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[Tobor]

But now you're talking from a really limited perspective at this point. I don't think the average joe is sitting there thinking damn, my phone in hand is too small but I'm too lazy to grab my laptop on the table over there. That's a very specific scenario that I don't think a lot of people will side with at the cost of a tablet. Will some? Sure, we've witness Apple fans jump on anything with the Apple logo on I don't deny that some people feel this way, but in general? That's gotta be a very minor situation to drop $600 to $1000 on another device.



Oh don't get me wrong, I love my iPhone and the touch screen. I'm fine with not having a physical keyboard on a cellphone because I know my typing is hindered to begin with by the very nature of the form factor. It's fine for what it is and what I tend to use it for. But I don't see this as a device that someone takes to a class and does maybe notes on it, nor write or edit a simple document or maybe even a long e-mail. I'm even wondering how you hold and type with it. At least with a laptop, I can hold it down with my arms on my legs while looking at the screen, but imagine doing that with something in the form of a tablet. Next week will be interesting, that's for sure, but I'm willing to bet there is going to be a lot of flack given to Apple when people realize it doesn't meet the expectatons and hype that has built up over the last two years even though they were the ones who kept wanting a tablet and I don't think realized what they wanted it for.

Well, it's not the only thing I want it for, clearly. But we're talking about typing, and I'm saying it's not as important to be able to do heavy typing as you are implying. If the tablet can manage the speed and accuracy of the iPhone, it will be fine.

EDIT: What I can't understand is your inability to see why we're so excited. This is a form factor with massive potential. You're hung up on the fact that you can't accurately reproduce the desktop metaphor, but that's a strength, not a weakness. We need a new metaphor.

 

[SuperPac]

Hey, Amazon's doing an App Store too - http://gizmodo.com/5453395/amazon-opens-kindle-up-for-development-app-store-ahoy

 

[LCfiner]

Hey, Amazon's doing an App Store too - http://gizmodo.com/5453395/amazon-opens-kindle-up-for-development-app-store-ahoy

Kinda interesting. Not sure what to make of the "games" being mentioned

not many would work well on the screen. I guess they could port Zork or something.

 

[Mr. Spinnington]

If this thing is just a media consumption device it will be a massive letdown for me. There's a huge potential market for a mass-market tablet with serious functionality. Making it a glorified iPod so it can be "focused" is foolish as far as I'm concerned.

well... well now you're just regurgitating apple's philosophy on device functionality


which i hope is supposed to be ironic

 

[SuperPac]

If this thing is just a media consumption device it will be a massive letdown for me. There's a huge potential market for a mass-market tablet with serious functionality. Making it a glorified iPod so it can be "focused" is foolish as far as I'm concerned.

A lot of functionality will undoubtedly be added via apps. Even an iPod touch is more than 'just an iPod' when you add up the kinds of apps available and what you can do with them.

 

[Mr. Spinnington]

called it. well along with other people. article basically confirming tablet + some new things. too tired to bold it all and am off to sleep, but here it is

Apple Sees New Money in Old Media
Steve Jobs's Tablet Device Looks to Repackage TV, Magazines, Just as iPod Changed Music Sales

By YUKARI IWATANI KANE And ETHAN SMITH

With the new tablet device that is debuting next week, Apple Inc. Chief Executive Steve Jobs is betting he can reshape businesses like textbooks, newspapers and television much the way his iPod revamped the music industry—and expand Apple's influence and revenue as a content middleman.

In developing the device, Apple focused on the role the gadget could play in homes and in classrooms, say people familiar with the situation. The company envisions that the tablet can be shared by multiple family members to read news and check email in homes, these people say... [more at link]

apple may save a lot of publications if it can revitalize the idea of subscribing to a daily or weekly paper. i've been saying this for a while tho..

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

I think what a lot of people are hoping for out of the tablet is that you can be truly productive on it like on a laptop for instance, as opposed to it being just another way to consume media, surf, and e-mail. For instance, while the App Store is going to fill in a lot of gaps for functionally, is it going to be possible for me to run iWork (Tablet Edition) and do some real work while I'm on the go.

In my case, I am a travel writer, and would love something small, and light, that I can get some work done on the go. My MacBook is great for this in some occasions, but I bought a netbook last year because I needed something smaller and lighter that I didn't mind having with me in remote places in case it got damaged. (I was heading to the Amazon at the time.) A tablet that has movies, music, books, magazines and the ability to handle my work, would be great.

That said, I'm prepared for this to be an improved e-reader with better media functionality and apps, and if the price is right, it'll still fill a need for me, although it won't be able to replace taking a laptop/netbook.

 

[Woodsy]

I think what a lot of people are hoping for out of the tablet is that you can be truly productive on it like on a laptop for instance, as opposed to it being just another way to consume media, surf, and e-mail. For instance, while the App Store is going to fill in a lot of gaps for functionally, is it going to be possible for me to run iWork (Tablet Edition) and do some real work while I'm on the go.

In my case, I am a travel writer, and would love something small, and light, that I can get some work done on the go. My MacBook is great for this in some occasions, but I bought a netbook last year because I needed something smaller and lighter that I didn't mind having with me in remote places in case it got damaged. (I was heading to the Amazon at the time.) A tablet that has movies, music, books, magazines and the ability to handle my work, would be great.

That said, I'm prepared for this to be an improved e-reader with better media functionality and apps, and if the price is right, it'll still fill a need for me, although it won't be able to replace taking a laptop/netbook.

Pretty much the only thing not known right now is the connectivity. This is pretty much what I expect:

-10-11" screen
-iPhone/iPod like interface
-eReader with access to typical eBooks, Newspaper/Magazine Subscriptions, Comics, and likely some new take on textbooks
-Full access to itunes media (music, movies, TV, etc.)
-Likely to have some version of iWork - I would be SHOCKED if you cannot pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse

I'm thinking that the bombshell for internet access might be that if you have an iPhone, you can link your account to the device for 3G access, otherwise you are limited to wireless or possibly some sort of limited Whispernet that would only allow you to download books, newspapers, etc.

 

[Shawn128]

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but Apple has delayed shipments of their 27 inch iMac.

Source: Appleinsider

While I have the slightest glimmer of hope that a new update for them will be announced next week (since I just ordered one), I know this won't be the case, especially since it is barely mid cycle.

I'm wondering if it has moreso to do with all the flicker and yellow screen problems everyone has been complaining about, in which case I'm both worried and hopeful -- worried if the problem has gotten that bad and hopeful that this could mean a fix is being implemented as we speak.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Pretty much the only thing not known right now is the connectivity. This is pretty much what I expect:

-10-11" screen
-iPhone/iPod like interface
-eReader with access to typical eBooks, Newspaper/Magazine Subscriptions, Comics, and likely some new take on textbooks
-Full access to itunes media (music, movies, TV, etc.)
-Likely to have some version of iWork - I would be SHOCKED if you cannot pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse

I'm thinking that the bombshell for internet access might be that if you have an iPhone, you can link your account to the device for 3G access, otherwise you are limited to wireless or possibly some sort of limited Whispernet that would only allow you to download books, newspapers, etc.

How is connectivity the only thing we don't know right now? Yes, there are a lot of rumors circulating, but that's exactly what they are, rumors. We really don't know anything about the tablet yet, just lots of speculation. It's okay to have your expectations, and you're probably on the right track with a lot of those, but we honestly don't know much at all about this device.

 

[Woodsy]

How is connectivity the only thing we don't know right now? Yes, there are a lot of rumors circulating, but that's exactly what they are, rumors. We really don't know anything about the tablet yet, just lots of speculation. It's okay to have your expectations, and you're probably on the right track with a lot of those, but we honestly don't know much at all about this device.

Because anything short of this will be "just another tablet" and Apple isn't in the business of releasing something that 20 other manufacturers have already shown or have in the wild.

 

[Woodsy]

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but Apple has delayed shipments of their 27 inch iMac.
Source: Appleinsider

While I have the slightest glimmer of hope that a new update for them will be announced next week (since I just ordered one), I know this won't be the case, especially since it is barely mid cycle.

I'm wondering if it has moreso to do with all the flicker and yellow screen problems everyone has been complaining about, in which case I'm both worried and hopeful -- worried if the problem has gotten that bad and hopeful that this could mean a fix is being implemented as we speak.

27" Tablets confirmed! :lol

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Because anything short of this will be "just another tablet" and Apple isn't in the business of releasing something that 20 other manufacturers have already shown or have in the wild.

I won't disagree with you, but it's still purely speculation at this point. We still have no concrete knowledge about anything the tablet can and can't do.

 

[D4Danger]

27" Tablets confirmed! :lol

:lol :lol ok, that got me.

 

[Woodsy]

:lol :lol ok, that got me.

 

[D4Danger]

how big is that CD? :lol

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but Apple has delayed shipments of their 27 inch iMac.

Source: Appleinsider

While I have the slightest glimmer of hope that a new update for them will be announced next week (since I just ordered one), I know this won't be the case, especially since it is barely mid cycle.

I'm wondering if it has moreso to do with all the flicker and yellow screen problems everyone has been complaining about, in which case I'm both worried and hopeful -- worried if the problem has gotten that bad and hopeful that this could mean a fix is being implemented as we speak.

It's because it's ridiculously popular. They did some PR spam a few weeks back about how demand is way higher than expected. We'll probably hear Steve brag about this next week.

The yellow screen and flickering aren't as rampant as the Internet likes to make people think. It's just like the Nexus One connectivity thing. Just about everyone is having a great time with it, but the loud minority with problems likes to think they're representing everyone.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

how big is that CD? :lol

It's a laser disc. Apple goes retro on the Tablet.

 

[Shawn128]

It's because it's ridiculously popular. They did some PR spam a few weeks back about how demand is way higher than expected. We'll probably hear Steve brag about this next week.

The yellow screen and flickering aren't as rampant as the Internet likes to make people think.

Yeah I was figuring into that the more I read about it. I probably wouldn't have even thought about the yellow screen and flickering issues so much if it wasn't for stuff like Gizmodo making it their personal crusade to get Apple on this

 

[Tobor]

Pretty much the only thing not known right now is the connectivity. This is pretty much what I expect:

-10-11" screen
-iPhone/iPod like interface
-eReader with access to typical eBooks, Newspaper/Magazine Subscriptions, Comics, and likely some new take on textbooks
-Full access to itunes media (music, movies, TV, etc.)
-Likely to have some version of iWork - I would be SHOCKED if you cannot pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse

I'm thinking that the bombshell for internet access might be that if you have an iPhone, you can link your account to the device for 3G access, otherwise you are limited to wireless or possibly some sort of limited Whispernet that would only allow you to download books, newspapers, etc.

Bluetooth keyboard support is not a given. As Andy Ihnatko said, Apple is like Cortez, and they have no problem burning the ships to force you to do things their way.

Leo Laporte's big prediction on Macbreak was a variation on Whispernet. His theory is that instead of building the cost of the connection into the device, you build it into the content. So if you download a song or video, a portion of the cost covers the bandwidth. We shall see.

 

[LCfiner]

Bluetooth keyboard support is not a given. As Andy Ihnatko said, Apple is like Cortez, and they have no problem burning the ships to force you to use you to do things their way.

Leo Laporte's big prediction on Macbreak was a variation on Whispernet. His theory is that instead of building the cost of the connection into the device, you build it into the content. So if you download a song or video, a portion of the cost covers the bandwidth. We shall see.

yup. classic example is the lack of arrow keys and home/ end, pg up/ pg dn keys on the original 1984 Mac.

Made you use the mouse to move around.


less than a week away from the reveal. I'll have to rearrange my lunch time to follow the live blogging properly.

 

[Tobor]

yup. classic example is the lack of arrow keys and home/ end, pg up/ pg dn keys on the original 1984 Mac.

Made you use the mouse to move around.


less than a week away from the reveal. I'll have to rearrange my lunch time to follow the live blogging properly.

I took the day off from work...for unrelated reasons. Yeah, that's it. :lol

 

[LCfiner]

I took the day off from work...for unrelated reasons. Yeah, that's it. :lol

I've done that for E3 press conferences a couple times but never for an Apple event. awesome :lol

although, to be honest, I didn't get a damn thing done in the afternoon in January 2007 after the iPhone was announced.

 

[Tobor]

I've done that for E3 press conferences a couple times but never for an Apple event. awesome :lol

although, to be honest, I didn't get a damn thing done in the afternoon in January 2007 after the iPhone was announced.

I had a 4 day weekend coming up so I took off Wednesday and Thursday and made it a mini vacation. The timing worked out perfectly.

Apple Event and Mass Effect 2. I'm stoked.

 

[SuperPac]

I just blocked out that time on my work calendar so hopefully no one will schedule any meetings during this.

 

[D4Danger]

Ars already have their live blog ready :lol

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/01/tablet-live-event-liveblog.ars

 

[Mecha_Infantry]

I took the wrong day off work

 

[Tobor]

I took the wrong day off work

I hope you're a Mass Effect fan, at least you can play that all day. :lol

 

[Marty Chinn]

Well, it's not the only thing I want it for, clearly. But we're talking about typing, and I'm saying it's not as important to be able to do heavy typing as you are implying. If the tablet can manage the speed and accuracy of the iPhone, it will be fine.

EDIT: What I can't understand is your inability to see why we're so excited. This is a form factor with massive potential. You're hung up on the fact that you can't accurately reproduce the desktop metaphor, but that's a strength, not a weakness. We need a new metaphor.

I'm all for a new method of doing things like the iPhone was in many ways, but I'm having trouble understanding where this fits in between a Laptop and an iPhone. If I want quick short access to things, I have my iPhone. If I want something more in depth, I have my netbook or laptop. What functionality besides a bigger screen is the tablet giving me over an iPhone that doesn't make the laptop a better candidate at that point if you're going bigger? The eReader angle seems a possibility but it already sounds like Apple's implementation is going to be botched and if they do botch it, then I really hope it doesn't catch on because that would be a negative impact to eReaders.

You're exactly the point I'm making. A lot of people are excited about it, and they keep saying they want a tablet, but you can't then really quatify why you want it or what you want it to do. I'm not hung up on the desktop metaphor. I'm hung up on trying to figure out its role in the scope of things.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

From the rumors so far, I see it analogous to the Wii. It's the device for when you're with friends in person. Your real computer or phone is what you use by yourself online.

There's an angle to this sort of thing. We'll see how they do it.

Going by that WSJ article, I feel like I called it when I said it's the touchscreen computer for the family that HP keeps trying to sell.

 

[Sir Smoke Alot]

A lot of functionality will undoubtedly be added via apps. Even an iPod touch is more than 'just an iPod' when you add up the kinds of apps available and what you can do with them.

My friend actually used his iPod touch as a low budget computer. It browses the web, he does his email, and I believe does his homework with some word processing apps and emails it to himself and prints it in the library. Its amazing how the little device is pretty much a laptop.

 

[mrkgoo]

I'm all for a new method of doing things like the iPhone was in many ways, but I'm having trouble understanding where this fits in between a Laptop and an iPhone. If I want quick short access to things, I have my iPhone. If I want something more in depth, I have my netbook or laptop. What functionality besides a bigger screen is the tablet giving me over an iPhone that doesn't make the laptop a better candidate at that point if you're going bigger? The eReader angle seems a possibility but it already sounds like Apple's implementation is going to be botched and if they do botch it, then I really hope it doesn't catch on because that would be a negative impact to eReaders.

You're exactly the point I'm making. A lot of people are excited about it, and they keep saying they want a tablet, but you can't then really quatify why you want it or what you want it to do. I'm not hung up on the desktop metaphor. I'm hung up on trying to figure out its role in the scope of things.

Many of us believe that the desktop metaphor is inappropriate for a mobile platform. The tablet form factor is an opportunity for introducing a computing platform that doesn't have to conform to it.

It's not so much that a laptop is bad - actually quite the opposite. It will still have it's place. But it's not really mobile computing. It's portable computing. That is, I have a laptop, and I love it. I bring it to and from work, and I have everything in both places. It's marvelous.

But what about travelling on a train somewhere? Or sitting in the park? The laptop is suitable for that. Sure, it can be used, but it's not well suited. For sure, an iPhone is great for a bus ride, or checking while standing in line for something, but again it's not suitable for some things. I'm hoping the tablet can bridge that.

There's a difference between 'portable' and 'mobile'.

Back to the desktop metaphor - the idea of files and icons is great for a sit down desk. You have file locations, you mess about with documents and so on. But what about a computing device where you don't deal with all that? One where you just deal with what you are doing. A new form factor is a chance to break that mold. Of course, you can do the same thing in a laptop, but if someone were to bring out a laptop and have no file management system, people will be ,"WTF." And vice versa, some brings out a tablet with the same old windows interface, and people will be, "WTF." And they have, for several years that's what tablets have been like. Trying to recreate what is suited to another form factor.

In a way it's like the PSP playing hours long console games - that's not what is suited to a hand held. Nintendo have always known that, and Apple does too.

It's not about what features that the tablet can replicate - it's the new way we can experience computing. I think no-one can really understand the products Apple make until they see it in action. The iPod, the iPhone, the Apple TV. They all bring something to gather that seems so obvious on paper, but it isn't until you actually experience it in day-to-day use. I'm not saying any of it is innovative when broken down (iPhone), or that Apple were first to do it (iPod), or that they were even it's what people want or is successful (Apple TV).

Just think about the iPod - pfft - just a portable MP3 player. But what it was at the time was ACTUALLY a portable MP3 player. You could literally stick it in your pocket, and it could carry your entire collection.

The iPhone - pffft. It's mobile internet. But surely you've seen what always on mobile internet combined with the other features of the iPhone have done. Of course Apple weren't first to bring it, but they were first to make it so that it was easy to use such that everyone DID use it.

Apple TV - pfft, just media on your TV. Of course a computer actually does a pretty admirable job of this, so perhaps that's why it hasn't been the home run it could've been (I believe with a little bit stronger marketing and a few more features, it could've been every bit as big). The concept of the hub of your home theatre being linked to your iTunes and computer is sound. I think Apple underestimated a little how much people actually relied on iTunes as their source of home media, and how connected the average home is (as in networking). Still, if I ever established a home with a fast internet connection and good networking, I will pick up an Apple TV.

Anyway, I'm getting off topic. You're looking at the parts of the tablet. Traditionally, Apple have managed to make their products MORE than the sum of their parts. That is why I'm excited for the Tablet.

 

[LCfiner]

I'm all for a new method of doing things like the iPhone was in many ways, but I'm having trouble understanding where this fits in between a Laptop and an iPhone. If I want quick short access to things, I have my iPhone. If I want something more in depth, I have my netbook or laptop. What functionality besides a bigger screen is the tablet giving me over an iPhone that doesn't make the laptop a better candidate at that point if you're going bigger? The eReader angle seems a possibility but it already sounds like Apple's implementation is going to be botched and if they do botch it, then I really hope it doesn't catch on because that would be a negative impact to eReaders.

You're exactly the point I'm making. A lot of people are excited about it, and they keep saying they want a tablet, but you can't then really quatify why you want it or what you want it to do. I'm not hung up on the desktop metaphor. I'm hung up on trying to figure out its role in the scope of things.

you refer to functionality and what this tablet might do that can't be done on a desktop. I'm not sure that's the point.

I think the point will be to do some of the exact same things you do on a desktop but more simply and more naturally (eg: finger gestures instead of mouse pointers. no scrollbars, manipulating content directly, no finder or exposed file system).

if you can't understand why someone might be interested in a tablet shaped computer that actually takes advantage of the form factor in a brand new way then you're obviously never going to be the target market for this. you just don't seem to be able to look at this from any other viewpoint than your own.

It's like the chrome OS reveal. While I don't want a computer that only runs webapps, I can totally understand how other people could. i can see how that device with that OS could be successful.


edit: beaten by mrkgoo. good post, sir

 

[Marty Chinn]

you refer to functionality and what this tablet might do that can't be done on a desktop. I'm not sure that's the point.

I think the point will be to do some of the exact same things you do on a desktop but more simply and more naturally (eg: finger gestures instead of mouse pointers. no scrollbars, manipulating content directly, no finder or exposed file system).

if you can't understand why someone might be interested in a tablet shaped computer that actually takes advantage of the form factor in a brand new way then you're obviously never going to be the target market for this. you just don't seem to be able to look at this from any other viewpoint than your own.

It's like the chrome OS reveal. While I don't want a computer that only runs webapps, I can totally understand how other people could. i can see how that device with that OS could be successful.

No, reread it. I'm saying what functionality is the iPhone missing that would make me need a tablet but not quite a laptop in form factor. I'm trying to understand the middle ground gap that thing is trying to fill. You're clearly not going to be writing documents or taking notes in class on the thing most likely because of the form factor. So in many cases that involve such functionality, a laptop is going to be needed over a tablet that is being described here.

So now with this device, I now have three options? Bring an iPhone. Bring an iPhone and Tablet. Bring an iPhone and laptop. I'll always have my iPhone with me which is great for most cases, but now I need to decide in a case that I need a little bit more capability or a lot more capability? It seems like an additional complexity that I'm not sure makes sense at this point.

I'm trying to understand what people think it's going to do, what functionality it makes easier or merges together, and how it fits into the scope of all these gadgets. Yet, nobody can still explain it because they don't know either and are waiting for Apple to explain it to them. This is partly why I can't understand the excitement. I was excited when they were talking that it might duplicate it as an eReader, but that's no longer going to be the case since they're not using a dual purpose screen.

 

[Woodsy]

My friend actually used his iPod touch as a low budget computer. It browses the web, he does his email, and I believe does his homework with some word processing apps and emails it to himself and prints it in the library. Its amazing how the little device is pretty much a laptop.

Yeah, I basically see what (I assume) Apple is going to deliver to be the "everyday" computer for those that don't need to do anything beyond your basic core functionalities that are not too processor intensive (e.g. no reason to run Photoshop or iMovie on this thing). Assuming it is very light with decent battery life, you can pop it into a briefcase or a purse without any trouble and the ~5lbs that come with most laptops.

Come home, pop it in a cradle and you can use it as a replacement for a laptop. Pick it up and read a book on the couch, etc. It'll be much more of a lifestyle device than a productivity device.

 

[Sir Smoke Alot]

Yeah, I basically see what (I assume) Apple is going to deliver to be the "everyday" computer for those that don't need to do anything beyond your basic core functionalities that are not too processor intensive (e.g. no reason to run Photoshop or iMovie on this thing). Assuming it is very light with decent battery life, you can pop it into a briefcase or a purse without any trouble and the ~5lbs that come with most laptops.

Come home, pop it in a cradle and you can use it as a replacement for a laptop. Pick it up and read a book on the couch, etc. It'll be much more of a lifestyle device than a productivity device.

I would kill for a tablet where I can run all my editing and stuff on...or maybe just the ability to use it as a secondary monitor for my mackook pro so I can have my photo/canvas/video on the big screen and my toolbars, menus and shit on the tablet screen. God yes Apple make it happen baby

 

[mrkgoo]

No, reread it. I'm saying what functionality is the iPhone missing that would make me need a tablet but not quite a laptop in form factor. I'm trying to understand the middle ground gap that thing is trying to fill. You're clearly not going to be writing documents or taking notes in class on the thing most likely because of the form factor. So in many cases that involve such functionality, a laptop is going to be needed over a tablet that is being described here.

So now with this device, I now have three options? Bring an iPhone. Bring an iPhone and Tablet. Bring an iPhone and laptop. I'll always have my iPhone with me which is great for most cases, but now I need to decide in a case that I need a little bit more capability or a lot more capability? It seems like an additional complexity that I'm not sure makes sense at this point.

I'm trying to understand what people think it's going to do, what functionality it makes easier or merges together, and how it fits into the scope of all these gadgets. Yet, nobody can still explain it because they don't know either and are waiting for Apple to explain it to them. This is partly why I can't understand the excitement. I was excited when they were talking that it might duplicate it as an eReader, but that's no longer going to be the case since they're not using a dual purpose screen.

Let's put it this way. I will ALWAYS have my iPhone. On a day-to-day basis, I also bring my laptop. So in that regard, yes, a bridging device is pointless.

See the thing is, I don't think it's JUST something that fills in a gap. Apple have never tried to bring things out that are 'just' doing that. They have always tried to make a new product class, and often that is never due to the hardware alone, but a combination of the hardware and software. And they have succeeded time and time again (arguably the one time the masses didn't adopt - the Apple TV - it's because they didn't quite nail the software).

Based on the track record alone (for me), I'm excited. I don't have an y real inkling of what's going on. I have expectations, reasonable and off the planet as anyone else.

For sure, it could turn out to be very mediocre. I'm willing to accept that. Even if some of my crazier 'wants' don't get met, doesn't mean I will be disappointed. So there's no harm squealing like a girl at the moment.

 

[LCfiner]

No, reread it. I'm saying what functionality is the iPhone missing that would make me need a tablet but not quite a laptop in form factor. I'm trying to understand the middle ground gap that thing is trying to fill. You're clearly not going to be writing documents or taking notes in class on the thing most likely because of the form factor. So in many cases that involve such functionality, a laptop is going to be needed over a tablet that is being described here.

So now with this device, I now have three options? Bring an iPhone. Bring an iPhone and Tablet. Bring an iPhone and laptop. I'll always have my iPhone with me which is great for most cases, but now I need to decide in a case that I need a little bit more capability or a lot more capability? It seems like an additional complexity that I'm not sure makes sense at this point.

I'm trying to understand what people think it's going to do, what functionality it makes easier or merges together, and how it fits into the scope of all these gadgets. Yet, nobody can still explain it because they don't know either and are waiting for Apple to explain it to them. This is partly why I can't understand the excitement. I was excited when they were talking that it might duplicate it as an eReader, but that's no longer going to be the case since they're not using a dual purpose screen.

For this point, I can only speak of my own personal expectations, since other people will be excited over different things.

I am excited at the possibility of this replacing a laptop. period. I want Apple to swing big and come up with something that one could conceivably buy instead of a laptop or desktop. Something that can import pictures and video, do some photo editing, email, games, etc. But with an ease of use that's still not quite there with the familiar mouse and keyboard.

it might not be able to do ALL this in its first incarnation. But I am hoping for Apple to make a bold step in redefining how we interact with computers for the vast majority of our daily tasks. And, over the next 5 years or so, as devices like this evolve, we'll see a major change in computing as all our tasks can, potentially, be handled on a device like this.

in other words, i am setting myself up for major disappointment

 

[Woodsy]

I would kill for a tablet where I can run all my editing and stuff on...or maybe just the ability to use it as a secondary monitor for my mackook pro so I can have my photo/canvas/video on the big screen and my toolbars, menus and shit on the tablet screen. God yes Apple make it happen baby

:lol

Your niche is unbelievably small and not something Apple is going to focus on (not to say the functionality won't be there).

 

[mrkgoo]

About the only thing that would stop me from getting it now is the contract with any carrier. Since I will likely be leaving the US this year, a contract would be undesirable.

That and money - not so much cost of the device itself, but that I'm also thinking of replacing my MBP with a newer model. I'm not sure I can afford to replace AND get a tablet. HOWEVER, if the tablet is so mindblowingly amazing, I might consider just a tablet, and just upgrading the HD on my MBP.

As far as form factor goes, my main desire is to have it impossibly thin. As in as thin as a laptop screen. Yeah, it sounds impossible (even the iPhone is thicker), but the iPod touch blew me away. It's practically just a screen. They fit all the electronics into the little border above and below the screen. I think the biggest thing these days is the battery, so here's hoping for thin batteries, even if they have to make a slightly larger border at the ends.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Let's put it this way. I will ALWAYS have my iPhone. On a day-to-day basis, I also bring my laptop. So in that regard, yes, a bridging device is pointless.

See the thing is, I don't think it's JUST something that fills in a gap. Apple have never tried to bring things out that are 'just' doing that. They have always tried to make a new product class, and often that is never due to the hardware alone, but a combination of the hardware and software. And they have succeeded time and time again (arguably the one time the masses didn't adopt - the Apple TV - it's because they didn't quite nail the software).

Based on the track record alone (for me), I'm excited. I don't have an y real inkling of what's going on. I have expectations, reasonable and off the planet as anyone else.

For sure, it could turn out to be very mediocre. I'm willing to accept that. Even if some of my crazier 'wants' don't get met, doesn't mean I will be disappointed. So there's no harm squealing like a girl at the moment.

But why do you want a tablet then? To carry a third device on you? That seems silly to add more devices. If it's going to be a portable device, it should either allow me to do something I couldn't do already or reduce the number of devices. An iPhone broke the cord that tied me to the Internet from a static location. It also allowed me in several situations to no longer need my laptop. It gave me new functionality, a new experience, and it made my life easier and more portable. I can quantify all the things that makes the iPhone so awesome to me and I was excited the very second I saw the unveiling and they announced the features. The iPod was similar in that it was a great interface, a great form factor, and it allowed me to not carry CDs around and have everything accessible in a split second without the need to have forethought about what CD I should have brought or take the time to switch discs. It too reduced how much I would carry and made my life easier. I love both of those products. But in both cases, I can clearly quanitfy why they were exciting and why I loved them so much. I can't get excited over something that I can't see the need for. I was excited when I thought it might be a great eReader because I could see the great potential there, but that's not the case. So I'm trying to find that need, or that experience, or what will make my life easier by using this device to find any type of excitement and I don't think that's unreasonable at all to be questioning it.

Believe it or not, I have owned a ton of Apple products and I'm always willing to give them the benefit of the doubt to see what they have to offer. I'm sure it'll be better than the lackluster slate that Microsoft showed. I've owned an Apple ][+ (loved it), four different iterations of the iPod (loved all of them except the third generation iPod), an iPhone (can't live life without it and can't imagine how I did before), an Apple TV (complete crap, even after trying to mod it), and an iMac (don't love or hate it, just indifferent). So I'm willing to give Apple my money and even willing to gamble on them. I've got money that I'm willing to throw at a tablet, but Apple needs to sell me on how this will improve my every day life and why I need one. They've done it in the past, but I don't think they always bat 1.000 either so I hold some reservation.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

I hate the talk about doing editing or photo/video work on a tablet.

Do you guys even pay attention to how you use these applications? Photoshop is a 90% keyboard shortcut driven experience for me, and I'm sure everyone else that works with it seriously. It does not translate.

 

[LiveFromKyoto]

well... well now you're just regurgitating apple's philosophy on device functionality


which i hope is supposed to be ironic

Somewhere along the line people seem to have completely lost perspective on Apple.

I guess their device functionality philosophy department screwed up hard with all that stuff, somebody should probably stop making it the focal point of their website. The Apple tablet should be what the MacBook Air tried to be - a light, highly portable computer. These 'giant iPod Touch' rumours add up to a device that's not functionally competitive to the competition, expect HP & Microsoft to go at this niche hard.

 

[HamPster PamPster]

Leo Laporte's big prediction on Macbreak was a variation on Whispernet. His theory is that instead of building the cost of the connection into the device, you build it into the content. So if you download a song or video, a portion of the cost covers the bandwidth. We shall see.

That seems like such a smart idea I sort of wonder why it isn't the case already - (off topic) it seems like the perfect solution for the next gen DS and PSP

Maybe make 2 price options, one for wifi or if you pay a monthly contract and another that includes bandwidth - price gouging for the bandwidth is probably a big concern though

 

[Burger]

I hate the talk about doing editing or photo/video work on a tablet.

Do you guys even pay attention to how you use these applications? Photoshop is a 90% keyboard shortcut driven experience for me, and I'm sure everyone else that works with it seriously. It does not translate.

Not only that, but it's a completely two handed experience. One hand on keyboard, other on stylus.

I'm sure people will create simple Photoshopesque apps, no doubt, but they won't be used professionally on a daily basis. Much like you can't use the iPhone to start a photography business.

 

[DjangoReinhardt]

No, reread it. I'm saying what functionality is the iPhone missing that would make me need a tablet but not quite a laptop in form factor. I'm trying to understand the middle ground gap that thing is trying to fill. You're clearly not going to be writing documents or taking notes in class on the thing most likely because of the form factor. So in many cases that involve such functionality, a laptop is going to be needed over a tablet that is being described here.

So now with this device, I now have three options? Bring an iPhone. Bring an iPhone and Tablet. Bring an iPhone and laptop. I'll always have my iPhone with me which is great for most cases, but now I need to decide in a case that I need a little bit more capability or a lot more capability? It seems like an additional complexity that I'm not sure makes sense at this point.

I'm trying to understand what people think it's going to do, what functionality it makes easier or merges together, and how it fits into the scope of all these gadgets. Yet, nobody can still explain it because they don't know either and are waiting for Apple to explain it to them. This is partly why I can't understand the excitement. I was excited when they were talking that it might duplicate it as an eReader, but that's no longer going to be the case since they're not using a dual purpose screen.

A ton of applications I use on my iPhone could be more robust and easier to use with a 10" screen, for starters. Also, a tablet form factor is much better for reading than an iPhone or a laptop, even if the screen isn't e-ink.

 

[mrkgoo]

But why do you want a tablet then? To carry a third device on you? That seems silly to add more devices. If it's going to be a portable device, it should either allow me to do something I couldn't do already or reduce the number of devices. An iPhone broke the cord that tied me to the Internet from a static location. It also allowed me in several situations to no longer need my laptop. It gave me new functionality, a new experience, and it made my life easier and more portable. I can quantify all the things that makes the iPhone so awesome to me and I was excited the very second I saw the unveiling and they announced the features. The iPod was similar in that it was a great interface, a great form factor, and it allowed me to not carry CDs around and have everything accessible in a split second without the need to have forethought about what CD I should have brought or take the time to switch discs. It too reduced how much I would carry and made my life easier. I love both of those products. But in both cases, I can clearly quanitfy why they were exciting and why I loved them so much. I can't get excited over something that I can't see the need for. I was excited when I thought it might be a great eReader because I could see the great potential there, but that's not the case. So I'm trying to find that need, or that experience, or what will make my life easier by using this device to find any type of excitement and I don't think that's unreasonable at all to be questioning it.

Believe it or not, I have owned a ton of Apple products and I'm always willing to give them the benefit of the doubt to see what they have to offer. I'm sure it'll be better than the lackluster slate that Microsoft showed. I've owned an Apple ][+ (loved it), four different iterations of the iPod (loved all of them except the third generation iPod), an iPhone (can't live life without it and can't imagine how I did before), an Apple TV (complete crap, even after trying to mod it), and an iMac (don't love or hate it, just indifferent). So I'm willing to give Apple my money and even willing to gamble on them. I've got money that I'm willing to throw at a tablet, but Apple needs to sell me on how this will improve my every day life and why I need one. They've done it in the past, but I don't think they always bat 1.000 either so I hold some reservation.

Oh it's an issue I struggle with too. I don't want to carry around a third device any more than you do. For work, I lug my laptop around, and I'm pretty certain there's no way the tablet can replace a proper computer (again, the distinction between 'portable' and 'mobile') - for work.

Again, as you point out, it won't replace the iPhone as the mobile go to device when I'm popping down to the grocery store, or to the mall. But what about the device I grab when I go travelling? Or when I want to mess about at home?

I think it will be that device, but not because it's just a big screen. You will want to browse the internet on it more than your computer, because multitouch will be better for it. It actually won't be as good at music as an iPhone, simply because you won't be able to move about as much (there won't be any exercising, or dancing with a tablet and earphones, for example).

I think that's also why we are excited. We are convinced that Apple HAS answered that question, so awe are excited in what their answer is. Think about it- if we all knew that answer - if we knew how to think like Apple, why are we sitting here? We're just internet shmoes who only make comment after the fact it's happened, saying it's a good idea then.



Of course, you have to know the kind of person I am. I typically carry an SLR with a lens everywhere I go.

I also think that e-reading WILL be a focus (personally, I don't need an E-ink to do so). It may be a more casual affair, like magazines and stuff - but if Apple can get people to change the way we experience the internet with the iPhone (companies have long been making mobile-friendly websites, but to see them become specifically iphone friendly was mind blowing), then I think they can do it with the tablet.

The sheer fact that we don't want to carry a laptop, an iPhone, AND a tablet is why I think it will offer a new experience in and of itself, but also replace common functionality of the other devices (in some ways better, in other ways worse).

 

[mrkgoo]

I hate the talk about doing editing or photo/video work on a tablet.

Do you guys even pay attention to how you use these applications? Photoshop is a 90% keyboard shortcut driven experience for me, and I'm sure everyone else that works with it seriously. It does not translate.

Agreed for the more heavy duty image/video like that needed for professionals.

But I can definitely see a more consumer level, iPhoto, or Quicktime X like editing features. You know, bring basic editing for the people type thing. People who want to make adjustments for posting to their flickr site for example.

 

[SuperPac]

So now with this device, I now have three options? Bring an iPhone. Bring an iPhone and Tablet. Bring an iPhone and laptop. I'll always have my iPhone with me which is great for most cases, but now I need to decide in a case that I need a little bit more capability or a lot more capability? It seems like an additional complexity that I'm not sure makes sense at this point.

For me, there are times where I wish I didn't have to bring my laptop but where an iPhone just isn't the ideal experience either. Even if this device is ONLY just an iPod Touch with a 10" screen I can think of many cases where I'd use such a device. Here are some scenarios:

At work -- We use Basecamp for project-tracking and there are several Basecamp iPhone apps. But with the screen size being what it is, it's not ideal sometimes. If I had the same functionality on a larger screen I'd prefer that. Being able to check calendars, email, contacts, webpages without lugging my laptop around the office would be a HUGE benefit. I've been in meetings where we wanted to bring up something on the web but there's no laptop in the room and the iPhone's screen is too small. And honestly I don't want to be "that guy" that brings his laptop to every meeting or is click-clacking on the keys while people are talking.

At home -- If I'm watching TV or playing a game or something I generally do not have my laptop out. But say I wanted to check a game FAQ or something real quick -- the iPhone screen is a bit too small for scrolling through a FAQ. I don't want to have to get up and check my desktop computer. Or web browsing while watching TV or in bed. I could bring my laptop but again, it's not ideal. The battery life when just web browsing or reading isn't ideal, the laptop gets too hot, it's not comfortable to sit and look at a laptop because the keyboard gets in the way. I don't even need that much computer in front of me because I either don't plan on doing any typing or the typing I'd need to do is minimal. Recently my fiancee and I were working on the registry for our wedding. I had to lug out my laptop to do it on. Would be much more convenient to be able to sit there together on a 10" screen and do that all on there.

Traveling -- I generally bring my laptop but when I'm in an airport waiting for a flight I pull out the iPhone and browse the web on it. But, if I had a device with a larger screen that was more convenient to pull out than a laptop (that I don't have to go searching for a power outlet for), I'd rather do that. If I was going back home for a visit I have been bringing my laptop but if I didn't expect to be doing any major work (just checking email and light typing), I'd just bring this and my iPhone. Watching a movie on a plane - I've done it on the iPhone and I've done it on a laptop. Laptop's too bulky if all you're doing is watching a movie/TV show and the iPhone's screen is kinda small.

In the end, all of these come down to convenience and ease of use. Basically, I don't want to lug my laptop with me everywhere I go and the iPhone's screen is too small. That's where this slots in extremely nicely for me.

 

[LCfiner]

I hate the talk about doing editing or photo/video work on a tablet.

Do you guys even pay attention to how you use these applications? Photoshop is a 90% keyboard shortcut driven experience for me, and I'm sure everyone else that works with it seriously. It does not translate.

for what it's worth, i was thinking specifically of an iPhoto like experience but tweaked. have a big photo table UI for looking through all pics (just like the MS surface demos, I know) tap an image, nudge sliders or tap button for contrast, gamma, tint controls. use finger for cropping and rotating. simple shit. Not photoshop level manipulations that require pixel precision and lots of repetition.

3rd party apps could handle simplified drawing/ layer tools to add stuff to pics.