Personally, I think some people are making a mistake by looking at the probable features and trying to think up a market for it. More correct would be to figure out a market and use and then try to develop a product for that. That's generally what Apple does and it's somewhat counter-intuitive to a lot of tech types. That's why they get blindsided by things like the original iPod and the Mac OS.
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Apple Tablet to Run iPhone OS and Launch in May or June 2010?
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What??????? If Apple is announcing this several months ahead of time that is because need to get the device, in an open public fashion, to the FCC so can be approved. You don't send them a device and then radically modify it.
You can send them a beta version with bug fixes coming in the software or an unfinished minor app or two, but the physical device is 'done'.... except if you fail the FCC tests. Those are the only revisions you'd be doing at that point.
Nevermind the manufacturing logistical queue that takes months to get spun up to build a new product. Whatever they show will largely be it as far as physical form and hardware goes. I don't think it will be bug free, but the software will be 'mostly done'.
There is no time to radically go back and change the focus. That would be a revision 2 of the product later.
There may be multiple devices ( a new Macbook or Macbook mini along with a 'large touch'. ) But that is just folks confusing to devices into one codeword. I think that is unlikely.
What folks may be seeing are different prototypes... some of them not targeted toward production .... just dead end thrown out there.
If Apple vettted ideas of users never would have dumped firewire from the macbooks last year. No reasonable sampling of users would have hightlighted that as a 'good' idea.
It is just going to be a product. The OS is moot to the app store. If it played some HUGE role then the billions apple is making (directly and indirectly) off of iTunes downloads to Windows would present a problem. then don't. Mac OS X , Windows, iPhones OS .... immaterial. The iTunes store is a WEB APP. it is OS agnostic. What the device needs rather than a particular OS is simply a TCP/IP connection and some elements of webkit running on top the OS. That's it.
Likewise the hardware is immaterial. As long as it can send TCP/IP packets... that's it. The screen size??? blah. minor/minuscule factor.
All your points are valid, but...just how much appeal does the Kindle actually have in the general marketplace?
For people who read a lot and want a dedicated e-reader, yes the Kindle or other e-readers will be better. For people who would rather do a bit of everything, I think a tablet with regular display would still be pretty good for reading. And ultimately I think the second group is much larger than the first.
Computers are Swiss army knives, and I think this tablet would follow along those lines, rather than being really dedicated for reading or any other particular activity.
Most people do web, email, some multimedia, and some basic productivity work on their notebook computers. If you want a device that is cheap and small, there's less reason to give it the overhead of a full desktop operating system. While iPhone OS does of course put some limitations on a device, I think people will be surprised at how much it can handle. There will be some dedicated fullscreen apps for it that will cover 90% of what most people want to do. And performance won't be a factor, as with the iPhone OS it can be more responsive with lesser hardware than a full Mac tablet. Battery life can also be potentially very good, again better than what they could do with a full Mac OS tablet within the same form factor.
For people who read a lot and want a dedicated e-reader, yes the Kindle or other e-readers will be better. For people who would rather do a bit of everything, I think a tablet with regular display would still be pretty good for reading. And ultimately I think the second group is much larger than the first.
Computers are Swiss army knives, and I think this tablet would follow along those lines, rather than being really dedicated for reading or any other particular activity.
Most people do web, email, some multimedia, and some basic productivity work on their notebook computers. If you want a device that is cheap and small, there's less reason to give it the overhead of a full desktop operating system. While iPhone OS does of course put some limitations on a device, I think people will be surprised at how much it can handle. There will be some dedicated fullscreen apps for it that will cover 90% of what most people want to do. And performance won't be a factor, as with the iPhone OS it can be more responsive with lesser hardware than a full Mac tablet. Battery life can also be potentially very good, again better than what they could do with a full Mac OS tablet within the same form factor.
I'm pretty sure whatever it is, it won't be loosely put together. I'm sure it'll be quite tight.
Oh, you meant "lose".
I can't help but remember how there was the same negativity and uncertainty about the iPhone before its release. But again, Apple knew better than everyone else.
This is 2009, folks, with Steve Jobs and crew hard at work on a tablet. You know it'll be great, and you'll probably get one, like everyone else.
For the first decade of this millenium, the rule is pretty simple:
Always bet on Apple.
This is 2009, folks, with Steve Jobs and crew hard at work on a tablet. You know it'll be great, and you'll probably get one, like everyone else.
For the first decade of this millenium, the rule is pretty simple:
Always bet on Apple.
I'd be surprised if Apple is really trying to come to market purely with a e-book killer. I think that is far more an artifact produced by those who either can't (or don't want to comprehend) and/or want a Kindle versus Apple discussion war to break out.
What folks have been pointing to is
http://www.pixelqi.com/products
which tries to have the best of both worlds. How that would deal with a touch overlay may be a minor problem.
A 10" diameter body will able to hold a larger batter than an iPod container can. Bigger battery means longer life. ( especially if you keep the internal electrical components in the similar ballpark of consumption. ... i.e., an ARM processor instead of an Intel one. )
Similar the pixelqui can also go into a e-ink like mode, which saves power.
Slashdot had an article about folks groaning about Kindle experience.
http://news.slashdot.org/story/09/0...les-Disappointing-University-Users?art_pos=22
Some of that is software ( note taking , margin writing , etc. ) That is also an issue that Apple would have to tackle if wanted to be a dramatically different reader.
don't think the killer app here is going to be books/magazines. Newton and Knowledge Navigator. ideas that Apple had in the late 80s .... it is about time to deliver.
the techonolgy has now caught up. 
Or, they put the Iphone UI as an alternate UI on full OSX.
Microsoft does this with Media Centre Edition - the system can alternate between the desktop UI and the living room UI (AKA the "2 foot UI" and the "10 foot UI").
Get the folks at Transitive to make up a Rosetta-like ARM emulation layer, and you can have the Iphone apps in small windows if you want.
I'm in the "ARM+IphoneOS = fail, x64+OSX = hope" camp.
Ahh.... That, I understand!
But who says that you won't be able to install whatever apps you want?
I can see why Apple (and most users) want a walled garden for their phone. I think that Apple went with the same approach for the iPod Touch as it was the easiest way to get to market.
Apple could rethink this approach for the Tablet, while still preserving the Touch UI. Say they offer:
-- iPhone, Touch and Tablet apps through the current app store model.
-- an additional means to install other apps on the Tablet (and maybe the Touch) from your desktop
-- install apps through a new online Tablet distro service where the apps are not vetted, stored, merchandised by Apple, but like Podcasts are on the owner's servers and merchandised by them
-- a HyperCard-like app generator for non-developers to write and install custom apps. This generator could run on the Tablet itself (or Apple's servers), using the web for repositories of routines, templates, etc,
I still don't think you will want to install regular Mac OS X apps on the Tablet-- they are just not designed for the Touch UI.
I also believe, that for many, the Tablet will be their only computer, and will need online app distro.
*
Who said this tablet was going to be inexpensive? The iPhone sells at $500+ . The screen on this is about 2-3 times as big, extremely likely more powerful "horsepower", etc. This "tabet" is extremely likely going to cost more than a Mac mini.
Depending upon how Apple tweaks the MacBook it may cost as much as one of those. Or perhaps just a $100 cheaper.
Everyone who is groaning and moaning about wanting a lower cost laptop should be moaning about the MacBook. Not trying to turn this tablet threads into "if i was designing the next " MacBook design festival.
Likewise the folks who engage in the "if I was designing the next" iPhone.
[ or the similar group ... "why should I dump my iPhone for this" ... if your iPhone works for you, then don't. If the iPhone was really too small but was the only solution available.... then perhaps you should. ]
This device is neither one of those. There is some overlap but there is overlap from any "computer like" device.
It cracks me up when folks proclaim any vaporware from Apple as a game changer. I am sure we will beta test this along with their other recent releases. I agree with others, what is the motivation for a larger ipod Touch/iPhone? Not sure what they would do to separate the spaces. Hopefully this would meet the target audiences needs, for me, no thanks
. I am sure we will beta test this along with their other recent releases. I agree with others, what is the motivation for a larger ipod Touch/iPhone? Not sure what they would do to separate the spaces. Hopefully this would meet the target audiences needs, for me, no thanksIt's obvious that you've never done a FCC certification for a product. A manufacturer doesn't send the FCC anything but the test data on a product. The FCC doesn't do a thing except review the certification application and issue a number. Their revue is mostly to see that you've included all the necessary test data and included a check.
Again, once you imagine the process incorrectly, everything you imagine after that is faulty too. In the case of the iPhone or iTablet many revisions are possible as long as the transmitter portion of the device is not changed. Since that device is a module, you can do a lot of things and not have to reapply. What you are suggesting is akin to not being able to change a microphone attached to a transmitter without recertifying the transmitter.
During the life of the iPhone it may go through many revisions and still have the same FCC certification number. A manufacturer has a lot more latitude then you imagine.
You are right about the manufacturing logistical queue. I don't know what that may be in Apple's case, but they have made some steps in gathering the the basic memory, and modules they need already.
No, I'm not suggesting that anything radical may be done. However, if their end-user feedback indicates that the product has something fundamentally wrong that isn't easily correctable, then they may not pull the trigger to turn on manufacturing.
Somewhere, within Apple, they have determined how the commercial sector will use this device, and what things about it makes it a compelling purchase. At this point, they may be verifying their suppositions.
There's where you and I differ. I would expect that the different prototypes are indeed helping Apple determine that they are on target with their earlier marketing ideas.
I agree with you on this, however you are talking about a modification done to an existing product vs. introducing a totally new product category. Two totally different animals.
I can't even comment on this. You aren't making sense in ignoring the synergism a well-thought-out ecosystem can leverage a new product's value.
If it is a wireless data network device then your wireless data network provider will. Just like it is now with the iPhone.
Or do you folks think the net neturality tussle is all over?????
Not only easiest but Apple gets 30% of all of the action. They get P.A.I.D. You people think that Apple does not want a piece of the action??
Not only a piece of the action but Apple has information ( 411 , contact info, credit card , purchasing habits) of all of the customers. Think there is no value in that either? You think Apple wants to give that up?
Unless there is a radical break from the apps being also availble for the iPhone , the apps will get saddled with this lowest common denominator restriction.
Most of all of those would apply to the touch getting different apps. Did that happen????
don't think they'll do Mac OX apps primarily because it won't be an Intel processor!!!! If I have a tablet sure as heck want longer battery life. A mobile device that you have to plug in every couple of hours is not very mobile!!!!!
Snow Leopard just got rid of multiple binary applications. You folks think they are going to put them back. PPC got nuked. Bringing in ARM isn't
If those limited usage folks have 95% of the utility apps they'll ever need already installed. Then they are done. No OS X apps needed. They may add something for giggles and entertainment... but if productivity needs are met then largely done. The scope of apps on Mac OS X is a non factor.
*yawn* Can we stop all this crap about the tablet? Tablet talk is worse than the MMS threads and iPhone upgrade price threads combined. In May or June there will be a new rumor that a tablet is launching in Nov. or Dec 2010.
agree, however MMS, Copy & Paste etc is something that was already standard practice and apple in their wisdom decided to leave on the cutting room floor. I think it could find its niche, however i will stick with my traditional free windows box from work and be just fine for now. if they put BD and other improvements in......
Software is the key!
To me it seems logical to believe that this device will run an operating system of its own league. Just think about it, we've heard numerous times before that Apple have been working on a tablet device for many years. It doesn't seem reasonable to assume that all these years they've been trying to find the right hardware combination; that is just ridiculous. It makes sense that they have been developing the software.
It would obviously be based on Mac OS X, just as the iPhone OS is, but it seems likely that they have been developing the UI for this device.
Also, notice how Mac OS X Snow Leopard had very few GUI changes. That would make sense if the GUI team was tied up with another project; perhaps developing the touch UI for this tablet device?
IMO, the software (more specifically the UI) is going to be the key to Apple's success with this device. The iPhone OS is nowhere near sophisticated enough for this tablet device, and Mac OS X is just not quite touch-friendly enough. My faith is in Apple to find the right balance!
To me it seems logical to believe that this device will run an operating system of its own league. Just think about it, we've heard numerous times before that Apple have been working on a tablet device for many years. It doesn't seem reasonable to assume that all these years they've been trying to find the right hardware combination; that is just ridiculous. It makes sense that they have been developing the software.
It would obviously be based on Mac OS X, just as the iPhone OS is, but it seems likely that they have been developing the UI for this device.
Also, notice how Mac OS X Snow Leopard had very few GUI changes. That would make sense if the GUI team was tied up with another project; perhaps developing the touch UI for this tablet device?
IMO, the software (more specifically the UI) is going to be the key to Apple's success with this device. The iPhone OS is nowhere near sophisticated enough for this tablet device, and Mac OS X is just not quite touch-friendly enough. My faith is in Apple to find the right balance!
Hey...... What is wrong with "Where is Waldo?" and "Red Fish Blue Fish", LOL.
Seriously, some books have colorful covers, maps, pictures of locations, etc. How about reading a book about photography that it is only in black and white? Maybe hard to look at the samples about color balance?
My preferences, not that they are going to happen
I would prefer a full OS on the tablet and not just a bigger iPhone. But I would like to have the 3G feature to use with a bluetooth headset so I can get my calls on the device.
Obviously multitouch, but not limited like the iPhone, I should be able to write my own apps and run open source apps also with no limitation to only downloiad from App Store. Someone mention using Photoshop.... I do not see why would this not de desirable. I can see photographers downloading the memory card to this device or even shoot while connected to the device for a larger screen and larger storage options.
If it is an overgrown iPhone, it maybe interesting, but not to the same level for me.
I would prefer a full OS on the tablet and not just a bigger iPhone. But I would like to have the 3G feature to use with a bluetooth headset so I can get my calls on the device.
Obviously multitouch, but not limited like the iPhone, I should be able to write my own apps and run open source apps also with no limitation to only downloiad from App Store. Someone mention using Photoshop.... I do not see why would this not de desirable. I can see photographers downloading the memory card to this device or even shoot while connected to the device for a larger screen and larger storage options.
If it is an overgrown iPhone, it maybe interesting, but not to the same level for me.
I'm not saying much that hasn't been said but I can't imagine why Apple would want to limit this to something as meh as the iPhone OS.
Really seems like a shortcut by Apple, rather then fit or adapt OS X to a touch era we are stuck with a phone OS on a 10 inch device.
Even with OS X it's not a really appealing product to me. Another Macbook Air in the midst.
Really seems like a shortcut by Apple, rather then fit or adapt OS X to a touch era we are stuck with a phone OS on a 10 inch device.
Even with OS X it's not a really appealing product to me. Another Macbook Air in the midst.
That's a good point, I hadn't thought about that connection, but it could make sense.