Apple Working on 10-, 13-, and 15-Inch Tablets?

[MacRumors]

Gizmodo reports that in addition to Apple's much-rumored 10-inch tablet computer, the company is also developing larger tablets in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. The source, which the report claims has been "100% reliable" in the past, also notes that one of those models would run full Mac OS X.

This source claims that the two touchscreen prototypes -- made of aluminum, but on the shape of big iPhones -- were in a factory in Shenzuen, China. One of them "was running Mac OS X 10.5." When I asked, the source didn't know if these were built for demonstration purposes, or if they were preproduction units. The company has a tight relation with Apple but "it's not FoxConn."

Recent rumors have pointed to a tablet introduction later this year or early next year, but most reports have claimed that the device would carry an approximately 10-inch screen. Rumors of other possible sizes have surfaced, however, with one report asserting that Apple had at least investigated screens ranging from 4 to 12 inches and another claiming that Apple will be releasing two tablets, one with a 6-inch screen.

Article Link: Apple Working on 10-, 13-, and 15-Inch Tablets?

 

[vettori]

13-inch YES !

 

[NathanCH]

That's pretty cool. I can see these replacing the current white macbook. Though 15" seems a bit large for a tablet.

 

[cookie1105]

If they release a 13-inch running full os x (java is a must) then I'm sold. It could be the most stylish take-away restaurant POS evah!!

Really looking forward to the release even if it is only rumoured

 

[zombitronic]

I would think they would be running 10.6.

 

[Vol7ron]

I would buy one as soon as it comes out....of course, that is if it ever comes out. The full blown OS X would be the biggest selling feature for me. I want my tablet to be flexible in it's capabilities....

 

[Tallest Skil]

That's pretty cool. I can see these replacing the current white macbook. Though 15" seems a bit large for a tablet.

I can't. Some people still need a physical keyboard.

 

[MacModMachine]

i like tablet....i buy when come out.....


mmmm....cave talk.....

 

[Lesser Evets]

Well, naturally.

The notebook/netbook design is so stupid. It always was. With the use of touchscreen, the tablet is now poised to eradicate the laptop market in the next 5 or so years. So expect all the laptop designs to become tablets.

It's good to hear a rumor of full OSX tablets in development. If it is nothing more than a rumor, I would be shocked. With the miniaturization of all components, we will see larger OS in iPhones/iPT as well, but probably a long way from anything as complex as a full OSX.

People pooh-poohing the tablet are weird. Technology and market forges forward, and design is always changing. More efficient form and function will evolve. We're probably on the cusp of a sizable form/function change within portable computing devices: the multi-touch tablet.

 

[b1wils1]

this is pretty exciting. i bet after a while it would be faster to type on a touch than an actual keyboard. the whole process of pressing down keys instantly adds time to typing; not a lot, but over time is significant.

 

[Lesser Evets]

I can't. Some people still need a physical keyboard.

If Apple doesn't allow a BT or USB hook up for an external keyboard, I will admit a giant fail in their design. However, most people don't need and can't use a full keyboard when being truly portable. They can sit down and use the full keyboard, so if it is a separate device to couple with the tablet I think it would be best.

The nice function of a 13/15 inch tablet is that computers at work could be used at the cubicle/office with a keyboard, or it can be ported about for handwritten notes or touch screen typing, etc. It's a great step above the ubiquitous computers stuck in place on desks.... assuming it will work as such, if it exists at all.

this is pretty exciting. i bet after a while it would be faster to type on a touch than an actual keyboard. the whole process of pressing down keys instantly adds time to typing; not a lot, but over time is significant.

Oh, cha. Ye of little typing experience.

The physical keyboard is faster because you don't get lost and wander into other keys. Those lil' bumps on F & J help center the typist without having to look at the keyboard. I think I remember a rumor where Apple was trying to get screens to morph or shape to accommodate shapes on the monitors for serious typists.

 

[mmzplanet]

I can't. Some people still need a physical keyboard.

I could imagine some sort of dock being available to use it almost like an iMac. Plus you would have to charge it too. You can make it possible to just use a Bluetooth keyboard also.

Better yet, a said dock could connect via a magsafe like connector in order to keep it easy to dock and take away when its time to go. That would be interesting.

 

[carmenodie]

it is not just the hardware but also the software which makes Apple so bad ass. If they pull a tablet off, all hell is going to let loose. Everyone, NOW, is waiting for Steve to give this a go.
Don't ever forget, Jobs is a tech guy. He knows the industry like Ben Berneke knows the economy. People loose sight of that but do your research.
Apple was started by engineers(Woz) and software(Job). Unlike the rest of the computer biz where all you have is a person or a group of folks with cash and a dream of playing the high tech game.
Viva Apple!
Get ready for the revolution!!!!

 

[Michael73]

Anything in the 13" - 15" size range and running a full version of OS X could act as a full on replacement for a Macbook. Ideal for light computing needs.

My guess is that just like the Air it would have an optional external drive, a media card reader and a couple of extra ports e.g. mini display port, 2 USB and a FW port. With BT, WiFi, and 3G you'd be good to go. I'd like to see some kind of "cradle" that would sit the tablet upright and charge it at the same time I use the tablet as a screen with a BT keyboard. Of course it would have a full multi-touch keyword when you're out and about too. I'll be curious like everyone else to see who this product is marketed to and how the price point fits within the rest of apple's product line.

 

[bukweet]

Why not Bluetooth also?

It's not too far out there to envision each of these tablets also including Bluetooth, allowing wireless keyboard and mouse connection when desired.

Include a nice stand (optional) to position the screen on your desktop, and you've got a fully functional, highly portable variation of a laptop.

 

[Sambo110]

Most rumours these days have turned out to be true, so I am believing them more and more. No idea if I would want a tablet though, why not just get a Macbook?

 

[Tallest Skil]

Apple was started by engineers(Woz) and software(Job).

Jobs can't do software! Woz did both on the Apple I and some software on the Apple II. It has always just been Jobs' vision, not his work.

 

[BeyondtheTech]

I can't. Some people still need a physical keyboard.

They've been preparing us all along with the introduction of the iPhone.

Ya, if the iTablet is a full OS X device, it'll have Bluetooth, hence capable of using their tiny Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

 

[andrew0122]

I saw this on Gizmodo just a moment ago and I am really really REALLY excited for the 13in if one should come out Apple would bankrupt me. . .

I love you Apple, but this relationship of you just taking all of my monies is getting a little out of hand, but you make me so happy. Pathetic. I know. . .

 

[techfreak85]

13 or 15 sounds about right for me.

but this is totally different from all the other rumors we have herd.

and why would they be running 10.5?

 

[Lesser Evets]

Don't ever forget, Jobs is a tech guy. He knows the industry like Ben Berneke knows the economy.

Umm.... I don't think that's a good comparison, but we get the point.

I believe the greatest asset Jobs has is that he is trying to relate his product to the needs of the market. He isn't stagnating in products people will settle for, he is always trying to design products people NEED for better productivity and convenience. It's because he works consistently forward (and has a giant company at his whim) that he is such a leader in tech design.

 

[akutad]

I don't think I'll be too horny to buy right away. Do you know how you would watch a movie on a tablet? The laptop base acts as a stand. What about the tablet? I watch allot of movies on my laptop. What about game play? No keyboard for commands like crysis, COD4, etc.....

 

[Tallest Skil]

Ya, if it's a full OS X device, it'll have Bluetooth, hence capable of using their tiny Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

Hmm. The iPhone can't do that...

What about game play? No keyboard for commands like crysis, COD4, etc.....

I'm fairly certain you won't be playing either of those on this thing.

What'll it have inside; an Atom and some microscopic iGPU? No Crysis for that.

 

[littledude8209]

you know, just last night I was thinking that there wasn't a tablet rumor in a long while!

but this is pretty exciting if the 15" one comes out I will be drooling my way all the way to the apple store

 

[phyzics101]

I need this in my life.