I'm not expecting anything huge ... I mean the event was supposed to be aimed at music, being "New music to [our] ears." I can see it being huge if it had to do somehow with sound or music... like an iPhone for example. But, the fact it's supposed to be hooked up to a Cinema display confuses me. I would love a tablet ... but I think that needs its own event.
EDIT: iCam (as in digital camera - not web cam) seems possible ... but that doesn't have to do with music ... and I think it would be too huge to be introduced at the same time of the new iPods etc at the 28th event.
Also, as far as communication goes, the tablet doesn't make sense ... unless you can connect to the internet from anywhere in the world with it (which, as I mentioned would OBVIOUSLY need its own event), I can't see a tablet with an Airport card as a HUGE communication device - of couse, with an 8 inch screen, you could argue that it could be a more handy device for checking email or stock quotes etc.
iCam sounds like a great idea. I'm sort of waiting on purchasing a newer digicam in hopes Apple comes up with one. I also do not think we'll see any tablets announced next week. It'll be all iPods, music service, and that's it.
The next version of iTunes is Rendezvous enabled, right? The announcements are supposed to be music to your ears, right? I think it must have something to do with wirelessly streaming music to your stereo, or maybe even just amplified speakers in whichever room you want. When some of us were exiled at Pink Flamingo, we were trying to speculate what a soon to be announced mystery device would be. I guessed iTunes would have the ability to wirelessly send streams of songs to the device in various rooms in your house. Each family member could listen to their own playlist in their chosen room. Of course that device turned out to be iPod, but could my dream be about to come true?
And following Inkhead's lead, that music service was my idea, too.
of couse, with an 8 inch screen, you could argue that it could be a more handy device for checking email or stock quotes etc.
Right, so unless you are within range of your Airport network, you won't be able to do any of this. What happens when you leave the home? Sure, you'll still be able to view whatever information you store, but one of the main draws, the Airport connectivity, would be useless.As a result, I still don't see the benefits of having a tablet Mac, especially since you can surf the 'Net, check email, etc, etc with a normal Mac desktop/laptop.
As an open question to everyone, what would you actually use the tablet for on a daily, at-home, basis? I've tried thinking of what I'd do with it and can't come up with any worthwhile ideas.
Quite honestly the whole tablet thing right now is a solution looking for a problem in my mind. I cant see many uses for it that a good laptop will not do better. The thing I would like is a PDA sized tablet device. That I could have a use for, but not this 8" or 15" jobbers people are putting out. An 8" tablet is still too big to stick in your pocket and carry around. If I am going to be lugging something like that around I'll stick to my Powerbook and get more functionality. Now take a 5"x 3"x .75" device that is all screen, has bluetooth, 802.11a,b,g and runs OSX and other like software. NOW THAT I CAN USE.
Quite honestly the whole tablet thing right now is a solution looking for a problem in my mind.
I hear that a lot, but it's true of all computer devices really. We're all so used to our computers/mobiles/mp3 players etc we forget that we don't *need* them.
Tablets are the same. Once we get a proper one - not a laplet - pretty soon people will wonder how they managed without.
I think your ideal tablet is about right, though I'd happily use an 8" one.
As for the new device, I think its very likely a rebadged SE P800.
Not on the 28th, not at that presentation (a very very strong supposition; I ain't Steve and he could intro the 970 if he wanted). I may feel more voluble after the 28th though.
Yes, Harald. What say you? Should we all run out and buy new iPods on Friday (or the Friday after, for non-US residents)? Is the new iPod the only Apple digital lifestyle device we'll be able to spend our money on this year? Or can we reasonably hold out hope for a purely hypothetical iPhone or "communicating device"?
Yes, Harald. What say you? Should we all run out and buy new iPods on Friday (or the Friday after, for non-US residents)? Is the new iPod the only Apple digital lifestyle device we'll be able to spend our money on this year? Or can we reasonably hold out hope for a purely hypothetical iPhone or "communicating device"?
I think the silliest thing is this constant wish for an iPhone. It simply isn't going to happen. I've posted before, but phones are in themselves unprofitable for the service providers. They make their money on the service plans. Apple, since it is not a manufacturer, would have to buy the devices from a company that does. No profits in phones. Too many systems, too many regulations. Bad idea me thinks.
Are you kidding us? See, there's a company called Nokia. It makes phones. It's huge. Innovation drives it, but so do profits . . . .
Are you kidding us? See, there's a company called Nokia. It makes phones. It's huge. Innovation drives it, but so do profits . . . .
It's called Nokia and has contracts with virtually every cell phone provider. It's not like Apple can make a phone and money will start growing on Cupertino's trees. They'd have to get contracts with everyone and... well, I think Apple has better ways to make money. And knowing Apple products, it would have to be a very expensive phone. If you want a cool looking one, grab a Sony Ericson.
It's called Nokia and has contracts with virtually every cell phone provider. It's not like Apple can make a phone and money will start growing on Cupertino's trees. They'd have to get contracts with everyone and... well, I think Apple has better ways to make money. And knowing Apple products, it would have to be a very expensive phone. If you want a cool looking one, grab a Sony Ericson.
Sorry, but your timing on this is perfect. Apple just signed up the top five record companies (now, more to come later) to allow music downloads - this from the industry that abhors this type of thing. If they can do this, getting phone provider contracts is not really a problem. However, I think your point is not correct anyway. Apple doesn't need a contract with anyone to sell a mobile phone. They make a triband GSM phone, and sell that just about anywhere in the world. It is standard in Asia, and happens a lot in Europe - the service and the phone are separate items. I would love to see Apple provide a solution to mobile phones/pdas/tablet computer that they did with the MP3 player - something more, that really looks at how people use these devises so they can use them better. I wouldn't sell Apple short on this.
They make a triband GSM phone, and sell that just about anywhere in the world. It is standard in Asia, and happens a lot in Europe - the service and the phone are separate items. I would love to see Apple provide a solution to mobile phones/pdas/tablet computer that they did with the MP3 player - something more, that really looks at how people use these devises so they can use them better. I wouldn't sell Apple short on this.
Totally agree. Furthermore, Jobs & Co can only afford to go after proven and sizeable markets and they have demonstrated this in the last couple of years, particularly with the release of iPod and iTunes.
The communications market is massive and an untapped opportunity - it is simply begging for an Apple product release. The Apple loyalists alone are a sizeable enough market to make it worthwhile. An Apple mobile communication device featuring Triband GSM -- bring it on. Only hope Apple have their ducks in a row as far as a Windows release in concerned.
Apple just signed up the top five record companies (now, more to come later) to allow music downloads - this from the industry that abhors this type of thing. If they can do this, getting phone provider contracts is not really a problem. I would love to see Apple provide a solution to mobile phones. I wouldn't sell Apple short on this.
There are far more cell phone service providers than "major" record companies. It requires more work. Could it be done? Yes. Will Apple care to do it? Probably not. Cell phones are CHEAP, and you only buy them once a year, the fastest. The music thing was totally different. That's a highly lucrative market.
Apple would be better off dedicating their efforts on some device that makes more money (like the iPod) but cell phones... forget it. The tablet seems more feasible or some other mainstream consumer device, like a digicam.
The tablet seems more feasible or some other mainstream consumer device, like a digicam.
Are you implying that a "tablet" is a "mainstream consumer device" like a "digicam" is? That is a pretty far-out statement. Mobile phones are clearly "mainstream consumer devices" just as clearly as tablets are not (certainly not at this point in time). IMO, a tablet makes much less sense than a smart phone. But who the hell knows anyway? People hanging out here certainly don't.
Are you implying that a "tablet" is a "mainstream consumer device" like a "digicam" is? That is a pretty far-out statement. Mobile phones are clearly "mainstream consumer devices" just as clearly as tablets are not (certainly not at this point in time). IMO, a tablet makes much less sense than a smart phone. But who the hell knows anyway? People hanging out here certainly don't.
Escher
No, you got it wrong. Tablet is not a mainstream consumer device, digicam is. However, in time, (when Apple does it right) will become mainstream. Cell phones are a different category, and their nature is quite different than a tablet. You buy a tablet and keep it for 3 years, maybe even longer. Cell phones wouldn't leave apple with as much money as a tablet would. Cell phones are cheap. You kinda pay for the service and the hardware is almost free ya know. Could apple do it? Yeah, will they? Fat chance. A phone doesn't really make sense.
I still think Apple's plan isn't to make a cell phone necessarily, but they're supposedly trying to get the cell phone makers to create a standard adapter so the guts of a cell phone could be plugged into many different devices. That way anyone could make the shell of a phone and plug a Nokia 'phone device' into the shell. Also, obviously, a tablet, portable, PDA or whatever device anyone makes could also have a slot for the standard 'phone device' making it net-able.
Comments
EDIT: iCam (as in digital camera - not web cam) seems possible ... but that doesn't have to do with music ... and I think it would be too huge to be introduced at the same time of the new iPods etc at the 28th event.
And following Inkhead's lead, that music service was my idea, too.
Originally posted by Ensign Pulver
How 'bout:
surfing the internet
checking email
browsing a Filemaker database
managing photos in iPhoto
listening to music in iTunes
looking up contact info in Address Book
checking your shedule in iCal
All while holding something small and wonderfully ergonomic while standing, walking, sitting, anytime, anywhere.
I'll take two.
i dunno, a 12" ibook seems to do all that and a lot more.
Originally posted by Bioflavonoid
of couse, with an 8 inch screen, you could argue that it could be a more handy device for checking email or stock quotes etc.
Right, so unless you are within range of your Airport network, you won't be able to do any of this. What happens when you leave the home? Sure, you'll still be able to view whatever information you store, but one of the main draws, the Airport connectivity, would be useless.As a result, I still don't see the benefits of having a tablet Mac, especially since you can surf the 'Net, check email, etc, etc with a normal Mac desktop/laptop.
Originally posted by job
As an open question to everyone, what would you actually use the tablet for on a daily, at-home, basis? I've tried thinking of what I'd do with it and can't come up with any worthwhile ideas.
Quite honestly the whole tablet thing right now is a solution looking for a problem in my mind. I cant see many uses for it that a good laptop will not do better. The thing I would like is a PDA sized tablet device. That I could have a use for, but not this 8" or 15" jobbers people are putting out. An 8" tablet is still too big to stick in your pocket and carry around. If I am going to be lugging something like that around I'll stick to my Powerbook and get more functionality. Now take a 5"x 3"x .75" device that is all screen, has bluetooth, 802.11a,b,g and runs OSX and other like software. NOW THAT I CAN USE.
Originally posted by TAZ
Quite honestly the whole tablet thing right now is a solution looking for a problem in my mind.
I hear that a lot, but it's true of all computer devices really. We're all so used to our computers/mobiles/mp3 players etc we forget that we don't *need* them.
Tablets are the same. Once we get a proper one - not a laplet - pretty soon people will wonder how they managed without.
I think your ideal tablet is about right, though I'd happily use an 8" one.
As for the new device, I think its very likely a rebadged SE P800.
Originally posted by Harald
You called?
Not on the 28th, not at that presentation (a very very strong supposition; I ain't Steve and he could intro the 970 if he wanted). I may feel more voluble after the 28th though.
..."
---bump---
So, are you feeling voluble today, Harald?
Originally posted by Thai Moof
---bump---
So, are you feeling voluble today, Harald?
Yes, Harald. What say you? Should we all run out and buy new iPods on Friday (or the Friday after, for non-US residents)? Is the new iPod the only Apple digital lifestyle device we'll be able to spend our money on this year? Or can we reasonably hold out hope for a purely hypothetical iPhone or "communicating device"?
Ah, The Waiting Game...
Escher
No.
Escher:
No.
No.
Yes.
Originally posted by Escher
Yes, Harald. What say you? Should we all run out and buy new iPods on Friday (or the Friday after, for non-US residents)? Is the new iPod the only Apple digital lifestyle device we'll be able to spend our money on this year? Or can we reasonably hold out hope for a purely hypothetical iPhone or "communicating device"?
Ah, The Waiting Game...
Escher
Originally posted by Harald
ThaiMoof:
No.
Escher:
No.
No.
Yes.
Ahhhh....A man of few words! Yet you say so much!
Originally posted by MacsRGood4U
I don't think so. But who knows?
I think the silliest thing is this constant wish for an iPhone. It simply isn't going to happen. I've posted before, but phones are in themselves unprofitable for the service providers. They make their money on the service plans. Apple, since it is not a manufacturer, would have to buy the devices from a company that does. No profits in phones. Too many systems, too many regulations. Bad idea me thinks.
Are you kidding us? See, there's a company called Nokia. It makes phones. It's huge. Innovation drives it, but so do profits . . . .
Originally posted by kumrabai
Are you kidding us? See, there's a company called Nokia. It makes phones. It's huge. Innovation drives it, but so do profits . . . .
It's called Nokia and has contracts with virtually every cell phone provider. It's not like Apple can make a phone and money will start growing on Cupertino's trees. They'd have to get contracts with everyone and... well, I think Apple has better ways to make money. And knowing Apple products, it would have to be a very expensive phone. If you want a cool looking one, grab a Sony Ericson.
Originally posted by monkeyastronaut
It's called Nokia and has contracts with virtually every cell phone provider. It's not like Apple can make a phone and money will start growing on Cupertino's trees. They'd have to get contracts with everyone and... well, I think Apple has better ways to make money. And knowing Apple products, it would have to be a very expensive phone. If you want a cool looking one, grab a Sony Ericson.
Originally posted by Thai Moof
They make a triband GSM phone, and sell that just about anywhere in the world. It is standard in Asia, and happens a lot in Europe - the service and the phone are separate items. I would love to see Apple provide a solution to mobile phones/pdas/tablet computer that they did with the MP3 player - something more, that really looks at how people use these devises so they can use them better. I wouldn't sell Apple short on this.
Totally agree. Furthermore, Jobs & Co can only afford to go after proven and sizeable markets and they have demonstrated this in the last couple of years, particularly with the release of iPod and iTunes.
The communications market is massive and an untapped opportunity - it is simply begging for an Apple product release. The Apple loyalists alone are a sizeable enough market to make it worthwhile. An Apple mobile communication device featuring Triband GSM -- bring it on. Only hope Apple have their ducks in a row as far as a Windows release in concerned.
Originally posted by Thai Moof
Apple just signed up the top five record companies (now, more to come later) to allow music downloads - this from the industry that abhors this type of thing. If they can do this, getting phone provider contracts is not really a problem. I would love to see Apple provide a solution to mobile phones. I wouldn't sell Apple short on this.
There are far more cell phone service providers than "major" record companies. It requires more work. Could it be done? Yes. Will Apple care to do it? Probably not. Cell phones are CHEAP, and you only buy them once a year, the fastest. The music thing was totally different. That's a highly lucrative market.
Apple would be better off dedicating their efforts on some device that makes more money (like the iPod) but cell phones... forget it. The tablet seems more feasible or some other mainstream consumer device, like a digicam.
Originally posted by monkeyastronaut
The tablet seems more feasible or some other mainstream consumer device, like a digicam.
Are you implying that a "tablet" is a "mainstream consumer device" like a "digicam" is? That is a pretty far-out statement. Mobile phones are clearly "mainstream consumer devices" just as clearly as tablets are not (certainly not at this point in time). IMO, a tablet makes much less sense than a smart phone. But who the hell knows anyway? People hanging out here certainly don't.
Escher
Originally posted by Escher
Are you implying that a "tablet" is a "mainstream consumer device" like a "digicam" is? That is a pretty far-out statement. Mobile phones are clearly "mainstream consumer devices" just as clearly as tablets are not (certainly not at this point in time). IMO, a tablet makes much less sense than a smart phone. But who the hell knows anyway? People hanging out here certainly don't.
Escher
No, you got it wrong. Tablet is not a mainstream consumer device, digicam is. However, in time, (when Apple does it right) will become mainstream. Cell phones are a different category, and their nature is quite different than a tablet. You buy a tablet and keep it for 3 years, maybe even longer. Cell phones wouldn't leave apple with as much money as a tablet would. Cell phones are cheap. You kinda pay for the service and the hardware is almost free ya know. Could apple do it? Yeah, will they? Fat chance. A phone doesn't really make sense.