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

[georgemann]

Apples Not So Secret Tablet Plans

Here is my take on the situation.

http://dpmac.com/2009/08/apples-not-so-secret-plans-for-the-new-mactablet-family-of-computers/

I am definitely in favor of a range of tablet sizes.

George

 

[Stately]

Boy, you really are hung up on the iPhone. You keep changing the argument back to the iPhone. No one is disputing the value of the iPhone. I am disputing the idea of a tablet replacing a laptop. When the iPhone was announced, no one claimed it would be replacing laptops, so stereotyping me in with all the others who doubted the iPhone lends no credence to your statements.

For one thing, Im not putting you in the iPhone hating category, but your argument is the same as those who disliked the idea back then. Second, I'm not hung up on the iPhone, but it is a tablet device, is it not? Therefore, it provides at least a basic example of what to expect from the famed tablet device. In turn I can see how it is doable.

 

[dernhelm]

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

So you're going to foist your petty needs and desires on the rest of us?

Just kidding (obviously). The only thing I can assume here is that Apple bundles Bluetooth, and expects you to lug around a BT keyboard anywhere you would need one.

Depending upon the expected uses of the device, and any additional interface breakthroughs that Apple wedges in there, it might make sense.

At this point there is so much conflicting information about these things, that it's pretty obvious the misinformation machine is in full gear. I wouldn't believe a lot of what you're hearing right now.

 

[harmonix23]

I'm hoping for a larger iPod touch on Sept. 9.

- 5" or 6"
- sold with a 3G contract
- iPhone OS
- control mode for using it together with software on a full Mac (ie. controller for logic, FCP, itunes) and similar use to a wacom
- ereader support (possibly adding ebooks to itunes and itunes U)
- 10 hours battery life for browsing and reading (less for video)


This would test the market for demand for a full Tablet computer. Rather than Apple jumping right in on the full tablet. If it is successful full tablet next year with Mac OS XI

 

[dicklacara]

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!!!!

Actually, Woz engineered the Apple I (and ][) and wrote most of the system software (with some help from others like Alan Baum).

Woz was focused on getting the most function using the fewest chips (he didn't have any money). He prided himself on the layout of the circuit boards (component location, fewer and shorter traces, fewer components) and enjoyed "tricking" the hardware chips into doing things they were never designed to do-- for example 4-color Hi-Res graphics on the Apple ][.

Steve Jobs used his intuition and creativity more for product design and quality (one piece molded plastic case for Apple ][) and to add/remove features (fan) to make the computer appeal to others (than the techies) of the day. Even then, Steve Jobs was able to determine what people wanted (and would buy) before they did, themselves.

The Apple I was just another microcomputer circuit board (albeit, a neat one).

The two Steve's Apple ][ was a game changer because of both their contributions.


It really was the first "Personal" computer! In 1978!

*

 

[Ericatomars]

hmmm

Im still not sure the purpose of the tablet but im sure if it comes out it'll be a fun "toy" to play with.

 

[Bubba Satori]

13" and 15" tablet: even more useless than a 10" tablet.

For you, maybe.

The 12" HP TX-2 is one of my biggest sellers. Writers and students love it.

 

[RobBookPro]

Yes there are already tablet pcs available. The reason why we tablet wanting folk are not buying the current tablets is because they suck. They are pc laptops with all of the downfalls of a pc laptop such as huge hot exhaust fans, cheap plastic, bloated OS on crap hardware and MOST OF ALL, terrible touch screens.

I badly want a light tablet pc to take with me everywhere for leisure and business use. I always have wanted a tablet, but there has never been a good one made. If apple make the tablet as good as they made the mobile phone, then I am already sold.

 

[Monkey Butler]

Why is everyone so convinced that a Tablet would replace the MacBook? They're two completely different products for two completely different applications. Laptops nowadays are just basically just smaller, slightly more portable desktops (note all the people talking about stands and BT keyboards and things); thinking about a Tablet in those terms is ridiculous. Why would Apple release a product that was actually a step backwards from a traditional laptop in terms of ease of use? The Tablet will be designed to fit into the Apple line-up alongside the Macbook, not as a replacement.

Any tablet that does come out will be developed around not needing a keyboard at all. There'll be as much automation as possible, there'll be speech and handwriting recognition and there'll be minimal use of a virtual keyboard. As someone above said, nobody's ever going to write a thesis on a touchscreen. The Tablet will be designed for viewing/listening to media, web browsing, email, academic/business tasks such as giving presentations/annotating lecture notes and app store level gaming. I have no idea where people are getting these grandiose ideas about playing Call of Duty or attaching it to a hub and magically turning it into an iMac. Regardless of the expense, what would be the point?

 

[Bubba Satori]

i wont happen mark my words

Why won't you happen ?

If Apple comes out with several tablets, I'll be able to double my sales.

 

[Lesser Evets]

I doubt this. Without a physical keyboard, serious computer users won't use such a device.

Kinda like an iPhone?

Serious computer users should be able to link a real keyboard to such a device. If it isn't BT linkable or USB plugable, it would be a total failure of design and market. I agree.

 

[kpanda]

I think that perhaps the clues are already in place (if one wants to read into all of the rumors about this thing), and it's not about reinventing the laptop. To me it seems that tablets aren't the future of computing, maybe the future of small portable devices like smart phones etc, but not for the current market of computer users. This entire thread proves that. Most people use laptops for things that are just not conducive for a tablet to replace, typing, graphics, photo manipulation, etc. Laptops are simply better at that, and it's how we know how to use these programs. Removing the keyboard and trackpad of a laptop will leave a lot of people basically handicapped for any serious work.

However, what the world may be ready for - in addition the computer(s) they already own is a media device that is ultra portable, compatible with other electronics, and acts as a laptop for simple tasks that people do that require none of the hardware of an actual netbook or laptop.

I have an iPod Touch, I use it around the house as much as use it in town. If it were twice as big, I'd probably be twice as happy. (And I'm pretty happy with it.) If Apple sold those I'd buy one. An iPhone is too small for media, and a laptop too expensive...

Just my thoughts.

 

[iMacmatician]

Why would only one of those sizes carry the full OSX?

I imagine it would be the 15" but then what would the 10" and 13" be running and what would be the difference in usage and intended audience between them? It would make more sense to me if only the smaller one had a dumbed down OS because at 13" that is the size of a macbook screen, so people should expect full OSX.

I wouldn't be surprised if the tablet + stand + bluetooth keyboard is the new paradigm and macbook replacements. Still don't get the "only 1 full osx model" though.

Agreed with this post, I'm thinking that it would make sense for Mac OS X to run on display sizes that large (and with a corresponding processing power increase).

Could also be another step in what I think has been the evolution of mini-tablet/tablet prototypes at Apple. The most obvious is a gradual increase in display size but a possible slow shift away from iPhone OS may be another. I'm also remembering the 13" Mac OS X tablet rumors last year.

Aside from a better movie and web viewing experience what would a 10" tablet actually offer over an iPod Touch?

I would assume greater processing power and simultaneous display of multiple apps.

 

[localoid]

For you, maybe.

The HP TX-2 is one of my biggest sellers. Writers and students love it.

And much of the "love" for the TX-2 is likely due to that fact that it comes equipped with a conventional keyboard...

 

[NoSmokingBandit]

Serious computer users should be able to link a real keyboard to such a device. If it isn't BT linkable or USB plugable, it would be a total failure of design and market. I agree.

I can see the box now. Theres a pic of the tablet and a keyboard on the front. The tagline? "iTablet: Some assembly required"

If one has to lug around both the tablet and a keyboard what makes it so much better than just lugging around one macbook?

 

[Sakura Eclair]

I don't quite see Apple doing a large tablet a speculated in Gizmodo. Unless they could be docked as used as Desktop with a normal keyboard.

A 13" or 15" to type directly to the screen (touch most likely) would be too unwieldy to use in any practical manner (no matter how cool it looks).

10" is more practical as it's close to the size of a magazine and could be made to be very light (less than 1 lb)

 

[Gatteau]

13-inch!? I would rather a 13-inch uMBP over that anytime..

 

[Bubba Satori]

And much of the "love" for the TX-2 is likely due to that fact that it comes equipped with a conventional keyboard...

Agreed. Be interesting to see if Apple goes with the iPad slate design or the HP TX-2 convertible tablet swivel display design. I'm betting Apple will go with the slate design with the option to hook up a physical keyboard.

 

[Marx55]

TO: Apple community
FROM: Rest of the world

Subject: Pay attention!

---

Hey guys.. these products already exist from other computer companies. They have for a long time. If tablets were going to replace laptops, they already would have. If you think Apple's particular tablet is going to be revolutionary, you're kidding yourself. The iPhone isn't revolutionary either. The last revolutionary thing Apple made was the original iPod.

Hell, you can already get a Mac tablet. Modbook!

Wrong. The key is PORTABILITY. The Modbook is too heavy and too large. Even the MacBook Air is too heavy and too large.

Now, make a tablet with 400 g or so and Mac inside and that is revolutionary! Because you can carry it with you on your pocket, purse or bag ALL THE TIME TO ANYWHERE YOU GO. Add video-out and USB2 and it will be perfect.

 

[ckinyc]

The story of Keyboard

I doubt this. Without a physical keyboard, serious computer users won't use such a device.

I can't remember what people use before the creation of Keyboard for serious tasks. I sure feel sad for mankind if we have to stuck with this Keyboard thing for the rest of our existence.

 

[Sabon]

Mac mini? Laptop? Now A-tablet which do I buy?

Over the last year while my aging G4 Powerbook gets older and won't run Snow Leopard I've been trying to figure what to buy next (I have a Nov '06 24" iMac too).

I use my big iMac at home but use my G4 Powerbook at my Apple phobic org that I work at. My co-workers (but not my bosses) love it when I take my iMac into work but I need something a little less noticeable at work.

Would it be a Mac mini? An Apple (of course) laptop. A 20" iMac (probably too noticeable). ???

Now Apple appears to really be coming out with a Tablet and not a stupid sucko laptop like the Windows tablets which are a piece of ****. Now I have to factor this in too.

Obviously the laptop would be the most portable but is also the most expensive. I also rarely have a situation where I use it on battery as I rarely pull it out on a plane but use my iPhone instead.

The Mac Mini would be best at work because it would cost less and I use an external monitor on my current laptop so why pay for a screen that I don't use and lugging the laptop would be heavier than a tablet and bluetooth keyboard, right? Well at least not as cool as a tablet and bluetooth keyboard.

If I'm traveling though, the tablet would be the coolest because most of the time on a play I don't type and don't need a keyboard. If it has long enough battery life for watch movies (one of the reasons it has been delayed, if rumors are true, is battery life) then I could do that or watch "iTunes effects" while listening to music while all the Windows users literally drool all over the place looking at the first not sucky tablet computer.

Assuming the tablet could be connected to an external monitor and bluetooth keyboard then this would be perfect for work too. If I wanted I could use both the tablet monitor with touch and the external monitor for lots of cool things and get the best of both, touch and bigger screen.

Ok, I've talked myself into it. I'll be buying a Apple tablet computer as long as I can plugin an external monitor and use my wireless bluetooth keyboard. It's going to be great, as long as the price isn't too high.

Hopefully it comes out sooner than later. Snow Leopard is here and once I get it on my 24" iMac at home (it is arriving at my door today) then just regular Leopard is going to seem so bloated and lame. And I'm going to love the text expander that is shared with (almost?) all Apple programs and soon to any program that wants it.

I can't wait.

 

[miketcool]

Either Apple has already been distributing this to the people on here fainting like tween girls at a Jonas Brothers concert or you are all about to get the biggest shock of your life.

This is the tablet Apple has been working on. You become the interface afterwards. Only side effects are extreme discomfort, dry mouth near an Apple store, kernel panicking and an increase in liver enzyme function.

 

[Billy Boo Bob]

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.

Big time. There is no way I could ever get anywhere near the same typing speeds and accuracy (better look this one over good for typos ) on a flat/touch keyboard. But for temp usage, while being able to tether a physical keyboard when appropriate, would be fine.

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.

That would be "tactile feedback". The surface of the touch screen would physically change to put a bump, of sorts, on the surface. So, we're looking at some form of plastic screen instead of glass. Tactile feedback might be nice, but I don't know that I like the idea of plastic for the screen.

Unless it's like one of them concept devices that places two screens in a folding unit. Top (monitor) screen being glass and the bottom one (KB) being plastic for tactile feedback. Still... Doesn't sound right.

 

[corinhorn]

For one thing, Im not putting you in the iPhone hating category, but your argument is the same as those who disliked the idea back then.

No it is not. My argument is that this rumored tablet is unlikely to replace a laptop. No one was arguing that about the iPhone because no one considered it as a laptop replacement.

Second, I'm not hung up on the iPhone, but it is a tablet device, is it not?

Not really. It's a touchscreen phone with applications.

Therefore, it provides at least a basic example of what to expect from the famed tablet device. In turn I can see how it is doable.

Putting the feature-set of the iPhone in a 10" device does not change the fact that physical keyboards are faster to type on than touchscreen keyboards. I am not arguing if this rumored tablet will be useful nor am I saying people won't buy it. And I'm not saying it won't be successful. I'm saying that it is unlikely to replace laptops. That's all.

 

[Billy Boo Bob]

I doubt this. Without a physical keyboard, serious computer users won't use such a device.

Ever heard of USB? How about Bluetooth?

I agree, however, that a tablet will not eliminate sales of laptops. Might put a little dent in sales, but certainly will not kill them.