very little expandability and was ridiculously expensive.

A mini tower would have a fair amount of expandability and could be very cost efficient, even with Apple's generous profit margins. It's simple to build a budget machine with great performance, apple just doesn't want to do it because they worry it would cannibalize sales of their pricey MP's and iMacs once people figure out that you can get the performance of a $2000+ high end mac with hardware at half that price (and no, I don't buy that a cheaper price tag magically makes a machine junk).

Just because desktops are a smaller part of the market doesn't mean that millions of them don't sell every year. Really, is the mini or MBA addressing the biggest part of the market?...and yet apple still sells them. And just because that part of the market isn't growing doesn't mean that apple couldn't still take some of that market and increase their market share. And yes, increase profits.

I had $2400 burning a hole in my pocket, ready to buy a MP at the last update. And Apple botched it so bad, they lost that sale (built my own i7 instead for half the price and it blows away their $2400 machine).

Apple needs to figure out that they need a reasonably priced desktop machine that isn't crippled - if they don't cannibalize their own sales, someone else will.

milo

Dec 31, 2009, 11:02 AM

I had to disregard your entire post because of this mistake. The word you were looking for was "technologically."

technically |ˈteknik(ə)lē|
adverb
1 [usu. sentence adverb ] according to the facts or exact meaning of something; strictly : technically, a nut is a single-seeded fruit.
2 with reference to the technique displayed : a technically brilliant boxing contest.
3 involving or regarding the technology available : technically advanced tools.

technological |ˌteknəˈläjikəl|
adjective
of, relating to, or using technology : the quickening pace of technological change.

I don't know what's worse, the fact that your "correction" was wrong, or that you did it in the douchiest possible way.

Adam0306

Dec 31, 2009, 11:15 AM

ANy chance it could be an introduction of Mac OS 10.7 with one of the new features being extended cloud computing? Or is it too soon?

Yeah most likely way too soon, but then again I am not making the decisions at Apple so no one really knows except for maybe Steve.

powers74

Dec 31, 2009, 11:15 AM

I'd probably do the exact same, possibly buy a new iPod touch & Google Nexus One though ;]

Is it sad that I've saved up $900 for this mythical device so far? And that I'm 14? xD

No, what's sad is that you're 14 and have $900 and I'm 29 and am $90.000 in debt. Hey, I have a suggestion for you; save up a little more cash and get CS5 and sign up for a 4Over.com account. Whatever you do, don't go to college.

JGowan

Dec 31, 2009, 11:22 AM

Why would I want to trade my MBA for a tablet? How would I use a tablet to do the things I use my MBA for?

Some of us have jobs. I won't be getting a new job as a "professional magazine reader", or "competitive touch-based game player". I need a keyboard, and I need to run Mac software, not a bunch of App Store downloads.I can't understand those here that think that just because they have no use for a new device, no one should. Why are you even reading iSlate-related threads in the first place? The iPhone doesn't replace my computer, but I use it constantly. The new iSlate will take the iPhone to next level in many respects (albeit no phone calls). How many times have I thought, 'this movie would be great or... this would be a good time to read a book or... this game would be so cool: but this screen is so small"!

Perhaps you're right -- this thing will suck so bad and will have no real use and no one will want it all and it will have been the worst product that Apple's ever introduced. Or you'll be fabulously wrong.

My money's on the latter.

KnightWRX

Dec 31, 2009, 11:26 AM

This is a terrible idea. Downloading files should not be handled by an app but by the OS itself. It is creating more complexity where there shouldn't be. Give me a Downloads, Documents, Movies & Music folder and I'll be fine.

Wow, just now in 2009 you tell us this ? Seriously, where were you in the last 40 years ? We now have to rewrite every OS out there to support downloading files, instead of leaving that up to applications. What a bummer, so much work. :rolleyes:

OSes should provide hardware and network layer communication services and that's about it. The OS gives you sockets, and an Application uses that socket interface to download and upload information. The OS should provide a filesystem, and Applications use that filesystem interface to write out files.

This is proper OS design. Good seperation of kernel space and user space is important.

TraceyS/FL

Dec 31, 2009, 11:26 AM

That's true however I wanted to add the possibility of a MultiSim card - but didn't know if they are common in the US? Can you get a multisim from AT&T for example?

Here in Germany I can get a multisim + additional sim cards from O2 which are all connected to just one mobile contract. But you can use them all at the same time. So for example you can have your main sim card which you put in your iPhone, a second card is for your MacBook and maybe a third sim card for your SMS only business phone (just an example). You can exactly define which card does what, for example card 1: phone+data, card 2 only data, card 3 only phone. But all 3 cards are conntected to your one and only mobile contract.

Is there such a thing in the US too?

HA. Wouldn't that be nice though......

Adam0306

Dec 31, 2009, 11:29 AM

milo

Dec 31, 2009, 11:50 AM

Sigh... Is it so difficult to grasp that this thing will not be a replacement for any of the current products, but an extension, complementary and enhancing current products?

Obviously it is for those who have insisted that the MBA will be discontinued with the intention of this replacing it. Which is what that post was responding to.

I can't understand those here that think that just because they have no use for a new device, no one should.

Except that the post you responded to didn't say that at all. Someone insisted that this product would replace the MBA, and he disagreed. Is that so hard to understand?

*LTD*

Dec 31, 2009, 11:52 AM

KnightWRX

Dec 31, 2009, 12:05 PM

I can't understand those here that think that just because they have no use for a new device, no one should. Why are you even reading iSlate-related threads in the first place?

Obviously you aren't understanding the conversation that was taking place. Someone claimed the tablet would replace the Macbook Air, the guy you responded to told him why it wouldn't.

But to answer your question, a lot of nay-sayers (I am one) understand very well that because the tablet wouldn't answer our needs, it doesn't mean someone doesn't need it.

What we are saying, based on observation of the market, is that tablets in general, be them general purpose tablets or laptops with swivel screens, just aren't making inroads on the market. They are a small niche. The fact is, they have all the cons of both the PDA and the laptop, and don't have too many pros to outweight them and consumers are voting with their wallet on this one.

Tablets fit in between a laptop on a PDA. However, they aren't more portable than a laptop really. While they are smaller, they still require a bag of some sort you'll have to drag around, risk losing, getting stolen, or simply forgetting somewhere. They still require 2 hands to handle.

On the other side, they have mostly PDA like functionality (unless you count the WinXP tablets) like a rumored iPhone OS based tablet would have. Quick apps that can do quick things like listening to music, viewing a video or previewing a document, but not full content creation/editing capabilities and limited input like a full laptop offers.

And that's why they aren't catching on, the market isn't very big for laptop portability problems with PDA power.

E-readers on the other hand seem to be a good revenue maker. However, they have a low cost associated with their single use capabilities. If Apple does do a e-reader only tablet, on the cheap, this might be a good competitor to the Nook or Kindle and tied with the iTunes Book Store, this could be a worthwhile product. But a general purpose tablet like the Nokia N810 or the Samsung Q1 ? Not seeing it being more popular than the Apple TV was after the initial hype has died down.

str1f3

Dec 31, 2009, 12:20 PM

Wow, just now in 2009 you tell us this ? Seriously, where were you in the last 40 years ? We now have to rewrite every OS out there to support downloading files, instead of leaving that up to applications. What a bummer, so much work. :rolleyes:

OSes should provide hardware and network layer communication services and that's about it. The OS gives you sockets, and an Application uses that socket interface to download and upload information. The OS should provide a filesystem, and Applications use that filesystem interface to write out files.

This is proper OS design. Good seperation of kernel space and user space is important.

Heh, the problem with that idea under the iPhone OS is it's locked into the app. That's why it's a terrible idea. Apple's hard rule for all iPhone apps is that they are sandboxed. Given Apple's long time distaste for 3rd party devs, I doubt you will be seeing them open up anytime soon unless you see them opening up for the same devs whose apps they are quick to reject for the most inane reasons. If you want to question proper OS design, you should be asking this question of Apple, not me.

Now you can say that Apple may open it up in the future but you're going on nothing but your gut. The only thing that Apple has been opening up with recently has been with certain API calls that were going to be open not much later anyway.

KnightWRX

Dec 31, 2009, 12:25 PM

If that happens under the iPhone OS it is locked into the app. Apple's hard rule for all iPhone apps is that they are sandboxed. Given Apple's long time distaste for 3rd party devs, I doubt you will be seeing them open up anytime soon.

That's because the iPhone OS isn't file based and doesn't expose the filesystem to the user. This would be trivial to add as the kernel already has a filesystem driver (or you wouldn't have any files). All Apple needs to do is make a finder and expose things like NSFileHandle to applications so they can do IO on the filesystem level. Of course, that would break the sandboxing, unless you were very strict about how applications can share files they write out.

Putting all of this in kernel space is just ridiculous and bad design in general. It would mean a theoritical NSDownload class would need to support about every protocol out there, and adding in new ones would require Apple's intervention.

Seriously, everything you propose is a very big mistake in OS design.

cmaier

Dec 31, 2009, 12:39 PM

colinmack

Dec 31, 2009, 12:41 PM

What we are saying, based on observation of the market, is that tablets in general, be them general purpose tablets or laptops with swivel screens, just aren't making inroads on the market. They are a small niche. The fact is, they have all the cons of both the PDA and the laptop, and don't have too many pros to outweight them and consumers are voting with their wallet on this one.

My impression of your argument is that it's similar to discussions before the iPod came out - an argument based on yesterday's (or at best today's) version of a market/device, not tomorrow's. Yesterday's tablet devices may have failed for a variety of reasons, or had limited consumer appeal/benefit. That doesn't mean a company like Apple can't get it right (after all, they tend to have a decent track record at looking at a failed or niche market, figuring out why everyone else screwed up, and 'reinventing' it into a broad consumer success).

Don't forget - a good part of why the iPod completely wiped the floor of that entire industry (and literally redefined the way music is purchased/consumed by the average Joe), is that they figured out how to deliver a complete and seamless ecosystem, and not just a device - a tablet looks to be a similar reinvention just waiting to happen (print, newspaper, magazines, textbooks, portable TV/video, etc.)...

KnightWRX

Dec 31, 2009, 12:47 PM

Huh? The iPhone is filebased. Apps can write to the file system. They just can't write to files outside their sandbox. NSFileHandle is already available to iPhone programmers.

Users can't directly manipulate files besides syncing. I explained that as what I meant by "isn't filebased". All it exposes as a user interface is app launchers.

I'm pretty sure after jailbreaking, everything is there to manipulate, the iPhone OS as sold doesn't let you though.

And you're just saying the same thing, only adding that NSFileHandle already exists, but like I said, it doesn't allow you to read/write to the filesystem outside your own little sandbox.

str1f3

Dec 31, 2009, 12:54 PM

That's because the iPhone OS isn't file based and doesn't expose the filesystem to the user. This would be trivial to add as the kernel already has a filesystem driver (or you wouldn't have any files). All Apple needs to do is make a finder and expose things like NSFileHandle to applications so they can do IO on the filesystem level. Of course, that would break the sandboxing, unless you were very strict about how applications can share files they write out.

Putting all of this in kernel space is just ridiculous and bad design in general. It would mean a theoritical NSDownload class would need to support about every protocol out there, and adding in new ones would require Apple's intervention.

Seriously, everything you propose is a very big mistake in OS design.

I'm not weighing the choice between OS handling this or the app. I'm looking at Apple and the options available as of right now. Could I see Apple doing something like this because they refuse to give any measure of the power to devs? Yes. As of today, Apple hasn't shown the slightest interest in this.

Even if you look at multitasking, for example, Apple has made sure only their apps run in the background. Apple cited battery life at the 3.0 press conference but I think it had more to do with them not trusting devs to have their "poorly written apps" running in the background and consuming to much memory and battery life. This goes back to the reason why the App Store exists to begin with. Apple didn't even wan 3rd party apps on their device, only web apps.

KnightWRX

Dec 31, 2009, 12:55 PM

My impression of your argument is that it's similar to discussions before the iPod came out - an argument based on yesterday's (or at best today's) version of a market/device, not tomorrow's. Yesterday's tablet devices may have failed for a variety of reasons, or had limited consumer appeal/benefit. That doesn't mean a company like Apple can't get it right (after all, they tend to have a decent track record at looking at a failed or niche market, figuring out why everyone else screwed up, and 'reinventing' it into a broad consumer success).

Don't forget - a good part of why the iPod completely wiped the floor of that entire industry (and literally redefined the way music is purchased/consumed by the average Joe), is that they figured out how to deliver a complete and seamless ecosystem, and not just a device - a tablet looks to be a similar reinvention just waiting to happen (print, newspaper, magazines, textbooks, portable TV/video, etc.)...

MP3 players, the flash based devices with 128 MB flash memory, were booming when the iPod came out. Heck, hard drive based players existed, in the form of the Creative Nomad. Also, portable music had been big since the 80s and the Walkman by Sony. Also, the iPod didn't have a complete ecosystem at first and what really made it popular was the bigger drive. This was a big market, with big possibilities and the MP3 portion was growing and growing.

The iPod became a hit not thanks to the iTMS, but thanks to Windows support. That's when it started to sell. This shows Apple had a hit from day one with it, they limited themselves by introducing it only for Macs.

If you don't believe me, relisten to the iPod introduction, Steve covers all of this :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN0SVBCJqLs.

Unlike the MP3 players and cellphones however, tablets aren't fairing so well. That is my point. Rewriting history in an attempt to make it seem Apple turned such niches into booming markets before doesn't make it true either.

DELLsFan

Dec 31, 2009, 01:06 PM

Foxnews.com is part of the Murdoch empire. As such they could tell me the sky is blue and I'd feel the need to go outside and check.

Yup. As I suspected. Only a handful of posts before the anti-FoxNews rhetoric began. Seriously, some people really DO need to get out more. I hope you do. :rolleyes:

KnightWRX

Dec 31, 2009, 01:11 PM

Yup. As I suspected. Only a handful of posts before the anti-FoxNews rhetoric began. Seriously, some people really DO need to get out more. I hope you do. :rolleyes:

anti-Foxnews rhetoric ? He's just stating facts :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Akre

FoxNews sued for and won the Right to Lie.

*LTD*

Dec 31, 2009, 01:38 PM

Yup. As I suspected. Only a handful of posts before the anti-FoxNews rhetoric began. Seriously, some people really DO need to get out more. I hope you do. :rolleyes:

I heartily support an anti-FOX news stance, even if it just takes the form of a passing remark.

jjd

Dec 31, 2009, 01:39 PM

Awsome - Fox News is A+ #1 when it comes to the news, so if they say it's January, then bank on it.

This is without doubt the funniest thing I have ever read on Macrumors. Hilarious. Bravo sir!

eRondeau

Dec 31, 2009, 01:52 PM

cmaier

Dec 31, 2009, 02:00 PM

Steve's right, nobody reads books anymore, but everybody reads magazines. My money says this is the "killer app" for the tablet -- online interactive magazines. It's green because there is no paper used, and subscriptions will be inexpensive and handled online just like podcasts are now. Let Amazon have their books, with the right device Apple could put the entire magazine publishing industry out of business overnight. :apple:

I read books (sometimes) but magazines never (unless sitting in an airport terminal where there is no wi-fi.) Anything in a magazine will also be available on a website (usually). Not so with books.

Peace

Dec 31, 2009, 02:02 PM

Steve's right, nobody reads books anymore, but everybody reads magazines. My money says this is the "killer app" for the tablet -- online interactive magazines. It's green because there is no paper used, and subscriptions will be inexpensive and handled online just like podcasts are now. Let Amazon have their books, with the right device Apple could put the entire magazine publishing industry out of business overnight. :apple:

Wouldn't that make the magazine industry not want to participate ?

str1f3

Dec 31, 2009, 02:07 PM

Great post on Daring Fireball:

http://daringfireball.net/2009/12/the_tablet

I'm not alone in thinking that this is potentially a replacement for a MacBook and that an e-reading media player alone is not good enough. He likens it to the change from the Apple II to the Mac. He also says that it is now like what it was before the iPhone was introduced at Macworld. All the people who work on Safari, iCal, etc. have gone into hiding. No one even knows what the tablet looks like.

Heh, this philosophy reminds me of a terrorist cell.

uraniumwilly

Dec 31, 2009, 02:20 PM

Great post on Daring Fireball:

http://daringfireball.net/2009/12/the_tablet

I'm not alone in thinking that this is potentially a replacement for a MacBook and that an e-reading media player alone is not good enough.

It seems people just need to print word processor documents and internet access. All the rest: music, movies, games, misc. apps are add-ons for replacement of a macbook.

eRondeau

Dec 31, 2009, 02:24 PM

Wouldn't that make the magazine industry not want to participate ?

I'm no expert, but I've been led to believe that the actual "printing" of magazines and periodicals is a break-even proposition at best. The real $$$ is in the advertising. Think of the expense and complexity of physically printing millions of magazines weekly or monthly, shipping them around the world to national distributors, and then further shipping them to a million corner stores. Or even worse, printing mailing labels and actually mailing them out. Either way they're soon discarded, losing all information contained within. In 2010 the whole publishing concept is inane.

If Apple does this right the magazine publishers will be lining-up to get onboard. Same ads (only interactive, click on the Rolex ad to jump to the Rolex website), same ad rates, more subscribers, and a distribution cost of near zero. Everybody wins. Plus it will win huge bonus points with the greenies who forever criticize print media for wasting resources. And of course, Apple takes a percentage of all click-throughs for their trouble. I'm telling you, this is The Next Big Thing.

Sure at first the concept will scare some publishers, just as it took a few years for the music industry to take the iTunes Music Store as a serious retail competitor. Now its the #1 music seller in the world.

As history has shown, if any company can revolutionize a hundred-year-old industry overnight, it is Apple. And this tablet may well facilitate that revolution. :apple:

Peace

Dec 31, 2009, 02:27 PM

I'm no expert, but I've been led to believe that the actual "printing" of magazines and periodicals is a break-even proposition at best. The real $$$ is in the advertising. Think of the expense and complexity of physically printing millions of magazines weekly or monthly, shipping them around the world to national distributors, and then further shipping them to a million corner stores. Or even worse, printing mailing labels and actually mailing them out. In 2010 the whole publishing concept is inane.

If Apple does this right the magazine publishers will be lining-up to get onboard. Same ads (only interactive, click on the Rolex ad to jump to the Rolex website), same ad rates, more subscribers, and a distribution cost of near zero. Everybody wins. Plus it will win huge bonus points with the greenies who forever criticize print media for wasting resources. And of course, Apple takes a percentage of all click-throughs for their trouble. I'm telling you, this is The Next Big Thing.

Sure at first the concept will scare some publishers, just as it took a few years for the music industry to take the iTunes Music Store as a serious retail competitor. Now its the #1 music seller in the world.

As history has shown, if any company can revolutionize a hundred-year-old industry overnight, it is Apple. And this tablet may well facilitate that revolution. :apple:

Sorry. I was responding to this :

"with the right device Apple could put the entire magazine publishing industry out of business overnight."

KnightWRX

Dec 31, 2009, 02:38 PM

I'm no expert, but I've been led to believe that the actual "printing" of magazines and periodicals is a break-even proposition at best. The real $$$ is in the advertising. Think of the expense and complexity of physically printing millions of magazines weekly or monthly, shipping them around the world to national distributors, and then further shipping them to a million corner stores. Or even worse, printing mailing labels and actually mailing them out. Either way they're soon discarded, losing all information contained within. In 2010 the whole publishing concept is inane.

If Apple does this right the magazine publishers will be lining-up to get onboard. Same ads (only interactive, click on the Rolex ad to jump to the Rolex website), same ad rates, more subscribers, and a distribution cost of near zero. Everybody wins. Plus it will win huge bonus points with the greenies who forever criticize print media for wasting resources. And of course, Apple takes a percentage of all click-throughs for their trouble. I'm telling you, this is The Next Big Thing.

Sure at first the concept will scare some publishers, just as it took a few years for the music industry to take the iTunes Music Store as a serious retail competitor. Now its the #1 music seller in the world.

As history has shown, if any company can revolutionize a hundred-year-old industry overnight, it is Apple. And this tablet may well facilitate that revolution. :apple:

Hey, that sounds like a Website. :rolleyes: Interactive magazines is a good way to lock yourself to a single platform. You can make "Interactive magazines" in the form of a website, then everybody has access to it, not just buyers of a particular device.

Seriously, the Web is already here, it's already ubiquitous and has all the same articles, ads, features a magazine has and could have in a digital format. It makes no sense.

*LTD*

Dec 31, 2009, 02:39 PM

Steve's right, nobody reads books anymore, but everybody reads magazines. My money says this is the "killer app" for the tablet -- online interactive magazines. It's green because there is no paper used, and subscriptions will be inexpensive and handled online just like podcasts are now. Let Amazon have their books, with the right device Apple could put the entire magazine printing industry out of business overnight. :apple:

I'm in the minority. :(

Half my house is a library. Then again, I'm an academic, so books are part of my job. Nothing like a nice old book with beautiful typography. In any case, I do like to acquire material in pdf format.

eRondeau

Dec 31, 2009, 03:02 PM

Seriously, the Web is already here, it's already ubiquitous and has all the same articles, ads, features a magazine has and could have in a digital format. It makes no sense.

Ahhh, but with the greatest respect sir -- there were lots of ways to buy and play music before the iPod came along. The iPod did the same thing much better than any competitor and the market responded in kind. There were lots of cell phones on the market before the iPhone came along. The iPhone did the same thing much better than any competitor and the market responded. I'm just saying that I believe that if Apple chooses to enter the e-reader market they will do it better than any competitor and the market will respond with success. (And BTW I'm not saying magazines is ALL the tablet will do, it will be just one of many applications -- but I believe it will get the entire industry to sit up and take notice -- it will immediately be the tablet's Killer App.)

There will always be an internet, but the internet is rigid & clunky. Everything Apple does is smooth & beautiful. Call me shallow, but I'll buy smoothness & beauty over slowness & clunky every time. :apple:

KnightWRX

Dec 31, 2009, 04:01 PM

Ahhh, but with the greatest respect sir -- there were lots of ways to buy and play music before the iPod came along. The iPod did the same thing much better than any competitor and the market responded in kind. There were lots of cell phones on the market before the iPhone came along. The iPhone did the same thing much better than any competitor and the market responded. I'm just saying that I believe that if Apple chooses to enter the e-reader market they will do it better than any competitor and the market will respond with success. (And BTW I'm not saying magazines is ALL the tablet will do, it will be just one of many applications -- but I believe it will get the entire industry to sit up and take notice -- it will immediately be the tablet's Killer App.)

eBooks make sense. MP3s made sense (they were already highly popular before the iTMS sold digital music). The iPhone is not content, so I don't get what you're trying to say by comparing it to interactive magazines.

Digital magazines... well, we already have them. They're called websites. They are updated constantly, are interactive, have articles, features, videos, sound...

The revolution you're thinking of already happened 10 years ago. eBooks is another matter, and Amazon and Barnes and Noble are already doing that. Apple will probably get in on it, but a magazine revolution will never happen. The current shift from paper to online media is not about being green or paper at all, it's about convenience. The web provided fast updates (no more waiting for a periodical), interactivity and multi-media content (sound, video). It was also much more accessible (don't have to subscribe or go buy a copy) which in turn granted a wider audience.

This is why the Web took off and hurt the press industry, because it is an Interactive Magazine like you say.

There will always be an internet, but the internet is rigid & clunky. Everything Apple does is smooth & beautiful. Call me shallow, but I'll buy smoothness & beauty over slowness & clunky every time. :apple:

The Internet is rigid and clunky ? The Internet as sold by mega corporations maybe. The Internet is open and vast. You can easily invent a completely new protocol, spread and if people adopt it, it will become the next big thing. Tim Berners-Lee did in 1991, using NeXT computers of all things. The Internet is always moving forward.

Rigid ? Really ? Just today, you can get information over the Internet by : Visiting a website using HTTP, subscribing to mailing lists using SMTP/POP3/IMAP, consulting a relevent discussion group over NNTP, chatting online with informed people over IRC/XMPP/any other instant messenger or chat. You can use applications over any number of protocol, be it thin client or fat client protocols.

How is this rigid ? And seeing how Apple is very dependant on the Internet, I don't see what smoothness they bring over slowness and clunky Internet ? You're not even making sense.