Steve Jobs Also Overseeing Apple Tablet or Netbook Device?

[fleshman03]

I see the argument for a tablet/netbook I really do. However what you said you would use the tablet for, I can honestly say, that my iPhone gets used for all of those things. It does it pretty well. What the iPhone/iPod touch can't do is write/ edit a document. That is what I'd want a tablet/netbook for. I'm thinking of buying a macbook but am having a hard time justifying the cost since I'd probably only use it four or five times a year. Most of the time the iPhone is enough as I only have to view a document. But for when the iPhone isn't enough I could do with a small lower cost, (I'm not expecting low cost apple remember.) netbook.

Well that is a software issue.

Imagine that the web tablet has a USB or Bluetooth. You could then use Google Docs, ZoHo, Office Online...

I can't imagine adding a USB port or Bluetooth would add more than $5 to the bottom line.

 

[olternaut]

Why would Apple sell a larger more powerful machine - one that is not tied to a lengthy expensive contract - for the same price as the iPhone or Touch?

Who said it was going to be for the same price?

 

[wizard]

Don't take Apples retail price as a reflection of actual hardware value.

Exactly, the price of the iphone/ipod touch should give a great guide to the price of the tablet.

Not really. Let's face it Touch retails for a bit less than iPhone does retail. Dramatically less actually and does not reflect the extra hardware in the iPhone. IPhone's sticker price, free of contract, is just a number Apple pulled out of a hat. That price point could easily be replaced with something else and a more realistic tag applied to a reved iPhone.

I want the tablet instead of the netbook we saw a few days back. It's more 'Apple like' for them to show consumers how a netbook should be done. Not to mention it shows everyone how much better Apple knows multi-touch technology.

A netbook is an entirely different device than a tablet. Frankly they don't even serve the same purposes. I'm not sure where the idea of a tablet being a competitor to a netbook comes from. That is like saying my iPhone competes with my laptop.

Actually I hope that Apple has several products lined up for delivery this year. Mainly because I don't want a MacOS tablet and would rather see a Touch tablet in the 7 inch size.


Dave

 

[linuxophile]

You need to put laptops down to use them as well, so why does Apple try to make their laptops as portable as possible?

And by your logic, normal laptops have poor usabiliti as well, since netbooks and laptops are so similar. Yes, in many ways their usabiliti does suck. But soe does the usability of the iPhone. They just suck in different ways.



because actually working with two hands is faster and more efficient that working with just one hand?



A touch-enabled netbook would make that possible. Hell, you could hold the machine with one hand, and use the keyboard with the other if you wanted to. If you just had a tablet, you wouldn't have proper way of doing data-entry. The machine would be about consuming content, it would be next to impossible to create content with it.

Partially off-topic, but.... related to the comments about "Apple has dismissed netbooks in the past".... this is an insightful commentary about it, from 2005.

I read the link: very condivisible.
It seems that we are in step 5 for the netbook/tablet.

On the other hand, I just bought a netbook (eee1000he) and I am quite happy. I WAS waiting for Apple (which rumoredly will have one this year), but I got simply fed up (the last mac-mini update had about a year of rumors announcing it or the demise of the mini).

Since I am a rather un-impulsive buyer (I mulled about it for 6 months at least), I can estimate that many more people are buying netbooks and this niche market will become increasingly harder to break through by Apple, the longer they wait.

 

[Stately]

I'm not even going to speculate anymore. Like I said a million times, this device is going to be craaazy . . Even the tablet nay sayers will want one, the same way people laughed at the people that waited in line for the iphone when it was first released and then went and bought one 2 months later lol.

 

[wizard]

Why the assumption that Mobile OS would maintain those restrictions.

I say "crippled" because the actual hardware is capable of much, much more than firmware 2.2.1 allows. Only a fool would deny that.

This really isn't the case at all, the SDK allows for a wide range of apps. Yes Apple has restrictions but so what it is a cell phone. There is nothing to keep Apple from removing those reseictions on other devices.

Yes, mobile OS is revolutionary...for a cellphone. It would be laughable in a netbook.

I thought we where focused on tablets here. Apparently not, in any event Mobile OS is suitable for any device that runs on ARM. If this combo can run for days on a recharge then it would fill a role in the market place.

Would you want a netbook that couldn't download files from Safari, could only install certain Apple-approved apps, didn't have file manager?

Nope! But why do you assume that the apps would be exactly the same. For example there is nothing in the SDK that prevents an app from saving data. The feature set of the Apps can be easily adjusted to work better with the underlying hardware.

As to app store I think it would be a fantastic feature for a netbook or larger tablet. Do I like the limitation - NO - but it can be easily put up with. Remember a tablet isn't the place where you would run a SETI app or some other odd piece of software. If you try to make it into a document production machine then you have things wrong. Rather tablets are primarily focused on consumption.

The idea here is to wake up in the morning and to go to your tablet to read the latest local and national news. Same thing for periodicals and other publications, E-Mails too. Likewise you might log on to a server to check it's status. A tablet or netbook for that matter is not a place to compose a 200k of code or a multi page document. In essence the usage is just an expanded version of what gets done on iPhone today.

Now to the finder issue, I'd be the first to admit that Apple is missing the boat here. I can only hope that they wise up. The ability to manage files is critical but is not impossible to implement. I don't think Apple will mis this capability but I'm not willing to bet on it either.



Dave

 

[Stately]

Worth mentioning the Crunchpad.

Picture:

Specs:
Atom
512 Ram
4gb SSD
WiFi

Price? $300.

Forum link for that discussion.

I think something like this is what Apple make. Slap an Apple logo on it, iPhone OS and a dock connector. Sell it for $399-$499 and we're good.

No more, No less.

Somehow, I don't think it will nearly as big and certainly not as thick and clunky as that thing. I don't get it, some of you actually think iphones are ugly but think something like a modbook looks good ? Wow.

 

[Stately]

What if a company such as AT&T subsidized the device? Wouldn't this then allow Apple to release a high end product with a lower price tag?

Gosh, did you really have to mention, the "A" word lol.

 

[firewood]

They'd have to be priced such that a regular Macbook would be a better option. It's a Catch-22.

Apple likely already has market studies on how much iPod Touch sales cut into MacBook sales. They might be able to easily build this small amount of lost profit into any new device to offset the potential loss, which is probably small, given that an OS X Touch/UIKit device really doesn't compete with the bulk of the market for OS X Cocoa/Appkit portables with keyboards.

The idea might be to find a new market segment of people who don't currently buy netbooks or MacBooks, but need and can afford something a bit more upscale than a next next gen Touch.

imho

 

[Stately]

This is my guess and concept .

Try the top half of that . .

 

[Schizoid]

This is gonna be great!
I bet ol' Steve is working on this from his hospital bed, It's gonna be awesome!
Like an IPhone, but slightly bigger, but not as big as my MacBook, BRILLIANT!
I, for one, can't wait to see what other devices we'll surely need next year...

 

[Stately]

Your right in pointing out you don't see many people with these type of machines and that's because it just hasn't been done well yet. I'm in a huge industry (medicine) that is dying for these kind of devices, particularly a tablet with a really thin form-factor. Right now my particular team is using iPod Touch devices for data entry on our patients, but a tablet would make the user experience that much better. So here's my run-down on the markets for this product:

1. Medicine (Electronic Medical Records, Data entry)
2. Education (University students - books, notes, online or closed network exams)
3. Tech-oriented Home Users (Quick web-searching, control iTunes, Apple TV)
4. Pharmaceutical Reps (Data entry, drug promotion)
5. Business (any basic data entry needs in the field)

The interesting thing I have also found in my own use of technology is that while I crave convergence, I also often crave pieces of equipment that just perform certain functions well. So, sometimes I hate having to go to my iMac or MacBook Pro to look up the latest Mets score - so I go to the Touch. But often I am frustrated by the lack of screen real estate. So, for home I could really use a larger tablet device that sits on my coffee table to complement my desktop, laptop, Touch (and hopefully one day iPhone).

Exaaactly . . Hey don't forget designers lol. but I really think it will be a device fit for everyone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyQ_NWt_sjA

 

[iMacmatician]

I'm not even going to speculate anymore. Like I said a million times, this device is going to be craaazy . . Even the tablet nay sayers will want one, the same way people laughed at the people that waited in line for the iphone when it was first released and then went and bought one 2 months later lol.

And then complained when the price was dropped a few days later?

Why the assumption that Mobile OS would maintain those restrictions.

Probably because of the assumption that the rumored iPhone OS mini-tablet = larger iPod touch. That's not necessarily the case and I would be surprised and disappointed if all the mini-tablet ends up being is a 8" iPod touch.

Nope! But why do you assume that the apps would be exactly the same. For example there is nothing in the SDK that prevents an app from saving data. The feature set of the Apps can be easily adjusted to work better with the underlying hardware.

Save capability, more editing features, more features in general, and some sort of multi-window/tab approach would be nice for this device. I would also expect a few more apps too.

 

[Trajectory]

If the tablet device can do more than my desktop -- such as controlling my Apple TV or even other devices around the house -- that would be a very useful tool. Handwriting and voice-recognition would also be important for a device like this, I don't see how a keyboard of any kind would work well with a tablet because you need one hand to hold the thing.

 

[Lesser Evets]

I don't get it, some of you actually think iphones are ugly but think something like a modbook looks good ? Wow.

You think that's bad? In one of the past threads about a tablet, one person was having a meltdown because he couldn't figure out how you can hold it, type in anything, and actually use touchscreen while mobile...

It was like that fool never saw an iPhone, or maybe his hands are so tiny he can't imaging how you would use a tablet with touch screen.

Some posters are plain dull.

 

[blybug]

i wonder what OS it will run, Mac OSX or iPhone OSX...

I've thought for a long time that Mac OS X "widgets" feel very similar to iPhone Apps. Wonder if with Snow Leopard they could merge the two, so that "Dashboard" could include App Store applications. Best of both worlds, and iPhone Apps would not have to be reworked for a higher resolution device.

 

[kcroy]

I find the entire idea very exciting and I love reading all the speculation.

I really hope whatever the device is or whatever it will be called it incorporates: SPEECH RECOGNITION and HANDWRITING RECOGNITION along with the present multitouch screen and gestures, and a physical keyboard. And before al the naysayers jump in, we know that Apple is interested in both and when they're ready it will be done the right way.

I would love to have a bluetooth headset and have the tablet record my dictation, podcast, email, etc. A physical keyboard to work on projects, and writing recognition.....ah I could keep going.

Okay, start ripping on me about handwriting recognition and speech recognition. I'm ready...

 

[Topher15]

I really hope this isn't a lame 10" multi-touch only device just to stream media. Multi-touch is great for handheld devices, but for any useful/serious work or web browsing you need a keyboard, trackpad/mouse and a proper OS, along with the ability to use it like an actual laptop (i.e. rest it on your lap or table). How would you even operate a 10" tablet anyway... you couldn't use it outside/walking like you can an iPhone and if you use it inside you might as well have a netbook. Honestly the whole concept of a bigger iPhone/iPod touch just doesn't work for me. For what the iPhone/iPod touch does it doesn't need to be bigger than it is.

I'd like to see something that fills the gap between the iPhone and the Mac and employs elements of both. I'm thinking of a 10" netbook with a multi-touch screen that can swivel around to fold into a tablet. Have both Mac OS and iPhone OS on it. Maybe the iPhone OS is activated in tablet mode, or maybe it is activated manually like Front Row. That would be an amazing product, but I expect it would inflate the price.

Failing that I like to see a cheap Apple netbook (and by cheap I mean in Apple pricing). I can easily see myself buying that; I mostly only use my MacBook outside the house (and even then only when I have to) so a smaller/lighter Mac would be ideal. I'd probably take it out far more.

Apple said they have interesting ideas for netbooks, so maybe them saying they were not interested was to throw people off the trail? The netbook market it getting bigger and Apple can't just ignore it.

I'm to the point where I'm less interested in what Apple is going to release & more concerned with when are they going to address their antiquated pricing structure. Everyone knows that 99% of their hardware is the exact same thing all other manufacturers are using, & unfortunately for us we're still paying proprietary prices. I got so excited when Apple went to an Intel chip thinking that I'd see a reduction in prices across the board, but that never occurred. Every product that they've updated, upgraded or introduced recently has been a good 30% over other similar products. I don't mind paying extra for good construction, looks & the OS X operating system but come on this is getting ridiculous.

Totally agree. Whatever this product is if Apple want to grab new customers then they have to make it as cheap as possible (i.e. as close to PC netbooks). And if they want to get people to switch to Mac then it has to be a proper Mac, not the iPhones bigger brother. The iPhone experience has virtually nothing to do with the Mac OS user experience. If they can get people over to the Mac with a cheap netbook and they will certainly increase their user base.

I just don't ever see people walking around with netbooks or tablets. I don't know anyone who owns one nor do I ever hear people discussing a need for them. IMO, this whole market segment is more overblown and more loaded with artificial hype than a Van Halen reunion tour.

They seem to be quite popular with journalists. I can easily imagine someone who travels a lot for business wanting one. Students who only use their computers for essays/web/music would be another target.

Just look at Apple's effect on the smart phone market: touch screen, app stores, innovative UI. Now everyone is doing that, and the amount of people buying smart phones has increased. I'm sure if they come out with an netbook it would be unique in some way.

Why would Apple sell a larger more powerful machine - one that is not tied to a lengthy expensive contract - for the same price as the iPhone or Touch?

Because one is a phone/iPod, the other is a computer. If this new device is just a sexed up iPhone, then you have a point, but if it's a MacBook Mini then there's no comparison (although then we could ask why would they release a Mac that costs the same as as an iPod/iPhone?)

Apple iTablet to be a hit if it has:

- Full Mac OS X inside (not the limited OS X found on iPhone or iPod touch). For full blown Keynote and PowerPoint videoprojector presentations from NATIVE files (no conversion required) with animations, transitions, etc. The same experience as when doing it from a laptop.

- Light (400 or less), handheld and pocketable. The device is not to work on it, but for the presentations. Because even the MacBook Air is too large and heavy for us. Just make the presentation on your computer, move it to the iTablet and carry it in your pocket to the classroom, scientific meeting, corporate meeting, any meeting with family and friends, etc. See OQO model 2+

- VGA-out for the wired videoprojector (most videoprojectors are not wireless), Firewire, Ethernet and at least two USB2 ports for wireless remote control presentations with Keyspan Presentation Remote (now part of Tripp Lite as Keyspan-by-Tripp Lite Presentation Remote Control):

A device just for presentations. iKeynote? Seems rather pointless.

Also, if it's not to work on why have the full OS X?

 

[Richdmoore]

If indeed Apple does make a netbook I have no doubt it's going to revolutionary. If I was michael dell right now, i'd be working on making a sleek $300 stacked netbook that can easily be hacked to run OS X. He'll sell more macs* than apple will.

Funny thing, I am reading this on a Dell 9 Mini with Leopard OS on it. I will wait and see what apple delivers.

P.S. It took an hour to put on OSX, I just followed the recipe. OSX runs good, HD video skips a little bit, but SD video runs well.

 

[WLS]

Apple likely already has market studies on how much iPod Touch sales cut into MacBook sales. They might be able to easily build this small amount of lost profit into any new device to offset the potential loss, which is probably small, given that an OS X Touch/UIKit device really doesn't compete with the bulk of the market for OS X Cocoa/Appkit portables with keyboards.

The idea might be to find a new market segment of people who don't currently buy netbooks or MacBooks, but need and can afford something a bit more upscale than a next next gen Touch.

imho

Apple is NOT going to produce a netbook but it seems clear that they could and will produce a new Touch with a larger screen but still linked to and part of the profit model of the Itunes distribution mechanism. A Touch with a 25% to 40% larger screen would be a natural replacement for the current Touch and probably be priced 1-2 hundred dollars higher. It is what I expect to see happen and I hope it will be announced in June.

 

[DaBrain]

I'm no fan of the MBA but I'd buy one in a heartbeat if there was a 10" model, irregardless of price. That's unlikely to happen though, so in the long term I'd seriously consider a Vaio P once they've beefed up the specs to a 2ghz Atom, 2gb RAM, 128gb SSD and Windows 7 is standard.

Yes a 10 inch MacBook Air would be great, count me in. However, if they come out with some iPhone OSX tied to some dumb ass service contract, then NO Way!

I could see a 10 inch tablet also, for general surfing, email, media control and an eBook Reader, but again if there's a service contract involved IM not game. Just another's opinion and ya know what they say about opinions?--)))

 

[jimmy101]

A tablet is cool but useless....

A tablet multitouch computer would be usless, how much more productive do you plan on being on a 10 inch touch screen, how would you hold it? buy a iphone....dont get me wrong itd be really sweet but for the price, and if it didnt have a physical keyboard there's no point.

 

[fleshman03]

Somehow, I don't think it will nearly as big and certainly not as thick and clunky as that thing. I don't get it, some of you actually think iphones are ugly but think something like a modbook looks good ? Wow.

What are you talking about? No one said that or the iPhone was ugly. The product above isn't even an Apple product. Although Apple could/should make something similar.

Hell, make as thin as the iPod Touch, 10" (about is 13") and sell it for $399-$499. Done.

(The iPod touch is 3.5")

Just imagine an product like that, running the iPhone OS + AppStore. Sold!

 

[addtoqueue]

An iTablet? Or an iPad? iSlate?

 

[Sehnsucht]

A fair warning...

Please, every MacRumors newbie, member, regular, 6502a, and beyond! Listen and heed my cry:

THE APPLE NETBOOK/TABLET "THINGY": IF IT IS INDEED REAL AND SOON TO BE RELEASED, PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING SIX THINGS IN MIND:

1. It will be expensive.
2. It may even be more than you can afford.
3. It will probably be more than many people can afford.
4. In spite of the first 3, it will still sell very well and be profitable for Apple.
5. Did I mention it will be expensive?
6. It will be expensive.

So, pleaaaaaaaase, I beg of everyone, for the sake of sanity, DO NOT log in to MacRumors and spill gallons of virtual ink complaining on page after endless forum page about how expensive the "iTablet" is. It's going to be about $500 more than you'd like to pay, so just consider yourselves warned.