Google to Launch Chrome OS Tablet in Late November?

[G4DP]

Well the keyboard looks familiar...

You mean just like any other keyboard for fat morons who can't operate a keyboard with normal sized keys?

Competition is a good thing. Hopefully it will cause Apple - read Jobs - to pull the finger out and offer what could have been a ground breaking grouping of technology.

Not a crippled half arsed attempt. Then again after the first iPhone shouldn't really have expected anything less.

I'm not saying the iPhone was crap, but many of the features Herr Jobs said were 'magical' and 'fastest' etc we had had in Europe for 3 or so years.

 

[Liquorpuki]

So it looks like the basic argument is that anyone who makes a tablet is copying off of Apple? What about all of the tablets that were out before the iPad was released? Apple didn't copy from them? I guess Apple is immune from any criticism because a iFan will come and kill anyone who even insinuates Apple did something wrong. (I just locked my door after typing that)

Its called competition. It's what drives companies to make the best product they can. And besides, how much different can someone make a square with a touch screen on it look? Looking at the specs, it doesn't have anything in common with the iPad except that it's a tablet, and Apple doesn't have a patent on the tablet computer as a whole, so the argument Google or anyone else is "riding Apple's success" is absurd.

Here's another question. Was there even a worthwhile market for tablets before the iPad blew it up? In other words do you think Google/HTC would have even bothered designing/putting out a tablet if the iPad was never released?

And before the iPad, a tablet wasn't a square with a capacitive touch screen. It was a laptop with a touch screen LCD that would clamshell over the keyboard with the LCD face up and required a stylus. Credit Apple getting their design vision right that the tablet has now been redefined as a square with a touch screen and everyone from Asus to HP to Google is mimicking the iPad's form factor.

For the record, I think Google is a great company and I'm amazed at the ton of creative ways they've managed to make money off ads. They're willing to do stuff most companies wouldn't - like spend money to drive a 360 degree camera across every major street in the entire country. I also think in the future, if Apple doesn't spend more time investing in cloud technology, Google can really hurt them in that department. But Google doesn't do hardware, and HTC is hit or miss with their designs. Good luck with that tablet.

 

[JGowan]

Clever,... let's announce a product (no photos, mind you) about a product that'll ship in 3 months (no price, mind you) as to give would-be iPad buyers PAUSE of their Christmas purchases.

I can't wait to see how that works out for them.

 

[eppel]

Apple store is down..

HEY the store is down both in the us and the netherlands.. Wonder what they'll be updating..

 

[weekendsrule32]

Here's another question. Was there even a worthwhile market for tablets before the iPad blew it up? In other words do you think Google/HTC would have even bothered designing/putting out a tablet if the iPad was never released?

And before the iPad, a tablet wasn't a square with a capacitive touch screen. It was a laptop with a touch screen LCD that would clamshell over the keyboard with the LCD face up and required a stylus. Credit Apple getting their design vision right that the tablet has now been redefined as a square with a touch screen and everyone from Asus to HP to Google is mimicking the iPad's form factor.

For the record, I think Google is a great company and I'm amazed at the ton of creative ways they've managed to make money off ads. They're willing to do stuff most companies wouldn't - like spend money to drive a 360 degree camera across every major street in the entire country. I also think in the future, if Apple doesn't spend more time investing in cloud technology, Google can really hurt them in that department. But Google doesn't do hardware, and HTC is hit or miss with their designs. Good luck with that tablet.

Yes, you are right In saying that Apple was the one who really got the tablet as it is known to day on the map. (Although, pretty much anything Apple releases is a hit because of its large fan base) But my point is that there were attempts before it, and there will be after it. Just because one company has success in a market, doesn't shut down entry by other companies. All I am saying is lets give Google (and other companies) a fair chance to prove themselves before we label them as "copiers." Who knows, Google may have a surprise or two up its sleeve.

And lets not forget, before iAds, Google was the major mobile ad provider. And they were making a hefty profit. And then along comes Apple sticking their fingers in Google's pie. (almost sounds dirty )

Just remember Apple isn't perfect (SJ said so in the iPhone 4 Antenna Press Conference) so its not fair to other companies to say it is. Remember, its the competition that drives invention. If Google wasn't constantly on Apple, they might get lazy.

 

[allmIne]

and... the Nexus One is where now ?

I'm not gonna grace this with an informative response. There's no reason why I should do the legwork to prove just how wrong your statement is.

Edit: There's no chance you're capable of any legwork, is there?

Disregarding the fact that sales numbers don't equate to quality - yes, even at similar price points! - have a look at the HTC Desire, then tell me the Nexus One is nowhere to be seen. Obselescence - and it's not, really, given the Desire - is in this case a product of innovation and choice. Sure, there are 3GS's everywhere - but there's only one alternative if you want a new phone from the Apple ecosystem. If it doesn't float your boat - god forbid - then you'll stick with what you've got. Or go elsewhere.

 

[nelmat]

Ugh, why do all of these devices have to come tied to some sort of data plan or network?

Why can't all of these companies get that not everyone wants a phone in everything or that we don't want to pay for yet another subscription for everything?

Thats why I got the wifi iPad. I did not want yet another monthly fee. Especially when so many places have wifi now.

You're not tied to a data plan, you can purchase a month while you're out and about if you need to. For the extra $100 surely it's better to have the iPad 3G potential and drop in a PAYG micro-sim if needed?

 

[nelmat]

Now there's a pad I could buy.

Apples ipad is just way too restrictive.

I didn't realise the feature list and functionality of this device was already fully known and road tested. You must have some insider knowledge.

Back to the iPad - what's limited - it does what it says it does. Everyone who buys it knows there's no Flash plug-in, so no deception there. Browse the web check your email, play games, read books, listen to music, watch video. It seems to do all those things. I have a pair of scissors here that cut paper, which is what I bought them to do, they can't glue paper back together again though (which sometimes I wish they could do), guess that's "restrictive"?.

 

[Ubuntu]

I didn't realise the feature list and functionality of this device was already fully known and road tested. You must have some insider knowledge.

Back to the iPad - what's limited - it does what it says it does. Everyone who buys it knows there's no Flash plug-in, so no deception there. Browse the web check your email, play games, read books, listen to music, watch video. It seems to do all those things. I have a pair of scissors here that cut paper, which is what I bought them to do, they can't glue paper back together again though (which sometimes I wish they could do), guess that's "restrictive"?.

I guess he was going by Google software already in the field such as Android.

The iPad is closed off, you can't even print at the moment, you have to wait for them to implement it. And it doesn't even use basic USB ports so once again you have to buy separate cables just for it. Ok so you're just comparing a pair of scissors to a tablet PC which really doesn't make sense. Like, really. A tablet PC is alot more complex and thus you can easily expect more.

 

[Northgrove]

I wish them the best of luck!

I really enjoy their browser, at least, and I share much of their vision with that web browser.

It should be interesting to watch to see it in action, fully developed into an OS.

As for the "restrictive" comment; Chrome OS will probably only allow apps from the Chrome Web Store.

 

[nelmat]

Please Google, give it an SD slot. Set a precedent!

A majority of 'pad users don't need/want an SD card slot. For those Apple users that want one, a very inexpensive kit with SD Card and USB camera connection adapters is available. I for one don't want a unused slot in my device gathering dirt. I guess sales figures for this Camera connection kit would give an indication of how vital this is for people, if apple see that a majority of people are buying this kit, then the demand warrants inclusion in the next revision?

 

[nelmat]

And don't forget... unlike Apple's claim it will support the whole internet via Flash 10.1.

You've obviously not used Flash 10.1 on an android phone. Video is choppy, interfaces are unusable and battery life is about eight minutes. Flash lite was bad enough (barely any flash content loaded) but the latest version of flash, (which was then withdrawn on my device) was awful.

I can browse the internet just fine on my iPad - youtube, bbc iPlayer and every other site i use each day (including this one) work just fine. I've yet to encounter a site i wanted to access that I couldn't. Apple didn't say the iPad supported the "whole internet", it said that the iPad would offer the best mobile web browsing experiencing available - and this remains true.

 

[sciwizam]

Clever,... let's announce a product (no photos, mind you) about a product that'll ship in 3 months (no price, mind you) as to give would-be iPad buyers PAUSE of their Christmas purchases.

I can't wait to see how that works out for them.

I must have missed the press release from Google.

 

[nelmat]

there we go again, another apple fankid who insinuates that Apple was the first to come out with a tablet. WRONG!

No idea why Appleites are ragging on a Google tablet, it only works out for the best for consumers. It's like saying: LOL @ Google! why are they even making one? Let's have Apple compete against itself and maintain high prices for all our iDevices!

Sure, Apple is an innovator no doubt about that, and it forces other tech companies to work harder, but let's just remind ourselves that Apple only caters to a small percentage of the computer/electronics market.

and FYI, the picture is a mockup, not a real shot of the ChromeOS tablet.

OK then, Google isn't copying Apple's hardware and software, but maybe it's attempting to copy Apple's business model - no denying that at all. App Store - Google Store etc. etc. Apple redefine the market place and the way that users interact with their hardware/software (iTunes, iPhone, iPad) Google copy. (music store, phone etc. etc.)

 

[baryon]

So basically this thing will only turn on where there's WiFi or 3G? Good luck with that!

 

[Ubuntu]

A majority of 'pad users don't need/want an SD card slot. For those Apple users that want one, a very inexpensive kit with SD Card and USB camera connection adapters is available. I for one don't want a unused slot in my device gathering dirt. I guess sales figures for this Camera connection kit would give an indication of how vital this is for people, if apple see that a majority of people are buying this kit, then the demand warrants inclusion in the next revision?

Apple doesn't work like that. They don't always leave inexpensive features out because they believe the users don't want them. I don't know how many iPads have been sold but how do you know that a majority of users don't want an SD card slot? Fair enough if you don't but I'm sure people wouldn't mind.

But the point is I doubt Apple will look at Camera kit sales and then decide that they need to include an SD slot in the next iPad. Why? Because its another small chunk of cash to milk out of the customers. It's a closed system, they want to take advantage of that by making you buy all sorts of accessories instead of having them built in. The important thing is that they can get away with it.

Of course your desire for not having an unused port gathering dust still stands but I doubt many people share this.

 

[nelmat]

Yeah maybe true, but the fact of the matter is even the ipad isn't a device that anybody "Needs". When I say that I mean it's something you can go without, and I don't see it particularly useful for school, and Its no doubt that it cannot and will not replace a laptop or desktop.

I think it may be different for the Chrome OS Tablet, reason I say that is many students use netbooks, most of them use a Linux Distro, and from what I can tell its very similar to Chrome OS.

Not to mention the price tag of of the ipad $549(CAD) is far too expensive.. netbooks cost about $299(CAD), you could get a full blown Core i3 (Dual Core) Laptop for the same price of an ipad, and if your going with an AMD processor then you could get one for $399 right now!! http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/id/10146058.aspx

No use for school? You obviously didn't major in something that required four bags full of text books carrying around on your shoulder all day. And didn't want to watch a lecture in iTunes U during your lunch or check up on your email or just get away from it all by gaming for half an hour.

We don't "need" computers full stop. We don't need to live in houses, we worked perfectly well in caves.

What an incredibly luddite attitude.

And yes, of course there are cheaper versions about. You're suggesting that cheaper = better. Not sure I follow that?

 

[nelmat]

Apple doesn't work like that. They don't always leave inexpensive features out because they believe the users don't want them. I don't know how many iPads have been sold but how do you know that a majority of users don't want an SD card slot? Fair enough if you don't but I'm sure people wouldn't mind.

But the point is I doubt Apple will look at Camera kit sales and then decide that they need to include an SD slot in the next iPad. Why? Because its another small chunk of cash to milk out of the customers. It's a closed system, they want to take advantage of that by making you buy all sorts of accessories instead of having them built in. The important thing is that they can get away with it.

Of course your desire for not having an unused port gathering dust still stands but I doubt many people share this.

Well, I think the amount of iPad sales goes in the face of your argument. Apple have left out everything that isn't essential or needed by the majority in order to keep costs down. It's also not about leaving out "inexpensive" components - there's already a LOT crammed inside an ipad - another port with internal wiring might be small in the grand scheme, but what would have needed to be compromised? Thicker form factor, smaller battery?

And saying that Apple don't listed to overwhelming public opinion is nonsense - borne out by the replacement of Firewire 400 in their laptops following a majority public outcry.

I'm sure if apple felt that an SD card slow was something the majority wanted, could have included without compromising other things and not affecting price or release timeline, they would have done. Apple are selling millions of these units, so it's obviously not an issue for people buying the devices. I 'wouldn't mind' an eSATA port on the thing, but again that doesn't mean apple aren't listening to what the majority of the marketplace want.

 

[nelmat]

Apple doesn't work like that. They don't always leave inexpensive features out because they believe the users don't want them. I don't know how many iPads have been sold but how do you know that a majority of users don't want an SD card slot? Fair enough if you don't but I'm sure people wouldn't mind.

But the point is I doubt Apple will look at Camera kit sales and then decide that they need to include an SD slot in the next iPad. Why? Because its another small chunk of cash to milk out of the customers. It's a closed system, they want to take advantage of that by making you buy all sorts of accessories instead of having them built in. The important thing is that they can get away with it.

Of course your desire for not having an unused port gathering dust still stands but I doubt many people share this.

Which i'm sure is why they're now introducing SD card slots to their desktop and laptop range? because they haven't been following user trends and listening to their customers/the market place?

 

[nelmat]

I guess he was going by Google software already in the field such as Android.

The iPad is closed off, you can't even print at the moment, you have to wait for them to implement it. And it doesn't even use basic USB ports so once again you have to buy separate cables just for it. Ok so you're just comparing a pair of scissors to a tablet PC which really doesn't make sense. Like, really. A tablet PC is alot more complex and thus you can easily expect more.

Nope, i'm comparing a device which does what I bought it to do, what it was advertised of being capable of to another product which I bought for the purpose it was designed for/intended to be used for.

This is a device which is about freedom to roam/consume content on the move, mobility and wireless connectivity. So a lack of cables, ports, keyboards and printing (which you can do btw using many third party apps) is an irrelevant criticism.

That people would like to do more with the device, doesn't make it a restricted, closed or flawed device.

 

[Ubuntu]

Well, I think the amount of iPad sales goes in the face of your argument. Apple have left out everything that isn't essential or needed by the majority in order to keep costs down. It's also not about leaving out "inexpensive" components - there's already a LOT crammed inside an ipad - another port with internal wiring might be small in the grand scheme, but what would have needed to be compromised? Thicker form factor, smaller battery?

And saying that Apple don't listed to overwhelming public opinion is nonsense - borne out by the replacement of Firewire 400 in their laptops following a majority public outcry.

I'm sure if apple felt that an SD card slow was something the majority wanted, could have included without compromising other things and not affecting price or release timeline, they would have done. Apple are selling millions of these units, so it's obviously not an issue for people buying the devices. I 'wouldn't mind' an eSATA port on the thing, but again that doesn't mean apple aren't listening to what the majority of the marketplace want.

I never said the iPad failed so the iPad sales don't really have anything to do with my argument. And keep costs down for whom? Not the user. It's funny that they have you believing that because they definitely didn't pass on the cost saving to you - they've in fact made the costs higher by making you buy the camera connection kit rather than just using a standard USB cable. And I'd happily trade in form over function, but Apple's taking things in the other direction. They have this innate drive to have the thinnest products and sometimes it will limit the engineers as to what they can actually do with the device - but that's fine as they can easily sell off a load of accessories to compensate.
And once again I didn't say Apple doesn't listen to overwhelming public opinion, of course they do. But at the same time they removed Firewire, didn't they? How did they figure out people didn't want it? They listened to the outcry but they didn't listen to the overwhelming public opinion in the first place.
You just have to look at almost any product Apple sells to understand and appreciate that they don't really listen as much as you seem to think. Blu ray on macs? There's an overwhelming public opinion for that! Better iPhone specs on the first iPhone and 3G/3Gs? They listened, but a bit later! They cripple products so that they can have more features to put in the next one because they can get away with it
You've answered the last point yourself. Apple's selling so many iPads that they don't need to include all these ports, etc. After spending so much more for an iPad they can easily turn around to you and say "hey, buy this cable, and this one, and that one, oh and you have to have this one!" and you'll do it. It's much easier and more convenient for Apple to make you buy the accessories.

Which i'm sure is why they're now introducing SD card slots to their desktop and laptop range? because they haven't been following user trends and listening to their customers/the market place?

All the more reason for the iPad to have an SD reader! Most laptops/computers use multi-format card readers. But the iPad is a closed system, macs aren't. And what about Bluray, then? You have to admit it took Apple a long time to include SD functionality built in. Most likely because you can just buy a cheap one for a few pounds. But with the iPad you're forced to buy an accessory for quite a bit more.

 

[AlexisV]

Remember that they make more money refreshing products each year. People like you then buy the newest one because you want an SD slot and old one didn't have one.

If you put everything in there in revision A, it will cost more and less people would buy revisions B and C.

 

[Ubuntu]

Nope, i'm comparing a device which does what I bought it to do, what it was advertised of being capable of to another product which I bought for the purpose it was designed for/intended to be used for.

This is a device which about freedom, mobility and wireless connectivity. So a lack of cables, ports, keyboards and printing (which you can do btw using many third party apps) is an irrelevant criticism.

That people would like to do more with the device, doesn't make it a restricted, closed or flawed device.

I meant the other guy. And really you think the iPad is about freedom? It doesn't even have a USB port!

It is a closed device, though. It's not a flawed one but its definitely closed off. It works in its own system and if you wish for other devices to communicate with it (lets say, a camera) you have to buy devices exclusive to this company's products, rather than using a popular transfer format directly.

 

[nelmat]

I never said the iPad failed so the iPad sales don't really have anything to do with my argument. And keep costs down for whom? Not the user. It's funny that they have you believing that because they definitely didn't pass on the cost saving to you - they've in fact made the costs higher by making you buy the camera connection kit rather than just using a standard USB cable. And I'd happily trade in form over function, but Apple's taking things in the other direction. They have this innate drive to have the thinnest products and sometimes it will limit the engineers as to what they can actually do with the device - but that's fine as they can easily sell off a load of accessories to compensate.
And once again I didn't say Apple doesn't listen to overwhelming public opinion, of course they do. But at the same time they removed Firewire, didn't they? How did they figure out people didn't want it? They listened to the outcry but they didn't listen to the overwhelming public opinion in the first place.
You just have to look at almost any product Apple sells to understand and appreciate that they don't really listen as much as you seem to think. Blu ray on macs? There's an overwhelming public opinion for that! Better iPhone specs on the first iPhone and 3G/3Gs? They listened, but a bit later! They cripple products so that they can have more features to put in the next one because they can get away with it
You've answered the last point yourself. Apple's selling so many iPads that they don't need to include all these ports, etc. After spending so much more for an iPad they can easily turn around to you and say "hey, buy this cable, and this one, and that one, oh and you have to have this one!" and you'll do it. It's much easier and more convenient for Apple to make you buy the accessories.




All the more reason for the iPad to have an SD reader! Most laptops/computers use multi-format card readers. But the iPad is a closed system, macs aren't. And what about Bluray, then? You have to admit it took Apple a long time to include SD functionality built in. Most likely because you can just buy a cheap one for a few pounds. But with the iPad you're forced to buy an accessory for quite a bit more.

Sorry, your entire logic is flawed. I guess the difference between us is that you speak from your personal preference, i deal day in/day out with the average user. my own opinion is that i'd love an SD card slot and a blu-ray drive. MOST people do not.

People wouldn't buy the devices from the off if they weren't fit for purpose, so arguing Apple have sold loads so they can get away with whatever is nonsense. If the product was restricted, flawed and didn't do what they were advertised to do, people wouldn't buy them - certainly not in the millions.

My logic is that millions of devices are sold, so the product is right for millions of people. Those customers who want something different with alternative functionality/connectivity surely go and buy something else?

Where is the issue?

If every apple product included every feature requested by users, they'd be hideous, expensive and bloated lumps of design.

A camel is a horse designed by committee...

The iPad (version 1) was launched as a wireless media consumption device with light creation functionality. Seems to be doing that just great.

 

[nelmat]

I meant the other guy. And really you think the iPad is about freedom? It doesn't even have a USB port!

It is a closed device, though. It's not a flawed one but its definitely closed off. It works in its own system and if you wish for other devices to communicate with it (lets say, a camera) you have to buy devices exclusive to this company's products, rather than using a popular transfer format directly.

Why does it need a USB port to be free? I edited my original post because i realised the word "freedom" is a very big word that needed further clarification.

This is a designed as a highly portable, wi-fi device, so why stick ports all over it to connect it to things? That goes against it's primary drive as a product.