Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, Portables, Apple, MacBook
Due diligence on the Asus/Apple tablet rumor
We should probably have some due diligence on the latest rumors streaming around the Apple blogosphere, so here you go: CNET is claiming that Asus is helping Apple build a sweet new Tablet PC. This is just the latest in a long line of rumors about an ultraportable, and we've heard this so much by now that even if it isn't true, there are probably engineers at Apple right now working on how to make it a reality anyway.I tend to agree with Macenstein: what do we need an Apple Tablet for, anyway? The whole ultraportable idea seems to be based on the fact that people want to see it made, not necessarily that anyone is walking around with an iPhone and a MacBook and still asking for yet another computer to carry around. Don't get me wrong-- if anyone can find a hidden niche for beautiful, usable products, Apple can, but I just don't see where an iTablet would fit in the hierarchy.
Now, the last time I speculated on Apple releases (I said we wouldn't see new MacBooks for a while), Apple decided to release MacBook updates just hours later, so for everyone out there hoping to see a new Apple Tablet, try this on: my guess is that Apple won't release an iTablet in January. Now, when I'm dead wrong (as usual), I'll just be able to claim that I predicted the opposite of what I thought so we'd get the product we wanted.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
James said 5:23PM on 11-07-2007
I just want something smaller than a macbook. I don't care if it's a tablet or ultraportable or whatever. Just something to fill the "small-size-and-low-weight-are-more-important-than-screen-size" gap.
Reply
James said 5:12PM on 11-07-2007
An ultra-portable would sit above the iPhone, which isn't a good interface for doing lengthy in-depth work, and below the MacBook, which isn't portable enough. They key is that it's a satellite machine to the desktop. It's not meant to replace any particular device, but rather to let you carry your environment with you without straining your back. You don't need a powerful device for most tasks, but you do need the interface. For storage you have the iDisk and Back to my Mac, and for tasks requiring power you again have Back to my Mac.
Reply
ChrisM70 said 5:18PM on 11-07-2007
My thought is that there is still a market to grab - and that is people who want a laptop/portable just for internet connection.
If Apple could make a low-cost laptop/portable that you could turn on and INSTANTLY get the internet, this could really take off. The biggest problem with laptops is that it take several minutes for it to start up. By the time your machine is ready, you've already eaten your sandwich and drank half your coffee at the free wi-fi cafe.
Reply
Ami M. said 5:19PM on 11-07-2007
Will they call it the Applet?
:)
Reply
DrDiesel said 5:22PM on 11-07-2007
I submitted this story yesterday morning and I get no love....that sucks.
Reply
Mike Schramm said 5:24PM on 11-07-2007
Sorry, DrDiesel, I didn't see it on the tipline. I think we may have been passing on it because it's yet another ultraportable rumor, but as I said, I figured we should at least touch on it, chroniclers of all Apple things that we are.
Reply
rjovale said 5:33PM on 11-07-2007
I would buy instantly a laptop as powerful as a macbook and 1kg/2.2lb heavy!
Reply
guptark said 5:46PM on 11-07-2007
Not a MacBook... not an Ipod Touch...
Maybe MacTouch?
A few things in Leopard really make this seem like a possibility. Doesn't the fan in stacks seem more appropriate for a touch interface? CoverFlow for the Finder and Quicklook also lend themselves to quickly browsing your computer with your fingers. And Spaces would make having a small screen usable with multiple applications. Maybe this time it's not far away. I'm hoping January!
Reply
thethirdmoose said 5:48PM on 11-07-2007
This is my theory:
Apple currently has four product families: iPod classic family (no touchscreen), iPhone family (iPhone+iTouch), laptop, and desktop. The iPod and Desktop families have three devices each. The iPhone and laptop have two. Thus, the iTablet will be somewhere in the middle.
It will have a
Reply
thethirdmoose said 5:48PM on 11-07-2007
This is my theory:
Apple currently has four product families: iPod classic family (no touchscreen), iPhone family (iPhone+iTouch), laptop, and desktop. The iPod and Desktop families have three devices each. The iPhone and laptop have two. Thus, the iTablet will be somewhere in the middle.
It will have a
Reply
Ireland said 5:50PM on 11-07-2007
"Mike Schramm", you're missing the point. This device is for someone with a large desktop, and wants to bring some of there work "everywhere" with them.
Normally these days, when someone owns a notebook it tends to be their only computer. Which they can bring with them if they like. This device will be "most definitely" targeted at desktop owners, who want a computer with them at "all" times. And I say, bring it on.
By the way guys, in case you're on the slow boat, this device will be called "Mac touch"
Reply
thethirdmoose said 5:50PM on 11-07-2007
post cut off:
less than 10 inch touchscreen, run a new version of os x lite that will come out in Feb. for the iPhone apps, and will have optional integrated cell phone data.
It will cost $800, and be a commercial failure.
Reply
thethirdmoose said 5:50PM on 11-07-2007
post cut off:
less than 10 inch touchscreen, run a new version of os x lite that will come out in Feb. for the iPhone apps, and will have optional integrated cell phone data.
It will cost $800, and be a commercial failure.
Reply
thethirdmoose said 5:53PM on 11-07-2007
stupid double post
Steps to recreate (i think)
Add comment A
Go back in your browser, erase comment A in text field, and add comment B
Comment B will be duplicated
Firefox 2.0.0.9
Mac OS X 10.4
Reply
bkim said 6:03PM on 11-07-2007
It may be a niche market, but the pro audio community is moving increasingly towards tablets. There are several audio applications out there that would benefit greatly from a tablet interface. (see http://www.dolby.com/professional/live_sound/products/lake_controller.html) It's all about virtual controls on screen. It's a pain to manipulate virtual fader/sliders and pan pots with the usual mouse/touchpad interface. This is why I'm considering a ThinkPad tablet for the first time ever. But, I'd definitely prefer an OS X based tablet over a Windows based one. I have seen other useful applications for tablets, but the pro audio applications are the most compelling to me.
Reply
Ralph said 6:07PM on 11-07-2007
I've always wanted a PADD style computer (think the PADD on STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION); once I got an iPhone and started using it, the more the appeal of a larger version became clear. An iPADD, about as big as a normal sheet of paper, running OS X with the touch functionality of the iPhone.
I can see getting at least a couple of them for my business, and I know a few clients who would love to dump their Windows-based tablets for this, now that they've tasted the Kool Aid via the iPhone.
Reply
James said 9:39PM on 12-11-2007
Well...figure a 32gb solid state drive...throw in a PCI express port for a wireless aircard, you've got a nice replacement for in-car GPS with front row for music
Reply
Adam Rice said 6:24PM on 11-07-2007
I can see something like this. Consider that the iPhone, cool as it is, has a limited interface, and all Apple's laptops, nice as they are, get a bit heavy to schlepp around.
Then consider something like the Nokia N810, the nearest equivalent to what we're discussing. A big enough screen that you don't need to pinch or spread. About 1/2 lb in weight. Pretty solid features for its size.
I'm already tempted by the N810. If I could buy something that ran Mac apps and had Apple's usual polish, I'd be all over it.
Reply
Norbert said 6:27PM on 11-07-2007
The enclosure will be completely sealed, n o o p e n i n g s at all. No electric plug. Rechargeable through the case. You will be able to use it in your bathtub. It's undestroyable - your 3 year old child will love it. It has its own OS, but can also be used as a "terminal" for some functions - a bit like Apple TV.
Reply
tallen said 6:48PM on 11-07-2007
I definitely would like a tablet mac and I would snatch one up immediately if one came available. It would be perfect for note taking both in business meetings as well as class.
Reply