Apple Tablet Computer?

[unsigned]

Speculated many months ago by MacWhispers of all places

Assuming that (a) that little square thing is an iPod dock connector and (b) the drawing is to scale, this thing is about 5.75 by 8.25 inches, about .625 inch thick, with about a 10 inch diagonal display

On the eve of the introduction of the 3G iPod, MacWhispers also had information regarding the production of a white plastic base with these dimensions, causing many tablet rumors. In the same article, the site detailed the construction of a combination firewire/USB2.0 cable, which turned out to be correct, and, though I don't recall it with as much detail, I believe also predicted the iPod base and 3G button arrangement.

So it seems that there may have been some legitamacy there.

Unfortunately apple doesn't sell everything they patent.. we're never going to see the snake-arm imac (thank god).

 

[njmac]

If this is the new iMac, it will be a HUGE seller for apple. What are the chances?

 

[dead_parrot]

it's obvious

This isn't a tablet PC. Apple knows not to shoot themselves in the foot. They're careful (most of the time) to make a product that only does so much.

In my opinion, what you're looking at is the new iMac's screen. No hard drive built into it, no cd, no whatever.. the most that might be built into this is an airport and battery.

Now kids, think iPod and the iPod dock for a sec. Translate that to the iMac and you have a portable screen for your Mac. This doesn't tread into the iBook's domain because the iBook is for portability outside the house. This unit is used only to communicate with your base station which will contain all the usual computer stuff.

Now think a step further...a unit for your TV to accept a signal from this monitor. No more wires to play your DVDs / Music ...or whatever elese you're broadcasting.

 

[salmon]

Would love to see one

I personally have been waiting for something like this for a couple of years now. The closest I have seen to what I want is a Samsung Nexio, but it's not close enough, and pretty pricey. An 8" screen would be perfect.

I want a portable media device, and I want one that is well-designed, which is why I won't even look at anything Microcrap is doing with this title. I hate just about everything they've ever made.

I want to be able to record TV shows and clips through an EyeTV type device, edit them and other stuff on my Mac, and then watch them on the bus or show them to people or whatever.

I want a way of showing people digital photos that I've taken, without having to mess around hooking my camera to a tv, on a screen big enough to see comfortably.

I want a device I can browse the web/read an ebook/newspaper while I'm sitting on the couch, deck, can, kitchen (recipes online), whereever, on a screen I can comfortably see.

I want a device that I can do some basic computing on, like checking email or working on a spreadsheet to do my home finances in front of the TV, on a screen large enough to use comfortably.

I want it to have enough storage so I can keep all my important stuff on it. 40G would be great.

I want a device that's instant on, and not bulky (ie not a laptop). I also don't want it to cost too much; I don't want it to be a powerhorse - be able to play a video is enough computing power for me.

I want a device that can accomodate a keyboard so I can easily take some notes during a meeting, or thoughts I have during the day. It should be MORE convenient than a pad of paper.

I want a device that can act as a PDA, but not JUST a PDA.

I want a device that I can use as an MP3 player, in a low-power displayless mode (or have a detachable one that docks into it as the main storage unit...)

I don't want a tablet PC - WAY overpriced, underpowered, bulky (HUGE), crappy Windows based devices.

I don't want a PDA - small screen, no good storage options, no MP3 ability.

I don't want a laptop - too big and bulky, no instant on/off, no touchscreen, battery life still a bit too short.

I'm not looking for a desktop replacement, because I would still need one for real work and editing all of my pictures and videos.

So it's a little too big to fit in a pocket, and it has to go in a backpack or some type of shoulder bag for carrying - that's fine with me.

So basically, I want one of those devices that are ubiquitous on Star Trek:TNG and beyond. One of these rumored devices, with a slot to plug an iPod into would be FANTASTIC. Apple, I'm anxiously waiting, and saving up for it (seriously, I am).

 

[transistor]

Just a display with wireless remote. That's my guess. No real processing power or memory. Just a remote control. Minimal cost...

I'd like to think that's it! Some sort of "detachable-wireless-remote-screen/control-thing".
But then again, just wishful thinking... this could be just one of many patents filed that will never see the light of day.
The good news, we *might* find out in a bit over two weeks.

 

[duce]

Remote data view & entry??????

The concept of having a remote touch screen as a client device for data entry and view is more likely. Given wireless is now at 50k + and G5 servers/cpu combine with a wireless screen is more practical in a proper settings. Consider a class room or medical center this would be very effective. The remote screen would be responsible for displaying and transmiting data only, all the computing is at the server. Unlike a tablet PC is a full function laptop with a touch screen. Home usage is not at all practical but it would be very cool.

 

[Steven1621]

The tablet didn't work for anyone else, why would it work for Apple?

either did hard drive based MP3 players...

 

[andiwm2003]

this was the best mail ever!

I personally have been waiting for something like this for a couple of years now. The closest I have seen to what I want is a Samsung Nexio, but it's not close enough, and pretty pricey. An 8" screen would be perfect.

I want a portable media device, and I want one that is well-designed, which is why I won't even look at anything Microcrap is doing with this title. I hate just about everything they've ever made.

I want to be able to record TV shows and clips through an EyeTV type device, edit them and other stuff on my Mac, and then watch them on the bus or show them to people or whatever.

I want a way of showing people digital photos that I've taken, without having to mess around hooking my camera to a tv, on a screen big enough to see comfortably.

I want a device I can browse the web/read an ebook/newspaper while I'm sitting on the couch, deck, can, kitchen (recipes online), whereever, on a screen I can comfortably see.

I want a device that I can do some basic computing on, like checking email or working on a spreadsheet to do my home finances in front of the TV, on a screen large enough to use comfortably.

I want it to have enough storage so I can keep all my important stuff on it. 40G would be great.

I want a device that's instant on, and not bulky (ie not a laptop). I also don't want it to cost too much; I don't want it to be a powerhorse - be able to play a video is enough computing power for me.

I want a device that can accomodate a keyboard so I can easily take some notes during a meeting, or thoughts I have during the day. It should be MORE convenient than a pad of paper.

I want a device that can act as a PDA, but not JUST a PDA.

I want a device that I can use as an MP3 player, in a low-power displayless mode (or have a detachable one that docks into it as the main storage unit...)

I don't want a tablet PC - WAY overpriced, underpowered, bulky (HUGE), crappy Windows based devices.

I don't want a PDA - small screen, no good storage options, no MP3 ability.

I don't want a laptop - too big and bulky, no instant on/off, no touchscreen, battery life still a bit too short.

I'm not looking for a desktop replacement, because I would still need one for real work and editing all of my pictures and videos.

So it's a little too big to fit in a pocket, and it has to go in a backpack or some type of shoulder bag for carrying - that's fine with me.

So basically, I want one of those devices that are ubiquitous on Star Trek:TNG and beyond. One of these rumored devices, with a slot to plug an iPod into would be FANTASTIC. Apple, I'm anxiously waiting, and saving up for it (seriously, I am).

I fully agree with every single sentence above. It is the best summary of what I and many people I talked to want from a tablet. bring it and we'll buy it.

I just bought a Palm Zire because my powerbook is to bulky to carry around all the time. the pda will be to small to do what i want, but its the best thing i can get to prepare for meetings, read pdf and so on.

andiwm2003

 

[applekid]

But it is a computer, or it will have to be, if it's gonna run all those apps. Obviously, if this thing runs all those iApps, it'll have to be a full-featured OS-X-running computer, i.e. an ibook minus the optical drive, keyboard, and with a smaller display. The difficulty with a product like this is that it ends up in this ambiguous area between a PDA and laptop where it'll seem too small/limited for full-time computer use and too expensive for a PDA.

I doubt it'll need that much power. I think you can do everything at a reasonable speed with say, a G3 500 MHz (maybe slightly more), 16 MB graphics card, and a small display. That shouldn't be too expensive at all. It gives you enough power to run those core apps at a proper speed.

I don't mean they'll be full-featured OS X iLife Apps. No. I'm expecting, remote-control-style apps. You iPhoto library stays at your computer, but the tablet can create slideshows from it. You control iTunes/AirTunes from it not carry your music library. You can access your Address Book, not actually transfer it. It'll play QuickTime movies without having a copy of the file on a HD or something. Etc.

It really doesn't have to be powerful to be a current computer, or even a computer from the last two years.

 

[mpw]

The concept of having a remote touch screen as a client device for data entry and view is more likely. Given wireless is now at 50k + and G5 servers/cpu combine with a wireless screen is more practical in a proper settings. Consider a class room or medical center this would be very effective. The remote screen would be responsible for displaying and transmiting data only, all the computing is at the server. Unlike a tablet PC is a full function laptop with a touch screen. Home usage is not at all practical but it would be very cool.

I think this is about the closest anyone's posted for what it could be used as. I think an 8" screen on a remote control would be overkill and the form factor seems too small for a tablet. It (IMO) will NOT be the new iMac or the new iMac screen. (Again IMO) However much I'd love the idea of an Apple tablet I think this is back of an envelope stuff that won't reach the market.

What would the battery life be on a 8" screen with constant wireless use?

 

[TwitchOSX]

Its not a whole computer..

Remember when Steve Jobs introduced the flat panel iMac? He said that they couldnt put the guts on the back of the monitor because CD's and HD's run slower when they are vertical. So.. I dont think thats the case here.

What I think it is, is a tablet style computer. No optical drives. Only slim HD's such as the ones in the iPod. Then, perhaps, this will mount to a base station.. which could all be combined to be the new iMac.

What happens is, what others have said. Its a digital multimedia controler. Control iTunes, and watch DVD's on it wirelessly.

My first thought was that it was going to be a remote control for digital apps. An addition to your computer. Your sitting on your couch and iTunes is playing through your stereo. Song comes on you dont like. Pick up your remote, and get a visual of the screen of your main computer ON your remote. Using touch sensative controls, you easily change the song. Blamo.. done. I dont know. Would be cool though.

 

[nagromme]

Cool, but...

I'd guess that AppleInsider has it right: this will not ship. It's something Apple worked on and then scrapped the idea.

As AI points out, Steve Jobs has said pretty clearly that Apple did develop a PDA, but he's glad that they made the decision not to go ahead with it. For whatever reason.

I'm probably one of the few who MIGHT actually buy one just for fun

 

[swissmann]

I wonder how big it will be. I'm not interested in buying a tablet (too big - would rather have a powerbook). But I would be interested in more of a PDA type device.

 

[nagromme]

MacWhispers also had information...

MacWhispers is known to have put fictitious info on their site, a gimmick to draw traffic to MacMice, MacTable, DV Forge, etc.--all names for the same folks, but the connection to MacWhispers was hidden. They even posted an inaccurate bad review of a product from a MacMice competitor, under the guise of being independent.

An unreliable source is one thing... an intentionally false one is another.

 

[ericmooreart]

Change of heart

Perhaps Apple had a change of heart when Sony announced that at the end of this year they will no longer sell their PDAs in the US?

 

[Qunchuy]

...Steve Jobs could offer whatever design he wants "PDA" or "Tablet" and then use whatever name he thinks will be good for marketing...

The name iPad seems a natural choice for this.

 

[tex210]

what's in a name

The name iPad seems a natural choice for this.

yes it does!

I want one... even a first generation... I really want one.
please be a small screen imac g3 w altivec.

 

[Colonel Panik]

I'd say that the rumour that they sent some of them to developers means that they can't find a proper use for it, and they were seeing what the developers might come up with. Hardware like this needs a killer app, and I can't see what that is. Word? iTunes? iPhoto? That doesn't really do it.

It's a hard market. PDAs have screens that are too small, and they're hopeless for entering information with any speed. And Tablet PCs just beg the question 'WHY?'. Unless it's got a touch screen keyboard facility, it's useless. There are niche markets where such a device might come in handy, but they're too small to generate real profits.

That said, I'd still like to have one, just to see what I might use it for.

 

[kerb]

I thought iPad then thought it was a bit too similar to the iPod

other ones could be iTab or iScreen

 

[iMeowbot]

The name iPad seems a natural choice for this.

That sounds like the name for a new age personal hygiene product.

Perhaps interesting: On 29 July, Apple filed a trademark registration for Pod -- without the "i". It covers "portable and handheld digital electronic devices for recording, organizing, transmitting, manipulating, and reviewing audio files, and peripherals devices for use therewith; computer software for use in organizing, transmitting, manipulating, and reviewing audio files on portable and handheld digital electronic devices."

 

[gekko513]

The concept of having a remote touch screen as a client device for data entry and view is more likely. Given wireless is now at 50k + and G5 servers/cpu combine with a wireless screen is more practical in a proper settings. Consider a class room or medical center this would be very effective. The remote screen would be responsible for displaying and transmiting data only, all the computing is at the server. Unlike a tablet PC is a full function laptop with a touch screen. Home usage is not at all practical but it would be very cool.

Why not for home use? If the remote doesn't need any cpu because it's all done on the server it can be made quite cheap. Basically it would be one of those touch-screens that's sometimes hooked up to a cash register, put in a some stuff for wi-fi, some encryption that Jon Lech Johansen can "break", make a pretty design and develop some server side software ... and voila ... iLife remote.

Could be around $200, i guess.

 

[narco]

The tablet didn't work for anyone else, why would it work for Apple?

same was said with the ipod.

.narco

 

[slayman]

Imagine this!!!

Imagine this ...

A low cost tablet type computer with NO hard drive. Just Screen, CPU, & RAM, and wireless keyboard. Well perhaps a small 4 gig HD for embeded OS X. This devise could sell for $699 for a 15 inch LCD.

Your iPod IS the hard drive! The iPod contains and all your digital files, home folder, Applications, and settings. The screen/tablet is just there mostly as a screen.

senario ... Imagine listening to your iPod while driving to work. you hook up your iPod to a low cost tablet/screen at work and logging on with your name and password. Work on your projects using the iPod as storage. Once done at work, go home and hook your iPod to the low cost screen at home.

It sounds like the future to me, an iPod future. Carry all your digital life with you. Panther was going to incorporate this type of feature but Apple held the concept back, perhaps for this bigger, mature vision.

Imagine every college student with an iPod connecting to low cost Apple tablet Screens all over campus. Colleges and schools will love the low cost computer screens. While students pay $299-$399 for a kick ass MP4 player and document storage system. Imagine no book bags! Just an iPod in your pocket!

I can see Apple moving everyone to a liberating mobile computing experience. It's not the CPU that's important it's the files and documents that make up your digital life!!!

 

[Littleodie914]

Ya know what would be cool....

What if this was the screen of the iMac G5? Like there was a base station type thing that housed additional ports (for your keyboard, ethernet, mouse, etc.), and you plugged the screen into the base, and poof, an iMac? Then when you're done doing whatever, you detatch the screen, (which would slide into a connect-ey thing like the iPod and its dock), and they carry it around with you? Like when it'd plugged in, it's a screen/monitor... When you unplug it, it just wirelessly displays the desktop that the base station is sending? Hmm... That might be kinda cool

 

[Littleodie914]

Yep...

This isn't a tablet PC. Apple knows not to shoot themselves in the foot. They're careful (most of the time) to make a product that only does so much.

In my opinion, what you're looking at is the new iMac's screen. No hard drive built into it, no cd, no whatever.. the most that might be built into this is an airport and battery.

Now kids, think iPod and the iPod dock for a sec. Translate that to the iMac and you have a portable screen for your Mac. This doesn't tread into the iBook's domain because the iBook is for portability outside the house. This unit is used only to communicate with your base station which will contain all the usual computer stuff.

Now think a step further...a unit for your TV to accept a signal from this monitor. No more wires to play your DVDs / Music ...or whatever elese you're broadcasting.

Haha yea, that's what I was trying to say