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[victreeb3l]

wait, im real confused. will it be a standalone product like a tablet pc (err.. tablet mac) or a peripheral like wacom tablets?

and seriously, fuck this thing if it doesnt support some kind of pen input. im not using my fucking fingers for doodling.

 

[mrkgoo]

I agree with the majority of the criticism labeled at a proposed tablet, such as is it really needed? I can understand its utility for those in art and design fields, but for the mainstream computer user it seems that smartphones and netbooks have already done a good job as ultra portable computers.

But, Apple's design team has been brilliant in the last 10 years, so I'm eagerly anticipating the reveal.

I really want an inbetween device. That said, the device itself is only part of what will make (or break) it. What will be key is how it interacts with your other devices.

 

[Totakeke]

As for the touch screen technology, how about something like these? It's very sensitive and supports multitouch on a resistive screen so you can use styli and such.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/stantums-unlimited-multitouch-meets-mini-10-in-a-fight-to-the-d/
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/19/stantums-mind-blowing-multitouch-interface-on-video/

 

[Bad_Boy]

Better come with some fucking cool ass pen too. So I can Wacom it up in style.

shhh...shog is watching. i think hes annoyed enough already.

 

[Shogmaster]

shhh...shog is watching. i think hes annoyed enough already.

Annoyed? More like amused. I've been amused by Mac fans desperately crying for a Mac Tablet for the last 5 years without any success. But that's the perils of being a Mac user: What you want better happen to line up with what Steve wants. :lol

 

[Flying_Phoenix]

This just shows how Apple has the best marketing department in the world.

They're getting millions upon millions of dollars in free press and advertising for something that isn't even officially announced yet.

 

[Jill Sandwich]

You can always count on Shog to drone on in Apple threads about Wacom this and that and nobody cares.

 

[Deleted member 22576]

If it's running anything but a modified for touch input version of Snow Leopard the thing is completely useless.

 

[mrkgoo]

Annoyed? More like amused. I've been amused by Mac fans desperately crying for a Mac Tablet for the last 5 years without any success. But that's the perils of being a Mac user: What you want better happen to line up with what Steve wants. :lol

I don't know what I want until he tells me.

This just shows how Apple has the best marketing department in the world.

They're getting millions upon millions of dollars in free press and advertising for something that isn't even officially announced yet.

I don't think any of this is really the result of Apple's marketing department - well, not directly. It's more Apple/Steve's reputation. Steve would probably have everything shut down if he could actually control it.

You can always count on Shog to drone on in Apple threads about Wacom this and that and nobody cares.

I kind of care. I'm interested in wacom stuff, and how Apple responds to various input methods.

Oh, come on. COMPLETELY useless?

 

[mrklaw]

Except for the millions of people for whom it would be lighter than their current laptop and have useful portable functionality like media playback, reading, outdoor sketching, signature collection , etc. etc.

but netbooks have come in and basically owned that space recently - the 'inbetween' take anyway, portable, light, 'second' laptop.

As for lightness - a 10" giant ipod with a glass screen covering isn't going to be that light.


I'm skeptical, but insanely curious.

 

[Blackhead]

but netbooks have come in and basically owned that space recently - the 'inbetween' take anyway, portable, light, 'second' laptop.

As for lightness - a 10" giant ipod with a glass screen covering isn't going to be that light.


I'm skeptical, but insanely curious.

Am I the only one who hates keyboards? I can't believe this is the best method of input we've come up with for digital devices and I wish the world would just move on already.

 

[Sqrt_minus_one]

Am I the only one who hates keyboards? I can't believe this is the best method of input we've come up with for digital devices and I wish the world would just move on already.

Move on to what though? Hand writing recognition sucks, admittedly the only time I have used heavily is on my windows mobile 5 device. But I end up using the on screen keyboard instead of the hand writing.

So to me the options are onscreen keyboard or hardware keyboard. The only innovation I can think of in this area is split the keyboard in two, hold the device like you would a handheld gaming console and type with thumbs only. I doubt Apple has a tablet they will release but if they do I will be curious to see what the angle is with it.

 

[Totakeke]

What could possibly be more accurate than a hardware keyboard assuming size is of no concern?

 

[abq]

What could possibly be more accurate than a hardware keyboard assuming size is of no concern?

Mind control.

 

[stressboy]

Keyboard, how quaint.

 

[numble]

If they can detect what fingers are being pressed down (IE. distinguish between thumb + pinky versus thumb + index finger), you can potentially multi-touch type with one hand, as there should be enough combinations for the alphabet, I think.

Or you can have 1 finger down show ABCD, 2 fingers down show EFGH, etc. with a subsequent multi-touch tap to select the letter (1 finger tap for A, 2 finger tap for B, etc.)!

It would be clunky at first but then you'll be tapping away sentences in no time!

Yeah, maybe I should go to sleep....

Edit: second-thought: Ideas where you need more than 1 tap to get to a letter will never be as efficient. That's why keyboard phones are preferred to just the ones with the dialpad...

 

[NinjaFridge]

:lol At the people bitching at Shog.

This just shows how Apple has the best marketing department in the world.

They're getting millions upon millions of dollars in free press and advertising for something that isn't even officially announced yet.

Doesn't hurt when members of the media are saying things like

"The Tablet will be awesome, and my guess is that it will be an instant hit for people who loved Kindles and people who want netbooks," said David Wertheimer, executive director of Carnegie Mellon's Entertainment Technology Center.

 

[mrklaw]

Am I the only one who hates keyboards? I can't believe this is the best method of input we've come up with for digital devices and I wish the world would just move on already.

why does digital make any difference? If you don't like qwerty, try a dvorak keyboard, or you can get one-handed input devices.

Fact is, the majority of users know how to use a qwerty keyboard, and its the quickest way to type for most people.

The reason I prefer a physical keyboard is because I touch type, so I don't want to look at the keys. For that I need the home keys to be physical buttons so I have a point of reference - eg the little bumps you get on the home keys.

It is one reason I'm not a huge fan of netbooks - the keys are just a little too small for me to comfortably touch type. But for occasional use its fine.

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

Annoyed? More like amused. I've been amused by Mac fans desperately crying for a Mac Tablet for the last 5 years without any success. But that's the perils of being a Mac user: What you want better happen to line up with what Steve wants. :lol

I learned my lesson with the iPhone, which is soon to be abandoned for an Android device. I welcome my Google overlords!

Anyhow, while I have your attention - what is the new TPC hotness? Feel free to follow up via PM so we don't interrupt the Apple wankfest in progress.

Spoiler

Finally! An eBook reader I can sync with Itunes! HNURRRRRRRRRrrrrrrr lololol

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Good Lord, if you guys want a Cintiq, just buy a Cintiq.

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

Good Lord, if you guys want a Cintiq, just buy a Cintiq.

I don't think folks want an expensive single function device, which is why TPC's still exist and why folks still hold out hope that an Apple device could be used for art.

 

[Blackhead]

why does digital make any difference? If you don't like qwerty, try a dvorak keyboard, or you can get one-handed input devices.

Fact is, the majority of users know how to use a qwerty keyboard, and its the quickest way to type for most people.

The reason I prefer a physical keyboard is because I touch type, so I don't want to look at the keys. For that I need the home keys to be physical buttons so I have a point of reference - eg the little bumps you get on the home keys.

It is one reason I'm not a huge fan of netbooks - the keys are just a little too small for me to comfortably touch type. But for occasional use its fine.

I don't like all keyboards qwerty or otherwise. I'm reasonably fast, can touch type and everything, but hate the way the computers are designed to accommodate them and the cramps I sometimes get. Whenever I'm using the laptop to watch or read something the keyboard just gets in the way.

As to your other reasons, remember that people can speak (voice control—which I don't particularly like) or they can write (pen or stylus—which I'd love to try) much more easily than they can type.

 

[mrklaw]

I don't like all keyboards qwerty or otherwise. I'm reasonably fast, can touch type and everything, but hate the way the computers are designed to accommodate them and the cramps I sometimes get. Whenever I'm using the laptop to watch or read something the keyboard just gets in the way.

I agree that it would be nice for the keyboard to get the hell out of the way while consuming media or browsing the net.

As to your other reasons, remember that people can speak (voice control—which I don't particularly like) or they can write (pen or stylus—which I'd love to try) much more easily than they can type.

I just haven't found a solution to bulk text entry thats better than a qwerty keyboard. As mrkgoo said, for light email/form filling, a touch keyboard is probably fine.

fast and accurate voice/handwriting recognition just doesn't exist right now. If Apple pulled that off, it'd be very interesting. But then voice isn't universally suitable. No good sitting in a quiet place speaking private or sensitive material to your computer.

 

[Jill Sandwich]

Keyboard, how quaint.

 

[tokkun]

I don't like all keyboards qwerty or otherwise. I'm reasonably fast, can touch type and everything, but hate the way the computers are designed to accommodate them and the cramps I sometimes get. Whenever I'm using the laptop to watch or read something the keyboard just gets in the way.

As to your other reasons, remember that people can speak (voice control—which I don't particularly like) or they can write (pen or stylus—which I'd love to try) much more easily than they can type.

I would hazard to say that almost anyone who is remotely competent can type faster than they can write. Furthermore, having to speak aloud everything you want to enter would be unacceptable for reasons of privacy and disturbing others.

 

[LCfiner]

Man, this thread is early :lol thing hasn't even been announced and it could be completely underwhelming.

the only thing that makes me intrigued by this device are the stories of Steve Jobs canceling this project several times in the past because there was no reason to create it. I especially like the story of him being presented an R&D tablet design years ago and asking what it's good for except for reading websites on the toilet.

So that gives me hope that there'll be enough unique content on this thing to be worthwhile and that it'll address the potential faults that we come up with ourselves whenever we discuss it.

But until I see it and see what I can do on it, I'm not really getting too excited.


the only thing we know for sure is that Shog will hate it

 

[Blackhead]

I would hazard to say that almost anyone who is remotely competent can type faster than they can write. Furthermore, having to speak aloud everything you want to enter would be unacceptable for reasons of privacy and disturbing others.

You've never seen anybody finger type I take it. But I agree, both methods aren't ideal for creating long text documents (which is what programmers primarily do a day which is why they love the keyboard and haven't created any alternatives for the rest of us ). But voice and stylus are great for taking notes and any design work. I'm not averse to keeping a small Bluetooth keyboard for when it's needed. Although I could just my iPhone instead, and in my opinion (WTF I never knew the autocorrect expanded 'imo') thumb keyboards present a better form factor than regular keyboards. And there are already improvements for touch keyboards on the horizon; haptic feedback will be a big advance especially when individual keys can do specific vibrations.

 

[Flying_Phoenix]

You can always count on Shog to drone on in Apple threads about Wacom this and that and nobody cares.

The hilarious thing is that he's just measuring meaningless thing.

What kind of animator would want to animate on a computer that is less powerful than a 2.0GHZ Core 2 Duo as well as a screen that is (inevitably) going to be vastly inferior to Wacom Tablets (Cintiqs cost a grand alone). Not to mention the (inevitably) small awkward screen it will have.

As an animator myself I can't help but. :lol

I don't think any of this is really the result of Apple's marketing department - well, not directly. It's more Apple/Steve's reputation. Steve would probably have everything shut down if he could actually control it.

But this pretty much always happens. I mean think about it. Word of mouth and free press. It's ingenious marketing that costs literally nothing.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

I'm definitely interested in what's happening with a potential tablet, mainly because I've been close to pulling the trigger on a Kindle or a Nook recently, but keep telling myself to wait and see what Apple has up its sleeve.

I first started hearing concrete info about this from the editor of an online magazine that I write for this past summer. He made mention of the fact that Apple was reaching out to publishers back then, and that they had this new device in the pipeline. This was probably July, and even then he said it would be 2010 before it would appear. I'm guessing they'll hold a keynote around the same time that they would have traditionally done MacWorld to formally unveil the tablet. That is if Jobs doesn't kill it again, although it sounds like it's fairly close to production at this point.

Also, for those saying that it needs to have pen input, I think you can put those fears to rest, considering those patents that came to light last week. I think it's safe to say that it'll do both pen and multitouch, and since multitouch can handle 11 independent input sources at the same time, you can see where they would be heading with an on screen keyboard and possibly more sophisticated stuff.

 

[kaching]

I have worked for Wacom, so my knowledge comes from talking with their head of marketing, not dealing with them as an ODM/OEM.

Fair enough, point stands about Wacom's "necessary chore" perspective - if that's the accurate way to frame it, then it doesn't really preclude them making a deal with Apple.

Me? Try the rest of the thread. You are the only one asking for none art function with the pen far as I can tell.

The rest of the thread isn't specifically asking for "professional art" like you are, as far as I can tell. Which isn't the same as "non art function" either. Again, a question of degrees that you seem incapable of addressing as anything more than black or white.

Wrong point. I'm referring to the vicious catch 22 that exists for getting pen platform accepted without Wacom nor BC with existing productivity apps.

Sorry, that point wasn't even directed at me though. But I've already indirectly addressed this in making the point that it's probably not a "pen platform" that they have to get accepted first and foremost. They won't frame it that way.

Only to those think Apple is comprised of magical programming fairies. They are only people. This stuff requires work. They haven't put in enough of it yet. And there are no signs of them concentrating on it (that would require Steve's blessing, which he is not keen on giving with anything pen related). The reason MS is so gung ho on the pen stuff is because it's been Gate's pet project for a long time.

Yes, this stuff requires work, but it's not as if they'd be starting from scratch or that they wouldn't have plenty of prior art and existing industry expertise to draw upon, beyond just MS's work. Your vid from 2 years ago already showed some basic handwriting recognition. Two years to build on that if they had a dedicated push towards a product that deliberately intended to implement it is hardly unrealistic.

The question of whether they have the will is valid. We'll see.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Also, for those saying that it needs to have pen input, I think you can put those fears to rest, considering those patents that came to light last week. I think it's safe to say that it'll do both pen and multitouch, and since multitouch can handle 11 independent input sources at the same time, you can see where they would be heading with an on screen keyboard and possibly more sophisticated stuff.

I would bet my bank that that patent has nothing to do with the tablet. Apple guards upcoming new products to an incredible degree. Did we ever see any patents regarding anything about the iPhone before its announcement? It came out with a touchscreen and just one button (which was jokingly predicted by Fake Steve Jobs... remember, thinking about a phone with just one button was absolutely mad before the iPhone), but I remember every single rumor, fake leak, or fan mockup either included the iPod wheel control, a flip phone design, or some wacky hybrid iPod/phone. I don't think anyone got it right but FSJ.

 

[mrkgoo]

But this pretty much always happens. I mean think about it. Word of mouth and free press. It's ingenious marketing that costs literally nothing.

I'm not saying it isn't hugely beneficial. It is, obviously. I'm saying it has little to do with their marketing department outside of what they have done in the past for successful products (ie for iPhone), and this translating to excitement and hype.

 

[Tobor]

I'm with Liu Kang on this one, but we'll see. I could see the pen as an option at best.

As for keyboards, it will obviously be on screen, maybe with a Bluetooth optional keyboard sold separately.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

I would bet my bank that that patent has nothing to do with the tablet. Apple guards upcoming new products to an incredible degree. Did we ever see any patents regarding anything about the iPhone before its announcement? It came out with a touchscreen and just one button (which was jokingly predicted by Fake Steve Jobs... remember, thinking about a phone with just one button was absolutely mad before the iPhone), but I remember every single rumor, fake leak, or fan mockup either included the iPod wheel control, a flip phone design, or some wacky hybrid iPod/phone. I don't think anyone got it right but FSJ.

True, they do play things close to the vest, but their patents are often a glimpse into things to come from the company. Whether this one has anything to do with the tablet has yet to be seen, but we do know hand writing recognition has been in OS X for years, and the use of a pen on some level, combined with multitouch, seems like a no brainer really.

 

[Shogmaster]

Fair enough, point stands about Wacom's "necessary chore" perspective - if that's the accurate way to frame it, then it doesn't really preclude them making a deal with Apple.

No it doesn't, but that would first require Apple to care enough about EMR pens.

The rest of the thread isn't specifically asking for "professional art" like you are, as far as I can tell. Which isn't the same as "non art function" either. Again, a question of degrees that you seem incapable of addressing as anything more than black or white.

Don't make it more complex than it already is. Simply put, if you don't have Wacom digitizer hardware, then you kiss 99.9% of the art software support goodbye. Even Sketchbook Pro, which started out only supporting the MS tablet driver has now gotten rid of that version, and has both Wacom driver and MS driver built into the app. Ask all the Dell XT and HP TX2 owners that are begging for stable driver to be hacked together so they can have pressure sensitivity in Photoshop.

So it doesn't matter if you want to do it for a hobby, or do it professionally. You have to go with Wacom digitizer for art, and you better have critical mass as a platform for the art app community to care enough to write for it, even if you run a Wacom hardware.

Sorry, that point wasn't even directed at me though. But I've already indirectly addressed this in making the point that it's probably not a "pen platform" that they have to get accepted first and foremost. They won't frame it that way.

Yes, this stuff requires work, but it's not as if they'd be starting from scratch or that they wouldn't have plenty of prior art and existing industry expertise to draw upon, beyond just MS's work. Your vid from 2 years ago already showed some basic handwriting recognition. Two years to build on that if they had a dedicated push towards a product that deliberately intended to implement it is hardly unrealistic.

The question of whether they have the will is valid. We'll see.

To me, the benefits of the EMR pen (precision, pressure sensitivity, response time) are only necessary when you either try to mimic pencil, pen and paintbrushes. This basically means that unless you plan to go after artists or office warriors, it's an unnecessary burden on your bottom line and margins. Apple's in a high margin business model. Including EMR pen for the hell of it, just goes flatly against all that.

This is my main point regarding all this Mac Tablet and EMR pen business.

Good Lord, if you guys want a Cintiq, just buy a Cintiq.

Cintiq, unfortunately, don't run on batteries. You need a Tablet PC like device for art on the run.

Anyhow, while I have your attention - what is the new TPC hotness? Feel free to follow up via PM so we don't interrupt the Apple wankfest in progress.

Check your PM Bandit.

 

[mrklaw]

I don't understand the ebook concerns

yea this might be about the right size but if it isn't e-ink then you're back to square one and might as well be using a netbook etc. Isn't the point of an ebook that it reads like paper without eyestrain and very low power usage?

 

[Tobor]

I don't understand the ebook concerns

yea this might be about the right size but if it isn't e-ink then you're back to square one and might as well be using a netbook etc. Isn't the point of an ebook that it reads like paper without eyestrain and very low power usage?

I agree with you, either they compromise and it's not an ideal book reader, or they have some trick up their sleeve that hasn't been leaked yet. That would explain why Jobs is finally giving it the go ahead.

 

[Shogmaster]

I personally think eBook requirements are low for any device. It just requires long battery life, decent screen, decent navigation scheme, and a good distribution model.

Battery life can be remedied by combination of LV processor (like ARM), lowering the backlight power, and buying your way out of battery life with a huge one (like the new Macbooks Pros using normal voltage Core 2 Duos).

Screen wise, I think many find the eINK screen rather slow and annoying with the need of a good light source to read from, and lack of color. Sure, it's less of a strain on the eyes, but most are use to staring at their laptops for hours on end, so it's not such a big deal.

A good distribution model is where Apple can use their past experience and marketing muscle, with iTunes like model for books that competes directly with Kindles. iBooks? Why not?

I don't think eBook functionality is a difficult proposition for this new device.

 

[evil solrac v3.0]

Am I the only one who hates keyboards? I can't believe this is the best method of input we've come up with for digital devices and I wish the world would just move on already.

yes, you're the only who hates keyboards. :rolleyes

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

From what I gather, and again, I had a little insight from my editor a few months back, this thing will do e-books and magazine, and obviously be in color. It's part of Apple's model to distribute books/magazines through iTunes, and this thing will do much more than the Kindle for instance, but at an obviously higher price tag.

I personally believe they do have some tricks up their sleeve in terms of screen/e-ink, or something new. And I think Tobor is right, that's why Jobs gave the go ahead.

 

[Blackhead]

yes, you're the only who hates keyboards. :rolleyes

...

 

[captive]

It should have a pen/stylus for medical uses.
We are rolling out touch screen netbooks which are nice. One problem is using your finger isnt always accurate and people are using actual pens(with ink retracted) as a stylus.

A proper tablet with a pen would be highly valued in hospitals that value technology as a tool, instead of a forced necessity.

 

[Shogmaster]

It should have a pen/stylus for medical uses.
We are rolling out touch screen netbooks which are nice. One problem is using your finger isnt always accurate and people are using actual pens(with ink retracted) as a stylus.

A proper tablet with a pen would be highly valued in hospitals that value technology as a tool, instead of a forced necessity.

Welcome to 2007 (or whenever that was).

 

[captive]

Welcome to 2007 (or whenever that was).

sorry pretty much all of them suck, their either slow, or clunky or too heavy where you might as well carry a laptop/netbook.
also, learn how to rehost images.

 

[Shogmaster]

sorry pretty much all of them suck, their either slow, or clunky or too heavy where you might as well carry a laptop/netbook.
also, learn how to rehost images.

I guess you are a doctor or a nurse and used them at work? *place rolleyes here*

BTW, They aren't there to let you play Crysis. They are there for documentation and form filling in a hospital. Also, this one actually has things like built in RFID reader, and a camera for documenting all your boo boos.

Also, the link had the same pictures as the borked image link, so I hope you don't report me to the broken image link police.

 

[kaching]

This is my main point regarding all this Mac Tablet and EMR pen business.

I understand where you're coming from - I never said this was a slamdunk likelihood for the tablet. But the benefits of an EMR Pen can be realized even in lighter duties and Apple has a solid track record of selling higher margin features to their audience.

Isn't the point of an ebook that it reads like paper without eyestrain and very low power usage?

Yeah, but not everybody feels emphasis on those features is necessary to engage in reading ebooks. I've read for hours on the iPhone. For me the eyestrain issue seems minimal on a standard backlit LCD display. As Shog points out, most of us are using them all day anyway.

I'm still interested in the eInk displays, but ultimately I'm more interested in having something that's more versatile than the current eReaders are.

 

[jason10mm]

I don't see why anyone is expecting this device to be a great e-book reader. Assuming it is basically just a giant itouch with a backlit LCD or OLED screen, then it would be fine as a reader for a short while, but eyestrain or battery life will be the limiting factor. I can read my Kindle for HOURS at a time, and read for DAYS before plugging in, something the itablet won't be able to do. Cost is also a factor. No way this thing is gonna clock in at less than $800, it might even be a grand, so it is priced far above e-book readers if that is the primary use you have in mind for it.

I want one, not just to be an e-book reader (my Kindle will always serve that purpose), but to show magazines and comics (larger screen, crisp images, COLOR) and serve as a better multimedia platform for web surfing, watching TV or movies on the go.

Hard to say if it will replace a netbook/laptop though, are there apps/Mac programs that emulate MS office programs and can use/generate those files?

With ultra-thin netbooks with high res screens and 8+ hour battery life still costing $400 or less, the itablet is REALLY gonna have to step it up to compete. Otherwise it will occupy that awkward space between the ultraportable itouch/iphone, the more usable and still cheaper netbook, and a fully featured laptop.

 

[mrkgoo]

Yeah, but not everybody feels emphasis on those features is necessary to engage in reading ebooks. I've read for hours on the iPhone. For me the eyestrain issue seems minimal on a standard backlit LCD display. As Shog points out, most of us are using them all day anyway.

I'm still interested in the eInk displays, but ultimately I'm more interested in having something that's more versatile than the current eReaders are.

This is me. If the display is nice (hi-res, smooth frame rate, good font rendering, adjustable brightness), I can view it for a very long time.

 

[captive]

I guess you are a doctor or a nurse and used them at work? *place rolleyes here*

BTW, They aren't there to let you play Crysis. They are there for documentation and form filling in a hospital. Also, this one actually has things like built in RFID reader, and a camera for documenting all your boo boos.

Also, the link had the same pictures as the borked image link, so I hope you don't report me to the broken image link police.

No, I work IT at a hospital, so i have direct experience with them. If you had bothered to read my original post in this thread, we are currently rolling out Dell Latitude 2100 netbooks with touch screen and added extra gig of ram.

I have one sitting here on my desk. Of all the netbooks/tablets we have tested (which was about 10 different ones) this was the fastest. And nurses and doctors have complained to us that they are slow when doing web based electronic medical records or medication filling/orders.
In addition the touch is not as accurate as they would like, and it requires calibration and re-calibration.

I dont understand however, how you're acting like your one post has resolved our issues and that i have no experience what so ever to be talking about such a subject.

 

[mrkgoo]

Here are the first two questions that need to be answered about this device:

1) Will this device be stand alone, or will it require a 'sync' to be partnered with your 'primary' computer? This will determine whether it is a replacement device or something that complements your existing devices.

2) Will this device run its own OS, or either the iPhone or Mac OS?