My prediction for the next big thing from Apple is as follows:
Imagine if you will a larger iPad, lets say double the current screen size, say a 20 inch panel that uses the double resolution we are expecting on the iPad 3. It would be slim like the iPad, with the A6 processor or better. Stereo speakers would be possible due to the space now available (no battery required). HD FaceTime camera of course. Imagine how thin and light they can make this with no battery!!!!
This is not a hand held device, instead it is on a stand on which the panel can go from vertical to virtually flat. Meaning when vertical it is great for watching / consuming content / FaceTime, but if needed to be used for input on a virtual keyboard it can be tilted to the sloped position. In this flatter orientation users would interact with the keyboard and Apps just as they do with the current iPad, no reaching as with vertical touch computers, but a nice flat panel right in front of you where a computer keyboard would be. Connectivity would be provided in the base of the unit, power, USB, SD slot.
This device would run iOS just like the iPad, have access to all the same Apps and of course the bluetooth devices (keyboard).
This would be the Post-PC Desktop for tomorrow. Great for all the home users who don't need a full PC but do need a bigger device than an iPad. No Optical Drive required (just like Macs are now going), digital content delivery, iCloud, etc. Perfect for email, surfing, Apps, etc, etc, etc. All the things we love about the iPad, but bigger.
Price - Well that is the good news. Apple can knock these out at a much lower price than a classic Mac computer. Let's say $200 more than an iPad for each size of device. We will call it the iPad Home for want of a better name.
iPad Home 16GB - $699
iPad Home 32GB - $799
iPad Home 64GB - $899
iPad Home 128GB - $999
I think it would sell to all those people who don't want a 'full' computer with all the problems that go with them. They would be able to buy this and get online, buying Apps and content out of the box (no computer needed with iOS 5 remember). All closely managed by Apple, no viruses or malware. Easy software updates to the OS and Apps.
Imagine the opportunities for sales here!
It may reduce Mac sales, but as long as the margins are the same or better then why not. People bought into the principle for the iPad, I think they will for these as well.
Let's see what happens in the next year or so!!!
I know many will pan the idea, as they did with the iPad, but this could be a market changer. Not everyone wants or needs a full PC but they do want something more than an iPad in terms of size at home. This could be the home appliance that changes computer use in the home. With the App base already out there and the digital delivery system / iCloud all ready for it, this could be huge.
Imagine if you will a larger iPad, lets say double the current screen size, say a 20 inch panel that uses the double resolution we are expecting on the iPad 3. It would be slim like the iPad, with the A6 processor or better. Stereo speakers would be possible due to the space now available (no battery required). HD FaceTime camera of course. Imagine how thin and light they can make this with no battery!!!!
This is not a hand held device, instead it is on a stand on which the panel can go from vertical to virtually flat. Meaning when vertical it is great for watching / consuming content / FaceTime, but if needed to be used for input on a virtual keyboard it can be tilted to the sloped position. In this flatter orientation users would interact with the keyboard and Apps just as they do with the current iPad, no reaching as with vertical touch computers, but a nice flat panel right in front of you where a computer keyboard would be. Connectivity would be provided in the base of the unit, power, USB, SD slot.
This device would run iOS just like the iPad, have access to all the same Apps and of course the bluetooth devices (keyboard).
This would be the Post-PC Desktop for tomorrow. Great for all the home users who don't need a full PC but do need a bigger device than an iPad. No Optical Drive required (just like Macs are now going), digital content delivery, iCloud, etc. Perfect for email, surfing, Apps, etc, etc, etc. All the things we love about the iPad, but bigger.
Price - Well that is the good news. Apple can knock these out at a much lower price than a classic Mac computer. Let's say $200 more than an iPad for each size of device. We will call it the iPad Home for want of a better name.
iPad Home 16GB - $699
iPad Home 32GB - $799
iPad Home 64GB - $899
iPad Home 128GB - $999
I think it would sell to all those people who don't want a 'full' computer with all the problems that go with them. They would be able to buy this and get online, buying Apps and content out of the box (no computer needed with iOS 5 remember). All closely managed by Apple, no viruses or malware. Easy software updates to the OS and Apps.
Imagine the opportunities for sales here!
It may reduce Mac sales, but as long as the margins are the same or better then why not. People bought into the principle for the iPad, I think they will for these as well.
Let's see what happens in the next year or so!!!
I know many will pan the idea, as they did with the iPad, but this could be a market changer. Not everyone wants or needs a full PC but they do want something more than an iPad in terms of size at home. This could be the home appliance that changes computer use in the home. With the App base already out there and the digital delivery system / iCloud all ready for it, this could be huge.