I think I have figured out what the Mac touch REALLY is…
It is the PC of the 21st century!
Entry point of the Original PC = Business market
Entry point of the Mac touch = Business, Educational, Medical, Scientific
Transitional point of the Original PC = Workplace users decide to get a PC for use at home
Transitional point of the Mac touch = Students & workplace users want one for everyday use
As for the argument about overall cost of the accessories to run the Mac touch, most folks already have a computer to sync the Mac touch with. Eventually, those computers will need replaced & a home server/media center will be that replacement; the eventual evolution of 'the home computer'. As for the docks and such, some will purchase & use them, others won't. No big deal.
Addressing the 'disconnected laptop'. Yeah, a combination of the Mac touch & a BT keyboard, combined in a nylon 'Trapper Keeper' does become a disconnected laptop, but it is a specialized configuration for the primary & secondary educational market. The main idea is a protective casing for the Mac touch, the BT keyboard is added because the 'Trapper Keeper' makes for a convenient carrying solution.
I have stated before that I would accept a convertible 10" netbook/tablet, if that was the only option besides a regular laptop. But, as others here, I would rather have a pure slate tablet. If I need a real keyboard, I could go the 'Trapper Keeper' route, or one of those roll-up portable keyboards…
And while I respect folks using what works best for them in their computing workspace, I prefer having the ability to compute while I multi-task with my media playback device (yeah, the TV). For this, I would prefer a device that does not lock me into the clamshell form factor, as it is a bit cumbersome for 'handheld' use. But a slate tablet, tucked into between my hand and my elbow, with the opposing hand running the multi-touch. A stylus would be used in the same manner.
The next few years (before the end of the world in 2012, check your Mayan calendar) in computing could be VERY exciting…!
I too have been wanting a product from Apple like this.
The size is pretty decent too. Be nice if they came in multi-sizes, a 12" option at least.
The only other addition would be an option to buy a "Wacom Penabled" upgrade. For artists & graphic designers, being able to draw directly on the screen is an advantage unlike any other.
If Apple did that I would buy one in a heartbeat. Otherwise I'm going to have to go to the darkside and buy HP's tx2500z tablet PC.
When I first got my hands on an iPhone (about a year ago), I played around with the touch interface intensively for about 30 min. When I came home and sat down in front of my (PC) laptop, my fingers unconsciously went to touch the laptop screen.
A touch based interface is simply a more natural and direct way interact with a computer, in many situations.
At home, at mostly use my laptop to surf the web or watch movies/tv. That means very little text input, so a keyboard is not needed.
When I do want to input a lot of text, typically at work, I would use a tablet as a screen - with a detached keyboard. A smaller verision of Apples wireless keyboard, and mouse, would be perfect.
To sum up, I think a tablet would be used in three different configurations (like previously discussed here):
1. Hand-held or resting against your body. On the move, standing up. Watching movies/tv in bed.
2. Slightly angled on a flat surface. Reading the morning paper at breakfast. Taking brief notes In meetings.
3. As a screen, standing up. With a wireless mouse and keyboard. For text entry intensive situations. Office work. Writing a longer e-mail at home. Watching movies/tv sittning.
A Mac Touch, would need to have some fold-in stand solution for 2 and 3.
I'm convinced that tablets are coming. Don't be fooled by MS failure to make them popular. Given the smashing success of the iPhone, I believe Apple is the perfect company to make tablets an equal success.
Oh, and throw in e-Books*, and the tablet's pretty much here to stay. Done and dusted. Healthcare angle for business use of tablets, e-Books done right Apple tablet style, plus general purpose computing and media enjoyment, a new field of apps, GAMING, etc... BOOM!
I often hear the health care angle and frankly a good tablet is something that I see as wanted in this industry. Trouble is I don't see a rush to adopt overly large units like have been described in this thread. Size is everything and a massive tablet isn't going to be adopted readily simply because of its size.
In any event I see potential for a whole range of tablets running Mobile OS but frankly have little hope for a unit running Mac OS/X in its present form.
Quote:
We could almost prophesize then the final deathblows to the printed newspaper and magazine.
And you would be very late to the ball game. Printed media is dying faster than the silver based film industry. The fact of the matter is we are going through some significant evolutionary pains right now, that have little to do with politics. You can expect many industries to disappear in the next decade. At least in their present form, many publishing industries will try to make the jump to web based business.
Quote:
*Let's face it the Kindle and even Sony eBook readers are just crappy for most of the population that don't really even read much to begin with.
I wouldn't say crappy as much as I would say ill conceived. The number one problem with both devices is the limited Flash storage. Frankly I can carry a larger selection of documents around on my iPhone and have slightly more flexibility in the documents read. The only limitation is the screen size which can grow a bit and still be a pocketable device. Yes I can see the demand for a device with a larger screen but one just needs to take a walk to your local book store to see just how large is practical. Look at the size of the majority of the books sold, I don't see a huge demand for large format with this metric.
Given that it would be an Apple device with quality zooming and so forth a large screen would be more of a negative than a positive. The other reality is that like a book store there is room for a number of format sizes. The problem Apple has is delivering a format size that can sell in quantities large enough to recoup its development expense.
The other thing here is that I'd love to see Apple deliver a product with a state of the art OLED screen. This needs to remain reasonable in cost though. Done right this could end up being a literal break through device. Imagine something the size of a marginally large paperback book but lets say half the thickness of the current iPhone. That device would be stuffed with flash memory dual or maybe quad core ARM processors and nice communications hardware. Open up Mobile OS a bit and I'd jump on the product.
2. Slightly angeled on a flat surface. Reading the morning paper at breakfast. Taking brief notes In meetings.
Oh that's part of the design, it's necessary in fact. I've been pimping this idea for a while, and I call it the pop-out rear rest. Spring loaded, and popped out it holds Mac touch at 18º on any flat surface.
The other thing here is that I'd love to see Apple deliver a product with a state of the art OLED screen. This needs to remain reasonable in cost though. Done right this could end up being a literal break through device. Imagine something the size of a marginally large paperback book but lets say half the thickness of the current iPhone. That device would be stuffed with flash memory dual or maybe quad core ARM processors and nice communications hardware. Open up Mobile OS a bit and I'd jump on the product.
Dave
That's another thing I want. I want it for this device and the iPhone. OLED is the tech of the future. It's thinner, brighter with better color, 1000X blacker, and it's better on battery too. Where's my time machine?
Oh that's part of the design, it's necessary in fact. I've been pimping this idea for a while, and I call it the pop-out rear rest. Spring loaded, and popped out it holds Mac touch at 18º on any flat surface.
Nice.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69
...In any event I see potential for a whole range of tablets running Mobile OS but frankly have little hope for a unit running Mac OS/X in its present form...
I'm not sure how to explain it properly, but as I see it Snow Leopard and associated strategies have something to do with bridging the Mobile OS and Ultraportable, Notebook, Desktop OS. Apple has its OS strategy for a wide range of computing "platforms" worked out already, from iPod to Mac Pro. As I see it...
That's another thing I want. I want it for this device and the iPhone. OLED is the tech of the future. It's thinner, brighter with better color, 1000X blacker, and it's better on battery too. Where's my time machine?
I was trying answer someone, but also point out something that i don't think anyone has addressed
Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by THT
I think I'd prefer a 720x480 4.5" iPhone HD.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
Could you mock-up a version that is 8.5"x5.5"? If anything progresses on this front, this would be the next logical size to add to the multi-touch pantheon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69
I have to agree that 10" unit is way to big.
and thats just from this thread
Everyone has a different size in mind, and then Ireland has his idea of what it should be. BUT we ALL KNOW Apple will only release in one size, so thats gotta fit to the needs of the BIGGEST audience.
So whats that audience gonna want?
and what is the killer app?
IF it was so easy, there would already be a large market, Like mobile phones but there isnt. So it IS a hard thing to crack, thats why there is so much "I want I want the kool candy" on these threads.
I love the way the group who are doubtful are fast becoming a very small group. They'll release their tablet and have it on Apple.com and you Walter will still be arguing as to when they'll never release one. "I still say they should do bottled water." It's getting old that one, think about growing up a little.
I love the way the group who are doubtful are fast becoming a very small group. They'll release their tablet and have it on Apple.com and you Walter will still be arguing as to when they'll never release one. "I still say they should do bottled water." It's getting old that one, think about growing up a little.
now now, don't get cranky, or you just sound childish.
"They'll just release their tablet"
but you STILL haven't made an effort to say WHAT the killer app is, HAVE YOU?
its funny how you say the bottled water is getting old, I think this is the second time I've mentioned it in a thread, but please do tell me how many threads you have STARTED about the SAME topics? and how THAT doesn't get old?
but then Gee questions are something you don't like to answer, just extol the wonder of your own apparent prophetic wisdom.
now now, don't get cranky, or you just sound childish.
"They'll just release their tablet"
but you STILL haven't made an effort to say WHAT the killer app is, HAVE YOU?
I have plenty of times. You only see what you want to see. And you continually turn to sarcasm and pettiness, and if someone points it out to you you call them a child. Like I said, they could release the thing and you'll still be looking for proof.
You'll never have enough proof, so you have to rely on intuition, intelligence, common sense and judgement. You'll have to wait for this multi-touch tablet, but it's coming. Do you own an iPhone?
I have plenty of times. You only see what you want to see. And you continually turn to sarcasm and pettiness, and if someone points it out to you you call them a child. Like I said, they could release the thing and you'll still be looking for proof.
ok fine accuse me of being sarcastic and then turn to sarcasm yourself. Irony.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland
I have plenty of times.
WHERE? Links to posts please (not a long sprawling thread link just the post would do)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland
God no.
whats wrong with it? its a tablet, its running FULL OSX, isnt that what you want? have you tried one out?
damn, there I am again with questions you likely won't answer.
PS, you think I'm sarcastic, I'm off to watch the Marx Brothers
Whats wrong with it? its a tablet, its running FULL OSX, isnt that what you want? have you tried one out?
damn, there I am again with questions you likely won't answer.
Ask questions, but lose the presumptuousness.
It's doesn't have a built-in tablet rest. It's too think and heavy for being a small tablet. It's not the real Apple-made thing, so it lacks a cocoa touch OS X, multi-touch and a capacitive glass touch screen. It also lacks the fit, finish and touches an Apple set-up would have. I've seen them in action, you can't use your fingers for a start, yuck! And when you use the stylus there's a cursor tracking along under it, horrible. Not to mention its touch keyboard is the God awful. Besides, it's 13" not 10.
Comments
I think I have figured out what the Mac touch REALLY is…
It is the PC of the 21st century!
Entry point of the Original PC = Business market
Entry point of the Mac touch = Business, Educational, Medical, Scientific
Transitional point of the Original PC = Workplace users decide to get a PC for use at home
Transitional point of the Mac touch = Students & workplace users want one for everyday use
As for the argument about overall cost of the accessories to run the Mac touch, most folks already have a computer to sync the Mac touch with. Eventually, those computers will need replaced & a home server/media center will be that replacement; the eventual evolution of 'the home computer'. As for the docks and such, some will purchase & use them, others won't. No big deal.
Addressing the 'disconnected laptop'. Yeah, a combination of the Mac touch & a BT keyboard, combined in a nylon 'Trapper Keeper' does become a disconnected laptop, but it is a specialized configuration for the primary & secondary educational market. The main idea is a protective casing for the Mac touch, the BT keyboard is added because the 'Trapper Keeper' makes for a convenient carrying solution.
I have stated before that I would accept a convertible 10" netbook/tablet, if that was the only option besides a regular laptop. But, as others here, I would rather have a pure slate tablet. If I need a real keyboard, I could go the 'Trapper Keeper' route, or one of those roll-up portable keyboards…
And while I respect folks using what works best for them in their computing workspace, I prefer having the ability to compute while I multi-task with my media playback device (yeah, the TV). For this, I would prefer a device that does not lock me into the clamshell form factor, as it is a bit cumbersome for 'handheld' use. But a slate tablet, tucked into between my hand and my elbow, with the opposing hand running the multi-touch. A stylus would be used in the same manner.
The next few years (before the end of the world in 2012, check your Mayan calendar) in computing could be VERY exciting…!
I too have been wanting a product from Apple like this.
The size is pretty decent too. Be nice if they came in multi-sizes, a 12" option at least.
The only other addition would be an option to buy a "Wacom Penabled" upgrade. For artists & graphic designers, being able to draw directly on the screen is an advantage unlike any other.
If Apple did that I would buy one in a heartbeat. Otherwise I'm going to have to go to the darkside and buy HP's tx2500z tablet PC.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...tx2500z_series
Don't' make me do it, Apple.
When I first got my hands on an iPhone (about a year ago), I played around with the touch interface intensively for about 30 min. When I came home and sat down in front of my (PC) laptop, my fingers unconsciously went to touch the laptop screen.
A touch based interface is simply a more natural and direct way interact with a computer, in many situations.
At home, at mostly use my laptop to surf the web or watch movies/tv. That means very little text input, so a keyboard is not needed.
When I do want to input a lot of text, typically at work, I would use a tablet as a screen - with a detached keyboard. A smaller verision of Apples wireless keyboard, and mouse, would be perfect.
To sum up, I think a tablet would be used in three different configurations (like previously discussed here):
1. Hand-held or resting against your body. On the move, standing up. Watching movies/tv in bed.
2. Slightly angled on a flat surface. Reading the morning paper at breakfast. Taking brief notes In meetings.
3. As a screen, standing up. With a wireless mouse and keyboard. For text entry intensive situations. Office work. Writing a longer e-mail at home. Watching movies/tv sittning.
A Mac Touch, would need to have some fold-in stand solution for 2 and 3.
I'm convinced that tablets are coming. Don't be fooled by MS failure to make them popular. Given the smashing success of the iPhone, I believe Apple is the perfect company to make tablets an equal success.
/Daniel
Oh, and throw in e-Books*, and the tablet's pretty much here to stay. Done and dusted. Healthcare angle for business use of tablets, e-Books done right Apple tablet style, plus general purpose computing and media enjoyment, a new field of apps, GAMING, etc... BOOM!
I often hear the health care angle and frankly a good tablet is something that I see as wanted in this industry. Trouble is I don't see a rush to adopt overly large units like have been described in this thread. Size is everything and a massive tablet isn't going to be adopted readily simply because of its size.
In any event I see potential for a whole range of tablets running Mobile OS but frankly have little hope for a unit running Mac OS/X in its present form.
We could almost prophesize then the final deathblows to the printed newspaper and magazine.
And you would be very late to the ball game. Printed media is dying faster than the silver based film industry. The fact of the matter is we are going through some significant evolutionary pains right now, that have little to do with politics. You can expect many industries to disappear in the next decade. At least in their present form, many publishing industries will try to make the jump to web based business.
*Let's face it the Kindle and even Sony eBook readers are just crappy for most of the population that don't really even read much to begin with.
I wouldn't say crappy as much as I would say ill conceived. The number one problem with both devices is the limited Flash storage. Frankly I can carry a larger selection of documents around on my iPhone and have slightly more flexibility in the documents read. The only limitation is the screen size which can grow a bit and still be a pocketable device. Yes I can see the demand for a device with a larger screen but one just needs to take a walk to your local book store to see just how large is practical. Look at the size of the majority of the books sold, I don't see a huge demand for large format with this metric.
Given that it would be an Apple device with quality zooming and so forth a large screen would be more of a negative than a positive. The other reality is that like a book store there is room for a number of format sizes. The problem Apple has is delivering a format size that can sell in quantities large enough to recoup its development expense.
The other thing here is that I'd love to see Apple deliver a product with a state of the art OLED screen. This needs to remain reasonable in cost though. Done right this could end up being a literal break through device. Imagine something the size of a marginally large paperback book but lets say half the thickness of the current iPhone. That device would be stuffed with flash memory dual or maybe quad core ARM processors and nice communications hardware. Open up Mobile OS a bit and I'd jump on the product.
Dave
Edit: Ireland, I think for something like that we need a bit more "hand grip" for left or right handers... Maybe on the underside.
Yeah totally true, I mentioned that before also. I was thinking some kind of gray rubber trim on the rear that blended in and was almost invisible.
2. Slightly angeled on a flat surface. Reading the morning paper at breakfast. Taking brief notes In meetings.
Oh that's part of the design, it's necessary in fact. I've been pimping this idea for a while, and I call it the pop-out rear rest. Spring loaded, and popped out it holds Mac touch at 18º on any flat surface.
The other thing here is that I'd love to see Apple deliver a product with a state of the art OLED screen. This needs to remain reasonable in cost though. Done right this could end up being a literal break through device. Imagine something the size of a marginally large paperback book but lets say half the thickness of the current iPhone. That device would be stuffed with flash memory dual or maybe quad core ARM processors and nice communications hardware. Open up Mobile OS a bit and I'd jump on the product.
Dave
That's another thing I want. I want it for this device and the iPhone. OLED is the tech of the future. It's thinner, brighter with better color, 1000X blacker, and it's better on battery too. Where's my time machine?
Oh that's part of the design, it's necessary in fact. I've been pimping this idea for a while, and I call it the pop-out rear rest. Spring loaded, and popped out it holds Mac touch at 18º on any flat surface.
Nice.
...In any event I see potential for a whole range of tablets running Mobile OS but frankly have little hope for a unit running Mac OS/X in its present form...
I'm not sure how to explain it properly, but as I see it Snow Leopard and associated strategies have something to do with bridging the Mobile OS and Ultraportable, Notebook, Desktop OS. Apple has its OS strategy for a wide range of computing "platforms" worked out already, from iPod to Mac Pro.
That's another thing I want. I want it for this device and the iPhone. OLED is the tech of the future. It's thinner, brighter with better color, 1000X blacker, and it's better on battery too. Where's my time machine?
knowing you its not in the dock, so, Menu bar??
do I win a prize?
anyway
I was trying answer someone, but also point out something that i don't think anyone has addressed
I think I'd prefer a 720x480 4.5" iPhone HD.
Could you mock-up a version that is 8.5"x5.5"? If anything progresses on this front, this would be the next logical size to add to the multi-touch pantheon.
I have to agree that 10" unit is way to big.
and thats just from this thread
Everyone has a different size in mind, and then Ireland has his idea of what it should be. BUT we ALL KNOW Apple will only release in one size, so thats gotta fit to the needs of the BIGGEST audience.
So whats that audience gonna want?
and what is the killer app?
IF it was so easy, there would already be a large market, Like mobile phones but there isnt. So it IS a hard thing to crack, thats why there is so much "I want I want the kool candy" on these threads.
Oh, and a PSA:
"Never accept Kool-Aid from a man named Jim…"
knowing you its not in the dock, so, Menu bar??
do I win a prize?
I love the way the group who are doubtful are fast becoming a very small group. They'll release their tablet and have it on Apple.com and you Walter will still be arguing as to when they'll never release one. "I still say they should do bottled water." It's getting old that one, think about growing up a little.
I love the way the group who are doubtful are fast becoming a very small group. They'll release their tablet and have it on Apple.com and you Walter will still be arguing as to when they'll never release one. "I still say they should do bottled water." It's getting old that one, think about growing up a little.
now now, don't get cranky, or you just sound childish.
"They'll just release their tablet"
but you STILL haven't made an effort to say WHAT the killer app is, HAVE YOU?
its funny how you say the bottled water is getting old, I think this is the second time I've mentioned it in a thread, but please do tell me how many threads you have STARTED about the SAME topics? and how THAT doesn't get old?
but then Gee questions are something you don't like to answer, just extol the wonder of your own apparent prophetic wisdom.
well, if you just CAN'T wait for these tablets (that is, if apple ever goes into that market), you could just do this
God no.
now now, don't get cranky, or you just sound childish.
"They'll just release their tablet"
but you STILL haven't made an effort to say WHAT the killer app is, HAVE YOU?
I have plenty of times. You only see what you want to see. And you continually turn to sarcasm and pettiness, and if someone points it out to you you call them a child. Like I said, they could release the thing and you'll still be looking for proof.
You'll never have enough proof, so you have to rely on intuition, intelligence, common sense and judgement. You'll have to wait for this multi-touch tablet, but it's coming. Do you own an iPhone?
I have plenty of times. You only see what you want to see. And you continually turn to sarcasm and pettiness, and if someone points it out to you you call them a child. Like I said, they could release the thing and you'll still be looking for proof.
ok fine accuse me of being sarcastic and then turn to sarcasm yourself. Irony.
I have plenty of times.
WHERE? Links to posts please (not a long sprawling thread link
God no.
whats wrong with it? its a tablet, its running FULL OSX, isnt that what you want? have you tried one out?
damn, there I am again with questions you likely won't answer.
PS, you think I'm sarcastic, I'm off to watch the Marx Brothers
Whats wrong with it? its a tablet, its running FULL OSX, isnt that what you want? have you tried one out?
damn, there I am again with questions you likely won't answer.
Ask questions, but lose the presumptuousness.
It's doesn't have a built-in tablet rest. It's too think and heavy for being a small tablet. It's not the real Apple-made thing, so it lacks a cocoa touch OS X, multi-touch and a capacitive glass touch screen. It also lacks the fit, finish and touches an Apple set-up would have. I've seen them in action, you can't use your fingers for a start, yuck! And when you use the stylus there's a cursor tracking along under it, horrible. Not to mention its touch keyboard is the God awful. Besides, it's 13" not 10.
God no.
good to know you wouldn't sink that low
good to know you wouldn't sink that low
Lolly