Why Apple needs a Tablet PC
For those of us who live on tech blogs, it should be no surprise that we’ve been hearing the idea about an Apple Tablet computer floating around for quite some time now. The latest bit of news to be leaking out about this rumored device is from an analyst who has claimed to handle the device with his own two hands. Of course he decides to go nameless (remember the late Sun Danyong? ), but seeing this information is popping up at Barron’s online I think its safe to say there is some truth in the analysis.
The unnamed source goes on to say that the device could be unveiled as early as this September (few weeks from today), with availability set for November. The only thing that is holding up the process according to said source is the blessings of the all wise Steve Jobs.
Will it sell? That is the question! To be honest I don’t think now is the best time to be releasing a Tablet PC with a $699 to $799 price tag (as analysts are speculating). No, I wasn’t expecting anything under $600, but it never hurts to hope does it?
Despite the odds set against it, I think it’s about time Apple did something in the Tablet PC realm. Granted we have a pretty good idea of what to expect if this device does make it to the market and I’m sure that most of its buyers will be purchasing this based on need and not want, but heck it’s still a nice idea and an entire foot of touchscreen goodness in a package less than an inch thick is awesome to say the least.
While I have had my silent (and not so silent) disputes with the iPhone, I have always thought of the iPod Touch as the best PMP on the market hands down. That said, I still believe its lacking one thing, screen space. An Apple Tablet would be the perfect addition to an already great lineup, and if we’re to believe what is being floated around about eBook reader support, games and robust media capabilities, this wouldn’t be a hard sell among many.
If Apple can convince consumers that instead of buying an Amazon Kindle and their own iPod Touch, they should take that money and put it towards the Apple “iTablet†we might just have a winner. Remember, unlike their computers, Apple’s mobile devices are all about media content, games and everything with the word "fun" in it. Few can find faults with the iPod (except for its outrageous update prices) and bringing the concept to a device Apple will be selling on luxury, and not practicality, is not a bad idea.
Remember, unlike Microsoft, Apple doesn’t have to promise functionality and bargain for its loyal subjects to buy its devices. That said I’m sure there will be a lot more people who will take a look at the ‘iTablet†and while I’m in no way loyal to Cupertino I have to say they would really have to screw up the idea to persuade me not to mortgage my house for one of these.
Let’s just see how Jobs decides to handle this one. So what are your thoughts? Agreement and disagreement is welcome.
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Apple is unique than other Brand like Acer DELL IBM SONY TOSHIBA ASUS HP AND FUJITSU
Apple has a system of itself
– Look! I have $800 Apple tablet! It has browser! And fancy app store with FUD approval policies!
– Look, I have $800 Acer ultra-portable notebook on new Intel CULV-class processor. That is, you know, actual computer.
My opinion is around latter. :)
Rarst what’s the exact product name of the notebook?
@Martin
Acer Timeline series (lineup from 11.6″ to 15″). Actually I am only taking Acer as example because they rule market around here. Other manufacturers (like MSI and Asus) have similar offers on new processors for very light and thin notebooks.
Ther are quite a few reasons we are not bathing in tablets. You can’t cram decent hardwar in tiny case with touchscreen and keep it reasonably priced. Unless its three years old model like my Nokia N810 at end of life cycle. :)
Apple needs too release a tablet so people can ooh and ahh over it and we can move on. The Apple tablet rumor has been around since OSX launched, and probably since after the fall of the Newton. Some conspiracy theories don’t even last this long.
i really don’t think that an Apple tablet will complete with their laptops in terms of functionality and power. i figure from their perspective that they’re making an iTunes content delivery device, so as long as it can handle HD video, the most taxing of all content on iTMS, it’s powerful enough. The Cortex A8 + PowerVr SGX in both the iPhone 3Gs and upcoming Nokia N900 can handle 720p h.264 without a problem. Obviously they’d need something more powerful for a device pushing more pixels and possibly mutltasking, but i still imagine closer to an internet tablet with 3G than a tablet PC. This’ll also keep costs lower.
Find more information on Apple Ready: http://apple-ready.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-tablet-pc.html