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

[guzhogi]

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

 

[firewood]

Calling an ARM machine a Mac would result in chaos because it couldn't run Mac software.

That's right! A Mac runs 68000 code.

Errr... Oooops... Make that: a Mac runs PowerPC code.

Errr... Oooops again.

Lets try this: A Mac OS X machine runs whatever code Apple thinks has a future as fast and power efficient.

 

[cmaier]

That's right! A Mac runs 68000 code.

Errr... Oooops... Make that: a Mac runs PowerPC code.

Errr... Oooops again.

Lets try this: A Mac OS X machine runs whatever code Apple thinks has a future as fast and power efficient.

Apple isn't going to run full MacOS on ARM. It will run iPhone Mac OS +.

Apple switched to x86 because that's where the future is for desktop/laptop machines. They are not going to port the OS back to a low power RISC architecture.

 

[canyonblue737]

The new tablet may very well be called the "iSlate" but this news story means very little. Large companies like Apple buy up numerous website names years in advance just in case they end up naming a product something. I suspect a host of tablet type names, "iSlate, iPad" etc. are all bought by Apple and then Apple, I mean Steve Jobs, gets to pick the one he wants a month before launch.

 

[Peace]

The new tablet may very well be called the "iSlate" but this news story means very little. Large companies like Apple buy up numerous website names years in advance just in case they end up naming a product something. I suspect a host of tablet type names, "iSlate, iPad" etc. are all bought by Apple and then Apple, I mean Steve Jobs, gets to pick the one he wants a month before launch.

Apple's been working on the marketing for a lot longer than a month so I'm guessing the name has been set for as long.

 

[Maserati7200]

With all these ideas.. idk what to think. I'lll just wait and see

Wow, people are exciting here...

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

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

Only my thought

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

Why? I think he has a good point there. iSlate could simply be the program for drawing and writing...

Apple's been working on the marketing for a lot longer than a month so I'm guessing the name has been set for as long.

I agree. Most companies make a product and after their done, say "how are we gonna market this thing?" but in Apple's case they think about the marketing before the major development of the product.

 

[3282868]

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

Apples and oranges. The 3GS is actually the same as the 3G, with minor differences (same processor, faster 3G and better battery). The iBook was a completely different product than the rumored Mac tablet. This coupled with Apple's approach to future products and designs, iBook is most definitely retired.

 

[mixel]

Hmm, I remember these "That’s a stupid name, Apple would never call a product that!" comments from the ipod.. But even MORE so from the Macbook and Macbook Pro.. The comments back then were hilarious.

Surely iSlate (even with the "is late" obvious joke that only means anything to Apple followers, ie.. Us.. Not a significant portion of the market) is a better and more likely name for a product than "Macbook Pro" ever has been.

Once you get used to names they don't sound crazy anymore even if they're really strange or stupid. Google? Bing? Firefox? Safari? You see "stupid name!!" comments about everything.

I quite like iSlate but would love it if they just called it Newton instead.

 

[!¡ V ¡!]

Apple isn't going to run full MacOS on ARM. It will run iPhone Mac OS +.

Apple switched to x86 because that's where the future is for desktop/laptop machines. They are not going to port the OS back to a low power RISC architecture.

"low power RISC architecture"

Something does not seem right with your statement. went with x86 for low power and flexibility since the power requirements, demand and cost favoured and the industry in general. The problem with PPC was that lack of all three was not present during the dark days when PowerBook consumers did not get a PowerBook G5. This was similar to throwing a pie in face since it could not keep up with the x86 world.

It is a smart move on part to have Mac OS X running on both RISC and CISC platforms as it allows for flexibility even though its cost twice as much. Putting all your eggs (Mac OS X is a Golden Egg) into once architecture is just plain lame.

was a big supporter for the RISC architecture and eating its words and going with x86 just leads me to believe that it will be revisited.

Funny when Steve Jobs announced Mac OS X was leading a "double-life" all along comes as no surprise since they planned on using it for iPhone OS X. Hmm

 

[cmaier]

"low power RISC architecture"

Something does not seem right with your statement. went with x86 for low power and flexibility since the power requirements, demand and cost favoured and the industry in general. The problem with PPC was that lack of all three was not present during the dark days when PowerBook consumers did not get a PowerBook G5. This was similar to throwing a pie in face since it could not keep up with the x86 world.

It is a smart move on part to have Mac OS X running on both RISC and CISC platforms as it allows for flexibility even though its cost twice as much. Putting all your eggs (Mac OS X is a Golden Egg) into once architecture is just plain lame.

was a big supporter for the RISC architecture and eating its words and going with x86 just leads me to believe that it will be revisited.

Funny when Steve Jobs announced Mac OS X was leading a "double-life" all along comes as no surprise since they planned on using it for iPhone OS X. Hmm

I'm a microprocessor designer who's designed x86's (AMD), Sparcs (Sun) and PPC's (Exponential Technology). x86 will always be the proper choice for an OS like full Mac OS. Sorry. RISC offers nothing except much lower power consumption (and lower real-world performance).

 

[flopticalcube]

"low power RISC architecture"

...

It is a smart move on part to have Mac OS X running on both RISC and CISC platforms as it allows for flexibility even though its cost twice as much. Putting all your eggs (Mac OS X is a Golden Egg) into once architecture is just plain lame.

was a big supporter for the RISC architecture and eating its words and going with x86 just leads me to believe that it will be revisited.

All modern Intel processors are RISC-based. They have a microcode RISC engine that translates the x86 instructions into simple RISC instructions and executes those so Apple didn't actually switch architectures, Intel did.

 

[iJesus]

Someone mentioned iSlate and Magic Slate earlier and how they did trademark searches in Australia. Well, I did a few more in other countries and they all came up with the same applicant. Also, remember Apple's Magic Mouse. Perhaps they're moving towards their multitouch stuff starting with Magic?

US:
Applicant:
Slate Computing
LLC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY DELAWARE Corporation Trust Center, Room 123 1209 Orange Street Wilmington DELAWARE 19801

Magic Slate:
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4006:c2pmta.2.1

iSlate:
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4004:6ho57r.2.1

Representative:
David Jones

Contact:
david.jones743@gmail.com

UK:

Applicant:
Slate Computing (USA) LLC
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington Delaware 19801
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

iSlate:
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ohim?ohimnum=E5488002

Magic Slate:
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ohim?ohimnum=E7450844

Representative:
EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE UK LLP
One Fetter Lane, London, United Kingdom, EC4A 1JB

Canada:

Applicant:
Slate Computing (USA) LLC
Corporation Trust Center
Room 123
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington, Delaware
19801
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

iSlate:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-cipo/t...967&extension=0&startingDocumentIndexOnPage=1

Magic Slate:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-cipo/t...596&extension=0&startingDocumentIndexOnPage=1

Australia:

Applicant:
Slate Computing (USA) LLC
A corporation organised and existing under the laws of Delaw are
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington Delaware 19801
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

iSlate:
http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/...sp=D&p_detail=DETAILED&p_rec_no=2&p_rec_all=2

Magic Slate:
http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/...sp=D&p_detail=DETAILED&p_rec_no=2&p_rec_all=2

 

[cmaier]

All modern Intel processors are RISC-based. They have a microcode RISC engine that translates the x86 instructions into simple RISC instructions and executes those so Apple didn't actually switch architectures, Intel did.

That's a vast oversimplification. A typical x86 instruction decoder (ID) does break instructions down into simpler instructions, but the core wouldn't qualify as RISC. For example, at AMD our cores did support things like variable length instructions, complex addressing modes, etc. All things that RISC forbids. And, by your argument, there was never any such thing as CISC, because CISC always had microcode (and still does) - i.e., instructions were always changed to simpler instructions.

On the other hand, CISC machines did adopt things pioneered by RISC machines, such as parallel dispatch and retire strategies, renamed registers, larger register files, etc.

Someone mentioned iSlate and Magic Slate earlier and how they did trademark searches in Australia. Well, I did a few more in other countries and they all came up with the same applicant. Also, remember Apple's Magic Mouse. Perhaps they're moving towards their multitouch stuff starting with Magic?

Reminds me of General Magic.

 

[3282868]

"low power RISC architecture"

Something does not seem right with your statement. went with x86 for low power and flexibility since the power requirements, demand and cost favoured and the industry in general. The problem with PPC was that lack of all three was not present during the dark days when PowerBook consumers did not get a PowerBook G5. This was similar to throwing a pie in face since it could not keep up with the x86 world.

It is a smart move on part to have Mac OS X running on both RISC and CISC platforms as it allows for flexibility even though its cost twice as much. Putting all your eggs (Mac OS X is a Golden Egg) into once architecture is just plain lame.

was a big supporter for the RISC architecture and eating its words and going with x86 just leads me to believe that it will be revisited.

Funny when Steve Jobs announced Mac OS X was leading a "double-life" all along comes as no surprise since they planned on using it for iPhone OS X. Hmm

Exactly. Apple had been writing code for two platforms for years with the intent of porting over. As well, IBM had planned on dropping their desktop processor line, which they did, in support of their server grade processors.

 

[3282868]

Someone mentioned iSlate and Magic Slate earlier and how they did trademark searches in Australia. Well, I did a few more in other countries and they all came up with the same applicant. Also, remember Apple's Magic Mouse. Perhaps they're moving towards their multitouch stuff starting with Magic?

I hope not. I cringed when Apple announced the "Magic Mouse". It seems more apparent that Apple wanted to stick with the "MM" monicker, as they seem to be keeping the "Mighty Mouse" around for a while.

 

[Lesser Evets]

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

"Maxi Pad"

I've been saying it will be the MaxiPod. And it will be. Just you watch.

The name doesn't mean anything. Look at the Wii... it's junk, it's gotta stupid name, it's successful. Today, people will buy expensive time wasters and not blink, even when they have names that conjure urine. The "iSlate" will at least have productive function. We hope. Jobs has been iSalivating over the gaming market since the iPT got so much revenue through the games at the app store. If the iSlate is going to be a hyped up gaming iPod selling for $800, it's going to be sad and rainy in Mudville.

 

[goobot]

ipod is a stupid name too. pod with a i ?

 

[ChuckG]

Why? I think he has a good point there. iSlate could simply be the program for drawing and writing...

Because the device will resemble a writing slate's lines almost verbatim. The bezel, frame width, proportions, just about everything.

The fact that this artifact was instrumental in schools during the 1800's, lines up with Apple wanting to position this heavily in schools. Ever since Steve's days at NeXT, he's had an itch to develop a product that would shake up the education segment. This thing can literally replace library buildings, become heavily subsidized and developed for by school districts and universities.

The iBook name doesn't make sense, because Steve believes that "multi-purpose devices will win the day." Marketing-wise, iBook limits the device to being just another player in the Kindle/Nook/Sony Reader game.

Someone mentioned iSlate and Magic Slate earlier and how they did trademark searches in Australia. Well, I did a few more in other countries and they all came up with the same applicant. Also, remember Apple's Magic Mouse. Perhaps they're moving towards their multitouch stuff starting with Magic?

Nice work, iJesus.

I sure hope they don't launch with 2 different versions, with MagicSlate at the high end with all the fancy tactile feedback grooves and bigger screen.

 

[macjay]

I would call it the Apple Slice.

It'll come in two colors – Pepperoni and Veggie.

 

[dicklacara]

It'll come in two colors – Pepperoni and Veggie.

I suspect that the iSlate will come in many colors.

A family will have many of these: one for each family member, plus 1 for the kitchen, couch, etc.

*

 

[iJesus]

It'll come in two colors – Pepperoni and Veggie.

No, if the rumors are true and Steve is truly very happy with the tablet... it'll only come in one color.

VEGGIE.

 

[inkswamp]

This is interesting. "Slate" is an outdated term for small, individual chalkboards used by schoolchildren in the 1800s.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slate_(writing)

It was replaced by the coming of cheap paper. Given that this rumored produced is supposedly going to replace paper publications, it would almost be poetic to give it this name. Paper replaces slate and eventually the Slate replaces paper...

 

[Pilgrim1099]

ChuckG,

One thing though is that a lot of publishers are lining up to this device for reading content along with interactivity. That means, it's more than just a 'slate' based concept. If you're using it to read, then why not re-instate the iBook name? After all, it has to be a combination of the Newton with multi-touch in netbook size.

With such a portable size, I think it is designed to compete with the Kindle and Nook to do much more than reading and writing, even though they are apparently the primary use of this device, but music and movies are obviously part of the feature as an added bonus. Wi-fi is definitely expected for internet and email browsing.

Think of this way. It is meant to fill in the void between a netbook and an e-book reader. Almost a hybridized version of these markets involved.

If this 'slate' is designed for professionals to do light work 'on the go', that's a great solution. Or perhaps doing a little book editing for Editors. Or portfolio presentations for graphic designers/illustrators.

It's a mix of iPod, iBook, and iWork. And yes, it can be very useful for the educational sector. Remember how the colleges were using iPods for lectures? Here's a better solution. The tablet device is the thing to use.

Because the device will resemble a writing slate's lines almost verbatim. The bezel, frame width, proportions, just about everything.

The fact that this artifact was instrumental in schools during the 1800's, lines up with Apple wanting to position this heavily in schools. Ever since Steve's days at NeXT, he's had an itch to develop a product that would shake up the education segment. This thing can literally replace library buildings, become heavily subsidized and developed for by school districts and universities.

The iBook name doesn't make sense, because Steve believes that "multi-purpose devices will win the day." Marketing-wise, iBook limits the device to being just another player in the Kindle/Nook/Sony Reader game.

 

[flopticalcube]

That's a vast oversimplification. A typical x86 instruction decoder (ID) does break instructions down into simpler instructions, but the core wouldn't qualify as RISC. For example, at AMD our cores did support things like variable length instructions, complex addressing modes, etc. All things that RISC forbids. And, by your argument, there was never any such thing as CISC, because CISC always had microcode (and still does) - i.e., instructions were always changed to simpler instructions.

On the other hand, CISC machines did adopt things pioneered by RISC machines, such as parallel dispatch and retire strategies, renamed registers, larger register files, etc.

Intel hasn't always used micro-ops in the x86 line. It started in the Pentium Pro (Yale Patt?). Its not true RISC like a PPC, however. Its more RISC-like but does show that RISC had an impact if not a win.

 

[lord patton]

The 3GS is actually the same as the 3G, with minor differences (same processor, faster 3G and better battery).

Do you mean the iPhone and the iPhone 3G?