Why the Apple Tablet (or iSlate) Will Change Everything Discussion

Apple's upcoming tablet computer, which is expected to be unveiled tomorrow, has everyone talking. Let's examine the most reliable rumors and explain why this will likely be the most important consumer electronic device since the iPhone.

Read the full content of this Article: Why the Apple Tablet (or iSlate) Will Change Everything

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Glorified smartphone without the phone part?

 

More interested in MSI's touch tablet then this to be honest, looks nice, but thats all thats appealing to me really, we'l need specs to make it more solid.

 

I really don't get what all the fuzz about this toy is about. It might be a nice to have but honestly who really needs a tablet. Not many people.
Nowadays you need a mobile phone. (you might go for a smartphone like the iphone)
You need a Notebook to do word processing, homework, Games. Okay some still only have a Desktop PC but that is very uncommon.

A Tablet (that is not a convertible) can replace neither of this "important" things. Thus it would only be some additional gadget to carry around. I believe the market for something like this (with a price above 500$) is not nearly as big as some people think. Bigger here in Consumer America, but in Europe few people would actually buy this.
A lot of students have iphones and Macs but they don't have a lot of money, most of them will not buy an iSlate. Businessmen are the only ones left who might purchase something like this. IMO they might prefer something more professional than a toy like the iSlate.

I would short sell Apple now. Sell on good new or sell on bad news. Either way the stock is very likely going down. Unless the iSlate has a very low price. Much lower than $ 1000.

 

Thats about all I see too. Not to mention virtual keyboards are terrible IMHO.

 

Yeah pure tablets aren't as appealing as convertible Tablet PCs since they lack the functionality of a notebook computer with keyboard and mouse inputs. Personally, the best combo I've found for those who need a tablet is a convertible Tablet PC with external keyboard/mouse plugged into it. That way you can have everything.

However, Apple's "brilliant" *cough* reply to this is that the iSlate will not use a conventional OS -_-

 

See I think between the abundance of smart phones and ultraportable laptops where is there going to be a need for something like this? You'll be limited to the smart phone OS but its too big to be a phone so basically its an intermediate device that IMHO is just not needed. Sombody with an iphone and small laptop or tablet PC will be able to do more and easier then what this will accomplish.

Although it seems like a wasted attempt and set for a small market, Ill still applaud apple for trying something new. Will there be an option for a portable physical keyboard?

 

In its current state, the iPhone OS wouldn't be perfect for the as-of-yet mythical Apple Tablet, simply because it isn't useful enough or scalable enough for a larger-scale device like the 9-10" size the Tablet is speculated to be. Think that the 12 icon homescreen is kinda busy and monotonous on the iPhone? Now triple the screen size and see how annoyed you'll be.

With that said, if the next rev. of the iPhone OS is significantly more scalable and takes a more Android-like approach to the way applications are used (and brings the necessary multitouch and everything else), it could work. But there will need to be some significant design-level changes in OS 4.0 to make it useful for the tablet.

 

i was expecting a thesis, i guess apple really can surprise me.

 

I'm looking forward to how Apple's legendary marketing team will convince people they need one of these(or even that one of these would be useful)

 

I think some people are missing the very specific focus for this product. It will be aimed at media consumption, specifically newspapers, magazines and maybe books and television. It will do other stuff too, but I can't imagine any reason to buy an iSlate for any other purpose since other gadgets already cover phones, text, computing, music etc etc. Note that I'm not arguing if it will be successful, just re-stating that important point from the OP.

The hype around this product has been ridiculous, but if it lives up to a fraction of the expectations, you can expect the publishing industry to go through the same turmoil that the music industry did with mp3's and iPod+iTunes (though at least there isn't a Napster for books...yet).

 

I am not sure all these comparisons to a tablet PC really mean anything. This thing, if the speculated information is correct, looks more like a competitor to Sony VAIO P, even though it is a tablet. It is aimed at people who need UMPC and give them a tablet alternative, instead of aimed at people who use tablet and want it to run Mac OS or comes in aluminum unibody.

 

A glorified/multimedia e-reader? Well, it is one possibility for sure, and I wouldn't mind one if it's cheap and can play 480p Hulu in full 720p screen. I could get one and tape it to my elliptical...

 

What is this MSI touch tablet you speak of? Just curious if you have any links

 

What is with all the hate for netbooks? They are small, inexpensive, and have great battery life. Complain about performance all you want, but they weren't designed to replace your main laptop. It is essentially just that, a netbook. A simple device for getting online and checking your email. They aren't multimedia powerhouses by any means, but they can at least handle basic youtube videos, and that's all that most people need/want!

I simply can't see the utility in what is essentially an oversized iphone. It will be costly, and without keyboard functionality, unproductive. The concept is interesting though, and I feel PC makers will do it right, eventually. Like Lenovo's smartbook...

 

what a joke

 

According to what we're hearing, much of Steve Jobs' presentation tomorrow will be about changes to iPhone OS 4.0 to make it work on a 10-inch display. As you point out, it's going to take a significant revamp.

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The idea of this device seems interesting but it is hard to figure out what it would be used for. It is too big to carry around all the time, it is too hard to type on to replace a normal computer.

I think it could be used by people that would normally be carrying around a clipboard. I think it could replace the little devices that some delivery people carry around. It could be used certainly for gaming. It could be used to watch movies. It could be a portable digital photo frame and portable photo album. Maybe it could come with an optional keyboard and folding stand that would allow it to function like a laptop, for when you really need something like a laptop. That combination of features- a folding laptop with a tablet part that can come off and be used separately, would make it more universally accepted. (I want my cut of the sales when they implement this configuration!)

 

Too late. The Lenovo U1 already does this.

 

If that's what Apple intends, Lenovo beat them to the punch with their U1 hybrid system. It looks weird but cool.

 

You've got ultraportable notebooks, netbooks, smartphones (of which the iPhone is currently king.....) and now 'smartbooks'...........

Aside from the larger form factor and the probable addition of HD playback ability (or improved ability)......this is nothing more than Apple super-sizing the iTouch with the end goal of squashing Amazon and the Kindle.

If Jobs really believes multi-function devices are the future, he should've made this a proper tablet (or taken Apple into one of the above catagories it hasn't already broached) rather than just an over-sized, expensive toy.

 

I doubt most people who use clipboards would bother changing for this given the differences in terms of breaking point and working conditions(ex: delivery people or construction people). I mean, that's like saying tablet PCs would replace pen & paper; yes in some cases they did, but pen & paper is still largely used by far.

 

lol I bought a tablet once to replace my pen and paper....biggest piece ever. God i hate tablets. A Huge non portable ipod touch is pretty sexy though, I can't wait til apple sells islate sacks so you can listen to your mp3s while you walk with your gigantopod strapped to your back. Then the apple only islate keyboard and islate mouse that only works on the islate bc it communicates with gamma waves and only apple produces it, then of course the islate docking station that doesn't have ports just something to prop up your islate so you can use your keyboard and mouse and then of course the optional islate port expander so a $1000 screen turns in to an underpowered $3500 multi piece laptop. It'll be cool though. yay!

 

APPLE is just trying to get a piece of the netbook craze, they are just doing it in there own unique way.
OK I agree that it will probably be overpriced and nothing to ground breaking but it look's awesome.
Trust me I'm no APPLE fan boy(only APPLE product I have ever bought is a iPOD touch) but it will be interesting to see what the specs on this thing are going to be.
I'm guessing it's going to come with a Snapdragon CPU .

 

In my opinion, I think Apple is attempting to create a new market for the sake of selling more stuff. I just don't really see how an oversized ipod running iphone os could be very usefull.

 

I agree, I hope apple only sells a fraction of the 10million units it ordered. I would be a nice reality check that apple isn't all powerful they do make mistakes. It will be interesting to see how apple marketing spins this one.

 

But, I don't think this is really a new market per se. There are many MID device out there that run full fledge versions of Windows or Linux. Most of there are in the 7in range, and don't offer multi-touch(at least not yet), but many of these devices were out over a year ago. Granted it is not tied to iTunes store or will have multi-touch it still runs a full fledged OS.

 

I had a chuckle at these

 

LMAO.....the "Jesus Tablet"......

 

"Priced below $999" == epic fail.

Why should one bother with a crippled performance of a tablet when you can get a fully functioning netbook that can even have 3G connectivity at a fraction of that cost? Granted, you get a nice UI and quite likely very small footprint but that hardly supplants the versatility of a laptop. The way I see it a tablet is trying to fill in a gap somewhere between a smartphone (up to $200) and a netbook (around $300) and I feel that for that to be met the price needs to much lower than $999. Sure there will be uptake but it will be largely limited to Apple aficionados who would've bought this thing regardless and possibly contracts with educational/public institutions where Apple has always been very aggressive and where at times the product introduction was not a result of a need but rather the "need" was fabricated after the fact (e.g. possibly for use at libraries and/or schools).

Even if the uptake proves reasonable, it will be an uphill battle for Apple with the rapid growth of Android and recent announcements of MSI and the like that have comparable products at a likely fraction of a price and a very similar concept (low power alternative CPU coupled with smartphone OS, multitouch, long battery life, minimal and thin/compact design).

If you ask me, I would probably place this article somewhere between the Apple enthusiast hype and blatant advertising...

 

Why are people taking about a market, it's the marketing team's JOB to create a market. Silly people, companies don't cater to your needs, they invent them for you

Ok perhaps a bit over the top but you get the point

 

I agree with most comments here that this device will be a hard sell. but we are looking at it from hardware and software perspective, too big to be portable like iphone and too weak to compete with full laptop, OS? is nothing new, hundred of icons starring at you etc.

but one thing we forget and not know about is the content which will be loaded on or will be introduced over time. Remember Ipod was not successful without itune, iphone was not successful without app store. Apple has a solid history of integrating its hardware and software with its content. we can now predict what hardware and software will be in islate but no one can predict what content will be at the release date and a year from now.

remember that cool hardware/software can be obsolete in a few years but combined with great content, the device can last much longer and can even revolutionize how we, the comsumer, live, work, and entertain.


one content which most people predict will be there: book, magazines. your eyes hurt reading on iphone, and laptop is too big, heavy, hot to hold for long, not to mention short battery life. Most people use laptop for, reading, browsing, email, chat. iSlate is perfect for these activities. iphone is too small to read, too small for video content and games, here iSlate can do well.


let hold our breath and see what is coming.

 

I'm thinking that if this is supposed to fit the netbook market, it should be $200-$400 max ... And pricing it around $999 just doesn't do it for netbook users.

 

If this is the same as the iPhone then why not just get the iPhone? Unless spec wise was the reasoning in the purchase.

 

I said it before, but I'll say it again, the iSlate is all about media consumption, with an emphasis on newspapers and magazines (rumors of a la carte cable subscription as well). It will live or die on Apple's ability to deliver media content much in same way the iPhone lives by selling Apps.

If you are comparing this to netbooks, laptops and cell phones, you just aren't getting it....which is quite reasonable since the product doesn't even officially exist yet.

 

I have to agree that the iSlate's selling ability will wholly depend on the content Apple(and users) sets forth for it. Basically, we have e-book readers, but I suppose if Apple implements a library of reading media(ex: iNewspaper, iMagazine, iBook or whatnot) then maybe they'd make the whole technology of e-books and such more popular.

This of course assuming it is what we think it is(or is period )

 

I dont see myself hanging around with a TABLET. Maybe that will change by tomorrow but I cant think in any way on how Apple can surprise me with this one...

 

I think this and the HP Slate will be most interesting devices this year.

 

I have to say I disagree. there may be a market for these in the ebook area, but there are much, much cheaper alternatives in that market.

as a netbook replacement? forget it. too expensive.

This will be only interesting if apple can make a market for it. apple has good marketing but this may be a stretch even for apple.

we will see in a few hours.

 

Maybe Jobs has a vision of saving the planet, and wants to start by ridding the world of the paper and pen (and going to e-ink only).
Ok really I don't know, just having fun. We will all know tomorrow what exactly this tablet is and what it's purpose is.

 

Maybe we'l get native flash and plugin support for saffari?

Oh wait my n900 already does this .

Someone needs to buy it on the day and let us know a bit more, for now theres just not enough out about it.

 

I really don't get this. Why is iphone OS a good idea for this device? It simply doesn't have the features required in a proper computer and if all it has are the same features as the iphone then why is it useful? Why do we need a bigger iphone without the phone feature?

 

All I can hope for is that it will be featured in a new episode of "will it blend"

but i'll just quote this

"if its shiny and its made by apple I will buy it"

So somebody is going to get it regardless of how fail or overpriced it is.

Exactly it needs to be small enough to fit in your pocket, and thats already done in the iphone or a competing device.

If its bigger than that and needs a small bag, then who cares if its 8" or 10" its a small bag you have to carry regardless, so why not get a device that can do more and cost less.

I think people enjoy touch screen too much, it takes over them like your favorite toy as a child and overrides the logical senses that a netbook is just as easy to use and in some ways easier, plus for less than $100 there are many touch screen conversion kits for your favorite netbooks.

 

i would like to see these tablets replace the books in the library..

 

So Apple can charge you for each one instead of free library access?

 

Not over the top at all. Marketing is the most evil profession out there, I think. Create the need then fill the need.

 

AND.. it is then easier to decide which books / information is 'undesirable' and can be deleted. A few clicks in the ether is much easier than organizing a huge book burning.

Remember, we have the right to free speech as long as it is the correct speech. If what you say is wrong, then we get to censor it and punish you. What is wrong speech? We will tell you when you say it!

 

I don't think it will. Sounds like they are going for an oversize ipod. That is ridiculous.

There are some business uses (doctor's offices mentioned) and academic uses. However, it is a big change. I tried a Fujitsu convertible but did not use the tablet function nearly enough. I had Econ and Stat classes with Analysis and Calc symbol use.

I think the trick would be a light-weight tablet with a huge drive capacity to hold the various academic articles or texts. I still am thinking of going back to tablet... if the power is there.

This certainly would NOT be that tablet

 

While the apple iPad (if http://twitter.com/ceostevejobs/ is the real thing) sounds like fancy device, I don't personally like it _that_ much since it runs iPhone OS.

However I hope its release will inspire other software makers (both win and linux apps), hardware manufacturers etc and of course new software for already existing tabletpcs.

 

haha an iphone minus the phone part. I enjoy how they don't really release anything new just different ways of doing the same old same old. Thats some serious hype if its the "ipad" and i want a refund on my time.