Apple has an interesting and effective way of developing products that consume the old ones. This netbook could be the gateway to revamping the entire MacBook line into touch functionality.
Peter Yesawich Jr.
· 4 months ago
I think it makes sense given everyone going smaller, sleeker and leaning more on the cloud. I would love to see this come to fruition!
Will Francis
· 4 months ago
The truth is that whilst Macbooks are pretty sleek they still take a bit of lugging around and this could well be the perfect solution. Netbooks (at least the affordable ones) are slow, clunky, poorly made and frankly a ballache to use so there could be a gap for this. I guess no-one really knows til it hits the market. Will be interesting to see how Apple price and market this (if it even exists!).
David Vanderpoel
· 4 months ago
correction: Apple doesn't USUALLY build crappy products. They have their own gaffe hall of fame - it's just way smaller than most. And I say this as one who has only purchased Apple since 1988. Right now I'm pissed at the degradation in my MBP-17" 's keyboard - moving from contoured, continuous keys to chicklets did NOT come from anyone's usability study.
Daniel Nadeau
· 4 months ago
Apparently it runs the iPhone / iPod Touch OS. BIG MISTAKE. I mean, I could see it selling with an official version of OSX, but I don't want a giant-ass iPhone on my lap. Especially for the price that we know Apple will place on it.
bjtitus
· 4 months ago
I think this rumor is utterly false (unless by iPhone OS they mean stripped down OS X). The interface built for the iPhone would not scale to a screen this size, apps running on the App Store would not be able to take the full functionality of both devices.
Apple rarely makes terrible design choices and they tend to do a solid job on the interfaces; I can't imagine that they would make the tremendous mistake of blowing up the iPhone interface onto a tablet like this.
Jesse Hammons
· 4 months ago
Yes! I will definitely buy one of this if and when they ship. Pen interface! Touchscreen! Gestures! But best of all it will be even lighter than a macbook air. Truth be told I've been using the iPhone for a lot of my work lately, so portable! Having an iPhone with a big screen would be killer.
I hate fingers on my screen... I stick with "normal" Macs
unveiled
· 4 months ago
"We’re going to wait until the tablet is in our hands until we give it a review, but we’re going to repeat our very simple point: Apple doesn’t build crappy products."
They promote too much, I'll give them that. During their product promoting, they mindwash people. Okay maybe that's an old phrase, but it's true and I hope people don't look at this and drool over it as if it's the next greatest invention. Movies weren't made for this, but I know they are trying to be innovating things. Personally, I think Kindle will still be popular and better, but it will lose some of that due to Apple being so big. Who knows, maybe they can turn this into something great I really don't know but my point is, even though innovating is good, it's not always going to improve something but instead bloat it. If you can watch movies on a table thingy, why would you read books on it? To rest your eyes from an otherwise unhealthy screen? I hope they know what they're doing, Kindle's screen is made for reading obviously the makers of it are thinking "Movies? Great we might as well rip our eyes out and replace them with tv's."
tehinsider
· 4 months ago
Biggest concern is battery life.
bjtitus
· 4 months ago
I don't see why this is a huge concern. Apple's current battery technology allows Macbook Pros to get 7 hours of batter life and a device like this would surely get 9-10. That seems like a very reasonable number to me.
unveiled
· 4 months ago
I didn't mean to be so mean in my last comment, the product's not out yet but the idea is a bad one.
But hold on, is this supposed to do more than display books? 'Cause I really don't wanna be reading books on there, reading articles on the computer is bad enough as it is although I do it for hours.
Antal
· 4 months ago
I don't think Steve Jobs is "laughing his ass off in a comfy chair" about these rumors. Just like it happened with the continuous rumors back then, if they do not announce anything similar in September, it's going to seriously hurt Apple's stock.
DarrenScottMonroe
· 4 months ago
Seems like mostly everyone is on the same page. I need to know more
Matt
· 4 months ago
I didn't care about Macbook Air. I wanted to care about Apple TV but didn't. Probably won't care about this. I like the idea of getting a dirt cheap NetBook and reviving my affair with Linux on at least one device.
Paul
· 4 months ago
Yeah my iPhone would suck for doing most things if I had to lay it flat on a table... what kind of weak "con" is that? And why would it be so horrible to run iPhone OS? It's not like background processes are a limitations of the OS... it could easily be allowed on a different device with a bigger battery.
bjtitus
· 4 months ago
At least one problem with the iPhone OS (unless interface elements are moved around) is that they appear to have spent a LONG time perfecting the UI for the specific size of the iPhone and (I believe) this would not translate well to a larger size screen. I think they could use the underlying parts of the OS but the interface would have to be changed to make sense for a 10" screen.
fourzerotwo
· 4 months ago
Day 1. No doubt. I'd like to pretend I'd like to learn more, but the truth of the matter is. The hype machine will roll through and I'll be swept up and waiting in line Day 1. It's a fact. I want it. Give it to me. I'll take it.
Shurafa
· 4 months ago
All I ask is that it runs Snow Leopard and has a USB port along with 4 Gigs of RAM so I can run Windows 7 on it as well...
Unfortunately I do not see that happening
Jason Wagner
· 4 months ago
I'm pretty stoked about the idea. I really like your input in the last paragraph tho.. I feel exactly the same way. It's conceivable that there are some usability issues with a tablet that would make it not ideal for certain tasks. But my hope is that Apple has done extensive testing and has ironed out these issues so that the device is pure quality. Based on their previous track record, I'm confident that this will be the case. I'm VERY excited to see the device and I suspect it'll be irresistible for me.
I do not believe we are gonna be seeing an apple tablet as mentioned, less likely to have a iphone os version on it. If apple is developing a new product it is gotta be something a little bit different from this, Tim Cook said they are not interested in the netbook market, what will be the point on developing a 10 inch device ipod touch like, however, just by looking at the results of the poll of this article, it seems like more than the 60% of the people that voted may buy one if it ever gets builded, including me, the only thing that that device will need is more openness that the actual ipod touch for applications. Which is unlikely given to the fact that it seems such a good business for apple to sell applications through their appstore.
Somsri
· 4 months ago
Looks great.!
Kimble
· 4 months ago
We'll have to wait and see won't we. If it's anything like the iphone it'll be overpriced and lack most of the features it should have. Yet people will still buy it and love it. For some unknown reason.
With as many problems as I've seen with the iPhone due to its app store and products recently, I cannot say that I will be getting an Apple tablet. Not to mention the fact that Apple products tend to be on the more expensive side. No thanks, I'll stick with my e-Ink displays and wait for the technology to advance on that (and be excited when the PlasticLogic reader comes out).
Fejaum
· 4 months ago
It's sounds great, and as you guys said, Apple doesn't make crappy projects. But it does have a tendency to be expensive, and even more here in Brazil. So, realistically speaking, I don't think I'll buy one. I'd love to though, specially because of the book reading abilities.
Rowley
· 4 months ago
Two things. 1. Tablets were developed and built over 5 years ago by the likes of HP and Dell. They have not faired very well in the marketplace. I know what with multi touch and "ipod touch-esque" functionality it could do well, but people always want smaller, not bigger. If it was to be produced it would need to run the full OS. Netbooks have been sold by the crate load - especially if they are bundled with mobile broadband deals, and they are a lot cheaper - bringing people who might not have been able to afford a £800 computer. I doubt the iTablet would want to compete at those prices, they cannot, if fact will not.
2. I would not buy one. Not because it would be nice, I am a apple fan, but I have what suits me, a mac for sitting at at home, and an iphone when I am not. I have not needed a laptop in some time when traveling. I doubt the iTablet would be discrete, battery life initially poor, and in this day an age what would it replace in my world already full of techno-stuff? I am sure that if it does come into existence, some people will go for it, but for me, nah,
Enk.
· 4 months ago
If the features are really gonna rock and its not a burden to my pocket.. I'm gonna buy this shit ! :P
Tom
· 4 months ago
For now I'm happy with my 5" Archos 5 for watching TV series and movies. The eBook functionality would be a great pro for me, but I doubt that the iTablet would play divx (or other than .mov) files.
I'll check back in once it's released to see if the price/value balance favors the iTablet or not...
You can't deny that it looks seh-weet though!
datingcougar
· 4 months ago
hohoo, I am not that surprised at all. I saw her profile on the celebrities/rich men seeking affairs site !!!.kisscougar. co m last week. It said she is interested in seeking a beautiful man for sugar baby on that site!
Raz
· 4 months ago
Netbooks are great for taking notes during class/meetings. I'll need a physical keyboard for that with tactile feedback so I can type and watch the speaker at the same time. A virtual keyboard will not be sufficient.
Garrett Gillas
· 4 months ago
Apple does build crappy products. People just don't remember them.
Artemio
· 4 months ago
I'll make the iTablet my first Apple thing if: - i can carry it very easily by hand and shoulder. hanging. - It can be used and a phone throught a hands-free gadget ( i don't want to carry a tablat and a phone but don't want to put a 10" phone on my face). - it has 3g and wifi to be used as internet tablet with a whole browser experience, so i can work remotely. - i have to pay less than 600$.
Aaron
· 4 months ago
Will I buy one?
I can't see it. I've been a Mac user since the iBook, but this offers no functionality to me. I'm not sure a 10" tablet can be all things (a reader, video player, internet device and workhorse). I'm sure rich media and the browser will be fine. But can I do serious production on it?
I suppose we should trust in Apple, but I think I'll pass. I don't have that sort of spare change to drop on something I can't see any real value in.
Stephen Robinson
· 4 months ago
If this thing just has wifi then its a no go, if you have something like this you want to be able to connect to the internet anywhere, any time, like the iphone 3G/3GS.
K2
· 4 months ago
It looks so cute, defiantly going to buy
TheAL
· 4 months ago
NO, thank you. I am sick and tired of everyone gobbling up everything they make just because of the trend factor. Most everyone I personally know who uses tons of Apple crap are not even artists or techies. At least way back when they had a special place in the hearts of artists and high school science teachers. Now they're just eye candy and fodder for trend seekers.
An iTablet would be interesting but between having a cheap but good netbook and an iPhone....I just don't see the need.
John McLearran
· 4 months ago
I would actually love to see a device of this caliber. Apple makes a great product and I could see this as potentially killing Amazon's foot hold on the ebook reader market. I own a Kindle 2 and if I could have a color 10" pdf supportin', App wielding all-in-one device that has the polished features that Apple is known to throw down... now entering a techies nirvana...
Back to reality for a sec. Many wouldn't see the need for such a device but I can't believe it's not already out to market... Yes, the iPhone can do many things (and I love it) but one thing I don't reccomend is trying to read on it. You are guarenteed a headache in no time.
Bring it on Apple!
J D Sonice
· 4 months ago
I think if the Apple tablet has (1) Handwriting recognition (2) Speech to text and (3) an excellent Camera - along with Mac OS then that is a product I would buy.
d3bruts1d
· 4 months ago
I'd like one, sure. But it will depend on features, function, and price. We'll see what happens when/if this actually becomes a reality.
Cory
· 4 months ago
I just don't get why they are doing this (if they are)...The have a a slim/sleek media device in the ipod/iphone and they have the super slim and lightweight Air. A 10 in. tablet seems borderline clunky and to me competes in the e-reader market. But if that's what they are going for, i think the 10 in. is too big.
erik b
· 4 months ago
It does make sense, but the Crunchpad makes even more sense than this will. Same functions but one will be $300 and the other will be.....well...Apple priced.
Monik Pamecha
· 4 months ago
It's getting very exciting! and yes i do want one if it ever comes out!
Jason
· 4 months ago
I suspect that it will be mind blowing. The real deciding factor on success will be the price point. I'm not gonna pay $800 for an iTablet when I can get a Macbook that does twice as much for nearly the same price. If it's in the $450 – 600 range, I'll be in line waiting.
Armin
· 4 months ago
Interested, I think this will destroy the HP Tablet. Happy makes wonderful products.
Cubegeek
· 4 months ago
Anybody who knows about Perceptive Pixel and is jazzed about what Han did with his large displays has been waiting for a multitouch interface larger than an iPhone. All Apple has to do is make this a full color reader with multitouch and it will grab market share from KindleDX. Turning apps developers loose on this platform will generate huge interest in no time.
I think the keyboard and other complaints are silly. Remember what people said about downloading movies onto an iPod. Who wants to watch movies on a 4 inch screen - it failed with portable DVD players blah blah. I'm telling you that the applications for a multitouch, pen-enabled tablet with wifi and bluetooth are enormous.
Mark Buckley
· 4 months ago
I have worked in the Axion ModBook booth for 2 years at MacWorld and have some observations. I liked the idea and concept and while it is a 3rd party that is modifying off the shelf MacBook hardware and putting a Wacom Digitizer over the top with a GPS, but it seems very bulky. For one, the idea of a virtual keyboard kills the usefulness of this tablet. I'm interested in the handwriting recognition that Apple has let languish for years without update. (Inkwell was introduced in Panther and has not been updated since) Steve Jobs was said to abhor the idea of it and that's why nothing has been done on it. He also doesn't like styluses, ala the Palm Pilot, but the idea of turning a Macbook into an enlarged iPhone where you can draw with your finger and use gestures seems too child like and non productive. It's uses are limited and while I like the idea, I don't believe they are working on it for the shear reason that Apple developers came to our booth and basically said they guy that worked on the Inkwell technology has retired and they don't have anybody working on it there. Unless they decide to just bring out a tablet without handwriting abilities (for such a limited purpose) and Tablet PC sales have been so bleak that there seems to be no point. Perhaps if other features like a built in GPS unit that Axion added to theres that would be helpful instead of buying a Tom Tom you could use that have a special mounter in your car...Another idea is a film like keyboard that would sit on top of the screen and be plugged into USB port. Many, like me, prefer a real keyboard and the iPhone implementation doesn't appeal to me. Sorry to be all over the place, but I had to add my 3 cents. Don't hold your breath for a September new product. Snow Leopard is enough... remember the MobileMe fiasco? Don't think Apple plans releasing too much at once in the future. Mark @spiritandwine (twitter)
Chri
· 4 months ago
If we could draw and use art programs on this, I would really love to have this.. I would love it even more if the pen was tilt sensitive. This would be one of the greatest things ever if that was the case. Especially since good tablets are extremely expensive. If it has speaker phone, it would be great for the iPhone part.
And I think this would be great for, maybe, college students.. Especially with note taking, and maybe we could write notes on the "book pages" hmm.. I always hated writing in my real books. Wait, but how will I flip through the pages when looking for certain things? Oh my.. But anyway, I think this would be great for an artsy person.
mitch
· 4 months ago
I want a way to read a .pdf without sitting at a computer. Checked out the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Reader and while they perform a function, I think an iTablet is where it's at. If Apple made one available, I expect there would be a customization arena for it like the iPhone. Despite the iPhone being the new "Sliced Bread", I don't like reading from it unless I'm playing around in terminal. All I want is a color .pdf reader that will also support MS Office formats with the ability to organize my documents into different folders with built in wifi support. If Apple can make this happen and throw in extra functionality, I'm sold for up to $900.
Dardo Sabarots
· 4 months ago
I had a Windows tablet. Is the best way to carry all your info, and an easy way to read and navigate through lots of information. After 20 years supporting Microsoft I decided to switch to Apple four years ago, and I have enjoyed every minute since then. I think that an Apple Tablet will change the planet... I wish this rumor is true... The tablet is the future of personal computing. With OS is the perfect world.....
Luis
· 3 months ago
My only concern is about Wi-Fi or Verizon 2 years contract but I love one ..Steve send me one for testing I promise I send it back :)
Wmarie
· 2 months ago
How could this be automatically "remarkable" as some people suggest? Who would use this, where would you use it, & why would you use it? As a student, I don't see how a product like this would be efficient for taking notes in class. With a virtual keyboard, you would have to be looking at the screen the entire time because you wouldn't be able to feel the keys and know what you're pressing. You could probably buy a seperate keyboard to connect with the tablet, but then that would be counteracting the entire portability thing. So what would the purpose be for this product?? We can watch videos, surf the web and all that stuff on our phones, so why would we want to carry around something with a 10" screen that doesn't do anything new? Sounds like it would just be a "facy" portable DVD player. And how many people carry around a portable DVD player on a regular basis unless it's mounted in their vehicle?!? Give me a REAL purpose for this device, and I'll be more keen to accept it, but as it stands now this is all just ridiculous, blown out of proportion nonsense!
bradengstrand
· 2 months ago
I'll get one to test for school use. Kindle is a great idea but the relatively flimsy construction, mechanical parts, and inability to be anything but a reader will limit it's use in a high school students backpack. An in between product that can do minimal (or maybe not-so-minimal) computing tasks as well as act as a slid reader (of multiple formats) could be exactly what we need to lighten the load on students. I'm looking forward to a day I can hand an incoming student a single item and say "Here are your text books, your email, the media files associated with the classes you are taking etc" as they step through the door. This product could be the first step to that.
JC
· 1 month ago
Virtual keyboard won't work for alot of people who are looking to use it as a "netbook" alternative. Not sure how many others will use it as a media player (then the keyboard won't be an issue)
All Comments
Apple rarely makes terrible design choices and they tend to do a solid job on the interfaces; I can't imagine that they would make the tremendous mistake of blowing up the iPhone interface onto a tablet like this.
-Jesse
http://www.wezaggle.com
They promote too much, I'll give them that. During their product promoting, they mindwash people. Okay maybe that's an old phrase, but it's true and I hope people don't look at this and drool over it as if it's the next greatest invention. Movies weren't made for this, but I know they are trying to be innovating things. Personally, I think Kindle will still be popular and better, but it will lose some of that due to Apple being so big. Who knows, maybe they can turn this into something great I really don't know but my point is, even though innovating is good, it's not always going to improve something but instead bloat it. If you can watch movies on a table thingy, why would you read books on it? To rest your eyes from an otherwise unhealthy screen? I hope they know what they're doing, Kindle's screen is made for reading obviously the makers of it are thinking "Movies? Great we might as well rip our eyes out and replace them with tv's."
But hold on, is this supposed to do more than display books? 'Cause I really don't wanna be reading books on there, reading articles on the computer is bad enough as it is although I do it for hours.
I need to know more
Unfortunately I do not see that happening
I'm wondering whether I'll have to create the tablet version of http://www.iphonessuck.com
So, realistically speaking, I don't think I'll buy one. I'd love to though, specially because of the book reading abilities.
1. Tablets were developed and built over 5 years ago by the likes of HP and Dell. They have not faired very well in the marketplace. I know what with multi touch and "ipod touch-esque" functionality it could do well, but people always want smaller, not bigger. If it was to be produced it would need to run the full OS. Netbooks have been sold by the crate load - especially if they are bundled with mobile broadband deals, and they are a lot cheaper - bringing people who might not have been able to afford a £800 computer. I doubt the iTablet would want to compete at those prices, they cannot, if fact will not.
2. I would not buy one. Not because it would be nice, I am a apple fan, but I have what suits me, a mac for sitting at at home, and an iphone when I am not. I have not needed a laptop in some time when traveling. I doubt the iTablet would be discrete, battery life initially poor, and in this day an age what would it replace in my world already full of techno-stuff?
I am sure that if it does come into existence, some people will go for it, but for me, nah,
I'll check back in once it's released to see if the price/value balance favors the iTablet or not...
You can't deny that it looks seh-weet though!
- i can carry it very easily by hand and shoulder. hanging.
- It can be used and a phone throught a hands-free gadget ( i don't want to carry a tablat and a phone but don't want to put a 10" phone on my face).
- it has 3g and wifi to be used as internet tablet with a whole browser experience, so i can work remotely.
- i have to pay less than 600$.
I can't see it. I've been a Mac user since the iBook, but this offers no functionality to me. I'm not sure a 10" tablet can be all things (a reader, video player, internet device and workhorse). I'm sure rich media and the browser will be fine. But can I do serious production on it?
I suppose we should trust in Apple, but I think I'll pass. I don't have that sort of spare change to drop on something I can't see any real value in.
See: http://www.lowendmac.com/lite/02/0214.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevenote
Back to reality for a sec. Many wouldn't see the need for such a device but I can't believe it's not already out to market... Yes, the iPhone can do many things (and I love it) but one thing I don't reccomend is trying to read on it. You are guarenteed a headache in no time.
Bring it on Apple!
I think the keyboard and other complaints are silly. Remember what people said about downloading movies onto an iPod. Who wants to watch movies on a 4 inch screen - it failed with portable DVD players blah blah. I'm telling you that the applications for a multitouch, pen-enabled tablet with wifi and bluetooth are enormous.
Sorry to be all over the place, but I had to add my 3 cents. Don't hold your breath for a September new product. Snow Leopard is enough... remember the MobileMe fiasco? Don't think Apple plans releasing too much at once in the future.
Mark
@spiritandwine (twitter)
And I think this would be great for, maybe, college students.. Especially with note taking, and maybe we could write notes on the "book pages" hmm.. I always hated writing in my real books. Wait, but how will I flip through the pages when looking for certain things? Oh my.. But anyway, I think this would be great for an artsy person.
I think that an Apple Tablet will change the planet... I wish this rumor is true...
The tablet is the future of personal computing. With OS is the perfect world.....