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Apple to Release Subsidized Tablet Through Verizon Later This Year?

mambodancer said:
That's not what I said nor implied. My observation is based on other threads in this forum based on my reading over the past few years.
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People who don't flip/flop (fickle) who are dogmatic also means there will non zero votes on both sides for every article. Both flip/flop and rigid views contribute to the nonzero number. There isn't going to be a story that has decent number of votes that is going to have a zero on one of the sides.

At best it is merely an indicator of just how biased the discussion attached to the article is going to be. That's about it. There is a more weak attachment to the content of the article.



You might be right. We won't really know until the product is announced though. If I were to guess, wifi will be built-in, Verizon network support MAY or MAY not be built-in,
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If it is not built in there is zero reason for Verizon to sell it. Verizon sells radios. If there is no radio in it there is no reason to sell it. Zip, nada , none.





the device will likely support blue-tooth and, if it supports USB then that leaves the product open for third party products that support wireless networking through cellular connections.
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that would mean it was a MacOS X device. (not an iPhone OS device).
Not going to get iPhone OS device that is taking 3rd party cellular model dongles. Not very likely.


As I mentioned, a wifi product like the MiFi would give it or any wifi connected device internet access. These could be offered and sold by any cellular carrier if they choose to.
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Verizon and Sprint already sell MiFi. AT&T is just dragging a bit ( there are some GSM style 3G modem/routers ) out there too already just haven't been hooked up by AT&T to the product line up.

Apple could go to market with something that does only WiFi. There are lots of competitive products though that don't require a separate device though.

If Apple puts a mic on the next touch then MiFi + Touch + Skype is an iPhone. Everyone who doesn't want 2 yrs contracts can be contract free.
 
SandynJosh said:
Thank you for your comments.
In my quote I did not say "Chinese cars", I said "Asian cars" for that very reason. I did have the Lexus/Hyundai example in mind when I wrote. While Hyundai may have used lower margins, as you suggest, to gather market share, the better margins are always on the higher-end and luxury models.
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No there always aren't higher. When breaking into the market Lexus sold one model with lower margins than the economy cars. You can still do differentiate on price up in the expensive range too. They added a ton of features so that would have so much more value that the loyal BMW , Mercedes , etc. buyers would at least take a ride in one.

If Lexus has just came to market with cars at the same price as upper end BMW Mercedes stuff alot of folks wouldn't have even given them a shot. So put out a $50K car and charge $42K for it and folks will take note.

It is wrong to set up one product line to make up for a dubious other product line. That was the huge flaw for the big 3. Honda/Toyota don't use Acura/Lexus pay for the other classes of cars. Those cars pay for themselves.

You can use the more expensive car as a long term lab (for which don't gain dramatically higher margins since the technology in them is expensive). In short, the cars can expensive because they are putting expensive value adds in the car.

GM et. al. bent heavy metal around medicore stuff and sold a sky high prices. That is more like Apple using 3500s in the Mac Pro quads and charing 5500 like prices for them.



I am not, however, suggesting that Apple makes a better quality product than H.P. for example. In fact, I really don't think H.P.'s products are anything less then stellar. What Apple has done, and that is primarily due to their OS, is keep their products out of the commodity arena, while H.P.'s not been so fortunate.
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When HP brings back 41 and 15C quality build class calculators they'd help lift themselves out of that commodity tank hole. ;)

Apple has been trying to cast the market to an artificial treadmill. Apple fixes the price points and just keeps updating the size/speed/etc of the components to attempt to keep the price constant.

Long term that isn't possible to rigidly hold steady.

Two flaws.

i. one is that most folks absolutely need better/faster/stronger.
ii. new formats because of nonlinear improvements/consolidations.

Nobody needs a 500 horsepower station wagon / minivan to go to the grocery store. Most folks are running their CPUs very near idle most of the time.

The whole "we can only have 6-7 computer model lines (3-4 laptop , 3 desktop) " allows multiple vectors of entry as the industry goes to 10-12 lines. The as the ones they don't hit get larger they more they are going to increase the "install on my niche box" pressure. The OS runs on other machines. If EFI standard boards were common place would be even easier to spread.


The last "most expensive" part of the low end computers is Windows ( and Mac OS X). Apple is trying a bit to lower OS X costs by increasing volume with iPhone OS. Netbooks will negate the traction they get a bit. Microsoft is moving the volume still higher.
 
SandynJosh said:
I am not, however, suggesting that Apple makes a better quality product than H.P. for example. In fact, I really don't think H.P.'s products are anything less then stellar.
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As the user of an employer-supplied HP laptop for the last few years, I might give you "good," but stellar is certainly stretching it.

Better than the Compaq I used before it, but still nothing to sing the praises of.

SandynJosh said:
What Apple has done, and that is primarily due to their OS, is keep their products out of the commodity arena, while H.P.'s not been so fortunate.
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"Not been so fortunate???" Taking your brand downstream is not something that happens to you - it's something you consciously decide to do to yourself.

I'm glad that Apple is smarter than to fight for scraps at the bottom of the scale with HP and Dell. Let those two bleed each other dry in their quest to be market share leader. Dell can sell all the $300 laptops ("Now available in 100 colors!") they want. The pennies they make on each one will be quickly eaten up by support costs.

Sometimes when you win, you lose...
 
sartis said:
Well, I have been waiting for a tablet for quite some time now from Apple. I came across this tablet

http://www.myviliv.com/eng/product/x70ex.asp


and it will do what I need. I'm a photographer and need a tablet while out on a shoot. I don't do editing in the field so a full laptop is overkill. This will allow me review images on a larger screen while out on a shoot. Also, you can get it pre configured with a 3g modem, not needed in my case but a nice feature. It has a SSD drive, the size is right, gps, instant on, pretty sweet device. I will more than likely put windows 7, once release, on it for a better experience. Also, it does not tie me to a carrier for 2 years, I will mainly use wifi, not 3g. I have my iphone for internet while I'm out and about.

It will be nice around the house for web browsing, videos, music, e-books, etc.

With my luck, Apple will release a tablet sometime and they will get my money then but for now I'm sick of waiting.

What do you guys think?
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Since the OQO model 2+ (just 450 g) is over...

http://www.oqo.com
http://www.oqotalk.com

such Viliv X70 EX seems a nice UMPC. But in our case, only if Mac OS X is inside for full blown Apple Keynote and Microsoft PowerPoint presentations (transitions, animations, QuickTime video etc) via the VGA-out cable shown at the bottom of
http://www.myviliv.com/eng/product/x70ex.asp

Anyone knows if that is possible? Thanks.

SORRY APPLE, WE LOVE YOUR PRODUCTS, BUT IF YOU DO NOT DELIVER, WE ARE FORCED TO PURCHASE FROM COMPETITORS!
 
nennew said:
I totally agree. Verizon has yet to come out with their 4G GSM. That is their future but by October? Apple wants to sell their products to a wide audience. The narrow US market is not enough. With the world GSM, any new wireless device will be GSM. I know we are all not totally happy with AT&T but Verizon is not for Apple today. Perhaps in the future when they adopt GSM. :apple:
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Verizon is switching to LTE...not GSM. Legacy CDMA and GSM phones will be compatible with LTE.

The US market is not narrow at all, I think you're forgetting that Verizon Wireless has 87.6 Million subscribers - largest of any USA based company. CDMA is also used internationally in Korea, Israel, Eastern Europe (specifically Russia), a large part of South America (especially Brazil), and so on.
 
LagunaSol said:
As the user of an employer-supplied HP laptop for the last few years, I might give you "good," but stellar is certainly stretching it.
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You're right. I should have wrote "good", but I only knew how to spell "stellar".

"Not been so fortunate???" Taking your brand downstream is not something that happens to you - it's something you consciously decide to do to yourself.
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I would hope that what you say is correct, but I'm afraid the PC market is an exceedingly difficult market to not get swept along with all the also-rans and go down the same drain.

It usually happens when one of the market's lower common denominator brands is generally considered "good enough" and the unique distinctions your product has are devalued as unnecessary.

I've seen this happen to products in non-electronic markets too.

I'm glad that Apple is smarter than to fight for scraps at the bottom of the scale with HP and Dell. Let those two bleed each other dry in their quest to be market share leader. Dell can sell all the $300 laptops ("Now available in 100 colors!") they want. The pennies they make on each one will be quickly eaten up by support costs.

Sometimes when you win, you lose...
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No truer words could be said than your last statement. High volume/low margin marketing is like riding a run-away horse. One's whole attention is fixed on not letting the experience kill you, and there's no safe way to get off the horse.
 
If the rumors of a Verizon sponsored Apple tablet is true, here's what I'd like:
-the option to go without a Verizon contract (i.e., able to purchase unsubsidized)
-slot for SIM card for mobile broadband service from Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.
-no bigger than 10"; beyond that you get away from a netbook
-keyboard-less touch screen; essentially an iPod touch on growth hormones ;)
-Full size or light version of Leopard/Snow Leopard
-app store
-one USB port (minimum)
-wi fi
-ethernet port
-headphone jack
-hard drive options (SSD, standard hard drive)
 
Black Belt said:
You guys just aren't seeing the vision! This is going to be a large iPod Touch which would both be much nicer for using at home as well as a BOOK READER. They are going to compete with the Kindle with this, perhaps transform the textbook industry. (Wouldn't THAT be great!) No more clunky expensive textbooks, just a simple device that lets you combine the textbook AND web research. For students this would be the BOMB. And for industry, medical, this could also be a huge thing. Me, I'd love it to be great for books/pdfs and make a much nicer web experience at home instead of the little small Touch.
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I totally agree with you! Barnes and Noble (allied with Google Books) JUST opened up their ebook store a few days ago. You can read their books on iphone, ipod touch, blackberry currently and other devices later... Their "own" ereader is "Plastic Logic eReader" and it WON'T be available until next year. It's great timing for Apple since they can get THEIR ereader into people's hands before Barnes and Noble gets their device on the market. I think the new Apple table will be able to read B& N content since B & N has also released free software to allow people to download their books onto PC and Mac computers. It seems they are more interested in selling content than selling a device. I'm sure Apple will be able to support .pdf and that's one of Amazon's weaknesses as not all Kindles supports .pdf. PDF is important because it opens up avenues for textbooks and teaching material. Apple has timed itself itself amazingly well.

It's going to be very interesting to see how the war between Amazon and Barnes & Noble pans out and whether Apple can get in there with their share of the pie.

See for info about the new Barnes and Noble ebook section:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooks/index.asp

http://ireaderreview.com/2009/07/20/barnes-noble-plastic-logic-tie-up-9-99-ebooks-on-pc-mac/

There is talk from US Democrats about "every backpack with a Kindle" and you can't tell me that Apple is so stupid it isn't interested in what is going on with ebooks/e newspapers/e magazines/ e textbooks.

See http://ireaderreview.com/2009/07/14/democrats-kindle-in-every-backpack/

I know a lot of you are interested in the tablet for browsing the internet so you don't realize that there are a lot of people who are waiting for an ereader so they can read on the go (something an iphone is too small for and a macbook is too heavy for).
 
I just hope its called a MessagePad

applenewtonlogo.gif
 
Ping Guo said:
How is a tablet anything but a niche device? Handwriting recognition is clunky compared to typing, and holding a tablet in one hand while inputting with the other seems awkward to say the least. Alternately, putting it flat on one's lap or on a table would be an ergonomic nightmare. Multitouch screens are great for iPhone-sized devices. We can thumb type and wipe it off easily when it gets smudged.
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All I can say is....mmm Pinball Dreams and Pinball Fantasies on a nice tablet with touch screen....:cool:
 
LagunaSol said:
Verizon sucks worse than AT&T. And that's sayin' something...
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Except for the fact that Verizon is the ONLY carrier that gets signal in 99% of the buildings I work in. Apple reps can't even get signal in my office when they visit me. I find that with my Blackberry on Verizon that I have signal most of the time.

So, a tablet on Verizon, means work buying me one :cool:
 
alm99 said:
Again, you are dreaming if you think that Verizon Wireless plan will be $30 for the data without voice. It WILL be $59.99, just like their datacards.

If this tablet will be data only and no voice option there WILL NOT be a $30 option. The $30 price for data is only when there is a voice plan as well.
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At $60/month, it better be unlimited data...

$399 for an Apple MID and a 2 year $60/month data only contract in this economy... :eek:

:rolleyes:

(my $379 Acer laptop and free wireless hotspots seems to do me just fine)
 
All data-only plans on Verizon cost $60/month. I don't see the market for a product like this, and certainly not now. No one in their right mind should spend $100/month on mobile data.
 
Another possibility

I am not yet convinced I need a tablet from Apple. Although, I am sure I will buy one. But, it occurs to me that what they might look at doing is bundling the device with mifi connectivity for no fee. As is the case with Kindle. This would make an iBooks offering that much more compelling and would no doubt also drive iTunes, App Store sales etc.There might be a monthly bandwidth cap above which the user pays a surcharge for those people that are using the device as a laptop replacement. It would have wifi as well so much of the time there would be no issue.

I know this is a long shot, but, it seems to me that in promoting the tablet/netbook/ whatever they are going to need to sell the public on the need for a new class of device. The concept of seamless, anywhere and free connectivity out of the box might greatly enhance its appeal.
 
I side with those who say partnering with Verizon would be a deal-breaker. I get a decent signal from AT&T in my area, whereas Verizon is spotty at best.

Apple would be able to offer the device at a lower price point, if the tablet relied upon tethering to a cellphone instead of containing a cellphone itself. They might sell more iPhones in the bargain, as well.

I'd like a tablet/netbook/sub-notebook that could be used as a journal. It could have a real keyboard or on-screen, it needs to have a touchscreen for doodling and quick notes, and it needs audio/video input to record voice memos and pics/video. Being able to play a keynote presentation, a movie, or input a song via garageband would be a bonus.
 
Aeolius said:
I side with those who say partnering with Verizon would be a deal-breaker. I get a decent signal from AT&T in my area, whereas Verizon is spotty at best.

Apple would be able to offer the device at a lower price point, if the tablet relied upon tethering to a cellphone instead of containing a cellphone itself. They might sell more iPhones in the bargain, as well.

I'd like a tablet/netbook/sub-notebook that could be used as a journal. It could have a real keyboard or on-screen, it needs to have a touchscreen for doodling and quick notes, and it needs audio/video input to record voice memos and pics/video. Being able to play a keynote presentation, a movie, or input a song via garageband would be a bonus.
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I simply have no use for a 9" tablet with onboard broadband wireless. I'm either at home (N wifi), work (g wifi), a coffee shop (wifi), parents' houses (wifi) friends' houses (wifi), or soon to be school for graduate studies (wifi). The only place I don't have wifi is the car, which I wouldn't be using a tablet anyway.

I really would love a 9" screened device for reading textbook pdf's, and currently am looking at the Kindle DX. But if I could get one of these that also does so much more for $800, it'd be worthwhile.
 
sartis said:
Well, I have been waiting for a tablet for quite some time now from Apple. I came across this tablet

http://www.myviliv.com/eng/product/x70ex.asp


and it will do what I need. I'm a photographer and need a tablet while out on a shoot. I don't do editing in the field so a full laptop is overkill. This will allow me review images on a larger screen while out on a shoot. Also, you can get it pre configured with a 3g modem, not needed in my case but a nice feature. It has a SSD drive, the size is right, gps, instant on, pretty sweet device. I will more than likely put windows 7, once release, on it for a better experience. Also, it does not tie me to a carrier for 2 years, I will mainly use wifi, not 3g. I have my iphone for internet while I'm out and about.

It will be nice around the house for web browsing, videos, music, e-books, etc.

With my luck, Apple will release a tablet sometime and they will get my money then but for now I'm sick of waiting.

What do you guys think?
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yeah, that is pretty much everything that apple should deliver. i'd prefer a larger screen (9"-10") an a better battery life.

but apple will have to stretch a bit to compete with that.

how much is it? i couldn't find the price on their web page.
 
i've waited for this forever
i hope they actually go thru with it this time
800$ seems pretty exspensive but u know :apple:s gonna get us to pay it anyway (note: first iphone)
they better run it on a condensed version of os x not iphone os
if its iphone os than whats the point
 
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