What is the Ultimate Role of the Apple Tablet?

[PipJohn]

Who's it for...

...I think it could be for non-computer users, like my elderly mother-in-law. She has a digital camera and has heard about 'the internet' but doesn't need a laptop. She just wants to look at photos and this internet thing and maybe we can send her some emails. She wouldn't stand a chance with a PC and the iPhone is too small. Obviously I will use it as well. BUT - I thought that the Sinclair C5 would succeed!

 

[guet]

Compare them to the use people get out of the current crop of tablets on the market, like the Nokia N810, the Samsung Q1, the HP Tablet PCs, etc..

The difference is in the software.

The HP tablet is not even close, it's clunky, the software is not designed properly for a touch screen and the HP ones usually have a keyboard attached - they're actually laptops. The Samsung series have a stylus and again use Windows which attempts to shoe-horn a desktop OS into a big clunky tablet. Awful software. The Nokia 810 is better as at least it's adapted properly for mobile use, but it is closer to a phone, still has a keyboard, has 2GB flash, browser isn't as good etc.

The huge software difference, apart from a UI designed for touch, is in support for an app store with thousands of games, reference tools, music, films, etc. That is what will differentiate it from tablets which have come before, and drive adoption of the device more than anything else. It is also what will make it more than a colour Kindle. I imagine it'll do well, not as well as the ultra-portable iPod or iPhone, but close, as the lack of portability is compensated for by a superior screen size and resolution.

I expect the hardware will also be a bit more elegant than say those HPs or Nokias you pointed out. Wait till it is released, then try comparing them, and you will see that the iPod touch is indeed an apposite comparison.

the Tablet OS can't and won't simply be a scaled up iPhone OS

It can and will be a scaled up iPhone OS (which you'd know if you'd developed for it), though with enough modifications for people like Gruber to claim it is a third way, while in reality it is a modified iPhone OS. I imagine the same OS 4.0 will run on both iPhones and a slate - this is the future of OS X as far as Jobs is concerned, and Mac OS X plays second fiddle from now on. Remember those two bridges diverging on their invite for the iPhone OS event?

 

[apolloa]

Every device is good for certain things. No device is good for all of them at the same time. Maybe it is not the right device for producing word documents, maybe it is a device for consuming content, reading, watching, shopping, gaming, you name it.

But surely not for cutting video, working in Photoshop or writing word documents, and why should it be? That you can do better on a MacBook or MacBookPro, right?

Well, from what you are saying then that article you posted is totally wrong!! I'm sorry but ANY smart phone can edit word docs on the go so if your under some disillusioned thinking that an Apple Tablet should not be able to do the same thing for God knows how much it'll cost then you should go back to sleep my friend.
The guy in that article keeps on referring to it as a COMPUTER, one that will replace the Macbook kind off, so if I can't do simple photo editing, video editing, word, excel etc editing (All of which can be done on the iPhone and iPod touch I might add) then again it'll be an overpriced paperweight that only idiots will buy.

Sorry but I still can't see what possible use this thing if it exists will have, oh and I am typing just fine on my laptop at present thanks, that's aimed at the person who thinks it will be easier to type on a 7" elevated touch screen device then a full laptop keyboard!! hahahahaha

 

[whiteboytrash]

Yes Yes Yes.

How many of the geeks here have heard about the "vook"?

The vook is at least one book publisher's answer to the book. Rather than just read a book, it will include author interviews, enhanced content like videos interspersed with content (primarily for non-fiction books), even a musical soundtrack that the author might choose for various soundtracks.

I can't stress enough how utterly primitive the thinking for this kind of media consumption currently is (vook reading). It will certainly evolve, and the consumer will dictate what succeeds and fails. Hopefully the first fail will be the newly coined name.

After all, the name is stupid. But ultimately, an e-reader, whether or not it's the tablet or some other not-yet created consumption device, will transform print media like MTV did our consumption of music. I refer to the old days of MTV, not the trash it currently peddles.

Sounds like the Hypercard concept: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypercard

 

[OllyW]

I imagine the same OS 4.0 will run on both iPhones and a slate - this is the future of OS X as far as Jobs is concerned, and Mac OS X plays second fiddle from now on.

I hope you are wrong.

 

[yamabushi]

A digital TV tuner would be a nice feature to have.

 

[OmariJames]

Don't you notice the pattern.

Before the iPod , the macs had very little market share dispite their role in education and media creation. After the growth of the iPods , mac market share grew. When I got my first iPod , I looked into getting a mac when I remembered that apple also made computers.

Then came the iPhone and that increased apple's exposure and more macs were sold. Now another product, relatively smaller than the mac but larger than the iPods and iPhone.

I'm almost positive that the tablet will not only sync with the iMacs and MacBooks but it will also have something to do with the other apple products like the apple tv maybe.

Apple is continually marketing smaller products to help sell their macs. They've advertise their iPods and the iPhone a lot more than they have their iMac and Macbook pros.

Maybe I'm wrong and apple is just delving into the mobile market since that's where the future is enevitably heading anyways and mac sales have just been a positive reaction.


P.S.

I brought an iMac August 2008 before I got the iPhone 3G ( in October ). I already planned on getting the iPhone first but it just didn't work out that way. So I testify to being more interested in apple's larger and more expensive products.

 

[m828s]

Sounds like the Hypercard concept: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypercard

And here's the vook.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

Well capacitive touch screen technology only works on glass so you have two choices: never use touch screen, or get used to glossy screens! Every mobile phone has a glossy screen, CRT monitors had glossy screens, I don't know why people pretend glossy screens are something new and bad. Matt screens have only been around since flat panels have been around, so that's like a few years ago. Before that, no one ever complained about their CRT monitor reflecting everything behind them.

I did. And I had a variety of "things" to help me reduce it.

Be thankful you don't also suffer double vision and have things float on different planes when wearing prisims to help you out.

Stop thinking people can't possibly have legitimate reason for the "glossy hate" thing.

 

[SactoGuy18]

Based on what I've heard on TWiT Network's This WEEK in Tech and MacBreak Weekly shows, here's my three-day "wild guess" on what we'll see on January 26, 2010:

1) We will have not one, but TWO different tablet computers, one with a 7" screen and one with a 10.1" screen. Both screens will be LED backlit (for now) to keep power consumption reasonably low.

2) The 7" version will offer 64 GB of flash memory, while the 10.1" version will offer 128 GB of flash memory. Mind you, if the next-generation flash memory is available by the time the tablet computers reach retailers in April 2010, we could get 128 GB for the 7" version and 256 GB or the 10" version.

3) The touchscreen could sport some soft of haptic touch feel--though the technology used is still unknown.

4) It will use improved versions of the CortexA8 ARM CPU and PowerVR GPU, using PA Semi technology that Apple owns because Apple bought out PA Semi. These improvements will speed up performance and allow for flawless playback of HD video downloaded through iTunes (720p plus full interactive LP liner notes).

5) It will run a new, "intermediate" MacOS X version that is more functional than the iPhone OS but less functional than MacOS X 10.6.2 found on real Mac computers. This new MacOS X variant allows for true multitasking and cut-and-paste, and will use an interface designed specifically for touchscreen functionality.

6) Will include 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless network connectivity as standard, with optional GSM 3G HSDPA/HSUPA / CDMA 3G EVDO multi-standard cellular network connectivity (probably using a Broadcom chipset).

7) External connectors will include iPod dock connector (for charging and syncing through USB 2.0 port) and Mini DisplayPort connector (with optional Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 1.3) adapter.

Pricing will be US$549 for 7" version, US$749 for 10.1" version.

 

[bobob]

Sorry but I still can't see what possible use this thing if it exists will have, oh and I am typing just fine on my laptop at present thanks, that's aimed at the person who thinks it will be easier to type on a 7" elevated touch screen device then a full laptop keyboard!! hahahahaha

No need to apologize for your lack of imagination.

 

[DeDoFeDo]

Thanks A Lot for this article!

 

[MattBaker]

The top Kindle books are free

Well, if they're selling more ebooks now than books, it must be quite a few. Of course that's just in the US, but still ... the Kindle hasn't been pushed worldwide so far.

I've seen a couple of stories about what titles people are actually downloading with their Kindles. They're freebies.

In other words, for actual pay-your-money-to-read-them titles, paper books are still outselling ebooks by a wide margin.

(It'll change, I think. But for now the "ebooks outsell paper" stuff is just.... stuff.)

 

[Hj12345]

Based on what I've heard on TWiT Network's This WEEK in Tech and MacBreak Weekly shows, here's my three-day "wild guess" on what we'll see on January 26, 2010:

1) We will have not one, but TWO different tablet computers, one with a 7" screen and one with a 10.1" screen. Both screens will be LED backlit (for now) to keep power consumption reasonably low.

2) The 7" version will offer 64 GB of flash memory, while the 10.1" version will offer 128 GB of flash memory. Mind you, if the next-generation flash memory is available by the time the tablet computers reach retailers in April 2010, we could get 128 GB for the 7" version and 256 GB or the 10" version.

3) The touchscreen could sport some soft of haptic touch feel--though the technology used is still unknown.

4) It will use improved versions of the CortexA8 ARM CPU and PowerVR GPU, using PA Semi technology that Apple owns because Apple bought out PA Semi. These improvements will speed up performance and allow for flawless playback of HD video downloaded through iTunes (720p plus full interactive LP liner notes).

5) It will run a new, "intermediate" MacOS X version that is more functional than the iPhone OS but less functional than MacOS X 10.6.2 found on real Mac computers. This new MacOS X variant allows for true multitasking and cut-and-paste, and will use an interface designed specifically for touchscreen functionality.

6) Will include 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless network connectivity as standard, with optional GSM 3G HSDPA/HSUPA / CDMA 3G EVDO multi-standard cellular network connectivity (probably using a Broadcom chipset).

7) External connectors will include iPod dock connector (for charging and syncing through USB 2.0 port) and Mini DisplayPort connector (with optional Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 1.3) adapter.

Pricing will be US$549 for 7" version, US$749 for 10.1" version.

if iTablet/Slate/Whatever only meets five of your points, I'll buy one to each family member. That is exactly what I'm looking for! And what you say sounds also reasonable, which is good. I think that is a matter of course, that it is actually feasible.

 

[bergmef]

Based on what I've heard on TWiT Network's This WEEK in Tech and MacBreak Weekly shows, here's my three-day "wild guess" on what we'll see on January 26, 2010:

1) We will have not one, but TWO different tablet computers, one with a 7" screen and one with a 10.1" screen. Both screens will be LED backlit (for now) to keep power consumption reasonably low.

2) The 7" version will offer 64 GB of flash memory, while the 10.1" version will offer 128 GB of flash memory. Mind you, if the next-generation flash memory is available by the time the tablet computers reach retailers in April 2010, we could get 128 GB for the 7" version and 256 GB or the 10" version.

3) The touchscreen could sport some soft of haptic touch feel--though the technology used is still unknown.

4) It will use improved versions of the CortexA8 ARM CPU and PowerVR GPU, using PA Semi technology that Apple owns because Apple bought out PA Semi. These improvements will speed up performance and allow for flawless playback of HD video downloaded through iTunes (720p plus full interactive LP liner notes).

5) It will run a new, "intermediate" MacOS X version that is more functional than the iPhone OS but less functional than MacOS X 10.6.2 found on real Mac computers. This new MacOS X variant allows for true multitasking and cut-and-paste, and will use an interface designed specifically for touchscreen functionality.

6) Will include 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless network connectivity as standard, with optional GSM 3G HSDPA/HSUPA / CDMA 3G EVDO multi-standard cellular network connectivity (probably using a Broadcom chipset).

7) External connectors will include iPod dock connector (for charging and syncing through USB 2.0 port) and Mini DisplayPort connector (with optional Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 1.3) adapter.

Pricing will be US$549 for 7" version, US$749 for 10.1" version.

And it will slide into the back of the new cinema displays like the patent they got a couple of years ago.

 

[DeLoradore]

And it will slide into the back of the new cinema displays like the patent they got a couple of years ago.

Yes I remember that thing.
Looks to me a lot like an iSlate

 

[Thex1138]

Noo, That's Impossible!!!... Search Your Feelings you know it be True! [Luke + Darth]

Yes i remember that thing

That would be such a cruel fate for such a cool device as the MacBook Slate will be dude...

 

[Benzy]

I'll only buy the Apple Tablet if it's designed for business. Right now the MS courier tablet is looking extremely interesting and I'm sure Apple will address MS with their own Tablet. If it's just a beefed up iPod Touch then no thnx.

 

[shk718]

Yes I remember that thing.
Looks to me a lot like an iSlate

this drawing is almost correct. i think the tablet will have a tighter integration with the iphone. the iphone and tablet will have a huge symbiotic relationship. each will fix the weaknesses of the other but work together. the iphone will supply internet access (if needed) and the tablet will supply a larger more functional (gestures) work area. when apple allowed the iphone to control other devices (not many have used this feature) they had the tablet in mind.

the user interface will not be the iphones - doesn't make sense - the iphone user interface is designed to be operated with one hand that doesn't have to reach far (and if that was the case they could have had it out the door a year ago). they have a larger surface area to work with - so they can do things that can't be done on the iphone which for the most part can be operated by one hand/finger (you only need the second hand if you want to pinch or zoom).

just my humble opinion.

 

[Hmac]

The iPhone and iPod Touch were introduced without having a fully defined role. Until the App Store came along and took off....

Likewise, this tablet will be introduced as a media pad with some computer functionality built in. Newspapers and magazines will create content just for this thing and that will be it's primary use, along with watching movies and other iTunes content. It will use Apps, which puts it well up on the ebook readers.

From there, anybody's guess.

The question in my mind...will this work over ANY 3G network?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

So you could say I'm one of those people who "owns all their stuff", I guess.

Anyway, I'm almost positive I'd be a buyer for one of these tablets, as long as Apple doesn't totally blow it. As others keep saying, book and magazine reading is one of the last holdouts from really "going digital" like music and movies have done.

I mean, I can use my iPhone as an e-reader (and have done so already), and the only real flaw I've found is the fact it's a little bit too small of a display. It works but it's not ideal.

So a 10" tablet that combines good looks/styling with a really practical device for reading e-texts, and ability to buy new books or magazine subscriptions via iTunes? THAT could really work .... The kicker, though, is it HAS to perform the other tasks well that a person would pick one of these up and expect to be able to do with it. That means a good web browser and ability to type reasonably well on it. That means good wireless connectivity (not just wi-fi but 3G cellular options), and that means ability to video conference on it.

You are realizing that an application that is created to let you view these new e-magazine options on this Tablet is very likely to also run on your laptops... that brand new content categories added to iTunes could also be sold/subscribed from your laptop... etc. It's not like the Tablet will be (likely) getting exclusive content that won't also be able to be sold & consumed on other bits of technology able to run iTunes. Given that assumption, do you still want to add a Tablet for say (my guess) $799 plus the subscription costs of the magazines, etc that everyone wants to buy, or would you rather spend that $799 to buy probably many, many years worth of subscriptions to the same content that you can consume on devices you already own?

So sure, you might have a thinner package to hold (Tablet vs. laptop) when reading these e-magazines, etc but will you really throw both in the travel bag if you also need laptop power for a trip? It seems that many people in this thread are imagining a device that will cover the needs of how they use very powerful devices like laptops. If this Tablet doesn't fully replace an individual's needs (for a laptop), are they really going to be buying (and carrying along) both? For what, thinness? cool factor? I'm still not getting it...

 

[azentropy]

. Matt screens have only been around since flat panels have been around, so that's like a few years ago. Before that, no one ever complained about their CRT monitor reflecting everything behind them.

Matte screens have been around much longer than "a few years ago." Second, people complained about glossy CRT's for 20+ years. That is why many sold them with anti-glare options and there was a booming business for screen overlays and hoods that went around/over the displays to cut down on glare. When I worked in support in college 20+ years ago at least 50% of the staff and professors ordered the hoods for their displays or Mac Pluses/SE etc. It is funny because used to snicker behind their backs. Now that I'm almost 40 I feel a bit different! ;-) I said it before, matte LCD screens saved my career. I was having such eye problems because of the CRT displays I was about to give up working in the IT business.

Going to glossy/glass covered screens was a huge step back IMHO. It would be like saying hey lets go back to analog cell phones!

Hopefully Apple or others can bring multitouch technology to screens that are less reflective and without glass coating. With the iPhone at least it is small enough that if you get a glare you can easily reposition it, with a larger display it because a much bigger issue.

 

[4look4rd]

Regardless of what the tablet is meant to be, I have a related question:

How would you type on a tablet?

Sure it will have a virtual keyboard, but since the screen is 7-10'' it will be virtually impossible to hold the tablet and type with both hands unless you set the device on a flat surface.

Another possible way is hold the device like you are carrying a book on hand and arm, and then use a stylus to "poke" letters.

And the last way that I see typing possible is with handwriting recognition. I would honestly hate that because this system always fails to recognize some letters, especially if you are a person who only knows how to write in cursive (like me).

 

[Traqqer]

I would actually love it if the Tablet could meet the needs of a business laptop. If they could do that, it would meet all my other needs of being able to surf the web, watch TV, view digital magazines/newspapers, etc.

 

[RyanR.]

the iphone will supply internet access (if needed)

just my humble opinion.

Not on AT&T