Analysts Weigh In Ahead of Apple Media Event

[zed2]

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The way I'd like it to work. Pair it with your iPhone. Ie no built in 3G but rather it would seemlessly use your iPhone or other less seemlessly phone for data.

Most of the time people are likely to be on wifi anyway and when not just route via the iPhone tethering. Maybe a special tethering that's specific to ipad and that would be included in the current tarrifs. Oh I wish.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Give the tablet some type of iWork/Pages and I will be happy.

...until you try to type some serious text in Pages and realize how much faster you can do that with a laptop

Best scenario I can imagine for iWork (Pages) use is lugging along a bluetooth keyboard as well (maybe one of those rubber ones that roll up in a small cylinder?). But then as soon as I imagine taking the keyboard too, I think the "total" package won't be thinner than taking a Macbook.

 

[NT1440]

I remember way back when talk of the MBP update was talked about more than the tablet...those were the days...

LOL, the tablet has been dominating since LAST MBP update.

Don't worry though, I'm certain there will be a little bit of the keynote on the 27th that you'll like

 

[zombitronic]

I would think not via AT&T (for the same reason you can't with iPhone). Besides, why lug 2 "big screens" (tablet and laptop) if you want to use the Laptop for a lot of 3G web browsing? just get a 3G card, USB stick or a MIFI or similar and save the cost of the Tablet (plus enjoy an even bigger screen for this coming media playback).

I think you misunderstood what I'm saying. I'm talking about tethering your iPhone (with a 3G connection) to your tablet. I think you're describing tethering your tablet to a laptop.

I'm wondering if the tablet will support being on the receiving end of the tethering process. If the tablet doesn't have a USB port, you'd need a dual dock connector cable.

 

[knewsom]

If you have stock, sell it now. This is NOT going to be a success. Be prepared for a slight bump on the day of the event and then a looooong slide down, I'm guessing for at least 6 months.

 

[Thunderbird]

Hmmm...just can't agree with you there t-bird
I think a touch screen iMac would have enormous potential in music and video production as well as any software application requiring a control panel type interface.

For video and music production it's certainly possible, but the interface would have to get a lot better. The touch screens I've tried out so far (on home PCs) are not very responsive, and are downright glitchy. For everyday home use, I don't see touch screen going anywhere. Just try doing finely detailed work in photoshop on a touch screen, for example.

I just do not understand the overwhelming negative attitude to this product.
Think outside the box for a minute and you might see how with some basic changes to software layout this could become the way of the future.

I don't think extending one's arm out to do all the things one currently does perfectly well with small wrist and finger movements is going to catch on in a big way. It's a step back in ergonomics, not an improvement. Many people still resist mice and prefer keyboard shortcuts for everything. They are not likely to start taking their hands off the keyboard in order to make even larger gross movements with their arms instead.

For business application, there is always potential, and maybe it's one way for Apple to get a wedge into certain business segments.

But I guess time will tell eh.

True enough.

 

[pgifford]

Don't worry though, I'm certain there will be a little bit of the keynote on the 27th that you'll like

Really? When were you promised that?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I think you misunderstood what I'm saying. I'm talking about tethering your iPhone (with a 3G connection) to your tablet. I think you're describing tethering your tablet to a laptop.

I'm wondering if the tablet will support being on the receiving end of the tethering process. If the tablet doesn't have a USB port, you'd need a dual dock connector cable.

Maybe. But that would be a hackers dream, as its only a bit of code to open up a "locked" tether (iphone to Tablet) to an unlocked tether (iphone to everything). There would probably need to be some kind of solid hardware dongle or similar, if they are going to try to go that way.

I would think it is more likely that you add a sim card to the Tablet, and your iphone plan becomes a "use one or the other, but not both at the same time" proposition (with an extra setup fee courtesy of your 3G provider of course). That could happen, and seems like it could make business sense for the 3G providers (though not necessarily be the ideal scenario for the owner of both devices).

My best guess is that this Tablet can be an iPhone as part of its overall functionality. For those without an iPhone, they can buy this and use it as a mobile phone (earbuds with microphone) as well as all of the other stuff it will be able to do. For iPhone owners, it may be something you can switch into if you would rather have the bigger screen and related benefits instead of the benefits that come with the smaller screen and greater portability. There may even be trade-in options much like switching from one phone to "another".

Sure, this "phone" won't fit in your pocket, but you could carry it around like a Kindle, make your calls like an iPhone, then put it away (like a laptop) as you actually converse. I bet there will be an enormous amount of Tablet bags & cases that would support using it like a phone as well, very soon after the launch.

 

[elfin]

Predictions

Next Wednesday evening I will predict what Jobs will announce. I also predict I will be more accurate than ones that have already posted their predictions.

 

[lostngone]

That may be just about the best summary of where this thing might "fit" that I've seen. I have a hard time seeing it be a big hit with those who have a "real computer" for the road (laptop) and/or who already have an iPhone/iPod touch... but I'm hoping Apple will surprise us all anyway.

I disagree, I have both a laptop and an iPhone. The iPhone is just a little to small to do a lot of surfing/email/etc on. The laptop is heavy and big and just isn't something you want to carry around all the time. [IF] they get the right form factor I think it would be a nice middle ground device.

 

[Digitalclips]

I want to change my career aspirations to become one of these analysts. Getting paid to make **** up based on vague rumors and controlled leaks?

Yes please.

So what's stopping you?

 

[spillproof]

Without reading the rest of the thread here is my opinion:

One of the key features about the iPhone is it can do data and talk with AT&T. I can't see Apple limiting the phone by offering it on Verizon's network until it can support both talk and data.

The tablet on Verizon, eh very possible I guess. Its not a phone also so it doesn't need data and talk. It doesn't matter to me as long as it has WiFi and i can still tether on my iPhone.

But I could be wrong (although I would be very surprised at Apple's stupid decision.)

 

[3882303]

Really? When were you promised that?

+1

 

[scades]

[*]this will get the high-priced college textbooks cut down to dirt cheap prices. Why? Because the publishers who enjoy the fat profits on those textbooks will choose to cut their profit throats to help Apple sell more Tablets?

As a retired college professor, I do want to comment on this point. "Textbook" has multiple meanings. The biggest bucks are in the traditional Intro texts in the social and physical sciences (now edging above $100 per text, and even more in the physical sciences). Increasingly, they are revised annually, to cut into the used book market, not because there's sufficient change in the science to justify such frequent revision. This results in extra costs, both for the editing (and don't forget all the supplements--work-books, student guides, etc), and for the press runs. DRM will cut heavily into the resale problem, and may thereby reduce the cost factors I've just listed.
Then there are the other required texts: "readers" in all fields, crucial upper-division books--novels for English, and classics in various fields, etc. Again, if DRM cuts into text resales, publishers will have increased volume.
Then there are the positive advantages of tablet-oriented textbooks--hyperlinks, the ability to annotate (marginal notes, highlighting, etc.) the ability to link to student blogs (academic, that is, not social).
So?.... Anyone expecting "dirt cheap" e-texts will be unhappy with what the market will actually offer. But e-books could be somewhat cheaper because they won't be so frequently updated, and of course they will have neither printing nor distribution costs. (And assuming a 30% iTunes fee from Apple, that won't be more than now goes to wholesale and retail distribution.) And I think contemporary students will really like the utility of e-books of the quality the Tablet will make possible--and being able to carry a two-pound (??) tablet rather than five two-pound intro texts.
If there's widespread production of e-texts by the major academic publishers, college students are going buy Tablets in droves in time for the Fall 2010 semester.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I disagree, I have both a laptop and an iPhone. The iPhone is just a little to small to do a lot of surfing/email/etc on. The laptop is heavy and big and just isn't something you want to carry around all the time. [IF] they get the right form factor I think it would be a nice middle ground device.

Would you imagine leaving the iphone and laptop at home? Or are you taking this Tablet with one or both?

And, do you produce much content (type documents, etc) when you are traveling, or mostly consume content (watch video, reply to emails with just a few sentences, etc)? I'm very much in the former group, so I have a hard time picturing it being a business travel substitute for the laptop (and I don't envision both in the bag either). But if I was in the latter group, I could see content consumers digging the lighter/thinner/bigger screen argument.

Frankly, I'm hoping for the less-rumored 7" model to also be a full iPhone device. As I (too) find the iPhone too small, but a 7" version would be just about perfect for my own needs. In that case, I can picture a laptop plus this 7" Tablet traveling in the same business travel bag: one for serious work and the other as the phone/fun device.

 

[Beric]

New MBP's are going to happen soon. The question is whether it will be this specific event, or over the next two months. I'm going to speculate on this January event, only because Apple won't make this event exclusively about the tablet, I'll bet. And as MBP's are the next products to need updates, it'll be them. The reason we haven't heard much about them yet is because the only update will only be internal hardware.

 

[ryanasimov]

Consider the revised bluetooth keyboard's form factor

It now uses one less battery (lighter) and is asymmetrically designed. Apple loves accessories, so imagine a tablet shaped so it and the keyboard could nestle inside a nice case.

Use the keyboard when you have lots of text to input, leave it when you want just the tablet. A very Apple solution.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

[*]this will get the high-priced college textbooks cut down to dirt cheap prices. Why? Because the publishers who enjoy the fat profits on those textbooks will choose to cut their profit throats to help Apple sell more Tablets?

As a retired college professor, I do want to comment on this point. "Textbook" has multiple meanings. The biggest bucks are in the traditional Intro texts in the social and physical sciences (now edging above $100 per text, and even more in the physical sciences). Increasingly, they are revised annually, to cut into the used book market, not because there's sufficient change in the science to justify such frequent revision. This results in extra costs, both for the editing (and don't forget all the supplements--work-books, student guides, etc), and for the press runs. DRM will cut heavily into the resale problem, and may thereby reduce the cost factors I've just listed.
Then there are the other required texts: "readers" in all fields, crucial upper-division books--novels for English, and classics in various fields, etc. Again, if DRM cuts into text resales, publishers will have increased volume.
Then there are the positive advantages of tablet-oriented textbooks--hyperlinks, the ability to annotate (marginal notes, highlighting, etc.) the ability to link to student blogs (academic, that is, not social).
So?.... Anyone expecting "dirt cheap" e-texts will be unhappy with what the market will actually offer. But e-books could be somewhat cheaper because they won't be so frequently updated, and of course they will have neither printing nor distribution costs. (And assuming a 30% iTunes fee from Apple, that won't be more than now goes to wholesale and retail distribution.) And I think contemporary students will really like the utility of e-books of the quality the Tablet will make possible--and being able to carry a two-pound (??) tablet rather than five two-pound intro texts.
If there's widespread production of e-texts by the major academic publishers, college students are going buy Tablets in droves in time for the Fall 2010 semester.

Make no mistake, I'm not against the idea of cheaper (lighter) textbooks via this Tablet at all. It's just the idea that the publishers making fat revenues on high-priced college textbooks are now going to significantly cut that revenue to help Apple sell more Tablets. I think it is a GREAT idea that students should not be so thoroughly ripped off with some of the very practices you reference. But for the change to actually happen... for the students to win with these cheaper (lighter, more mobile) books, the publisher would have to decide to jettison a nice, fat established stream of profit (for no apparent gain).

You reference ideas like higher volumes, but that would depend on more students buying the books, which means higher volumes of students. I just don't see that.

For mainstream books (that might be purchased via Amazon and other places) competitive forces pressure prices. But let Kindle be your guide in terms of how the publishers choose to price their books in e-form vs. the printed version (on Kindle). I don't see why this should be any different.

 

[Eric S.]

Can't wait to see how wrong all these guys are.

 

[gmcalpin]

iMac touch screen is a non-starter. I, nor anyone I know, would have an use for one. This may have kiosk application, but not home use. Personal PC touchscreen is failing in sales, a technology trying to push a supposed need.

Unless I could detach the monitor from its base and use it like a Cintiq, I wouldn't ever use touchscreen input at a desktop for any length of time. My arm would get tired! (Insert masturbation joke here.) But it would be useful for those short instances where I don't really want to be at my computer; I just need to do one thing, or look at one quick thing.

For instance: I use my computer as a music player, often while I'm cooking in the kitchen or what-have-you, so I would enjoy the ability to quickly walk in and tap the screen rather than grab the mouse, wiggle it if it fell asleep (it's wireless), see where the cursor is, then click on what I needed to do — that second or two of time just tapping the screen would save me — appeals to me.

That's not really a compelling enough capability to merit spending a lot of money on it, though.

If you have stock, sell it now. This is NOT going to be a success. Be prepared for a slight bump on the day of the event and then a looooong slide down, I'm guessing for at least 6 months.

Oh man, if I could reach through the internet and pat you on your head, I would.

 

[Jeaz]

Seriously, releasing the next iPhone as a CDMA phone, would probably prove to be the dumbest move Apple could ever make. I mean, outside US, there are virtually no providers who use it, so whoever wrote the original statement/rumor just made it up without really thinking.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

It now uses one less battery (lighter) and is asymmetrically designed. Apple loves accessories, so imagine a tablet shaped so it and the keyboard could nestle inside a nice case.

Use the keyboard when you have lots of text to input, leave it when you want just the tablet. A very Apple solution.

That I can picture pretty easily... except as you add a fully functional keyboard, you are adding bulk, width, etc moving toward competing with the bulk & width of a "real" computer like a laptop.

If you have a 15" Macbook, break out a tape measure and measure a 10" screen on top it. Add a little room for a bezel. Now, measure off the smallest- but functional- keyboard you can find (probably the one in the laptop) and fit it around the 10.5-11" space you just measured. Is this Tablet with keyboard smaller than a Laptop now?

I do believe a bluetooth keyboard will be a natural accessory for this Tablet, for anyone trying to use it like a laptop some of the time. But, if a person already owns a good laptop, I have a harder time picturing them wanting to add a part-time use Tablet and keyboard... IF they are content creators (writers, etc).

 

[iMacmatician]

My question is, what happened to the "full Mac OS X or bust" crowd?

They have finally realized that Mac OS X isn't going to happen.

 

[jeznav]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7D11 Safari/528.16)

The way I'd like it to work. Pair it with your iPhone. Ie no built in 3G but rather it would seemlessly use your iPhone or other less seemlessly phone for data.

Most of the time people are likely to be on wifi anyway and when not just route via the iPhone tethering. Maybe a special tethering that's specific to ipad and that would be included in the current tarrifs. Oh I wish.

Makes sense...since you always carry the Iphone with you, just tether via bluetooth. My laptop connects seamlessly when I'm on the road. But for people who's a first time buyer of an Apple product ie. Tablet, they'll have to buy an iPhone as well with a data plan. Unless the tablet includes a 3G option then they don't have to buy an iPhone. I don't know anyone who has a Mac who doesn't have an iPhone nowadays.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I don't know anyone who has a Mac who doesn't have an iPhone nowadays.

I'm one of those people. I own 5 Macs, 2 iPods and ZERO iPhones. I'm hoping this Tablet will have full 3G inside and it may be my first "iPhone". Else, I may go Touch + VOIP app, maybe with a MIFI option next fall.