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Apple Tablet to Launch in Early 2010 Using Chip Platform From P.A. Semi?
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If it is targeting Verizon's 4G LTE network that runs on the recently vacated Analog TV (700 MHz) frequencies there is zero chance any reasonable part of the network is up and operational by September. One of the blockers here was not only the tech is new and has to be deployed but that the frequencies were not available ( so even if had equipment it couldn't be deployed and tested in any sizable scale ).
The 5 month delay in analogy -> digital switch over blew alot of schedules but is helpful in giving more development time to having a wider variety of devices come online at launch then the current set of smarphones which primarily just a different radio in them.
January is when that first significant number of cities will light up with that new bandwidth. It may be too small a number for a Tablet, but maybe not. The product is going to be around for a couple of years and higher initial prices will limit the distribution. If has a fallback to a 3G data network loose huge amount of speed but gain much broader coverage.
P.S. everyone who think LTE is some worldwide standard panacea they are missing a few things. Radio frequencies are not standardized worldwide. It is somewhat easier, but still will be on different sets in different locations. Really about more reuse of parts of the system than one standardize, worldwide setup. 3G data is partially that way too. They are derivates of CDMA and there are multiple variant CDMA chipsets out there.
P.P.S. another factor if the screen is on the larger side ( 7+ to 10 inches) that later launch means less expensive. In other words waiting for components to fall into the acceptable price range. If cooked their own ARM core that differs significantly from standard designs could also need to wait for that to pass through QA cycles also.
The regularized September date is on "mainstream" parts. There are no revolutions announced in September, just upgrades.
That artist mockup looks waaayyy to fragile for me to be able to pick up and take with me. IF the entire screen was glass like the iPhone, the increased surface area would make it very easy to break. I know that's not the real thing, but if they develop anything like that, I hope they go with some type of polycarbon for the screen instead.
I know, it gives me a headache... the kindle has it's market, and honestly, I hope to god that Apple does not try to copy the it.
Yes but they had to have a reason for updating all the notebooks during the summer. Usually there are no upgrades during WWDC and look what happened.
If Apple is indeed doing something with verizon I do not think it has to do with subsidized tablets but rather free access to the app store like Kindles whispernet.
So it could still be introduced in September and released in October but the free service would not hit until summer.
Topher15
macrumors 6502a
Topher15
macrumors 6502a
How would the device stand up? You would either need a stand (something else to carry) or it would need an attached arm (and Apple better stock up on free replacements because it would most certainly break!)DELLsFan said:
It seems carrying around an extra bluetooth keyboard defeats the purpose of this device as it would essentially be replicating the netbook/laptop form (screen and physical keyboard).
It doesn't sound easy to type on a 10" virtual keyboard. Think about it... standing up you would have to type one handed, with the other hand holding the device. If you want to type with both hands you have to lay the device flat and view/type at an extreme angle.DELLsFan said:
ROTFLMAO!!! If they cannot afford a laptop do you think they would be able to afford this Apple device. It would probably be about two or three times the cost of a laptop!
The perfect device for the average person who just wants to do email, read news sites and play music is a netbook, cheap PC or a second-hand MacBook, or even an iPod touch.
According to this recent TM @ uspto.gov, TabletMac seems to be the release name:
Serial Number Reg. Number Word Mark Check Status Live/Dead
1 78531068 3538607 TABLETMAC TARR LIVE
2 78543502 3538611 TABLETMAC TARR LIVE
The uspto unfortunately doesn't give static links to TM's, so you have to search with the serial number yourself 🙂
Serial Number Reg. Number Word Mark Check Status Live/Dead
1 78531068 3538607 TABLETMAC TARR LIVE
2 78543502 3538611 TABLETMAC TARR LIVE
The uspto unfortunately doesn't give static links to TM's, so you have to search with the serial number yourself 🙂
Snapple64
macrumors newbie
windywoo
macrumors 6502a
Googling TabletMac brings up several results including this from 2005.
http://www.engadget.com/2005/05/10/apples-patented-the-tablet-mac/
I am not trying to belittle your efforts here, I just found it amusing that Tablet Macs have been in discussion that long.
This gets curiouser...
I looked into the TM infos, and apparently the TM has recently been reassigned from Apple themselves to a firm called Axiotron. From my experiences with TMs, Patents etc., this is pretty unusual.
Axiotron have been developing some kind of ModBook:
http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/Axiotron-Living-Comfortably-in-Apples-Neutral-Zone-67481.html
Here is a screenshot of the TM info from the uspto:
This could mean a few things:
1. Apple plans to buy Axiotron out.
2. Apple might develop some kind of partnership where they are an exclusive distributor or reseller for the Tablets.
3. Some other possiblity?
I looked into the TM infos, and apparently the TM has recently been reassigned from Apple themselves to a firm called Axiotron. From my experiences with TMs, Patents etc., this is pretty unusual.
Axiotron have been developing some kind of ModBook:
http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/Axiotron-Living-Comfortably-in-Apples-Neutral-Zone-67481.html
Here is a screenshot of the TM info from the uspto:
This could mean a few things:
1. Apple plans to buy Axiotron out.
2. Apple might develop some kind of partnership where they are an exclusive distributor or reseller for the Tablets.
3. Some other possiblity?
Maserati7200
macrumors 6502a
If this has the ability to play internet video (e.g. watch hulu, youtube, or any streaming video) I'd definitely buy it.
chstr
macrumors 6502a
ummm the axiotron modbook has been around for a whileThis gets curiouser...
I looked into the TM infos, and apparently the TM has recently been reassigned from Apple themselves to a firm called Axiotron. From my experiences with TMs, Patents etc., this is pretty unusual.
Axiotron have been developing some kind of ModBook:
http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/Axiotron-Living-Comfortably-in-Apples-Neutral-Zone-67481.html
Here is a screenshot of the TM info from the uspto:
This could mean a few things:
1. Apple plans to buy Axiotron out.
2. Apple might develop some kind of partnership where they are an exclusive distributor or reseller for the Tablets.
3. Some other possiblity?
Bye Bye Baby
macrumors 65816
I must say I am excited by what apple can do. But I have a laptop and an iphone like a lot of people who are apple users.
Can anyone shed light on why someone like me would need a tablet? I am an academic with his own business as well- lecturing and consulting.
As much as I love apple- why would I need a tablet?
Can anyone shed light on why someone like me would need a tablet? I am an academic with his own business as well- lecturing and consulting.
As much as I love apple- why would I need a tablet?
DELLsFan
macrumors 6502a
An attached arm seems more likely to be what they'll do. Apple doesn't do anything for free, so be careful not to break yours.
Hardly replicating it. I can see some folks simply appreciating the option to use an external keyboard. Many more will be satisfied without one.
We don't yet know the size of and how the virtual keyboard will work on the device. If it's anything like the iPhone's or iPod Touch's, I don't see much difference in holding one of those while trying to type vs. typing on the new tablet. I am used to typing one handed on my iPhone, so I don't think the learning curve on the new Precious will overwhelm me. 😎
And soon, the "average person" will have one more choice of a perfect device.
Not necessarily.. Its too early to know for sure what it is but there are some possibilities that bother me. No mention of WIFI capability for one. The ATT connection is another. Apple brings out products to make money so what is the business model for this.. As many have said a tablet in the $800 range will only have limited interest. In a worst case scenario Apple may have decided an always connected business model is the way to go to do that. This could be a data only 3g device that you will have to have a cellular contract to use. It will subsidised to lower the $800 cost to more like $400 but you will be locked into a two year contract and longer which will cost you more over the life of the device.
An iphone without the phone might be a 3g data device not a Touch.
That's my fear.
Not surprising
All this touch screen technology could not simply be used in small devices.
This tablet will come true and they will be expanding on the existing features from other devices:
- Wireless loading of applications: MacBook Air
- Touch screen Iphone / Ipod
Now writing recognition technology is the next one and this one I am looking forward to seeing it in action. Great thing though: now you'll see how this tablet will conquer the world.... Remember the chinese / thai/japanese characters provided by the Iphone? See them real life on this tablet that will storm the world....
So, immediate applications for me:
- Reading books downloaded from Itunes
- Viewing movies, downloaded from Itunes
- Taking notes during meeting and sending them to email apps or word processing applications (fed up hearing my boss saying that coming to meetings and not taking notes is not OK...)
- Drawing charts and flow charts and not retype them
I'd be a student now, I put this device in my must buy list (Do you guys remember the Tab feature in Word for MAc OS X 2004?)
For the wireless technology: Is ATT better / worse than Verizon? I do not know... But I would not like to have to switch vendors in the middle of the contract... I am an iphone user and this would p.. me off!
Now, I do not understand why people put the list of hardware and software they have after they post... Especially when this list of hardware and software is nothing extraordinary. And is it a showing of bipartisanship to also list PC's in this list? Go Figure....
All this touch screen technology could not simply be used in small devices.
This tablet will come true and they will be expanding on the existing features from other devices:
- Wireless loading of applications: MacBook Air
- Touch screen Iphone / Ipod
Now writing recognition technology is the next one and this one I am looking forward to seeing it in action. Great thing though: now you'll see how this tablet will conquer the world.... Remember the chinese / thai/japanese characters provided by the Iphone? See them real life on this tablet that will storm the world....
So, immediate applications for me:
- Reading books downloaded from Itunes
- Viewing movies, downloaded from Itunes
- Taking notes during meeting and sending them to email apps or word processing applications (fed up hearing my boss saying that coming to meetings and not taking notes is not OK...)
- Drawing charts and flow charts and not retype them
I'd be a student now, I put this device in my must buy list (Do you guys remember the Tab feature in Word for MAc OS X 2004?)
For the wireless technology: Is ATT better / worse than Verizon? I do not know... But I would not like to have to switch vendors in the middle of the contract... I am an iphone user and this would p.. me off!
Now, I do not understand why people put the list of hardware and software they have after they post... Especially when this list of hardware and software is nothing extraordinary. And is it a showing of bipartisanship to also list PC's in this list? Go Figure....
good for artists if...
As an artist, If i can draw on it like a Wacom Cintiq, i'm getting one. 😀
As an artist, If i can draw on it like a Wacom Cintiq, i'm getting one. 😀
Uh the trademark does not prove or disprove anything they always file those along with patents
Steve Wozniak is on the board with Axiotron and what ever POS 9" tablet Apple comes with can't compete with the Axiotron tablet because theirs is an actual macbook with wacom sensitivity making it good for designers.
As for keyboard it would be best for a split on screen keyboard
Steve Wozniak is on the board with Axiotron and what ever POS 9" tablet Apple comes with can't compete with the Axiotron tablet because theirs is an actual macbook with wacom sensitivity making it good for designers.
As for keyboard it would be best for a split on screen keyboard
chstr
macrumors 6502a
iPhoneNYC
macrumors 6502a
I see the proposed Tablet as an addition to the Apple Family. I would get one to supplement my MBP and my iPhone. There are times when I travel that the MBP is a hassle and heavy (usually short trips.) The Tablet would be great to put in the bag for that. Somedays all I seem to be doing is checking email and web surfing and again The Tablet would be a good thing. No one can seriously read a novel on the iPhone and the Tablet could give the Kindle a run. With it's price and size it's probably right for a lot of younger people. I don't like giving friends/family/guest complete access to my MBP or iPhone because I don't password protect - it wold be great to add a Tablet for people to use. So I think they are a bunch of usages for the Tablet but for most I don't se it as primary but as an additional unit.
What's a netbooks killer feature? Personally I see them as useful as this thing could be.
The only reason I would pick this up would be if it had an IR feature and could control all my media devices. Sounds weird but if I could have this one device around the house then I would use it for simple online browsing and tasks instead of my MBP. If its 3G then maybe it could have a voice plan option and be like a portable verizon hub. Who knows...I mean I don't really know what it looks like yet. If it has a physical keyboard than it would be as useful as any netbook. If it was only touchscreen then it would just be a super-powered ipod touch.
But if it could playback HD...and it better be able to, then it would really be an awesome home media device. I don't like the appleTV but this would be much more fun. I rambled a bunch of ideas together there but really I can just see this as a fun touchscreen media player/device. Just let it have decent connectivity on the device and through a dock.