For the past 18 months, well-respected sources tell AppleInsider, a small team of Apple engineers have been at it again, this time tapping the company's revolutionary multi-touch technology as a foundation.

...

Externally, the mutil-touch PDA has been described by sources as an ultra-thin "slate" akin to the iPhone, about 1.5 times the size and sporting an approximate 720x480 high-resolution display that comprises almost the entire surface of the unit. The device is further believed to leverage multi-touch concepts which have yet to gain widespread adoption in Apple's existing multi-touch products -- the iPhone and iPod touch -- like drag-and-drop and copy-and-paste.


from:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/09/26/up_next_for_apple_the_return_of_the_newton.html

Excellent find, Nate! :yes:

I'd love to see a new Newton -- I almost bought one the first time around, but I was ... not financially positioned to do so. :unafraid:

wow....

hopefully the first version will have powerful software. It's one thing to write the gui to an iphone... it's a whole other matter to create a PDA operating system and app suite.

If they could only leverage their Newton technology as well as this multi-touch stuff... I know Apple still has the tech for HWR, they just need to put it to use!

I'm not sure 1.5x the size of the iPhone is very interesting, though. I really did like the Newton MP2x00 formfactor. I'll probably be sticking with my iLiad-- I think it's the closest thing to my old Newt that I've found since.

Wouldn't it be funny if they call it the iFoleo!? ;)

iNfopad? Nah, doens't really work ;)

Still, whatever they call it, the fact that it's just rumoured to exist must be sending shivers (anticipation or fear) down the spines of anyone interested in the business. Can't wait...

Hmm, at 720x480 it has less resolution than the Nokia N800 (800x480) and much less than the Sony and IRex devices. Not really up to it for reading?

Hmm, at 720x480 it has less resolution than the Nokia N800 (800x480) and much less than the Sony and IRex devices. Not really up to it for reading?

It wasn't so long ago that the standard resolution for desktop monitors was less than that. (But yes, higher resolution would always be nice).

Oh dear, this is causing a serious case of gadget lust!

I like the idea of the formfactor & size too. I think the major hang-up will be if it supports existing PIM systems; i.e., LotusNotes and Outlook. If not, it will be doomed to fail as no one will want to have to redo all their work in multiple programs; you know, these things are supposed to make life easier, not more difficult.

Looks to be a sweet device, let's hope that is it follows the iStuff line that it at least has a more durable enclosure and doesn't get all scratched up from being too pretty! :p

Clearly this is the future of computing that was announced when Apple got the Newton out. Technology for this new device is zillionfold what table computers were then. Hook this baby up to a dock and a bigger screen and all the software I use... I'd be sold and set for the (short)rest of my life.

Unfortunately they won't see things that way. Apple has taken an 'expendable toy' view of things, keeping you wanting for the next and next iteration.

Hmm, at 720x480 it has less resolution than the Nokia N800 (800x480) and much less than the Sony and IRex devices. Not really up to it for reading?

It's bigger than the Toshiba PDA I read on now. I'd definitely take a look at it to replace my PDA... and especially if it's wireless-enabled for web and e-mail access.

When they say that they offer web and email access is it cell based, Blackberry style?

I hope it doesn't mean a one company access like the iPhone!

BTW I heard on the news that they'll close the cracked phones with the next software update. Any word on that statement?

When they say that they offer web and email access is it cell based, Blackberry style?

I hope it doesn't mean a one company access like the iPhone!

BTW I heard on the news that they'll close the cracked phones with the next software update. Any word on that statement?

Actually, they are threatening to brick the cracked phones with the next update.

Hmm, at 720x480 it has less resolution than the Nokia N800 (800x480) and much less than the Sony and IRex devices. Not really up to it for reading? The 720x480 resolution is strange, because 800x480 has become a standard for 4" to 7" screens. In any case, in landscape mode this is effectively half of a 720x960 screen - which is perfectly ok for reading. You just need two page turns for every one on an ~600x800 device (and there is no page turn delay). Or you can use automatic scrolling if you prefer.

iNfopad?"infoPod," perhaps? :wink:

"infoPod," perhaps? :wink:
How about retro and modern: iSaac (Newton).

Hmm, at 720x480 it has less resolution than the Nokia N800 (800x480) and much less than the Sony and IRex devices. Not really up to it for reading?

It doesn't seem very large, but when I mocked it up to see how it really compares with the iPhone when diplaying a non-reflowable PDF page, it actually makes a huge difference:

http://wowio.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/islate-vs-iphone-small.png (http://wowio.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/islate-screens-compared.png)

The high apparent sharpness and overall quality of the iPhone display (and presumably the iSlate's) makes its performance surpass what I'd expect from the spec.

I've posted a complete comparison of the iPhone and hypothetical iSlate displays here:

http://wowio.wordpress.com/2007/09/27/islate-vs-iphone-a-clear-reading-advantage/

iSlate? Is that confirmed? Well, there goes another chance to speculate wildly on things we know nothing about. :grin2:

iSlate? Is that confirmed? Well, there goes another chance to speculate wildly on things we know nothing about. :grin2:

I hate when that happens!

Wouldn't it be grand if that "iSlate" was Apple's answer to a UMPC; Full OS'd to boot!

"infoPod," perhaps? :wink:

Or iPad maybe?:wink:

Whatever, I think it's all still rumour at the moment (i.e. nothing confirmed) so no need to stop speculating just yet!

I like the iPad personally and would be the first in line to buy such a device. I love my iphone but I could be convinced to use another fancy device in conjunction with it.

As for the firmware update, yes, it does re-lock your phone if you've unlocked it to work with another carrier. It does not "brick" your phone if you've just added mods to it, although, the mods don't work anymore. I won't be upgrading to the new firmware until the hackers are done hacking away.

Or iPad maybe?:wink:"iPad! I like that!

But that's no reason to stop the wild speculation. :grin:

They should call it a newton, but Im nostalgic and tired of "i" and "e" prepended to everything.

If this has a phone built-in and its on verizon, Im there. Would not read on it though.

-d

Well it might be the first ebook reader with a good music player in it. Listen to the audiobook and read it at the same time. double the immersion in the story.

Mark

What's up with the "i" anyway? What does it mean?

What's up with the "i" anyway? What does it mean?

Does it have to mean anything? At this point it is brand recognition.

I always thought it was originally supposed to stand for 'Internet'; but it has become a bit more vague now.

Reminds me of this (http://ars.userfriendly.org/cartoons/?id=20050614). :nice:

The first iMac was a computer designed to be easily usable for internet communications. After that the 'e' followed and it degenerated.

How 'bout " iNewt " (corny) :laugh4:

How 'bout " iNewt " (corny) :laugh4:

Well, if it follows the Newton's pattern, it should be the iFellforit!

My new joke is a multilayer pun:

Did you hear about the new unauthorized Steve Jobs Biography: iCon Jobs.

Here's some speculation for you: The new device is the new iMac!

The rumors actually excite me - the newton was ahead of its' time. But as someone who is not an fanboy anymore (I was one of the first certified developers and was part of the initial recruiting drive for the mac) I don;t see a manufacturing quality with Apple. That is whay I bought a sansa last time for MP3's (replaceable battery) and will be purchasing one of the 16 GB sansa media units for $200 that have a better form factor than the newest nanos. Of course, I travel with a HiMD (32 hours material per disc) because I can replace the battery and not worry about being stuck in the delays and drain batteries.

iSplat!!!

:D

Derek

http://factoryjoe.com/blog/2007/11/05/apple-tablet-concept-the-ipad-touch/

There is a very nice Photoshopped mockup of the hypothetical Ipad, plus more rampant speculation.

I'd love to think that Apple would deliver a product as described in this thread... but it simply doesn't fit with Apple's current agenda.

If Apple were to release such a device, it would probably employ a stricter DRM than that of a Sony device; furthermore, it would probably have functionality limited in such as way as to bind the user to some subscription-based service.

Apple have always listened carefully to what the public wants, and ignored everything... going instead to produce the product they think the public wants and then telling them why they want it.

I've been waiting for the do-it-all Apple PDA for so many years... 10 years on and I don't think it's coming. Even if it does, I'd have to be persuaded to buy one as I got burned when they dropped the Newton, and again when they abandoned the PowerPC chipset.

You know, sometimes I think Apple is still sour about the Newton's failure and that they're sulking and punishing would be Apple PDA users by castrating anything that has to do with text on portable devices. Isn't text display the easyest thing to do on an electronic device?

@Nate the great

Nice find. It would be nice wouldn't it!

You know, sometimes I think Apple is still sour about the Newton's failure and that they're sulking and punishing would be Apple PDA users by castrating anything that has to do with text on portable devices. Isn't text display the easyest thing to do on an electronic device?
That's as good a theory as any I've heard.

I doubt it would appear at MacWorld, but it's really a slightly larger version of iPod Touch, isn't it? It needn't have a restrictive phone-like contract.

I've stopped guessing at what Apple will do next. I dropped them after they dropped the Newton, then came back after OSX because I like unix, but my next computer will probably run Ubuntu. The only software I'd like to have that isn't available yet on Linux is handwriting recognition, and I think that will change in the next year or so.

Here is another rumor:

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49293967,00.htm

I don't believe this one, because an after market MacTablet already exists.

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

The aftermarket tablet doesn't have a pressure-sensitive screen, and so is useless to artists. If Asus builds one with a real wacom screen, artists will buy it in droves, I suspect. On the other hand, Apple may want to do the multi-touch thing, which wouldn't support Wacom (unless it's a dual screen?) but would allow a software keyboard that might work very well.

I wouldn't rule it out. But I wouldn't place any money on it, either.

The aftermarket tablet doesn't have a pressure-sensitive screen, and so is useless to artists. If Asus builds one with a real wacom screen, artists will buy it in droves, I suspect. On the other hand, Apple may want to do the multi-touch thing, which wouldn't support Wacom (unless it's a dual screen?) but would allow a software keyboard that might work very well.

I wouldn't rule it out. But I wouldn't place any money on it, either.

It already has a Wacom screen, and yes it is pressure sensitive.

It already has a Wacom screen, and yes it is pressure sensitive.
The aftermarket one? They must have changed, if so, because I asked about that specifically when they first came out, and was told (by them) that it wasn't pressure-sensitive.

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49293967,00.htm
http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

I forgot to mention that the one they show in the first link is definitely the after market one sold in the second link.

The aftermarket one? They must have changed, if so, because I asked about that specifically when they first came out, and was told (by them) that it wasn't pressure-sensitive.

You were probably spot on with your remark about the artists.

I've always had a soft spot for Apple but my wallet doesn't.

This little device I'd like for its OS or ease of use and if Apple is wanting to see us bend down and ask us to repent, then I challenge them to give us that device in a 1/8" thick tablet, flexible, transparent way cooler format.:nana:

...snip...
If Apple were to release such a device, it would probably employ a stricter DRM than that of a Sony device; furthermore, it would probably have functionality limited in such as way as to bind the user to some subscription-based service.
...snip...


Historically, Apple's DRM has been much less restrictive (and functional) than that imposed by Microsoft through Windows Media Player or by Sony through its late, unlamented ATRAC scheme. This fits with Apple's overall design philosophy, since draconian DRM is very contrary to a positive user experience.

The iPhone's hardware lockdown is an inconvenient limitation for a subset of users, but the vast majority don't care about installing third-party apps. The AT&T lockdown is more problematic, but if gaining free rein on the iPhone's hardware and software required a carrier lock-in as part of the deal, then I think it was a worthwhile trade from a user experience standpoint. Imagine what the iPhone would be like if AT&T and the other carriers had their customary control over its capabilities and feature set, as they do with other devices.

Besides, as others have said, this would be a non-issue for a non-phone device anyway -- Macs and iPods certainly have no requirements for any subscription-based tie-in.