No Apple Tablet Introduction at September Keynote Event?

[Donz0r]

I think the key is USB3. If they can't get USB3 in the tablet before the holidays then I bet they wait for USB3. Does anyone have any info on the USB3 timetable?

Why the hell would this have USB3 and why would that influence their release? This is APPLE we're talking about, they'll get USB3 a year after everyone else. This thing is going to be a wireless device which will focus on wireless syncing, etc.

And with a capacity of 64gb probably, USB3 would be almost pointless.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Thanks for the wonderful insight. Once you're done drinking the kool-aid, maybe you'd like to enlighten us how a Tablet is the future. Because many of us just don't see it.

He only means that you're ignoring the lessons of the past when talking about the tablet. If you can't see that, go ahead and keep claiming that a tablet is useless.

Why hasn't this come up yet?

 

[coleridge78]

Apple has never pushed the limits when it comes to hardware. They push the limits in terms of form not hardware. If we look at apple's current upgrade policy we will see USB3 about two years after the PC counterparts have it.

Heh. Apple's entire history is one of pushing the limits of hardware, from Wozniak hacking a disk drive the night before the original Apple ][ demo to RISC to Firewire to adapting USB long before anyone on the PC side (and being berated for it at the time).

Because they don't offer the newest, beefiest gaming video cards in an iMac (gee, I can't imagine why) some people have this idea that they don't ever adopt new hardware. Categorically false.

That said, I don't know that they'll be early adopters with USB 3 as they were with the original USB, because all indications are that, like USB 2, 3 is a sheep in hype's clothing. Peak transfer numbers that can match up with the equivalent generation of Firewire, but sustained throughput makes it a total dog.

USB 3 will gain consumer traction, eventually--its real world performance will be just enough about USB 2 for that. But it won't be a dramatic enough gain, no matter what Intel's staged demos show, for Apple to make early adoption a big point.

 

[Donz0r]

I have no idea what they will produce, but what I think would have the largest market is something 10" that you can use a stylus with. in my opinion, this would be great for students because the professor no longer has to speak to the backs of student's laptops. Not to mention more privacy for the people sitting behind and beside you. This would also work great for artists (like the wacom tablet screen) and many professional fields i am sure. I've spoken with a psychologist who thought such a device would be great in their and the medical field. Finally, it's be great for all the apple fans out their who will buy anything steve jobs puts his stamp of approval upon.

edit: just to be clear, I mean macbook air specs, and an aluminum shell constructed in their new factories. and yes, i'm probably dreaming, but i'll go so far to say they'll start at 15 hundred dollars. look at the price of the 32 gb iphone- it's 7 hundred. why make a tablet mac and have it cost the same? apple won't make a tablet for less than 12 hundred- no ****ing way. and i'm glad, this giant iphone business is foolishness. This product will be much closer to a computer than a telephone.

The problem with stylus input is that it requires a resistive touchscreen - as opposed to capacitive. (I'm ignoring of course those silly fat styli that are for iPhone). Apple will not go resistive and the stylus is so not their 'style'. The stylus is a dead input device - everything is going toward multitouch in the future - even windows.

I would LOVE for this thing to be more of a computer but I think it'll be more iPhone OS than anything. iPhone OS is their touch OS, this will be a touch device. 10'' is too small to throw a touch version of leopard onto - apple won't do it.

Snow Leopard is a minor upgrade because all of their time and resources is going into OS X.7 which will be centered around multitouch. (my own prediction) They're just not ready to release a multitouch computer yet - but they're very close.

 

[Donz0r]

Thanks for the wonderful insight. Once you're done drinking the kool-aid, maybe you'd like to enlighten us how a Tablet is the future. Because many of us just don't see it.

Do you think that we'l be using a keyboard and mouse forever?

The most natural way to interact with a computer is by manipulating the data with your hands. Up until now we haven't had affordable tech to do this, but that's changing very quickly.

In fact - the whole way we think of computing is changing. The technology is so advanced that people are realizing that they don't need a $1500 computer to use the internet. Everything is going into the cloud soon - it's inevitable. Streaming music is taking off, internet speeds are increasing all the time, streaming video, email/im/social networking/etc., google docs, etc.

People buy netbooks because that's all that they need 90% of the time and they can take it with them 90% of the time. The problem with netbooks is that the brainchilds over at Dell and Asus don't have enough vision. They make a cheap mini laptop and throw windows xp on it. No, that's not the way it's done. The keyboard and mouse were invented for a desktop environment - they're simply not optimized for on-the-go computing. Similarly, Windows XP is not optimized to be a touch OS, which is why all Tablets are niche products right now.

All of these things together, People being more mobile (see smartphone usage) + People not needing to run photoshop or edit video and therefore don't need a powerhouse computer to take with them (95% of people 95% of the time) + Multitouch technology revolutionizing the way we interact with computers = Tablet.

It's a tablet because you can take it with you around the house or on the go and do most of what you need a computer for on it. Most people don't type long messages like this in forums - they may write a quick facebook message or email or something. And for this a virtual keyboard will suffice. Nothing beats a physical keyboard right now, but that's not going to stop technology from evolving. Having a physical keyboard on a device like this would at least double the size and complexity of the device. (see: current tablets with rotating displays, etc.)

Multi-touch is revolutionizing the way we interact with technology, and a tablet is the most logical computing device to implement it due to its portability and generally non-heavy usage.

 

[KnightWRX]

He only means that you're ignoring the lessons of the past when talking about the tablet. If you can't see that, go ahead and keep claiming that a tablet is useless.

Oh I can see that. Apple has had a lot of hit and misses in the past. Not every Apple "revolution" has been one. The iPod is one example. Shiny plasticy transparent cases were another. However, stuff like the Macbook Air was one too, the Newton, heck, even Apple TV in a sense.

Let's forget it's a Apple product for a moment and just think the uses of a tablet. It's not ergonomic to type on, it's not anymore probably than a 10 inch laptop would be and without a full featured OS, it would be just a big iPod Touch, which kind of defeats the portability issue.

So it's not an issue of drinking the kool-aid and going all doughy eyed on it, but what is the actual market and use for a tablet that the iPhone/iPod touch or a Macbook don't already fill ? Students taking notes ?

Do you think that we'l be using a keyboard and mouse forever?

It's a tablet because you can take it with you around the house or on the go and do most of what you need a computer for on it. Most people don't type long messages like this in forums - they may write a quick facebook message or email or something. And for this a virtual keyboard will suffice. Nothing beats a physical keyboard right now, but that's not going to stop technology from evolving. Having a physical keyboard on a device like this would at least double the size and complexity of the device. (see: current tablets with rotating displays, etc.)

Multi-touch is revolutionizing the way we interact with technology, and a tablet is the most logical computing device to implement it due to its portability and generally non-heavy usage.

Wait, keyboards are dead, long live virtual keyboards ? Because somehow replicating a keyboard virtually on a screen that is touch capable makes for ... a... better... input device ? Put down the pills son, screen realestate is already a rare commodity, I don't need a keyboard taking up half of it.

Around the house, I use a laptop. Haven't had a desktop computer in about 3 years. All your ranting about super-portability doesn't change one fact : Typing on a laptop while reading the screen is comfortable. The screen is propped up, the keyboard is laying flat. Holding a tablet like a clipboard in one hand and type on it with the other isn't. Laying it flat on a table isn't comfortable either.

You've put your finger on it. People nowadays that want to Facebook or tweet or just plain have a web capable device on the go use a iPhone, Android phone, Blackberry or anything else in that format. When they get into the office or home, they use their laptop/desktop to do actual work.

The fact is, the tablet doesn't sound like something that's portable enough (vs an iPhone) or useful enough (vs a laptop/desktop) or ergonomically comfortable (vs just about everything else).

 

[Ping Guo]

The problem with netbooks is that the brainchilds over at Dell and Asus don't have enough vision.

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
Inigo Montoya

 

[Donz0r]

Oh I can see that. Apple has had a lot of hit and misses in the past. Not every Apple "revolution" has been one. The iPod is one example. Shiny plasticy transparent cases were another. However, stuff like the Macbook Air was one too, the Newton, heck, even Apple TV in a sense.

Let's forget it's a Apple product for a moment and just think the uses of a tablet. It's not ergonomic to type on, it's not anymore probably than a 10 inch laptop would be and without a full featured OS, it would be just a big iPod Touch, which kind of defeats the portability issue.

So it's not an issue of drinking the kool-aid and going all doughy eyed on it, but what is the actual market and use for a tablet that the iPhone/iPod touch or a Macbook don't already fill ? Students taking notes ?



Wait, keyboards are dead, long live virtual keyboards ? Because somehow replicating a keyboard virtually on a screen that is touch capable makes for ... a... better... input device ? Put down the pills son, screen realestate is already a rare commodity, I don't need a keyboard taking up half of it.

Around the house, I use a laptop. Haven't had a desktop computer in about 3 years. All your ranting about super-portability doesn't change one fact : Typing on a laptop while reading the screen is comfortable. The screen is propped up, the keyboard is laying flat. Holding a tablet like a clipboard in one hand and type on it with the other isn't. Laying it flat on a table isn't comfortable either.

You've put your finger on it. People nowadays that want to Facebook or tweet or just plain have a web capable device on the go use a iPhone, Android phone, Blackberry or anything else in that format. When they get into the office or home, they use their laptop/desktop to do actual work.

The fact is, the tablet doesn't sound like something that's portable enough (vs an iPhone) or useful enough (vs a laptop/desktop) or ergonomically comfortable (vs just about everything else).

I actually said this "

for this a virtual keyboard will suffice. Nothing beats a physical keyboard right now,

"

You make valid points. I never said a virtual keyboard was in any way superior to a physical keyboard though. Just that interacting with a multi-touch OS is better than pointing and clicking. The keyboard is the Achilles heel of the whole thing.

And I agree with the portability thing, you'll have to be taking it around in a bag, but this device would be a fraction of the size of a macbook so you can't really equate the two in terms of portability. Maybe instead of carrying a breifcase/laptop bag around, in the near future people will have much smaller bags to carry such a device. But like I said, the text input method is the only problem.

 

[NetScheduler]

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
Inigo Montoya

You are correct, .. he keeps using a word that he doesn't understand. We'll teach him!!! (below)

The problem with the netbook is that it is the brainchild of people over at Dell and Asus who don't seem to have enough vision to take the product to the next level..

I think that's where he was attempting to go....

 

[MacFly123]

I posted a few days ago thinking that it would be based upon Mac OS but today I realized that if these Prods are in the iPhone Dev then they will undoubtedly be iPhonetric... Which also suggests that existing apps should either run without much tinkering or some minor code mashing.

Playing Flight Control on a 10" screen will be much easier

I'm glad you came into the light! I just know that all these people that think the Tablet will run OS X are going to be VERY disappointed!

- Existing tablets have largely failed since they use a mouse-driven GUI on a touchscreen
- iPhone OS uses less resources than Mac OS X, so that means lower specced components which may mean a thinner design and/or lower prices
- iPhone OS uses less resources than Mac OS X, so that also means it may be snappier and less cramped

I felt the need to go on but I'm also hoping this is the last time I explain it (unless I missed something).

Prove that it will run Mac OS X.

(Remember, the earliest post-iPhone rumors slated some type of iPhone OS to run the device.)

Thanks for the backup. Between us, we have pretty much shown beyond reasonable doubt with many points, that the Tablet will in fact run some form of the iPhone OS. I have not heard a SINGLE logical reason as to it running OS X. And we won't, because it won't run OS X!

P.S. I still wanna know how to start a poll. Anybody know?

 

[a6rnh]

does nobody see it?

this is not a new tablet...this is the new imac.
a portable yet home media based device with a full touchscreen interface. the imac is no more and cheaper powermacs will fill the gap.

 

[MRU]

cheaper powermacs will fill the gap.

They don't make powermacs anymore

 

[iMacmatician]

I just know that all these people that think the Tablet will run OS X are going to be VERY disappointed!

We're seeing some of this disappointment already but that's just the tip of the iceberg.

P.S. I still wanna know how to start a poll. Anybody know?

Click the "New Thread" button and in the bottom of the "Additional Options" box there is a poll option. When you click "Submit New Thread," the poll pops up so you can name the choices etc.

 

[twoodcc]

well i hope this is wrong. they need to get that tablet out for the holidays

 

[KnightWRX]

I actually said this ""

You make valid points. I never said a virtual keyboard was in any way superior to a physical keyboard though. Just that interacting with a multi-touch OS is better than pointing and clicking. The keyboard is the Achilles heel of the whole thing.

And I agree with the portability thing, you'll have to be taking it around in a bag, but this device would be a fraction of the size of a macbook so you can't really equate the two in terms of portability. Maybe instead of carrying a breifcase/laptop bag around, in the near future people will have much smaller bags to carry such a device. But like I said, the text input method is the only problem.

Actually, I find keyboard input to be just wonderful. OCR ? Speech-to-text ? No thank you. I can type faster than I can talk in a recognizable manner and there's no mistaking what I'm inputting with what I'm telling my GF.

It's the point and click interfaces that slow us down. I miss the days of the good old $ prompt where everything happened from the keyboard.

Maybe that in itself is a big strike against the tablet for myself, but even for your size argument, a flip netbook sounds a ton better to me than just a simple tablet. Unless said tablet can be flipped open, have a physical keyboard and can be positionned like a Macbook, with the screen propped up, I really don't see it happening outside of some niche.

 

[MacFly123]

We're seeing some of this disappointment already but that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Click the "New Thread" button and in the bottom of the "Additional Options" box there is a poll option. When you click "Submit New Thread," the poll pops up so you can name the choices etc.

Thank you very much!

 

[Master Chief]

And you guy mix up South Africa (country) with South America (continent)... I guess you should know by now, after going to Johannesburg 5 times, that it isn't in South America... Better get some "maps" to help your education "over here"

Spot on! I did read something that wasn't there (South Africa). Probably due to all talk about the FIFA world cup (getting sick of all soccer talk) and the insane crime rate there.

p.s. I have been to Iraq five times, that's why the "veteran" clue was there

 

[macintoshtoffy]

Why the hell would this have USB3 and why would that influence their release? This is APPLE we're talking about, they'll get USB3 a year after everyone else. This thing is going to be a wireless device which will focus on wireless syncing, etc.

And with a capacity of 64gb probably, USB3 would be almost pointless.

Even if they did adopt USB3, the bottle neck will always been the flash storage - its an unavoidable reality that the flash used in these devices are the cheapest and slowest on the market.

Heh. Apple's entire history is one of pushing the limits of hardware, from Wozniak hacking a disk drive the night before the original Apple ][ demo to RISC to Firewire to adapting USB long before anyone on the PC side (and being berated for it at the time).

Because they don't offer the newest, beefiest gaming video cards in an iMac (gee, I can't imagine why) some people have this idea that they don't ever adopt new hardware. Categorically false.

That said, I don't know that they'll be early adopters with USB 3 as they were with the original USB, because all indications are that, like USB 2, 3 is a sheep in hype's clothing. Peak transfer numbers that can match up with the equivalent generation of Firewire, but sustained throughput makes it a total dog.

USB 3 will gain consumer traction, eventually--its real world performance will be just enough about USB 2 for that. But it won't be a dramatic enough gain, no matter what Intel's staged demos show, for Apple to make early adoption a big point.

For all the hype of USB2, I still prefer firewire. I get better sustained throughput for my external hard disk for starters. The reason why Firewire hasn't taken off outside the pro area is because the specifications are alot higher than USB. With USB pretty much all of the work is done by the processor itself, with firewire there is more hardware required and to be classified as 'Firewire compatible' the bar is set alot higher. Wonder why vendors are now not bundling USB cables with their products? because they're not required to as part of the USB standard - with firewire, they have to. For a device, thats an extra $5 right there.

Unfortunately there world is filled with penny pinchers and it isn't until they realise the benefits Firewire when they face that reality of 'getting what you pay for'.

 

[MacFly123]

Here all... EVERYBODY GO TAKE THE POLL ON THE TABLET OS:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/765839/

Thanks.

 

[macintoshtoffy]

You are correct, .. he keeps using a word that he doesn't understand. We'll teach him!!! (below)

The problem with the netbook is that it is the brainchild of people over at Dell and Asus who don't seem to have enough vision to take the product to the next level..

I think that's where he was attempting to go....

I agree. I love the idea of a netbook but what separates Apple from the rest is their ability to take a product to the next level. Anyone can make a media player; what it makes it great is the integration of software, hardware and services in an easy to use package.

The problem with ASUS and Dell is neither of them want to invest any money fixig up the short comings - namely, the fact that they've shoe horned an 8 year old operating system into cut down computer and when Windows 7 comes out, it'll be a desktop operating system shoe horned into a cut down device.

What the netbook needs is an operating system designed to run on such a device; Apple did it with iPhoneOS, and what the netbook needs is a super-optimised *NIX (OpenSolaris, *BSD or Linux) and an easy to use, simplified GUI that is catered for the masses rather than the noisy geeks of the world.

 

[Chappers]

No, only McCartney and Starr are still alive.

What happened to Ringo and Paul then?

 

[firewood]

-Snow Leopard is Intel only.
-iPhone OS is ARM only.

Other than the UI (and bundled user apps), the differences between Snow Leopard and the next gen iPhone-like OS are probably much smaller than you think, and thus major parts likely run quite well on both CPU familes.

Portions of Snow Leopard are iPhone OS technology.

 

[k1121j]

Does this mean a tablet supported by Verizon in 2010

"Verizon seems really eager to launch that LTE network! We’re not sure if the company will manage to roll it out in the first quarter of 2010 but Big Red is planning to launch trials in Seattle and Boston later this year. If everything goes well, and we hope it does, Verizon will launch the new 4G network in up to 30 markets in 2010. That’s not exactly nationwide but it’s a healthy start. By 2013 Verizon plans to have 100 points of presence by 2013. Whether the whole LTE rush is related to Apple’s future tablet or not remains to be established later on. In the mean time, if you live in Boston or Seattle and if you’re a Verizon customer, then you might enjoy some LTE action later this year!"

 

[MorphingDragon]

"Verizon seems really eager to launch that LTE network! We’re not sure if the company will manage to roll it out in the first quarter of 2010 but Big Red is planning to launch trials in Seattle and Boston later this year. If everything goes well, and we hope it does, Verizon will launch the new 4G network in up to 30 markets in 2010. That’s not exactly nationwide but it’s a healthy start. By 2013 Verizon plans to have 100 points of presence by 2013. Whether the whole LTE rush is related to Apple’s future tablet or not remains to be established later on. In the mean time, if you live in Boston or Seattle and if you’re a Verizon customer, then you might enjoy some LTE action later this year!"

Meh, Early Adopters beware. Verizon will give you phones with LTE, then charge you $20 a month for 4G use!!!

 

[DELLsFan]

Seeing as September would be the iPod event ...

Boring ...

... that is ... unless there are some significant changes to the iPod Touch or they apologize and pull the new shuffle off the shelves.