That's cause they are cheaper to buy, they are iPods, and everyone needs a phone. Not everyone needs a Mac portable, but for those of us who already have a BIG desktop Mac or P.C., a 10" or 11" Mac touch would be a sweet complement to that set-up, and will allow us to take a couple of our projects with us to work on them whenever we get the time. Carrying around a notebook "that" much is inconceivable, but carrying a small, light, extremely thin Mac touch tablet with a decent amount of screen real-estate will be perfect. I think the Mac touch was a long time coming, and I'd say it's a good bet it'll be released in 2008.
Once again, having a very large desktop screen, and an extremely light, compact-portable (with even no keyboard taking up space) , is the perfect solution for many people including myself I think. For someone with a notebook it's probably not the best solution, but for "everyone" with a desktop it would be "sweet".
Any later and I would've died, Ireland. Melgross took the hopefulness right out of me, haha. You should continue with your thoughts, even though you've stated them all before.
I also think that tablets, in a full size form, have limited usefulness.
Admittedly, tablets, as exemplified by Windows machines, are far from being ideal.
But, I also think there is a reason for why we see 6 to 8 pound machines.
People are just not ready to abandon their keyboards. So therefore, manufacturers include both. This makes machines thicker, and heavier, as well as mechanically more complex, than they would otherwise need to be.
There is no guarantee that Apple could convince a mass of people to abandon their keyboards either, even with a large multi-touch one.
I can also tell you that the idea of tablets, where you crook the tablet onto your forearm, and do your thing, is VERY tiring. So, people ask, "Why bother?"
So far, tablets have not managed to rise above the 0.5% level in overall computer purchases. Apple would have to figure out something VERY special in order to break through that lack of interest.
If anyone can make a full blown tablet with a keyboard that is light, compact, and the size and weight of a titanium powerbook it's Apple.
If anyone can make a full blown tablet with a keyboard that is light, compact, and the size and weight of a titanium powerbook it's Apple.
Forget the keyboard. That's what's killing the tablets. It needs to be a break with the past. Otherwise, people don't see the point of using the screen. They just continue using the keyboard, because that's what they know.
Sigh! I have to leave now. It's an interesting discussion.
What's your obsession with this keyboard? If you want a keyboard, get a "notebook". You're "clearly" missing the point of this device.
So waht is the point of the device? A bigger phone? A PDA?
You clearly need to pull your head out. What apps are you going to use with a key-screen? the iPhone is living proof that keyboard on screen is obviously in the way. This has been talked to death in other threads, and voted on. You know you lost it already so why bother keeping your argument?
Too small. Try to type several paragraphs of information.
Where are the drawing programs that engineers use?
I agree about the size and productivity but I'm not sure if that is enough reason to pursue this product.
The various apps will come with the SDK.
Quote:
Forget the keyboard. That's what's killing the tablets.
Yeah the whole purpose of this is to use without a keyboard. This would be new to most consumers, which is why I called it a new form factor.
Quote:
Apple's interface for the phone and Touch are mitigated by the fact that there is no stylus. Therefore, no fine selecting is possible. The interface is itself a compromise. It isn't so much a virtue.
After using the iPhone for 5 months now. Multi-touch seems to favor a certain part of your finger or thumb. After using it long enough you come to understand the part of your finger that it responds best to and it becomes effortless to use.
I agree about the size and productivity but I'm not sure if that is enough reason to pursue this product.
The various apps will come with the SDK.
Yeah the whole purpose of this is to use without a keyboard. This would be new to most consumers, which is why I called it a new form factor.
Even with more apps, you can't be as productive. And productivity is a major thing, and I believe it's a fair reason to pursue such product. Whatever it is.
Forbes recently had a VERY interesting article as to why Japanese are not buying computers as much as they used to, and why that level of purchase is even going down. This article shows what is not only happening in Japan, but what might be happening in other developed countries as well.
It's relevant to this discussion.
I'm posting it, and I hope it's still up. we'll have to hope:
If all you want to do is surf the web and check your gMail or yahooMail, then the iPod Touch does the trick (should be a big hit in Japan).
But as a self-confessed photographer, melgross: would you do any serious photo editing on a screen that size with iPhoto or (heaven-forfend) Photoshop Elements or (gasp!) Aperture or (gag!!) Photoshop? I could see a sub-notebook size tablet (with a sub-notebook size price) as fitting into an iLife digital-lifestyle size market, especially if it were also a media player.
It's not a telephone, it's a Mac. It's an extension of your desktop, and it would be aimed at desktop owners.
Really? It'll be real fun trying to use Maya, Modo, Cinema 4D, Lightwave 3D, MotionBuilder, Vue, Potoshop, ZBrush, Painter, Office, FCP, DVDSP, Logic, Shake, or any other desktop app, and be productive while I'm trying to use an on screen keyboard with one hand holding this thing in the other with a view of it laying flat on my lap.
Like I said it's been talked to death, and the poll was not in favor of a slate.
Apple could sell a tablet without a keyboard but offer the option of getting a bluetooth keyboard and mouse to go with it. That way, for people who want a tablet sometimes and a laptop at other times (such as myself) could have their cake and eat it too.
Apple could sell a tablet without a keyboard but offer the option of getting a bluetooth keyboard and mouse to go with it. That way, for people who want a tablet sometimes and a laptop at other times (such as myself) could have their cake and eat it too.
Then you can lug two items around. How wonderful.
Whatever Apple is making if it is a slate like you describe it's an in home wireless access to your computers basics b/c anything else would be totally undercooked like all Apples other current hardware. Wait... Maybe you are right. Another useless half assed POS from Apple like Apple-TV, or an AIO w/integraded graphics. Just what the doctor ordered. Another product Mac users can be proud to brag about. NOT.
I have covered this in the past, but I am to lazy to go looking for my old posts?
To sum it up, I think Apple could do three tablets (not counting the iPhone) in the following ranges:
8" (+/-) manufacturing/medical/etc.
13" (+/-) education/business/etc.
17" (+/-) graphics/designers/etc.
All with multi-touch (duh), all with solid-state HDDs, all with WiFi & BlueTooth
NO optical drives, no old-school spinning platter HDDs; these are contained in the (optional) docking station, which also allows adding a keyboard/mouse & extra display (display fed from docking station)
Make the docking station a modular unit, so end users can add HDDs/optical/GPU for extra display, etc. (possibly even added CPU power??!?)
All the portability & ease of use of a tablet (an Apple tablet folks, not some WinBlowz unit), with the abilities of a desktop when needed?
Whatever Apple is making if it is a slate like you describe it's an in home wireless access to your computers basics b/c anything else would be totally undercooked like all Apples other current hardware. Wait... Maybe you are right. Another useless half assed POS from Apple like Apple-TV, or the mini. Just what the doctor ordered. Another product Mac users can be proud to brag about. NOT.
Well I was thinking more along the lines of the new bluetooth keyboard, the really thin one. I wouldn't call that lugging...just keeping it in your laptop case until you needed it.
Maybe something else then, like something that attaches to the tablet for easy transportation.
Or who knows, maybe Apple could find a way to keep it thin and lightweight and include a keyboard like most tablet PCs.
I like Mac Ronin's idea myself..but then I am a crazy n00b!
Comments
That's cause they are cheaper to buy, they are iPods, and everyone needs a phone. Not everyone needs a Mac portable, but for those of us who already have a BIG desktop Mac or P.C., a 10" or 11" Mac touch would be a sweet complement to that set-up, and will allow us to take a couple of our projects with us to work on them whenever we get the time. Carrying around a notebook "that" much is inconceivable, but carrying a small, light, extremely thin Mac touch tablet with a decent amount of screen real-estate will be perfect. I think the Mac touch was a long time coming, and I'd say it's a good bet it'll be released in 2008.
Once again, having a very large desktop screen, and an extremely light, compact-portable (with even no keyboard taking up space) , is the perfect solution for many people including myself I think. For someone with a notebook it's probably not the best solution, but for "everyone" with a desktop it would be "sweet".
Any later and I would've died, Ireland. Melgross took the hopefulness right out of me, haha. You should continue with your thoughts, even though you've stated them all before.
Keep hope!
It isn't really a new form factor. Just a modernized version of an old one.
I think you can say that about everything now-a-days.
I also think that tablets, in a full size form, have limited usefulness.
Admittedly, tablets, as exemplified by Windows machines, are far from being ideal.
But, I also think there is a reason for why we see 6 to 8 pound machines.
People are just not ready to abandon their keyboards. So therefore, manufacturers include both. This makes machines thicker, and heavier, as well as mechanically more complex, than they would otherwise need to be.
There is no guarantee that Apple could convince a mass of people to abandon their keyboards either, even with a large multi-touch one.
I can also tell you that the idea of tablets, where you crook the tablet onto your forearm, and do your thing, is VERY tiring. So, people ask, "Why bother?"
So far, tablets have not managed to rise above the 0.5% level in overall computer purchases. Apple would have to figure out something VERY special in order to break through that lack of interest.
If anyone can make a full blown tablet with a keyboard that is light, compact, and the size and weight of a titanium powerbook it's Apple.
I think you can say that about everything now-a-days.
Yeah, nothing new under the sun.
If anyone can make a full blown tablet with a keyboard that is light, compact, and the size and weight of a titanium powerbook it's Apple.
Forget the keyboard. That's what's killing the tablets. It needs to be a break with the past. Otherwise, people don't see the point of using the screen. They just continue using the keyboard, because that's what they know.
Sigh! I have to leave now. It's an interesting discussion.
If anyone can make a full blown tablet with a keyboard that is light, compact, and the size and weight of a titanium powerbook it's Apple.
What's your obsession with this keyboard? If you want a keyboard, get a "notebook". You're "clearly" missing the point of this device.
It kind of reminds me of Peter Rojas: "I hope iPhone 2.0 has a real keyboard". Good God man, he's clearly missing it.
What's your obsession with this keyboard? If you want a keyboard, get a "notebook". You're "clearly" missing the point of this device.
So waht is the point of the device? A bigger phone? A PDA?
You clearly need to pull your head out. What apps are you going to use with a key-screen? the iPhone is living proof that keyboard on screen is obviously in the way. This has been talked to death in other threads, and voted on. You know you lost it already so why bother keeping your argument?
Edit: I'd be ok with that.
Too small. Try to type several paragraphs of information.
Where are the drawing programs that engineers use?
I agree about the size and productivity but I'm not sure if that is enough reason to pursue this product.
The various apps will come with the SDK.
Forget the keyboard. That's what's killing the tablets.
Yeah the whole purpose of this is to use without a keyboard. This would be new to most consumers, which is why I called it a new form factor.
Apple's interface for the phone and Touch are mitigated by the fact that there is no stylus. Therefore, no fine selecting is possible. The interface is itself a compromise. It isn't so much a virtue.
After using the iPhone for 5 months now. Multi-touch seems to favor a certain part of your finger or thumb. After using it long enough you come to understand the part of your finger that it responds best to and it becomes effortless to use.
I agree about the size and productivity but I'm not sure if that is enough reason to pursue this product.
The various apps will come with the SDK.
Yeah the whole purpose of this is to use without a keyboard. This would be new to most consumers, which is why I called it a new form factor.
Even with more apps, you can't be as productive. And productivity is a major thing, and I believe it's a fair reason to pursue such product. Whatever it is.
Forbes recently had a VERY interesting article as to why Japanese are not buying computers as much as they used to, and why that level of purchase is even going down. This article shows what is not only happening in Japan, but what might be happening in other developed countries as well.
It's relevant to this discussion.
I'm posting it, and I hope it's still up. we'll have to hope:
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/...partner=alerts
If all you want to do is surf the web and check your gMail or yahooMail, then the iPod Touch does the trick (should be a big hit in Japan).
But as a self-confessed photographer, melgross: would you do any serious photo editing on a screen that size with iPhoto or (heaven-forfend) Photoshop Elements or (gasp!) Aperture or (gag!!) Photoshop? I could see a sub-notebook size tablet (with a sub-notebook size price) as fitting into an iLife digital-lifestyle size market, especially if it were also a media player.
So waht is the point of the device? A bigger phone? A PDA?
It's not a telephone, it's a Mac. It's an extension of your desktop, and it would be aimed at desktop owners.
It's not a telephone, it's a Mac. It's an extension of your desktop, and it would be aimed at desktop owners.
Really? It'll be real fun trying to use Maya, Modo, Cinema 4D, Lightwave 3D, MotionBuilder, Vue, Potoshop, ZBrush, Painter, Office, FCP, DVDSP, Logic, Shake, or any other desktop app, and be productive while I'm trying to use an on screen keyboard with one hand holding this thing in the other with a view of it laying flat on my lap.
Like I said it's been talked to death, and the poll was not in favor of a slate.
Apple could sell a tablet without a keyboard but offer the option of getting a bluetooth keyboard and mouse to go with it. That way, for people who want a tablet sometimes and a laptop at other times (such as myself) could have their cake and eat it too.
Why not have both?
Apple could sell a tablet without a keyboard but offer the option of getting a bluetooth keyboard and mouse to go with it. That way, for people who want a tablet sometimes and a laptop at other times (such as myself) could have their cake and eat it too.
Then you can lug two items around. How wonderful.
Whatever Apple is making if it is a slate like you describe it's an in home wireless access to your computers basics b/c anything else would be totally undercooked like all Apples other current hardware. Wait... Maybe you are right. Another useless half assed POS from Apple like Apple-TV, or an AIO w/integraded graphics. Just what the doctor ordered. Another product Mac users can be proud to brag about. NOT.
To sum it up, I think Apple could do three tablets (not counting the iPhone) in the following ranges:
8" (+/-) manufacturing/medical/etc.
13" (+/-) education/business/etc.
17" (+/-) graphics/designers/etc.
All with multi-touch (duh), all with solid-state HDDs, all with WiFi & BlueTooth
NO optical drives, no old-school spinning platter HDDs; these are contained in the (optional) docking station, which also allows adding a keyboard/mouse & extra display (display fed from docking station)
Make the docking station a modular unit, so end users can add HDDs/optical/GPU for extra display, etc. (possibly even added CPU power??!?)
All the portability & ease of use of a tablet (an Apple tablet folks, not some WinBlowz unit), with the abilities of a desktop when needed?
Okay, flame away, losers!
;^p
Then you can lug two items around. How wonderful.
Whatever Apple is making if it is a slate like you describe it's an in home wireless access to your computers basics b/c anything else would be totally undercooked like all Apples other current hardware. Wait... Maybe you are right. Another useless half assed POS from Apple like Apple-TV, or the mini. Just what the doctor ordered. Another product Mac users can be proud to brag about. NOT.
Well I was thinking more along the lines of the new bluetooth keyboard, the really thin one. I wouldn't call that lugging...just keeping it in your laptop case until you needed it.
Maybe something else then, like something that attaches to the tablet for easy transportation.
Or who knows, maybe Apple could find a way to keep it thin and lightweight and include a keyboard like most tablet PCs.
I like Mac Ronin's idea myself..but then I am a crazy n00b!
They'll have the keyboard on the BOTTOM and we'll all learn to type upside down!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/Problem Solved.