Apple Tablet

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Since it finally now seems inevitable..

http://pinoytutorial.com/techtorial/...

What does everyone think? Will this be Apple's first real "flop"? Or will it essentially sell almost as a 1:1 with every iPhone sold as the "big screen" companion to your iPhone everywhere you go.

We have been speculating on how it will get "data" WiFi is a given.. but will it have a cellular connection? will you be expected to pay another $50 for a data plan? Will something like "Whispernet" work for such a rich multimedia type device? Will it just use a bluetooth modem connection and pull cellular data from your existing cell phone and data plan (the carriers will love that lol)

Someone forwarded me this email...

10 Things I'd Do with My Apple Tablet
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Buzz up!on Yahoo!

The time for speculation is over. Apple sent its legion of owls out across the country (if not the world) to deliver the news: they're ready to reveal whatever it is they've been working on for the last few years, and now we're all being summoned back to Hogwa—er, The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco to see the magical device. It's almost inconceivable that this "Special Event" will not include the fabled "iSlate," "iTablet," "Apple Tablet," or "The Tablet to End All Tablets." With that in mind, I've already started planning how I'll use the device. Here are 10 essential ideas. (Note: I have not been pre-briefed by Apple. This is only what I hope for and expect to see in an Apple Tablet.)
1. Picture Frame. To me, this is one of the most obvious uses for Apple's Tablet. It's not like you'll be using it all the time, or even as often as, say, your netbook. It'd be a waste to put that lovely eight- to 10-inch LED screen in a bag or drawer when you're not using it. These tablets should come with some kind of stand. So I'll prop mine up, connect it to my network via WiFi, and stream photos from my NAS, a shared folder, or a Mac Mini, should I invest in one. Like the best LCD picture frames, my Apple Tablet will support RSS-based widgets that let you stream news stories, weather, and traffic reports in a scrolling bar, right on top of my pretty pictures.
2. E-book Reader. I own an Amazon Kindle, which I think is the perfect device for e-reading, but I've seen enough concept videos and even an actual tablet product (thanks, JooJoo) to know that reading on a tablet could be a pretty enjoyable experience, as well. Apple's tablet will, obviously, offer something more than just monochrome novel digestion. Its color screen will easily support high-resolution photos and video and should be touch screen as well. Talk has been rampant about all of the side-deals Apple's making with major publishers to essentially re-invent magazine reading. I don't know if I want that kind of reinvention, but I will read whatever content Apple can get on my new tablet. A couple of worries, though. I know I can read my Kindle for hours without eye-strain. Can I do the same with a back-lit screen—and will that battery hold up for weeks like my Kindle's? That seems unlikely.
3. Tweet, Spend Time on Facebook, and Send and Read E-mail. I envision my Tablet sitting on the coffee table next to my couch. I'll pick it up when the mood strikes me and tweet on Twitter or update my Facebook status. E-mail via any of my favorite Web-based clients will be easy. I'm expecting a virtual QWERTY keyboard that fills the bottom half of the screen (when held in landscape mode) and fast enough multi-touch capability that I don't have to worry about the keyboard keeping up with my "lightning-fast" digits. The Facebook experience should be particularly good, thanks to the large, full-color screen and touch-display that'll let me use two fingers to zero in on a Wall post or new photos of some old friends. I'll sweep the keyboard out of the way when I want to see more of my page.
4. Watch Movies. I don't expect Apple to skimp on the graphics processing power in this tablet. It should be able to handle HD (up to 1080p) movies without a hitch--no stuttering, no loss of pixels on the edges. I'll probably choose to run my movies in 720p, because 1080p is overkill for a 10-inch screen; I may save some battery life that way, too. By the way, I'll get my movies from either my favorite online service (Netflix streaming over WiFi) or, again, through another Apple device like the Mac Mini or (if I feel like showing some compassion for a step-child device) Apple TV.
5. Skype. Apple's Tablet will have a Webcam and many will use it, along with their in-house WiFi with Apple's popular video-conferencing service, iChat. I'm a Skype user, so I'll go with that free service. I'll have the option of plugging a headset into the audio port, using a Bluetooth headset or simply talking into the on-board microphone. A set of stereo speakers on the base should provide all the sound I need. I might make regular phone calls, too, but since I'm not certain my Apple Tablet will include 3G connectivity, I won't plan for this.
6. Music. Apple's Tablet will provide an awesome interface for accessing iTunes—which I expect will arrive pre-loaded on the device. I'll have the option of buying a new stereo speaker Apple Tablet dock for around $200 to $400.When the music is playing, the tablet will display something akin to music videos, abstract images or, maybe, a slideshow of my choice.
7. Draw. It's hard for me to imagine a large, touch screen computer that doesn't offer the ability to draw. I'm certain Apple's Tablet will offer a capacitive display. The question is, will it also include digitizing capabilities (preferably Wacom)? In my perfect world, it does. My Apple Tablet dock will also include a place to store my digitizing pen. I can, when inspired, sit down, grab the Tablet and pen and just start drawing. Since it's a touch screen, I may also try my hand—or fingers—at virtual finger-painting. I hear it's very therapeutic.
8. Download Apps. To draw, I'll need a good app, and the Apple Tablet will have access to all the 100,000 options in the App Store. Not all will work or make sense for the Tablet (I wouldn't try the virtual lighter; you might end up throwing the Tablet out the window when you attempt to virtually flip open and light the lighter it in one quick motion). But it's become common wisdom to expect that the Tablet will expand the App Store in a more productive direction. That large screen offers innumerable options. I'll download drawing apps, word processing, and maybe even a simple Excel-compatible spreadsheet app. Presentation software is an obvious fit, since I see myself taking the Tablet on the road (with a light, foldable stand) and using it for impromptu presentations.
9. Play Games. The Tablet will have an accelerometer and should be, like the iPhone and iPod touch, a good gaming platform. However, I think I'll play different kinds of games on it. Its size should encourage more multi-player scenarios, where I'm holding one side of the Tablet and someone else the other—Apple's updated multi-touch software should support this multi-player mode.
10. Browse the Web. Apple's Tablet will replace the laptop as my favorite at-home Web browsing companion. It's not unusual for me to, say, watch a movie and peruse IMDB.com at the same time to get the back-story on a particular flick. During breaking news, I'm usually checking one or two news Websites at the same time, to see if they've got fresher news than the networks (often times they do). My Apple Tablet will be the perfect partner in this activity.
Could I be wrong? Sure. I've attended Apple events where Professor Dumble—er, Steve Jobs failed to deliver. Yes, the event was well-produced and there were moments of wonder, but the magic just wasn't there. I don't expect that to happen this time. However, on the off-chance that I'm wrong, I'll be ready with a column called "10 Things I'll Do with My Shiny New Touch Screen iMac".

My wife's been asking for a laptop for a while now, except she doesn't really do anything that would require a laptop. What she actually wants is a device to surf the web, look at digital photos, watch a movie and check her e-mail. I've been holding out for the Apple tablet, since if it's based on the iPhone OS (as is rumored) then she already knows exactly how to use it, and we should be able to link it to our iTunes account and get all our iPhone apps on the tablet too.

My wife is really interested in the Apple Tablet. She has been resistant to the Kindle, even though she reads a ton of books. But she loves her iPhone and apple products, so an Apple e-reader might suck her into digital books. And if has access to good color versions of magazines I like to read, I'm all-in, as well.

Tablets have a specific use. Their professional in roads for law enforcement and medicine are very important. As a general consumer, I see nothing that this or HP's or Lenovo's tablet would offer me.

And as an apple product, I have no idea what purpose it would serve. 400 and below you have the itouch and iphone. 1000 and above are the laptops.

Further that space in between for computing is dominated by Acer laptops and netbooks.

I really do not get the e-reader angle. The Kindle and Nook are hot commodities precisely because ebooks on LCD is so abysmal. Even if you can tolerate that, you already have a laptop.

Other that apple fans, who will use this device?

I have a hard time believing that we're going to see a conventional LCD screen if the line on the street about book and newspaper/magazine publishing deals are true. I think there may be a surprise about the screen tech, i can't see Jobs settling for a headache inducing tech, it just doesn't fit with the potential.

Sold my wife's Nook on Ebay for a tidy sum, thinking this might be a good next step, but i'm not excited about paying a monthly fee for wireless. They need to subsidize the access somehow through the online publishing deal. That would be sweet.

Wireless Netflix, Hulu, pictures, web surfing, e-mail. That would make it worth it to me. I love the I-touch, and a bigger version of the same aesthetic and more video functions would be sweet. The cellular stuff I don't care about, but I assume they could build the ability to add a cellular modem into the system, no?

I'll worry about it once they announce it. Until then, I don't care.

Malor wrote:

I'll worry about it once they announce it. Until then, I don't care.

I'm glad you care enough to comment about it, though!

This or MSI's dual-screen netbook could easily be my next "laptop" purchase.

I am interested as a gadget geek but I just have no use for it right now. That and I can't pay for one until I find work. I'll be watching it with a passing interest.

I have been wanting a bigger screen iPod Touch-like platform for a while. I love the idea of the Touch with wifi internet, app store with games, etc... and media player all in one sleek package, but the screen is just too small for me and the screen size also limits control options in games and apps. If Apple announces basically a 9" Touch and it is $600 or less I will probably buy it. Based on the rumors it is not meant to be a computer-replacement, but a companion. Hard to say for sure until it is announced though of course.

Having a 'whispernet' like account would be nice, but I really really doubt that would happen as the usage of a device like this versus say a Kindle is off the charts. If it does have cell/3G reception it will have to have a data plan, maybe subsidized like some of those netbooks Verizon sells.

I think it will sell a lot. I think there is pent-up demand for a good portable tablet and I think Apple has kind of proven the model with the Touch/iPhone and app store. I also think their stock price is reflecting the expectations, up $20 in the last month.

If it is a $1,000 Im not going near it. We don't really know anything and I've not drunk the apple kool-aid so I'm not excited about something just to be excited about something. I hope it's cool but I'll wait and see.

I can't help thinking that apple aren't going to make a product that some other company has proven there's a market for, a tablet still doesn't grab me as significantly needed or wanted. I think it'll be something that is already made by another company with an apple take on it, or new functionality on an existing apple product.

Can't see why anyone who already owns an iPhone or a Macbook would get this. This is basically a bigger and more cumbersome iPhone. It's odd to me how everything has gotten smaller: laptop->macbook air->netbook and to an extension ->iPhone yet this seems like an evolutionary step backwards.

I predict that this will sell well because of the simple fact that it's an Apple product and they are seen as "cool". But I also predict that those who buy them will, after the novelty wears off, will realize they didn't need it and could have spent the money much more wisely.

I think anyone in the market for this that doesn't already have a laptop would be much better served by getting a Macbook Air or Macbook from the next refresh.

Will this be Apple's first real "flop"?

No, because I was a first generation owner of one of these bad boys:
IMAGE(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Apple_Newton_MP100.jpg/491px-Apple_Newton_MP100.jpg)

At 500-700, it would be hard for me to resist. At $1k, I can't see it.

I am very interested in whoever brings out a good device that operates like a notebook (a pen and paper notebook), where I can constantly collect my thoughts on screen with a stylus, and search those thoughts later on using it. I've become pretty good with this when I am sitting at the computer. I've got a Wacom pad at work, that I write nearly all my phone notes in, and I use Evernote to search through all my scribble -- it does a surprisingly wonderful job.

One foot beyond my PC, though, and I am back to sticky notes, notpads, my hand.... basically everything that I end up losing or burying or washing 5 minutes after I write it down. The Apple tablet does not have to have handwriting recognition (although it would be a huge plus), but I would want a stylus input with it and an Evernote-like program (preferably Evernote!) installed. If they cannot offer that functionality, the device has no use for me, but I will buy the first good tablet device that does provide that functionality.

I've already warned my wife this was coming.

No, because I was a first generation owner of one of these bad boys:

uh... that was like a lifetime ago. Completely different era.

I think anyone in the market for this that doesn't already have a laptop would be much better served by getting a Macbook Air or Macbook from the next refresh.

I think this is the most important point.. can this device replace 60% or even 80% of the functionality of a laptop.. There are many times when I simply don't have my laptop because even a Macbook Air requires some measure of thought and inconvenience to carry. This tablet needs to be small enough but large enough that it removes that "thought" and yet is still functional.

Which leads me to my next thought.. how will this thing be carried? It will probably be to big to slip into a pocket... perhaps a coat one..but certainly not jeans.. thus are we on the brink of a "murse" revolution?

TheGameguru wrote:

Which leads me to my next thought.. how will this thing be carried? It will probably be to big to slip into a pocket... perhaps a coat one..but certainly not jeans.. thus are we on the brink of a "murse" revolution?

I'll call mine a "mandbag" instead.

TheGameguru wrote:

I think this is the most important point.. can this device replace 60% or even 80% of the functionality of a laptop.. There are many times when I simply don't have my laptop because even a Macbook Air requires some measure of thought and inconvenience to carry. This tablet needs to be small enough but large enough that it removes that "thought" and yet is still functional.

I'm not sure I can see Apple releasing a device that's just "nearly a laptop". I think the iPhone is already close to being that - for email/web/facebook, the iPhone/iPod Touch is "good enough" for most uses. Just offering a bit more functionality, without the pocketable form factor of a phone doesn't seem enough to me.

But then Apple will no doubt prove me completely wrong.

My wild prediction - a new iPhone OS based device with some sort of flexible, fold out screen

Funkenpants wrote:
TheGameguru wrote:

Which leads me to my next thought.. how will this thing be carried? It will probably be to big to slip into a pocket... perhaps a coat one..but certainly not jeans.. thus are we on the brink of a "murse" revolution?

I'll call mine a "mandbag" instead.

LOL

http://www.tumi.com/townhouse/st-jam...

Which leads me to my next thought.. how will this thing be carried? It will probably be to big to slip into a pocket... perhaps a coat one..but certainly not jeans.. thus are we on the brink of a "murse" revolution?

This will be the start of the "netbook holster". I'm hoping, because that's the only remotely manly way to carry this.

I'm thrilled over the idea of a tablet. I see it as the future for computers. Netbooks and laptops converge into the tablet, while desktops remain as powerhouses and servers. Smartphones will still be around for portability, and maybe the tablet will be able to use your phone to connect to the web via cell.

You would carry it like a stack of papers. A backpack, briefcase, or still a laptop case. If bluetooth is included, you could also carry around keyboard and mouse if you want to set it up like a laptop. Get one of those wireless charging stations, set your tablet and peripherals on top of it and you have a mobile desktop that you don't plug in. Giggity.

Here's a question: Suppose it's a tablet. Does it:

a) Function as a PC, you can install normal mac programs on it, plug devices (external storage, input devices) into it, connect an ipod and manage it with itunes, etc.
b) Function as a portable, You connect it to another PC to sync and upload stuff to it like an iphone/ipod, iphone apps are installed.

(using PC in the generic way)

misterglass wrote:

You would carry it like a stack of papers. A backpack, briefcase, or still a laptop case. If bluetooth is included, you could also carry around keyboard and mouse if you want to set it up like a laptop. Get one of those wireless charging stations, set your tablet and peripherals on top of it and you have a mobile desktop that you don't plug in. Giggity.

The problem with using a separate bluetooth keyboard is that you need a stand to keep the tablet upright, which makes it hard to use on an uneven surface. I guess it could slot into the keyboard somehow (like the old Palm keyboards did), but Apple doesn't seem to like those kind of fiddly external connections.

Analysts' predictions are all over the place. I reckon if they are going tablet they'll go pure tablet, in the same way that they went (almost) pure touchscreen with the iPhone.

I'd bet there'll be some big integration with Mobile Me, and while you'll have some Flash memory on the device, it'll take big advantage of the cloud. With their Lala purchase, they've proved their interest in music storage that way. I could see them trying to do more with that. I'm sad that their Google partnership is pretty much over, since it'd be nice to see them sync more closely with Google apps.

rabbit wrote:
Will this be Apple's first real "flop"?

No, because I was a first generation owner of one of these bad boys:

EAT UP MARTHA

That wasn't a flop, it was just too ahead of its time, man. Now if you want to talk about the G4 Cube...

While Apple TV is not probably not a flop outright, noone considers it a hit either.

Apple TV is a flop. It realy only becomes useful when you hack it for Hulu, Netflix, and web. At which point, you wonder why you did not buy a net-top or a mac mini for a little more money and a lot more function.

One smart way to go about it would be dual input methods; both stylus recognition and multi-touch/gesture/finger swabbing recognition. Stylus input automatically opens the doors for "real business".

Remember that Apple not only limits itself to "beautifully designed products that renew child-like wonder in it's user base", but they have a pretty smart business-model behind each of these products (namely the iPhone + iTunes).

Therefore expect on the software side; a big, iPhone-like OS, it WILL need an activation similar to what the first iPhone needed (connect to iTunes), it will run iTunes, it will have a "soon to be opened" TV section for streaming.

As of Hardware, any of the designs out there are pretty good, I think it will look like a giant iPhone, it will include GPS, compass, light sensor, wifi, 3G (no LTE yet), removable batterySSD HDD for 128GB. If I had to guess, the tables will be around 11" across, big enough for purses and designer bags; you'll see these at the airport, but don't expect people to be sitting in the park (or your local Starbucks) and pull the iTablet out of nowhere and watch a movie.

In terms of Services, you'll be able to download and/or stream any content in your account; movies, rented movies, tv shows, music, music videos, etc. The Tablet section of the App Store will open in a month or two, so expect Apple to hit 5 billion downloads before 2011 is here.

As for functionality, expect the tablet to be heavily aimed at college students, "replacing" their notebooks. I'm not really familiar with Apple's menagerie of apps, but expect something very similar to Microsoft's OneNote (if there isn't one already) to easily take notes. Maybe a dumb-down version of iWorks for iLife and Garage, etc that will be retooled to worked with either the stylus or finger-swabbing.

It'll have Flash of some kind, since Adobe and Apple seem to have made-up lately.

Lester_King wrote:

I'm glad you care enough to comment about it, though!

I try to read most threads in T&H; I wouldn't care enough if it were posted elsewhere.

Plus, I was trying to be a little bit subtle in saying that I think it's a bit silly to speculate until the product is actually announced.

sheared wrote:

I am very interested in whoever brings out a good device that operates like a notebook (a pen and paper notebook), where I can constantly collect my thoughts on screen with a stylus, and search those thoughts later on using it. I've become pretty good with this when I am sitting at the computer. I've got a Wacom pad at work, that I write nearly all my phone notes in, and I use Evernote to search through all my scribble -- it does a surprisingly wonderful job.

Asus put out the Eee PC T91MT recently, combining a low-end Atom, 32GB SSD, and an 8.9" resistive touch screen into a fanless convertable form factor. Throw some software on it and you might just be set.

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