Poor bets placed on Apple taking dual tablet route in September

[AppleInsider]

Analysts and industry-watchers alike are constantly scraping the barrel for details on Apple's forthcoming tablet-based device but are consistently missing the mark, AppleInsider has been told.

The latest example came by way of Richard Doherty, a director at market researcher for Envisioneering Group, who recently told BusinessWeek that Apple is working on two different versions of its multi-touch tablet.

More specifically, Doherty said one resembles a large-sized iPod with a 6-inch screen, while the second sports an even larger display. He added that Apple could launch both devices as early as September, a decision which he said rests in the hands of chief executive Steve Jobs.

This information, however, is far from accurate, according to people who've long been familiar with company's plans to redefine the market for portable computing with a slate-like device akin to a modern day Newton MessagePad.

These same people maintain that Apple is working on a single 10-inch device which will launch no earlier than the first calendar quarter of next year, which runs January through March.

For more on Apple's tablet plans, see:

Up next for Apple: the return of the Newton - Sept. 2007
Sources: Apple Newton-tablet not ripe for Macworld - Jan. 2008
Apple's much-anticipated tablet device coming early next year - July 2009

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[digitalclips]

Isn't reporting on reports that scrape the barrel ... scraping the barrel?

[krreagan]

I wonder how much of this is misdirection on Apple's part.

It would seem to be in their interest to keep the rumor mills churning and churning... to keep the interest up at a fever pitch. To this end, I think Apple has been leaking incorrect information. Else everyone (including AI) is totally full of crap. (a high probability)

Look at the wide range of estimates on just about every point (6" or 10"- one or two devices- OSX or iPhoneOS...) I think Apple is orchestrating all this (and probably does with each new release) and it also smoothers any real information that might actually leak out. Everyone knows something is coming, so keep the interest up by seeding the rumors with all kinds of (valid/invalid) information.

KRR

PS. The reality distortion field is on full power! Captain!

[digitalclips]

Originally Posted by krreagan

I wonder how much of this is misdirection on Apple's part.

It would seem to be in their interest to keep the rumor mills churning and churning... to keep the interest up at a fever pitch. To this end, I think Apple has been leaking incorrect information. Else everyone (including AI) is totally full of crap. (a high probability)

Look at the wide range of estimates on just about every point (6" or 10"- one or two devices- OSX or iPhoneOS...) I think Apple is orchestrating all this (and probably does with each new release) and it also smoothers any real information that might actually leak out. Everyone knows something is coming, so keep the interest up by seeding the rumors with all kinds of (valid/invalid) information.

KRR

PS. The reality distortion field is on full power! Captain!

I have absolutely no idea one way or the other but IMHO I doubt Apple have to do anything in the way of creating rumors. I have never been a conspiracy theory type

[AjitMD]

It is good that secrecy is generating all this distortion field... even though Apple may not be doing this directly. Keeps competitors like Palm, MSFT off their balance... keeps them day late and dollar short!

[camroidv27]

We will find out when we find out. Why is this a big deal anyhow? Apple sure must love all the free marketing by their own secrecy.

That said. If the tablet runs the iPhone OS X, I don't think it would do too well since it would be a large device with no real keyboard. iPhone is a good size for a palmtop device.
If it uses its own new version of OS X, I'm sure that'll make developers happy.
My hope is that it uses Snow Leopard. That would make sense to let us use the device as a regular computer.
My guess, is the first. How disappointing.

Eh, but why would I care, I won't be buying the thing. Its fun to watch everyone else guess about Apple too. That and to voice the other side are really the only reasons I come here.

[rollingon4]

Originally Posted by krreagan

I wonder how much of this is misdirection on Apple's part.

It would seem to be in their interest to keep the rumor mills churning and churning... to keep the interest up at a fever pitch. To this end, I think Apple has been leaking incorrect information. Else everyone (including AI) is totally full of crap. (a high probability)

Look at the wide range of estimates on just about every point (6" or 10"- one or two devices- OSX or iPhoneOS...) I think Apple is orchestrating all this (and probably does with each new release) and it also smoothers any real information that might actually leak out. Everyone knows something is coming, so keep the interest up by seeding the rumors with all kinds of (valid/invalid) information.

KRR

PS. The reality distortion field is on full power! Captain!

Agreed, the rumour mill is the best PR Apple could wish for, nobody can generate pre-lease hype like Apple and if they aren't fuelling I'd be greatly suprised.

[chronster]

Originally Posted by digitalclips

Isn't reporting on reports that scrape the barrel ... scraping the barrel?

It's scraping the ground the barrel was rumored to sit on at some point in time.

[bdkennedy1]

The small tablet is probably going to run the App Store which is probably why Apple is building that server farm. If they start on it now, then it can be build by the time the tablet launches next year.

[Abster2core]

Off topic

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Abster2core

OFF TOPIC

Great article on Snow Leopard

OFF TOPIC. Then why did you post the damn post. Please, use that mushy brain of yours next time.

[digitalclips]

Originally Posted by Ireland

OFF TOPIC. Then why did you post the damn post. Please, use that mushy brain of yours next time.

Are you what is referred to in US speak as 'A piece of work' ...?

[Ireland]

There will be one tablet, the base model will cost $999 (around 64GB SSD), it will have a 10.1" LCD screen, it will run Mac OS X touch, it will replace the MacBook (later in the year Apple will revoke the use of "Pro" in the MacBook lineup altogether). It will be demoed at CES 2010 or at a March 2010 Apple event. It will be targeted squarely at the consumer electronics market, but it will have full-blown computer capabilities. It will run a touch based version of Snow Leopard. It will not have a physical keyboard. It will contain a built-in rest on the back of the device. It will change the computer industry forever.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by digitalclips

Are you what is referred to in US speak as 'A piece of work' ...?

Can't blame me for someone deliberately posting an OFF TOPIC post on an article, and having the brawn to call it OFF TOPIC. If it's off topic then we don't need to here about it in this post.

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by Ireland

Can't blame me for someone deliberately posting an OFF TOPIC post on an article, and having the brawn to call it OFF TOPIC. If it's off topic then we don't need to here about it in this post.

Straying off-topic can sometimes lead to something interesting. Not that that particular post seemed to be headed anywhere, but...

[al_bundy]

Originally Posted by digitalclips

I have absolutely no idea one way or the other but IMHO I doubt Apple have to do anything in the way of creating rumors. I have never been a conspiracy theory type

it's part of modern marketing

you create rumors and then monitor the internet for what people say about it to see the interest level and opinion. Technorati and others have been doing it for years.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by anonymouse

Straying off-topic can sometimes lead to something interesting. Not that that particular post seemed to be headed anywhere, but...

It is also against posting guidelines, and for good reason. That reminds me, the most nutritious part of the kiwi is the skin. Flavonoids and all that good stuff, but that's completely off topic, excuse me while I choose the correct forum to post my post.

If you want to talk about Snow Leopard there's a Mac OS forum especially for you.

[Dick Applebaum]

I've finally figured out what Apple should call this new category/game changer:

Handy



Don't laugh, it grows on you!

[Ireland]

Conspiracy theories are for people with too much time in their hands. My thinking is watch what Apple does, not what they say. They lie constantly. When it comes to rumors, a good rule of thumb is to go with your gut and intelligence, and disregard most rumors outright. When it came to phones it was obvious Apple was going to make one, they sort of had no choice. The tablet situation isn't so clear, so you need to feel the thing out a bit more, and use even more gut. Apple like to lead the way, and from the best information our there, the iPhone came from tablet prototypes and R&D. I just get this feeling it's 100% real, and I've learned to trust such strong feelings in the past. 10.1" is the best size for this device, for many reasons, not the least of which, it clearly distinguishes it from the 3.5" iPhone, which my bet is something Apple will be desperate to do. They want to make this as clear as possible. This is not simply a bigger iPhone, it's a touch-screen Mac. From a marketing POV this distinction is HUGE.

[randythot]

Originally Posted by al_bundy

it's part of modern marketing

you create rumors and then monitor the internet for what people say about it to see the interest level and opinion. Technorati and others have been doing it for years.

I agree. If they are willing to use a hated journalist as the means to share Steve Jobs' health issues, they can "seed" prototype closed viewings to prompt rumors. This can be misdirection of the public, simultaneously, misdirection of competitors, and a light form of focus groups, since Apple doesn't really use them.

[NeilM]

Originally Posted by chronster

It's scraping the ground the barrel was rumored to sit on at some point in time.

If there ever was a barrel, which we're neither confirming nor denying at this time.

[vinney57]

Originally Posted by Ireland

There will be one tablet, the base model will cost $999 (around 64GB SSD), it will have a 10.1" LCD screen, it will run Mac OS X touch, it will replace the MacBook (later in the year Apple will revoke the use of "Pro" in the MacBook lineup altogether). It will be demoed at CES 2010 or at a March 2010 Apple event. It will be targeted squarely at the consumer electronics market, but it will have full-blown computer capabilities. It will run a touch based version of Snow Leopard. It will not have a physical keyboard. It will contain a built-in rest on the back of the device. It will change the computer industry forever.

Yeah I would go along with that. All perfectly logical. The kicker however; the 'Appleness' of it will likely be some new twist on services/connectivity.

[randythot]

I've been thinking the 10" diagonal screen size pretty nicely fits a half-sheet of Letter Size paper, at 5.5" x 8.5", and has a close enough ratio for a widescreen with controls at the bottom with slim letterboxing. The ratio for 5.5 x 8.5 = 1.55, versus 16:9, which is a 1.78.

[zunx]

The key points are a device as light (400 g or less would be great) and small (pocketable or so would rock) as possible. The MacBook Air is too heavy and too large, besides not having essential ports.

Add video-out and USB2 ports to the Apple Tablet and it will be awesome, as long as it runs Mac OS X (not the OS X of the iPhone/iPod touch) for full blown Keynote and PowerPoint presentations on videoprojectors via the video-out port, using USB-based remote control for the presentation.

That alone will sell millions worldwide on the corporate, education and domestic markets, besides creating a tremendous halo effect for Apple to sell more stuff like Macs, iPhones and iPods.

We need thousands of such Apple Tablet for our University. Even at 1,000 to 2,000 USD.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by Ireland

There will be one tablet, ..... It will run a touch based version of Snow Leopard. ....

Huh!? Snow Leopard certainly seems more on-topic than kiwi fruit.

Talk about irony.....

[gmcalpin]

Originally Posted by zunx

as long as it runs Mac OS X (not the OS X of the iPhone/iPod touch) for full blown Keynote and PowerPoint presentations on videoprojectors via the video-out port, using USB-based remote control for the presentation.

They could make an app for that.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

Huh!? Snow Leopard certainly seems more on-topic than kiwi fruit.

Talk about irony.....

I get your sarcasm, you missed mine.

[night9hawk]

Originally Posted by krreagan

I wonder how much of this is misdirection on Apple's part.

It would seem to be in their interest to keep the rumor mills churning and churning... to keep the interest up at a fever pitch. To this end, I think Apple has been leaking incorrect information. Else everyone (including AI) is totally full of crap. (a high probability)

Look at the wide range of estimates on just about every point (6" or 10"- one or two devices- OSX or iPhoneOS...) I think Apple is orchestrating all this (and probably does with each new release) and it also smoothers any real information that might actually leak out. Everyone knows something is coming, so keep the interest up by seeding the rumors with all kinds of (valid/invalid) information.

KRR

PS. The reality distortion field is on full power! Captain!

My all-time favorite Apple rumor was one that came out a few years ago on one of the more disreputable Apple rumor sites. It claimed that Apple was preparing to release a new type of mouse at the upcoming MacWorld NY convention. The mouse was supposedly shaped like a human foot and they even posted a very crude drawing of what the mouse was to look like. (It looked like one of those plaster casts of a Bigfoot footprint.) Compared to that nonsense today's rumors about the tablet are like gold.

[randythot]

Originally Posted by zunx

The key points are a device as light (400 g or less would be great) and small (pocketable or so would rock) as possible. The MacBook Air is too heavy and too large, besides not having essential ports.

Add video-out and USB2 ports to the Apple Tablet and it will be awesome, as long as it runs Mac OS X (not the OS X of the iPhone/iPod touch) for full blown Keynote and PowerPoint presentations on videoprojectors via the video-out port, using USB-based remote control for the presentation.

That alone will sell millions worldwide on the corporate, education and domestic markets, besides creating a tremendous halo effect for Apple to sell more stuff like Macs, iPhones and iPods.

We need thousands of such Apple Tablet for our University. Even at 1,000 to 2,000 USD.

Originally Posted by gmcalpin

They could make an app for that.

Although running powerpoint might not be as difficult, in my experience with Keynote, that program is a resource hog (processor, graphics, and memory). Of course, not as much as other programs, but relative to the scale of a touchpad device. Even if the pad has VGA out, I would imagine supporting those apps fully would be too power hungry. Small reader apps seems more likely.

Also, regarding weight, I do want some battery life for the screen (which I hope is OLED, but if it makes the 2nd generation product, I would understand), so I would be happy with a 500-700 gram product. That's still in the weight of a hardcover book range, which is probably a good perceived weight standard.

[randythot]

Originally Posted by Dick Applebaum

I've finally figured out what Apple should call this new category/game changer:

Handy



Don't laugh, it grows on you!

OK. Anyone seen the cartoon episode of the Tick, where he fights Handy the hand puppet and the giant (spoof of Juggernaut)?

BTW, no disrespect to Pens fans, but honestly, the name...

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by camroidv27

... If the tablet runs the iPhone OS X, I don't think it would do too well since it would be a large device with no real keyboard. ... My hope is that it uses Snow Leopard. That would make sense to let us use the device as a regular computer. ...

You couldn't be more wrong here.

The whole point of the device is that it's going to redefine what a "regular computer" is. You are making the same argument here that all the old command line geezers did when computers with GUI's started making headlines. It's also the same argument people made when laptops came out and didn't have "proper" keyboards or mice.

There already are and have been for some time tablet computers that use regular "desktop" OS's in both Windows and OS-X varieties. They are not that popular and have a lot of problems associated with their use. A tablet running regular "desktop" OS-X would likely be a failure as well.

Why would Apple spend all this time developing a completely separate version of OS-X that is specifically designed to be used with finger actuated, capacitive based, touch-screens and then release a new tablet product that uses that same hardware, but the old "desktop" version of the OS? Why would they confuse things by putting out some kind of hybrid "middle" variant between the two?

There is nothing missing from the iPhone version of OS-X that would stand in the way of it being an excellent choice for a tablet. The only mystery to me is how they are going to handle the obvious desire for pen input, or if they will just leave it out.

[Shaun, UK]

AppleInsider has certainly nailed it's nuts to the post on this one!

I still think there will be a 5-7" screen size iPod Touch in October and then possibly a 10" MBP Tablet in Jan/Feb 2010, but like everyone else I'm just guessing.

[randythot]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

The only mystery to me is how they are going to handle the obvious desire for pen input, or if they will just leave it out.

Virgil, I agree with the rest of your post, but if the screen is capacitive touch, the pen would need to be brass or conductive? Plus, won't the easiest solution, ala Jobs, is use your finger? No lost styli!

[AppleBiter]

With regard to rumor-mongering and rampant speculation - did anyone accurately predict iPhone before it came out?

I know there were speculations about an Apple phone. And rumors of an internet device. I just don't remember anybody nailing it back then.

Anyone predict iPhone accurately, or was everyone as surprised as I was?

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by randythot

Virgil, I agree with the rest of your post, but if the screen is capacitive touch, the pen would need to be brass or conductive? Plus, won't the easiest solution, ala Jobs, is use your finger? No lost styli!

The accuracy of the finger leaves much to be desired. I don't think they would leave an obvious market for a tablet untapped, so I am also curious about what they are going to do.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by zunx

The key points are a device as light (400 g or less would be great) and small (pocketable or so would rock) as possible. The MacBook Air is too heavy and too large, besides not having essential ports.

Add video-out and USB2 ports to the Apple Tablet and it will be awesome, as long as it runs Mac OS X (not the OS X of the iPhone/iPod touch) for full blown Keynote and PowerPoint presentations on videoprojectors via the video-out port, using USB-based remote control for the presentation.

That alone will sell millions worldwide on the corporate, education and domestic markets, besides creating a tremendous halo effect for Apple to sell more stuff like Macs, iPhones and iPods.

We need thousands of such Apple Tablet for our University. Even at 1,000 to 2,000 USD.

You have no idea at all do you?

All you can think of for uses for a tablet is that if it had "video out" you could use it for PowerPoint? First off, of course it will have video out, the very presence of the iPod dock connector assures that. Secondly, if the thing is connecting to a projector, and you are walking around a room with a USB control, how is that any different from any computer invented since the early 90's? Third, if you are actually expecting the thing to have a VGA port or some such nonsense, please slap yourself in the face.

You talk about the MacBook Air as being "heavy"?? WTF?

By all accounts one of the most imaginative, interesting and new products in the last decade is about to come out, and this is the limit of your imagination for uses for it? To run a dumb-ass Powerpoint presentation? No one at my University is going to buy one for that, and Apple won't sell "millions" if that's the only use the thing has.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by Shaun, UK

AppleInsider has certainly nailed it's nuts to the post on this one!

I still think there will be a 5-7" screen size iPod Touch in October and then possibly a 10" MBP Tablet in Jan/Feb 2010, but like everyone else I'm just guessing.

I personally feel that would be very un-Apple like. I don't think they are going to purposely confuse their customers with two tablets running different operating systems.

[Boogerman2000]

Originally Posted by Ireland

There will be one tablet, the base model will cost $999 (around 64GB SSD), it will have a 10.1" LCD screen, it will run Mac OS X touch, it will replace the MacBook (later in the year Apple will revoke the use of "Pro" in the MacBook lineup altogether). It will be demoed at CES 2010 or at a March 2010 Apple event. It will be targeted squarely at the consumer electronics market, but it will have full-blown computer capabilities. It will run a touch based version of Snow Leopard. It will not have a physical keyboard. It will contain a built-in rest on the back of the device. It will change the computer industry forever.

The iPhone/iPod touch already changed the computer industry forever, but I agree in that a tablet will again redefine computing. I believe this is especially true with regards to education . Some say the tablet will fail, I believe it will be a success on the same scale as the iPhone, with even greater potential. Not so sure about that built in rest though.. Not apple's style, but you never know.

That said, it will most likely have some sort of stylus.

[Macintosh LC]

I just wanted to throw my two cents worth in...

I cannot for the life of me remember who it was from Apple if it was Mr. Jobs himself or another guy. But, Apple did admit that recently if not before they started throwing out false information about upcoming new devices, releases of OS etc. the reason was because of the fact that too many leaks about the real stuff they were about to go public with was happening.

My understanding was that some of the media got the bogus information to help Apple prevent the public and or competitors from really knowing what they were going to bring out next until they were ready. Too many times in the past leaks were getting out that stole the fun from Apple introducing us to something new rather if were exciting or not. Typically, Apple will provide release information well enough in advance to generate enough interests or buzz to help sell their product. However, due to the leaks and before Apple was ready to release a few companies may get a head start on something that Apple is working on... It is Apple's way to weed out the leakers.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by randythot

Virgil, I agree with the rest of your post, but if the screen is capacitive touch, the pen would need to be brass or conductive? Plus, won't the easiest solution, ala Jobs, is use your finger? No lost styli!

There is an absolutely wild patent that Apple has where they use infrared sensors together with the capacitance sensors to detect "hand shapes" as your hands hover over the screen. In this scenario to switch to pen input, you put your hand like you are holding an "air pen" and the computer detects that and switches modes.

This would be brilliant of course, but to me it's so "science-fictiony" that I have trouble believing that it will actually work or that the patent isn't just some speculative thing like the one where they use a regular LCD as a camera.

Steve Jobs hates styluses, (but then he hates a lot of things), so maybe this will happen, but I'm not really certain at all and will be interested to see what they do. It seems to me that all other solutions are going to require some kind of stylus which will inevitably get lost.

If it works, this could be revolutionary. Moving around documents with your fingers, and then "writing" on them with either an air pen or any chopstick, french-fry, or pocky that's handy (if you have trouble making the gesture) would be the "Jesus interface" IMO. I've just had my Apple-dreams shattered so many times before that I refuse to get too involved with the idea until it seems more likely.