Intel: Apple tablet comment simply untrue

[AppleInsider]

Intel Corp. today is scurrying to clean up a mess made by Germany's ZDNet on Wednesday when it reported that an Intel exec had confirmed the ongoing development of a iPhone-like tablet at Apple, a report which the chipmaker now claims is patently false.

Specifically, ZDNet reported that Intel Germany chief Hannes Schwaderer at a small gathering in Munich "confirmed" the existence of a larger iPhone at Apple that would employ one of Intel's ultra-mobile Atom processors.

The report gained widespread traction given earlier predictions by AppleInsider and other media outlets that such a device does in fact exist, and has long been under development at Apple's Cupertino-based headquarters. The problem, however, was that Schwaderer appears to have never made the comments suggested by the ZDNet report.

"No Intel exec has said anything about any future Apple product, Atom processor or otherwise," an Intel spokesperson told AppleInsider. "I think that’s important to note as everyone speculates on future products from Apple."

Since ZDNet's original report hit the net, a couple of other publications on hand for Schwaderer's presentation have offered their interpretation of the events, which also appear to suggest that ZDNet's report was misleading.

An editor for Golem.de claims that he does not recall any mention of an iPhone tablet during the executives speech, while PCGamesHardware.de attests that a reference to an iPhone device was made, but only as an example of a product that could benefit from Atom.

Unfortunately, only 40 or so reporters were on hand for Schwaderer's presentation, AppleInsider has been told, and thus further first-hand accounts are likely to be limited.

Nevertheless, and regardless of misinterpretations this week, AppleInsider maintains that Apple is working on a iPhone-like mini tablet reminiscent of the Newton MessagePad that should surface in due time. [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ] (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=4072)

[DestructoTex]

... only 40 or so reporters were on hand for Schwaderer's presentation

Oh, dear God. Only 40 reporters, most of whom were presumably either taking notes or recording the presentation???? How EVER shall we learn what was really said? Clearly, none of the FORTY reporters could have possibly captured whether the comment was made or not.

:rolleyes:

[Kasper]

[QUOTE=... only 40 or so reporters were on hand for Schwaderer's presentation/QUOTE]

Oh, dear God. Only 40 reporters, most of whom were presumably either taking notes or recording the presentation???? How EVER shall we learn what was really said? Clearly, none of the FORTY reporters could have possibly captured whether the comment was made or not.

:rolleyes:

I'm working on it. It's a different time zone. A different language...We'll see if anything comes of it. It was my understanding that it was a 'party' too... So... ya know... not everyone may have been spot on...

K

[bdkennedy1]

I believe it was used as an example. ZDNet misconstrued what was said and jumped all over it.

I guess many companies don't take their journalism seriously these days. Every day I come across news articles with mistakes in spelling, grammar and accuracy.

[SpamSandwich]

Surely sources could be vetted before reporting them as fact, especially if there is a translation issue. :rolleyes:

Sounds like it's the fault of ZDNet in this case, but "rumors" are not facts. Everyone gets a black eye on this one.

[SpamSandwich]

I believe it was used as an example. ZDNet misconstrued what was said and jumped all over it.

I guess many companies don't take their journalism seriously these days. Every day I come across news articles with mistakes in spelling, grammar and accuracy.

I agree. There is no such thing as editorial control, nor is there basic 'quality control' in reportage these days. It's a bloody disgrace.

[Marvin]

"No Intel exec has said anything about any future Apple product, Atom processor or otherwise,"

Officially. ;) ;)

We know what you mean Intel and thanks for keeping us informed. :)

If Apple doesn't make a Newton 2.0, it will be disappointing though.

[SpamSandwich]

Officially. ;) ;)

We know what you mean Intel and thanks for keeping us informed. :)

If Apple doesn't make a Newton 2.0, it will be disappointing though.

I don't seriously anticipate a Newton-ish product from Apple at this point, it would merely dilute iPhone and Touch sales. There will be incremental improvements to iPhone, same kind of improvements that have made iPod a category leader.

[CREB]

People are under confidentiality agreements, and this makes for these awkward situations. There is no doubt that Apple is working on a tablet whether it comes to fruition is another matter.

[SpamSandwich]

If any such mystery product exists, Steve'll surely kill it now rather than have his thunder stolen by a loose-lipped Intel executive.

[Johnny Mozzarella]

I don't seriously anticipate a Newton-ish product from Apple at this point, it would merely dilute iPhone and Touch sales. There will be incremental improvements to iPhone, same kind of improvements that have made iPod a category leader.

Apple waited to introduce the iPhone until the iPod was firmly entrenched as the standard.
Apple will wait until the iPhone is clearly entrenched as the standard before it introduces any similar product that could fragment the market. However once the iPhone is in a dominant position, it is in Apple's best interest to push the platform in new directions and expand the markets it can address.

I don't expect to see a larger tablet for at least 1-2 years. By then developers will have built a large repository of software and services for the existing iPhone platform.

[EagerDragon]

"No Intel exec has said anything about any future Apple product, Atom processor or otherwise," an Intel spokesperson told AppleInsider".
Maybe that means the Intel exec is no longer with Intel, LOL.

So are they saying that ZdNet flat out lied?

Maybe the exec is no longer an exec and has to wear a black turtle neck shirt as punishment while he has to write on an iPhone 15,000 times ..... "I will never comment about Apple" (no copy paste).

[SpamSandwich]

Apple waited to introduce the iPhone until the iPod was firmly entrenched as the standard.
Apple will wait until the iPhone is clearly entrenched as the standard before it introduces any similar product that could fragment the market. However once the iPhone is in a dominant position, it is in Apple's best interest to push the platform in new directions and expand the markets it can address.

I don't expect to see a larger tablet for at least 1-2 years. By then developers will have built a large repository of software and services for the existing iPhone platform.

I think we're saying the same thing, Mr. Mozzarella. :D

[sapporobaby]

Ye ole head fake in action. Someone let the cat out of the bag a bit too soon or they wanted to gauge the market before final pricing is set.

[echosonic]

Officially. ;) ;)

We know what you mean Intel and thanks for keeping us informed. :)

If Apple doesn't make a Newton 2.0, it will be disappointing though.

i thought the iPhone WAS the newton 2.0?

Sure its a phone, but it is also the most awesome PDA I ever used...minus the handwriting thing, but who gives a toot about that?

[Bobo Decosta]

Nevertheless, and regardless of misinterpretations this week, AppleInsider maintains that Apple is working on a iPhone-like mini tablet reminiscent of the Newton MessagePad that should surface in due time.


Yeah, that's spirit! if you keep insisting it exists eventually they will it release it. It worked with the Mac mini, it worked with the iPhone 8-)

[PG4G]

In one of the other threads, a guy proves it was ZDnet's mistranslating what was said.

[Ireland]

If it wasn't true they'd have nothing to deny - therefore they just proved it true. :D

[Bigc]

Wow, ya mean reporters would make up something to make themselves look good and sell a story.... What has the world come to... :)

[Ireland]

I don't expect to see a larger tablet for at least 1-2 years. By then developers will have built a large repository of software and services for the existing iPhone platform.I don't know about about a whole 2 years, but I do agree with your thinking. I also think the reason we won't see the tablet until sometime in 2009 is for the simple reason that Apple is too busy to get it finished any time soon.

[Tofino]

Officially. ;) ;)


If Apple doesn't make a Newton 2.0, it will be disappointing though.

...and of course every time somebody calls a new tablet device by apple a 'Newton', Steve Jobs kills a fairy... :smokey:

[Tofino]

i thought the iPhone WAS the newton 2.0?

Sure its a phone, but it is also the most awesome PDA I ever used...minus the handwriting thing, but who gives a toot about that?

... not to mention 'copy & paste', a fax (i know i know... so 80s, but still useful), a spreadsheet/work processor/data base, an attachable keyboard (the horror!), and most importantly: the 'find elvis' feature...

[mdriftmeyer]

If it wasn't true they'd have nothing to deny - therefore they just proved it true. :D

I suggest you find Intel friends who know what they have and what they do for Apple.

[SpamSandwich]

...Steve Jobs kills a fairy... :smokey:

I thought Apple was supposed to be gay-friendly... :lol: I kid, I kid.

[8CoreWhore]

Why is it so difficult for some to realize that the iPhone is (after 2.0) the anticipated replacement of Newton? It doesn't have to be slightly bigger to qualify. And forget about the idea that the keyboard needs to be bigger etc. Blah. :rolleyes:

[PG4G]

And why is it so difficult for people to understand that this software update to the iPhone and Touch are not going to make it do the Word processing and computer functions you expect it to? There will be workarounds but no saving of stuff to outside the device or program is very much more restricted than you would be used to. (the only other exception would be the web- you can save to there)

[SpamSandwich]

Why is it so difficult for some to realize that the iPhone is (after 2.0) the anticipated replacement of Newton? It doesn't have to be slightly bigger to qualify. And forget about the idea that the keyboard needs to be bigger etc. Blah. :rolleyes:

Apple will continue to engineer the iPhone to have more control surface, yet it improve it's battery and computing "smarts".

[Ireland]

Why is it so difficult for some to realize that the iPhone is (after 2.0) the anticipated replacement of Newton? It doesn't have to be slightly bigger to qualify. And forget about the idea that the keyboard needs to be bigger etc. Blah. :rolleyes:

I agree.

[wizard69]

Why is it so difficult for some to realize that the iPhone is (after 2.0) the anticipated replacement of Newton? It doesn't have to be slightly bigger to qualify. And forget about the idea that the keyboard needs to be bigger etc. Blah. :rolleyes:
Oh but you are so wrong here. IPhone very much needs a larger screen there si no doubt in my mind. Not hugely larger mind you, we still want to pocket the thing. The trick is to keep the device manageable size wise while affording it storage in a suit pocket or a pants pocket.

By the way yes the larger size would immediately help the keyboard, you simply can't deny that. The thing is that is not the important element here, rather ii is the ability to better leverage the web and other apps. Simply put a larger screen is not needed for phone usage, but to fully leverage an iphone 2 a larger screen would help significantly.

Dave

[SpamSandwich]

Oh but you are so wrong here. IPhone very much needs a larger screen there si no doubt in my mind. Not hugely larger mind you, we still want to pocket the thing. The trick is to keep the device manageable size wise while affording it storage in a suit pocket or a pants pocket.

By the way yes the larger size would immediately help the keyboard, you simply can't deny that. The thing is that is not the important element here, rather ii is the ability to better leverage the web and other apps. Simply put a larger screen is not needed for phone usage, but to fully leverage an iphone 2 a larger screen would help significantly.

Dave

Perhaps increasing screen size with a clamshell phone that looks like a thinner version of the MacBook Air with two control surfaces is the next iteration of the iPhone. Keyboards could be split across the face, or if the screen were completely flexible, it could span both 'shells' as a one piece screen.

[NasserAE]

Why is it so difficult for some to realize that the iPhone is (after 2.0) the anticipated replacement of Newton? It doesn't have to be slightly bigger to qualify. And forget about the idea that the keyboard needs to be bigger etc. Blah. :rolleyes:

I know. I think any device between the screen size of the iPhone and say the MacBook screen is pointless. I am 100% sure that Apple is working on a tablet Mac and that the iPhone and the Air are results of that work.

Here is what I think. Apple MBA is somewhat a testing ground for the upcoming tablet in terms of weight, screen size, thickness, no media drive, and processor power. Now that MBA prove to be a success, Apple is closer to releasing the tablet computer. The new tablet will probably be very similar to MBA than the iPhone. Light weight, Aluminum case, very thin, iPod HDD, no DVD/CD drive, and touch screen of course. However, I wonder what Apple will decide for handwriting recognition now that SJ has criticized the stylus for mobile devices.

[SpamSandwich]

I know. I think any device between the screen size of the iPhone and say the MacBook screen is pointless. I am 100% sure that Apple is working on a tablet Mac and that the iPhone and the Air are results of that work.

Here is what I think. Apple MBA is somewhat a testing ground for the upcoming tablet in terms of weight, screen size, thickness, no media drive, and processor power. Now that MBA prove to be a success, Apple is closer to releasing the tablet computer. The new tablet will probably be very similar to MBA than the iPhone. Light weight, Aluminum case, very thin, iPod HDD, no DVD/CD drive, and touch screen of course. However, I wonder what Apple will decide for handwriting recognition now that SJ has criticized the stylus for mobile devices.

Like I said above, I think the next fruit of the MBA trial will be an iPhone design revision.

[Ireland]

I know. I think any device between the screen size of the iPhone and say the MacBook screen is pointless. I am 100% sure that Apple is working on a tablet Mac and that the iPhone and the Air are results of that work.

Here is what I think. Apple MBA is somewhat a testing ground for the upcoming tablet in terms of weight, screen size, thickness, no media drive, and processor power. Now that MBA prove to be a success, Apple is closer to releasing the tablet computer. The new tablet will probably be very similar to MBA than the iPhone. Light weight, Aluminum case, very thin, iPod HDD, no DVD/CD drive, and touch screen of course. However, I wonder what Apple will decide for handwriting recognition now that SJ has criticized the stylus for mobile devices.
Mac touch will have a SSD, and I suspect the screen size won't be quite 13.3"

[Randy]

i thought the iPhone WAS the newton 2.0?

Sure its a phone, but it is also the most awesome PDA I ever used...minus the handwriting thing, but who gives a toot about that?


Personally, I think handwriting recognition has it's place, especially in handhelds/tablets for taking fast notes, etc.

Not holding my breath, but kinda waiting for the new iPhones to get an iPhone to see if by some miracle it has handwriting recognition, well that and G3, voice dialing....

If Apple released a new iPhone and a tablet, I'd buy 2 of each the same day!!

[NasserAE]

Personally, I think handwriting recognition has it's place, especially in handhelds/tablets for taking fast notes, etc.

Not holding my breath, but kinda waiting for the new iPhones to get an iPhone to see if by some miracle it has handwriting recognition, well that and G3, voice dialing....

If Apple released a new iPhone and a tablet, I'd buy 2 of each the same day!!

There have been some reports of handwriting recognition software being developed using the SDK, you have to use your finger to write though. Voice dialing can be developed using the SDK as well not a big deal.

[NasserAE]

Mac touch will have a SSD, and I suspect the screen size won't be quite 13.3"

13.3" is a reasonable size for writing (almost the Letter size). For handwriting recognition to work effectively and efficiently you will need bigger screen. To give you an idea, 5X7 is 8.6" and the 13.3" screen size is a familiar size for Apple.

[Marvin]

Why is it so difficult for some to realize that the iPhone is (after 2.0) the anticipated replacement of Newton? It doesn't have to be slightly bigger to qualify. And forget about the idea that the keyboard needs to be bigger etc. Blah. :rolleyes:

There is still a missing product. The iphone is too small for say doctors who walk around talking to patients and having to carry clipboards and a laptop is too awkward, current tablets are too clumsy and heavy.

Students who take notes in class where a laptop and iphone don't suffice.

Store managers that walk around checking stocks or whatever.

There are so many uses for a lightweight, powerful, stable, wifi, touch slate.

I could see it competing with the Macbook Air though depending on the implementation. I actually think the MBA was the perfect product to make a slate out of. Imagine if they had taken away the keyboard and put the display directly onto the machine. It would be even thinner than it is now and it would have been a really unique ultra-portable.

Perhaps MBA 2.0 will be the Newton once they refine the touch interaction with OS X. Multi-touch trackpads are just the training wheels.

[Olternaut]

If any such mystery product exists, Steve'll surely kill it now rather than have his thunder stolen by a loose-lipped Intel executive.

I know right?!!! :mad: Thanks moronic intel exec with the loose lips!! :mad:

[NasserAE]

By the way, Apple just posted WWDC schedule. Interesting is how many "Session To Be Announced" are there! is that common in previous WWDCs?

[SpamSandwich]

By the way, Apple just posted WWDC schedule. Interesting is how many "Session To Be Announced" are there! is that common in previous WWDCs?

Interesting.

[Chris_CA]

http://eshop.macsales.com/Customized_Pages/modbook/modbook_info_p1.html

[vinea]

There is still a missing product. The iphone is too small for say doctors who walk around talking to patients and having to carry clipboards and a laptop is too awkward, current tablets are too clumsy and heavy.


They've moved from slates to convertibles because handwriting recognition and doctor's scribbles = receptionist re-keying everythng anyway. Might as well just use paper.

Now the docs TYPE what they mean on the convertible tablet and everyone can actually read it AND they get the ease of form fill out for everything else. It's a little awkward but until handwriting or voice recognition works 100% without say...mixing up two drug names...keyboards are desireable.

Whether the virtual keyboard is okay for such short notes is arguable. I think perhaps but the dictionary (word completion) has to be tailored for medical use.

I think a MBA convertible would be perfect.

[Ireland]

I know right?!!! :mad: Thanks moronic intel exec with the loose lips!! :mad:

Chill Bill, take a pill.

[wolfkasper]

Think of an iPhone-like, slate-sized (A5) tablet Mac! It would make a lot of things look obsolete in no time at all, e.g. schoolbooks etc. I bet it's in the workings.

[MacRonin]

Is it to much to ask for a "Star Trek" multi-touch slate tablet (BlueTooth & WiFi, no 3G) from Apple, capable of running the iSuite of Apple software (standard Apple OS X apps like Safari, Mail, Preview, etc.; plus iLife and iWork); and can I get that bundled with a new iPhone nano (BlueTooth & 3G, no WiFi) that will tether to the tablet via BlueTooth as needed…?!?

[Ireland]

Think of an iPhone-like, slate-sized (A5) tablet Mac! It would make a lot of things look obsolete in no time at all, e.g. schoolbooks etc. I bet it's in the workings.
So you agree with us then?

[Ireland]

Is it to much to ask for a "Star Trek" multi-touch slate tablet (BlueTooth & WiFi, no 3G) from Apple, capable of running the iSuite of Apple software (standard Apple OS X apps like Safari, Mail, Preview, etc.; plus iLife and iWork); and can I get that bundled with a new iPhone nano (BlueTooth & 3G, no WiFi) that will tether to the tablet via BlueTooth as needed…?!?

tethered? Are you mad? :D

[Olternaut]

Is it to much to ask for a "Star Trek" multi-touch slate tablet (BlueTooth & WiFi, no 3G) from Apple, capable of running the iSuite of Apple software (standard Apple OS X apps like Safari, Mail, Preview, etc.; plus iLife and iWork); and can I get that bundled with a new iPhone nano (BlueTooth & 3G, no WiFi) that will tether to the tablet via BlueTooth as needed…?!?

Nope. Not unreasonable at all.....and I'm not being sarcastic.
Oh, and don't forget to incorporate an AMOLED display while your at it! And don't give me that Samsung hasn't gotten production up to economies of scale backtalk neither Mr. Jobs! :grumble:

[Sam Damon]

I view this dustup as Apple-strength spin control, pure and simple. Enough people at Intel probably remember what happened to ATI after an ATI guy leaked details on a graphics processor just before a Stevenote of some variety. Intel's people apparently want to save this guy's job, not to mention any processor or chip deals which may or may not exist. :lol:

Now that Steve has PA Semi, he could put a Power PC chip into something, anything Apple makes, just to enforce "His Steveness." I don't think this is likely, but...

Of course, this being Steve, he's crazy enough to do precisely that.

[Ireland]

Nope. Not unreasonable at all.....and I'm not being sarcastic.
Oh, and don't forget to incorporate an AMOLED display while your at it! And don't give me that Samsung hasn't gotten production up to economies of scale backtalk neither Mr. Jobs! :grumble:

Don't make things complex OLED

[mdriftmeyer]

By the way, Apple just posted WWDC schedule. Interesting is how many "Session To Be Announced" are there! is that common in previous WWDCs?

Yes. That is quite common.

[Ireland]

Yes. That is quite common.
LOL. Careful, you just crushed their dreams :lol:

[MacRonin]

tethered? Are you mad? :D

I suppose you will think me truly mad when I say it should have SSD, and NO ports whatsoever!

All connectivity is either WiFi, BlueTooth or wireless USB. Isn't there a protocol for providing wireless power?

So you have a sealed slate tablet with zero moving parts…

And if you want to go crazy, I can tell you how I think the iPhone nano should be a wrist mounted device (like a watch, yes) with built-in video conferencing & bundled BlueTooth stereo headphones/microphone thingie…

:smokey:

And about those Snowcrash 'gargoyle' sunglasses…

[Ireland]

I suppose you will think me truly mad when I say it should have SSD, and NO ports whatsoever!

All connectivity is either WiFi, BlueTooth or wireless USB. Isn't there a protocol for providing wireless power?

So you have a sealed slate tablet with zero moving parts...

Yes, as the rest on the rear will be a moving part. Push it in to pop it out, and rest the Mac touch on a desk at a comfortable angle for typing and looking at the screen at the same time.

The "moving" rest will work similar to this touch bin lid:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZE5jIckXL._SS400_.jpg

[MacRonin]

Yes, as the rest on the rear will be a moving part. Push it in to pop it out, and rest the Mac touch on a desk at a comfortable angle for typing and looking at the screen at the same time.

The "moving" rest will work similar to this touch bin lid:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZE5jIckXL._SS400_.jpg

For such use, it would either be sitting in a 'dock' (next to the couch/easy chair, functioning as a home automation controller/media center controller/digital picture frame/etc., inserted into an iMac-esque larger display (like in the patent filings) or propped up with the built-in rest provided with the DayPlanner-esque holder that contains both slate tablet & wireless BlueTooth keyboard…

Now if I could pop the iPhone nano out of my wrist mount and use it as wireless BlueTooth mouse…

[THT]

By the way, Apple just posted WWDC schedule. Interesting is how many "Session To Be Announced" are there! is that common in previous WWDCs?

Yes. Sometimes they are sessions for just announced features during the keynote and sometimes they are repeat sessions depending on popularity.

[nvidia2008]

By the end of the year, presumably there will be, I predict IMHO, a tablet-esque thing somewhere between a MacBook and an iPhone/iPod Touch... Ye ol' Mac Touch or something like that. Maybe in time for X'Mas holiday shopping madness. It may or may not have WiMax/ 3G etc... 8-):D

[jido]

The "moving" rest will work similar to this touch bin lid:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZE5jIckXL._SS400_.jpg

Lol, now we have a place to keep our speculative dreams. How do you operate this? :lol:

[Ireland]

Lol, now we have a place to keep our speculative dreams. How do you operate this?
That's funny. Seriously though, the touch lid is a perfect example for a rest design on the back of a tablet computer, to enable the tablet computer to be used in the real world. That's what I'm discussing here. A rest on the rear that can pop out and pop in with a touch. It's a legitimate design implementation for a rear rest, particularly for an Apple tablet "Mac touch" computer.

The designer of that bin is a millionaire for a good reason, it's a good design. That's what I'm proposing, good design.

[MacRonin]

That's funny. Seriously though, the touch lid is a perfect example for a rest design on the back of a tablet computer, to enable the tablet computer to be used in the real world. That's what I'm discussing here. A rest on the rear that can pop out and pop in with a touch. It's a legitimate design implementation for a rear rest, particularly for an Apple tablet "Mac touch" computer.

The designer of that bin is a millionaire for a good reason, it's a good design. That's what I'm proposing, good design.

See, here's the thing…

All I see is a static (non-moving) image, nothing to show HOW the lid actually works!

Got a link of actual moving images?

[Ireland]

See, here's the thing…

All I see is a static (non-moving) image, nothing to show HOW the lid actually works!

Got a link of actual moving images?
I wish I did, I had looked and looked.

You push the dip in the lid (sometimes these dips are not much bigger than the iPhone's home button) and the lid pops up. To close the lid, you push it back in again. It's that simple.

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/br/brabantia-50-litre-chrome-touch-bin-.jpg

For the Mac touch you could reach over the top of the screen from the front, feel the dip and push in while bringing the tablet down towards the flat surface (i.e. a desk) and the rest would pop out to support the tablet perfectly. When you are finished you could lift the tablet back up again (thanks to the gap made by the rest) and use your hand to squeeze the rest back into its closed position. The whole point of this system is all about practicality. The Mac touch won't be made unless it's actually practical, which is why I suggest this idea. It would be one if the tablet's defining characters.

[MacRonin]

I wish I did, I had looked and looked.

You push the dip in the lid (sometimes these dips are not much bigger than the iPhone's home button) and the lid pops up. To close the lid, you push it back in again. It's that simple.

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/br/brabantia-50-litre-chrome-touch-bin-.jpg

For the Mac touch you could reach over the top of the screen from the front, feel the dip and push in while bringing the tablet down towards the flat surface (i.e. a desk) and the rest would pop out to support the tablet perfectly. When you are finished you could lift the tablet back up again (thanks to the gap made by the rest) and use your hand to squeeze the rest back into its closed position. The whole point of this system is all about practicality. The Mac touch won't be made unless it's actually practical, which is why I suggest this idea. It would be one if the tablet defining characters.

I have to say, i don't really like the idea.

Extra bulk on the back and moving parts, takes away from the sealed aspect of (my) conceptualized tablet…

I would think the main time one would want the unit in a semi-vertical position would be when you wee using a wireless keyboard with it. For that, I would have a Day Planner sort of binder that holds both tablet & keyboard, with a built in stand.

And while you are thinking of mentioning "what about when I watch a movie?", think about how folks currently do so with the iPod/iPhone lines that support video… Most usually are seated when watching, have their unit in their hands, which are in their lap and are looking down into their lap at the video…

Also, I am sure Apple would make a svelte dock for the tablet, if you were already carrying around a wireless keyboard (and assuming you were not using a binder to hold the tablet & keyboard) you could also toss the dock into your bag…

[Ireland]

I have to say, i don't really like the idea.

Extra bulk on the back
This design is to avoid extra bulk. With a device 13 or 14 mm this little rest would fit in no problem, and would be flush with the back and practically unnoticeable.

[Ireland]

Also, I am sure Apple would make a svelte dock for the tablet, if you were already carrying around a wireless keyboard (and assuming you were not using a binder to hold the tablet & keyboard) you could also toss the dock into your bag…
Or you could just buy a notebook. You want a real keyboard and an upright position the notebook is what you want. This is a different concept for a different market.

And as I said before I too expect a dock, but I think this dock will be for syncing the Mac touch with the user's desktop (or notebook). And possibly as a bonus you could dock it to use your Mac touch as a digital-picture-frame while docked and charging (or simply not in use) by your desk.

In short; it could be put in a dock (which it will likely ship with) or used with a wireless keyboard, but none of these two things will be taken with you. The Mac touch will be designed to be used by itself, which is why I suggest this built-in, simple-yet-sleek pop-out rest. I think it will need something like this.