Intel Confirms Atom-based Larger iPhone (Mini-Tablet)?

[Chef Medeski]

I have a couple of thoughts...

I mentioned this in the other forum, but I thought I'd rehash it here. I think this product will basically act as a replacement for the iPod touch, and similar in size to a larger version of the Nokia N800 internet tablet. This would increase the differentiation between the iPhone and the iPod Touch, and basically create two entirely separate product lines. I'm never seen a poll done, but anecdotally it seems like there are a lot of people who like the idea of the Touch as a Wifi-based web/application platform and media player, but wish the screen was larger and higher resolution for a higher functionality-level, while still being able to fit in a large pocket or small bag. The iphone-shape is great, although it should be natively in landscape mode and with a 5" screen. Have a look at the Nokia tablets and Samsung/Sony UMPC for similar devices.

Yeah thats exactly what I was thinking but couldn't remember the name of. This reminds me exactly of the Nokia Tablet but well implemented. It would only be a little bit larger, or even the same size and be able to fit a 4.25" or 4.5" screen which would be a 50-75% increase in screen area, MASSIVE! Thats exactly what I want. I want an iPhone that is better implemented for browsing the web and typing. Well I'm holding out, not like we have much choice. Everything else is sold out, lol.

But this seems exactly like what I want.

Good point about the iPod Touch as well. I would agree. The Touch seems like an akward size, too big to really feel like an ipod, but too small to really feel like an internet device. Plus if you removed connectivity features and packed this thing with a 32 or 64gb flash drive and a 10 hr battery life for movies, that would be one hell of a multimedia device. Like ONE HELL OF A DEVICE. Yeah. Makes sense though. Would you like an iPhone or a full blown multimedia device, oh and u can get them mixed as an iPhone Pro. Or Ultimate, I like Ultimate.

Makes more sense to me, cause Apple usually has to make logical sense in their product lines.

Well, my comment was in response to all of the talk concerning having a phone option built into a tablet. The Newton-style tablet and the iPhone are two completely different beasts and they do not both need to have the same features.

Many of the posts here are people saying they want the features of a laptop or tablet in the package-size of an iPhone. This is not a realistic design or use concept. Use an iPhone if you want the phone features, music abilities, light web browsing, etc. and the tablet for more advanced capabilities and larger screen WITHOUT trying to build phone capabilities into it as well. JMO

Well if you are going to put in 3G for connectivity, might as well allow it to work as a phone too. I mean is it that hard to do! And it sure would help him persuade people its worth the hundreds of dollars, cause its not just an ipod, a pda, a tablet, and internet messenger, but ITS ALSO A PHONE!

Thank you, and now that I have read it, you bring up an interesting point. I think it would be pretty sweet to run Windows Mobile and OSX on the iPhone via some 3rd party software. That way, when there is an app that the iPhone can't run, we can just dual boot to Window Mobile and run it.

And those business professionals can have their working tool, and toy at the same time. That's revolutionary.

But wait don't you need an Intel CPU for that just like the PowerPCs of old....

 

[DisturbedSith]

848X480 and Screen Sharing

Hey everyone, just wanted to chime in about the resolution. If you guys notice, the Apple ads that are in HD are @848X480.

What if they use this resolution instead of the 720X480 and release HD content on iTunes soon after.

And, couldn't they do something similar to screen sharing where this device could then control any home macs? This could be such a big product!

 

[Mr Maui]

Well if you are going to put in 3G for connectivity, might as well allow it to work as a phone too. I mean is it that hard to do! And it sure would help him persuade people its worth the hundreds of dollars, cause its not just an ipod, a pda, a tablet, and internet messenger, but ITS ALSO A PHONE!

Perhaps you should read back. I have no problem with a phone option, but a lot of people seem to want all the features of a tablet, computer, phone, music player, hi def video, internet access, camera, etc, and in a smaller package. Get serious already.

You can't get a 61" plasma experience in a 13" B/W box.

 

[Stately]

Ahaa . .

Well, my comment was in response to all of the talk concerning having a phone option built into a tablet. The Newton-style tablet and the iPhone are two completely different beasts and they do not both need to have the same features.

Many of the posts here are people saying they want the features of a laptop or tablet in the package-size of an iPhone. This is not a realistic design or use concept. Use an iPhone if you want the phone features, music abilities, light web browsing, etc. and the tablet for more advanced capabilities and larger screen WITHOUT trying to build phone capabilities into it as well. JMO

This is my point exactly. The iphone is a phone, this will be something else. I need itunes though.

 

[jeremyrader]

A random thought: what if this hypothetical iPad is not really a larger phone per se, but an internet device that just so happens to use a cellular network for very mobile access? Since it wouldn't exactly be an iPhone, perhaps it could skirt the letter and spirit of their exclusive 5-year contract with AT&T and allow you to connect to some other provider's EDGE network for browsing, email, and IM even when you're not near a WiFi hotspot.

Like a $39.99/mo data-only plan from T-Mobile? Add Skype and a BT headset...

 

[dicklacara]

ya? well, 7/8 of the people i know have their cell phones in their pockets.

My pocket is bigger than your pocket.

Seriously 3" x 5" form factor would fit in most shirt and pants pockets.

 

[Chef Medeski]

Perhaps you should read back. I have no problem with a phone option, but a lot of people seem to want all the features of a tablet, computer, phone, music player, hi def video, internet access, camera, etc, and in a smaller package. Get serious already.

You can't get a 61" plasma experience in a 13" B/W box.

Oh well.... I doubt its going to be as much computer as people think. I mean its more sized as a PDA which means if anything it'll run the same software.

I mean at that size, there is no way u can fit phone plus computer. You might be able to fit down stripped down comptuer only cause Apple is amazing.

But you are completely right. I mean we are talking about a 5 to 6" device, its smaller than a UMPC, its not going to be able to cure cancer.

 

[mdriftmeyer]

I can see this as a portable iChat device on a wifi N network. That would be huge for enterprise customers. Some type of desk mount and a portable case.

If Apple pushes iChat it could start a new paradigm in communication. Video phones have never really taken off in mainstream context because of transmission quality, price, and implementation. Using a portable iChat capable device would change that dynamic.

Portable chatting doesn't make Apple nor those who distract themselves with chat all day any money.

A tablet would be targeted for vertical markets.

 

[Lershac]

why the hell would anyone want a tablet? i mean, it's probably too big for pockets (or if you squeeze it in, it'll be uncomfortable) and it'll be just like all the other crappy mini-laptops out there.

think of it this way, it'll be about the size of a portable dvd player. what's the point in that? if you need a PC that bad when you're on the go......get a full blown laptop (MBA or MB or MBP). If you don't need a PC that bad, but just wanna surf the net, watch movies, play games.....an iphone should suffice and it fits in your pocket.

this is a bad idea and the only market that exist for a tablet is for HARDCORE fanboys, not 99% of the other population.

this will be a huge dud. the only purpose the tablet will serve is to TEST technology so they can use it in future MacBooks and iMacs.....nothing more, nothing less.

unless its maybe the perfect size to fit in a doctors coat pocket, or a nurse.Every hospital I go to has tons of laptops on these carts that they use to track every aspect of patient care. I think all that could be replaced by one of these in a pocket..

[ sarcasm ]

Oh yay. A tablet. How exciting.

[ / sarcasm ]

A multitouch tablet. I have been searching for a thin thin touchscreen tablet for surfing and casual use for a long time. I will buy one. And aesthetics would be important for me.

Additionally I can see many vertical integration applications for this.

People with aging eyes like bigger screens.

Rocketman

With so much of the populatioin aging.... THIS

 

[AidenShaw]

missing the point....

My pocket is bigger than your pocket.

Seriously 3" x 5" form factor would fit in most shirt and pants pockets.

You're missing the point. This is an adjunct to the phone and the laptop - not a replacement for either.

If you're going jogging, you'll grab a small phone (not an Iphone, but a small phone).

If you're traveling light (everyday), the maxiPod will be your phone and internet terminal.

If you're doing heavy lifting, you'll take a laptop + the phone.

So many arguments here short-sightely focus on "A" or "B", when "A" and "B" is what people really want.

Sometimes I need a feature poor tiny phone.

Sometimes I need a feature rich PDA (Iphone doesn't meet that requirement).

Sometimes I need CS3 and Premiere, and Entourage and ...

--------------

I don't expect one device to fit all needs....

 

[stephenli]

Uh oh, Steve isn't going to like this one bit... if there was one coming out, get ready to see it cancelled!

hahaha. just like ATI display cards.

anyway I really don't care what processor it is using. If it release a tablet (or could we call it UMPC?) that runs full version of OSX, I would place my order...
e...well...if the price is lower then a mini it would be nice....

 

[SGHiLL]

yeah...and geared toward the super-dooper-tech-geek. no ordianary consumer will want a tablet when they can get an iphone or MPA/MBP.

a tablet is one of those things that has no real place in the world. it serves no purpose other than to test new touch technology and maybe garnish some funds from the super geeks who want anything/everything new.

I'm a student who has used a tablet for a little over a year now. The thought that there is no market for tablets is absurd. I am consistently asked about the cost, features, and ease of use by fellow classmates. Furthermore, I have had professors who lectured with tablets and see tablets heavily utilized in local hospitals. In the medical industry, and even in higher education, there is a place for the tablet. It's like paper, if paper were powerful and effortlessly organized.


I took a serious look at the ModBook before going with Vista and sometimes I wish had paid the extra $1000 it. Fortunately, OneNote is one of the best Microsoft products I have ever used.

If offered with a complimentary note-taking program that synchronized with my Mac Mini, I would be there on opening day, just like when I bought the iPhone.

It should be noted that I definitely qualify as a "super-dooper-tech-geek."

 

[JGowan]

Newton 2 !!!

I'm surprised no one has said this yet ... or maybe everyone in here is too young to remember the original.

Considering Steve KILLED this thing when got back in '97, most people wouldn't consider this at all. It might be similar in the way people use it, but it would never (EVER) be marketed as such.

Age has nothing to do with it, in my 42-yr old opinion.

 

[btnnaz]

Those Safari Users Check This Out!!!!

go to apple store website. Click iphone then click. Window->Activity.

Notice lots of image files and others double click them and they will open.

Scroll Down some more

There is one that says this: http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/1424/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/violator_new_iphone.gif

But when u double click it it comes up a blank image. Strange- "New iPhone"

 

[MikeELL]

this will be a huge dud. the only purpose the tablet will serve is to TEST technology so they can use it in future MacBooks and iMacs.....nothing more, nothing less.

ever heard the expression "jumping the gun"?

 

[jwdsail]

2. SJ's been on record in the past dismissing Tablet PC as a product category.

Cause Jobs *never* disses an idea then comes out with that exact feature or product.... ;-) (video on an iPod for example...)

 

[Obi-Wan Kubrick]

The iPhoto frame

I predict the iPhoto frame.

 

[jwdsail]

im confused. they are going to come out with a screen larger than the iphone and put a phone with it? wont that be a pain in the ass to put up to your ear when you get a phone call?

No, because you'd be talking with your bluetooth earpiece or over the built-in speakerphone ;-)

 

[bigwig]

Why would anybody want to use the Atom? I would bet an ARM with an up-rated power budget could deliver better performance at a lower price.

 

[xhambonex]

Although there may be a market for tablets, not necessarily the consumer market apple seems to target, I would think that if this "tablet" was at a reasonable price point, the macbook air would see a hit in sales. I would imagine that tablet would be able to do everything an iphone can do, plus some extra functions, possibly basic programs word, excel, things like that. Wouldn't apple's brand new ultra-portable device (mb air) be squashed by an even more portable device that does most of the things macbook air owners can do.

 

[jwdsail]

720p or 1080p is important because I want my media library to run on a device as well as the TV. I don't want two copies of everything, or a less than perfect resolution on my TV.

And if the device included DVI output, being able to plug it into the hotel's flat screen TV and watch content at 720p would be great as well ;-)

 

[sushi]

Considering Steve KILLED this thing when got back in '97, most people wouldn't consider this at all. It might be similar in the way people use it, but it would never (EVER) be marketed as such

Yep. We may see a Newton type device, aka, iPad, iTablet, or whatever. But one thing is for sure, it will never be called anything with the word Newton in it.

After using the Touch I am reminded of the Newton.

I don't expect one device to fit all needs....

Completely agree.

 

[rtdunham]

I have a collection of many tens of thousands of books...

can you spell "hyperbole"? Or are you on the list at this link?

http://www.ala.org/ala/alalibrary/libraryfactsheet/alalibraryfactsheet22.cfm

 

[ravenblue]

Maybe something like this:

 

[iEdd]

He said "tens of thousands", ie. plural, so it doesn't take a genius to work out that owns the Library of Congress.