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What Will be the Killer Feature of an Apple Tablet?
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The "Killer feature" of the Apple tablet will be the crimped data throughput o the bundled cellular carrier making it impossible to do things like watch Hulu.com 
Electronic Backpack for students
Instead of dragging a 30 LB backpack of books and stuff to and from school each day, the student will carry a Tablet that:
-- contains all their text books, workbooks
-- acts as an Ebook reader with annotation capability
-- contains and/or streams educational AV material
-- electronically receives homework assignments
-- student prepares homework on device
-- homework turned in automatically
-- communicates school bulletins to students and parents
-- provides AV tutorials, arts, languages, etc.
-- AR tours, e.g. museums, Machu Picchu, white water rafting
-- note taking: handwritten, drawing, typing
-- remedial and drill & practice focused to areas needing attention
-- maintains personal & health emergency information
-- individual safety/locator via GPS
-- musical instrument fretboard keyboard fretboard
-- painting, mechanical drawing, flowcharting and doodling
-- emergency phone calls
supported by iTunes student bookstore
and much, much more.
This will be one in the same device that the student uses for personal entertainment: watching movies, listening/creating music, texting, gaming, recording audio and video, taking pictures, chatting, surfing.
It will be friendly and familiar, interactive and connected-- the student will take it everywhere!
Dick
Instead of dragging a 30 LB backpack of books and stuff to and from school each day, the student will carry a Tablet that:
-- contains all their text books, workbooks
-- acts as an Ebook reader with annotation capability
-- contains and/or streams educational AV material
-- electronically receives homework assignments
-- student prepares homework on device
-- homework turned in automatically
-- communicates school bulletins to students and parents
-- provides AV tutorials, arts, languages, etc.
-- AR tours, e.g. museums, Machu Picchu, white water rafting
-- note taking: handwritten, drawing, typing
-- remedial and drill & practice focused to areas needing attention
-- maintains personal & health emergency information
-- individual safety/locator via GPS
-- musical instrument fretboard keyboard fretboard
-- painting, mechanical drawing, flowcharting and doodling
-- emergency phone calls
supported by iTunes student bookstore
and much, much more.
This will be one in the same device that the student uses for personal entertainment: watching movies, listening/creating music, texting, gaming, recording audio and video, taking pictures, chatting, surfing.
It will be friendly and familiar, interactive and connected-- the student will take it everywhere!
Dick
Wrong Wrong Wrong.
I bought the original iPod to be a music player unlike anything on the market. It was perfect for the purpose it was marketed and i had not a single issue with it - friends ooh'd and aah'd when they saw it - they'd never seen anything so cool, and it just worked.
The iMac - the perfect consumer level home computer - it was beautiful, compact and did everything that Apple said it would do out of the box.
What issues? What beta testing? Revisions brought new features and evolution - not an admittance there was something missed in the original brief.
The tablet will be just the same. Perfect for the use described, then evolved in ways that we haven't yet thought of.
i still think this wont be classified as part of the "ipod" family but instead will be part of the macbook lineup similar to the macbook air.
I know people keep telling me NO, but i still like..
Someone Got a Makeover....
the "new" iBook
and the digital media offerings will be the killer feature. Get your papers, text books, pdfs, etc on it.
I know people keep telling me NO, but i still like..
Someone Got a Makeover....
the "new" iBook
and the digital media offerings will be the killer feature. Get your papers, text books, pdfs, etc on it.
I don't think this is what you are talking about, but it got me thinking none the less.
This actually makes some sense. Apple (and other companies) already sell some great bluetooth devices (mouse & keyboard). If apple had a computer than had a touchscreen computer that didn't require a keyboard or mouse, but could be expanded with one, that would be awesome.
Maybe even an optional dock with USB ports to allow other devices to be connected while the tablet charges (older non-wireless printers, keyboards, hard drives, etc.). So if I want to use my computer in my office, all I need to do is bring the screen.
I'm starting to see a lot of interesting options. On the other hand, the beauty of most tablets is the ability to still use it like a laptop. I can't imagine chilling on the couch with a tablet minus a foldable keyboard. I'm excited about a new device, but I'm not seeing it yet.
I take it you never opened your iMac up and enjoyed the puck mouse? I don't think many people shared your excitement for the original iPod.
Waiting for Apple's third or fourth revision is becoming a running joke. If it isn't already.
iPod Pro
This is just a larger, movie-centric iPod. Remember Jobs telling folks that nobody would want to watch a movie on a tiny iPod screen, then 6-12 months later he presented the very same feature. With the updates to the iPod line expected (nano and touch), this is just the new highest end.
This is just a larger, movie-centric iPod. Remember Jobs telling folks that nobody would want to watch a movie on a tiny iPod screen, then 6-12 months later he presented the very same feature. With the updates to the iPod line expected (nano and touch), this is just the new highest end.
I like the Microsoft Origami split keyboard and I think Apple could perfect it.
I also I like the idea of free 3g access to the app store.
Of course voice control would be cool but that would only work in certain situations. I'm sure nobody wants to shout "Google: herpes" in some cafe but I am sure voice would come in handy for something.
I also I like the idea of free 3g access to the app store.
Of course voice control would be cool but that would only work in certain situations. I'm sure nobody wants to shout "Google: herpes" in some cafe but I am sure voice would come in handy for something.
So the Pippin, the puck mouse, the Cube, the iPod HiFi and the iPod Socks were perfect for the use described and then evolved in ways that we haven't yet thought "of"?
Evolved is a word which here means "killed off".
Didn't both Gizmodo and PC World predict the iPhone would be a flop?
So much for the boneheads at Gizmodo and PC World!
Mark
In defense of those guys, there were many people who thought the iPhone would flop. Apple had dabbled in the phone market before with Motorola's terrible RCKR (or however it was spelled), the cell phone market was huge and evolved and a new player was almost sure to fail, and the thing was very expensive out of the gate.
They ended up completely wrong, the iPhone has not only been a huge hit but has also transformed the cell phone market so that regular consumers are regularly buying smart phones, but nobody saw it being as successful as it is today.
I've always let my iPhone go 'commando,' and have managed to keep it from scratches, while traveling, using a suede jacket.It better have scratchproof, crackproof, shatterproof, heck, just make it bulletproof glass.
I decided to keep my iPhone 3GS naked (unlike my original model, which was skinned). I somehow managed to scratch it even when I keep it in a pocket empty of anything else.
It's not a netbook, it's better than a netbook.
Could it out-computer a computer (or at least a netbook)?
It won't be just a 'tablet', or a big iPod Touch. A bigger iPod Touch in itself is not enough, that by itself doesn't add anything you can't already do on an iPod Touch or iPhone. It will basically be a computer that runs on the Touch OS.
I think they want to develop something that addresses the needs and desires of netbook users/potential buyers, but without the overhead of a full desktop operating system. Take that saved overhead, and put it into snappier performance and better design/user experience (and a little bit for Apple's profit margin.) Because if you look at the majority of netbook users, you're mainly looking at web, email, and light productivity work- does that require a full desktop OS? No. You can really address most potential netbook users with a Touch OS-based device, and gain some nice advantages in the process.
Let's say they add an even faster processor with that ~10" display, with video hardware capable of at least 720p as well. It runs slightly modified Touch OS (and runs it REALLY fast) with some extras. Some sort of iWork type suite, as well as enhanced iLife type apps. And a built-in keyboard, or perhaps a keyboard attachment that can connect or be disconnected from the tablet. And failing that, at least bluetooth keyboard support. Also throw in some sort of synchronization of files with your regular Mac Windows PC, and an iSight camera with iChat. It's Touch OS-based, but is designed to give almost desktop functionality. Any sort of specialized device for movies, digital music albums, home media centers, etc. is not enough- those are niche applications- solutions in search of a real customer base. Computers are Swiss knives, and they sell in the many millions. And this will be a really, really sharp Swiss knife.
So now it does not fit in a pocket, but neither does a netbook or small notebook and those sell pretty well. And the hardware will run very well because even though its souped up compared to an iPod Touch or iPhone 3GS, it doesn't have the overhead of a Windows or Mac OSX.
So basically, this is a device that does what netbooks are used for, but is not a netbook. The big thing here is price- can they do something like this for under $600? Anything more and most people will just pick a real notebook/netbook computer. The new 32GB iPod Touch will probably be $299 or $349, so maybe they can intro a 16GB tablet for $449 and a 32GB version for $549. You might be able to buy a netbook for cheaper, but keep in mind this device is designed to be a big improvement over the netbook experience (for 80-90% of netbook users.)
Could it out-computer a computer (or at least a netbook)?
It won't be just a 'tablet', or a big iPod Touch. A bigger iPod Touch in itself is not enough, that by itself doesn't add anything you can't already do on an iPod Touch or iPhone. It will basically be a computer that runs on the Touch OS.
I think they want to develop something that addresses the needs and desires of netbook users/potential buyers, but without the overhead of a full desktop operating system. Take that saved overhead, and put it into snappier performance and better design/user experience (and a little bit for Apple's profit margin.) Because if you look at the majority of netbook users, you're mainly looking at web, email, and light productivity work- does that require a full desktop OS? No. You can really address most potential netbook users with a Touch OS-based device, and gain some nice advantages in the process.
Let's say they add an even faster processor with that ~10" display, with video hardware capable of at least 720p as well. It runs slightly modified Touch OS (and runs it REALLY fast) with some extras. Some sort of iWork type suite, as well as enhanced iLife type apps. And a built-in keyboard, or perhaps a keyboard attachment that can connect or be disconnected from the tablet. And failing that, at least bluetooth keyboard support. Also throw in some sort of synchronization of files with your regular Mac Windows PC, and an iSight camera with iChat. It's Touch OS-based, but is designed to give almost desktop functionality. Any sort of specialized device for movies, digital music albums, home media centers, etc. is not enough- those are niche applications- solutions in search of a real customer base. Computers are Swiss knives, and they sell in the many millions. And this will be a really, really sharp Swiss knife.
So now it does not fit in a pocket, but neither does a netbook or small notebook and those sell pretty well. And the hardware will run very well because even though its souped up compared to an iPod Touch or iPhone 3GS, it doesn't have the overhead of a Windows or Mac OSX.
So basically, this is a device that does what netbooks are used for, but is not a netbook. The big thing here is price- can they do something like this for under $600? Anything more and most people will just pick a real notebook/netbook computer. The new 32GB iPod Touch will probably be $299 or $349, so maybe they can intro a 16GB tablet for $449 and a 32GB version for $549. You might be able to buy a netbook for cheaper, but keep in mind this device is designed to be a big improvement over the netbook experience (for 80-90% of netbook users.)
Maybe I'm being thick, but why do so many people feel it needs to run OS X rather than iPhone OS? What can OS X do that iPhone OS can't?
The only difference I can think of is all of the existing applications for OS X, but why is that an issue? All it needs is for the developers to re-compile and tailor their code for iPhone OS, which shouldn't be too much work.
The bigger issue isn't related to the OS it runs, but the hardware inside. If the device is just a really big iPod Touch then it simply won't have the CPU power or storage to support major applications - that will only be provided by a cut down laptop device.
As regards the killer feature its already there - the App Store. I think a lot of people still don't get just how big the App Store is and how much bigger it can become. Google might be talking about web browser apps being the way forward but they've never taken off and the App Store is already here.
One day, all Apple products will be running the iPhone OS and all applications will be purchased from the App Store (ie iTunes).
The only difference I can think of is all of the existing applications for OS X, but why is that an issue? All it needs is for the developers to re-compile and tailor their code for iPhone OS, which shouldn't be too much work.
The bigger issue isn't related to the OS it runs, but the hardware inside. If the device is just a really big iPod Touch then it simply won't have the CPU power or storage to support major applications - that will only be provided by a cut down laptop device.
As regards the killer feature its already there - the App Store. I think a lot of people still don't get just how big the App Store is and how much bigger it can become. Google might be talking about web browser apps being the way forward but they've never taken off and the App Store is already here.
One day, all Apple products will be running the iPhone OS and all applications will be purchased from the App Store (ie iTunes).
See, I think the complete opposite. There's plenty of tablets with desktop OS' and handwriting/touch screen features tacked on. They all suck. Using mobile OSX would be a GOOD thing for a tablet, and would also easily open up App Store access, which would be cool.
I also think 10" is too BIG. I want something just a bit bigger than a touch; maybe 6-7" and about the same thickness or maybe a bit thicker. A very thin paperback book size.
I think the "killer feature" is going to be "free" integrated wireless data, sort of like the Kindle but for MobileMe subscribers. Unlimited access to your MobileMe mail account, some sort of photo gallery integration, iChat use, that sort of thing.
1. Data package (optional) linkable to your ATT account for the iPhone, with a 15.00 per month extra charge added.
2. USB 3.0 and firewire
3. Minute jet rockets, so you can put it on your back and fly around
4. Ability to run programs from OS X
5. Have the option to mount exceedingly large wheels on it
6. Special partition that can be used to store pornography on...because we know it will be used for this function
2. USB 3.0 and firewire
3. Minute jet rockets, so you can put it on your back and fly around
4. Ability to run programs from OS X
5. Have the option to mount exceedingly large wheels on it
6. Special partition that can be used to store pornography on...because we know it will be used for this function
The killer apps will be all the medical software that will be written for it to help doctors and nurses at the hospitals.
The day will come when you walk into any hospital the first thing you see is a nurse or a doctor with a Mac Tablet in hand
That is the killer app.
The day will come when you walk into any hospital the first thing you see is a nurse or a doctor with a Mac Tablet in hand
That is the killer app.
iKiller
The killer features of this device are the applications that you can put in. That's what makes this computer usable, it not something to be really a "killer feature". When people realized that this device has something more to offer other than just being a tablet they're going to love it. iPhone is been adapted by people because it has so much something to love like the phone, ipod, portable gaming, slick design, internet device and more. If you want to browse the web, iPhone is not the way to go it's just handy when you need it. The iTablet can be a book reader, web browsing, note taking, watching videos, video games, photo editing (no more wacom), video editing and good for office applications too or maybe you just want to show it off like your iPhone. This is just a MacBooks little brother and an iTouch big brother. It's a computer!
The killer features of this device are the applications that you can put in. That's what makes this computer usable, it not something to be really a "killer feature". When people realized that this device has something more to offer other than just being a tablet they're going to love it. iPhone is been adapted by people because it has so much something to love like the phone, ipod, portable gaming, slick design, internet device and more. If you want to browse the web, iPhone is not the way to go it's just handy when you need it. The iTablet can be a book reader, web browsing, note taking, watching videos, video games, photo editing (no more wacom), video editing and good for office applications too or maybe you just want to show it off like your iPhone. This is just a MacBooks little brother and an iTouch big brother. It's a computer!
I hope to see the following in the tablet:
1. ebook support with download directly from itunes(Amazon or Barnes and Nobles deal?).
2. support for HDTV to replace AppleTV. AppleTV will now become an App downloadable from the Appstore. it would make sence that it would only be an App for future release in iphones with HD support.
3. Music and video hub with better itunes user experience think of coverflow
4. runs iphone3.0 OS not OSX.
5. to compete with netbooks(and kindle)
6. posibility to use keyboard but not bundled.
7. multitouch screen of course
8. webcam and ichat.
9. bluetooth and wlan
10. 7 hours of batteri
11. unibody design
1. ebook support with download directly from itunes(Amazon or Barnes and Nobles deal?).
2. support for HDTV to replace AppleTV. AppleTV will now become an App downloadable from the Appstore. it would make sence that it would only be an App for future release in iphones with HD support.
3. Music and video hub with better itunes user experience think of coverflow
4. runs iphone3.0 OS not OSX.
5. to compete with netbooks(and kindle)
6. posibility to use keyboard but not bundled.
7. multitouch screen of course
8. webcam and ichat.
9. bluetooth and wlan
10. 7 hours of batteri
11. unibody design
Now that would be interesting. If it was docked inside the iTablet then Apple might be able to tell AT&T to go stick it
because it's not really tethered. Once inside everything is done through the iTablet's display, the iPhones display would not even be visable, so it's nothing more than putting a bigger screen on the iPhone. When not docked the iTablet would connect using WiFi. Now this could be released without worrying about Verizon CDMA network. The one thing Apple would have to watch is changing the size of the iPhone.