Samsung Exec confirms Mini iPad?

[ScotiaBurrell]

Originally Posted by SeaKing

Again the "Loyal Apple Consumer" will buy anything

main stream consumers are apple consumers now. No longer a boutique branding.

Not a difference at all. That is why the company grew so big.

[afv011]

Originally Posted by Prestidigitweeze

In terms of UI, permitted variables and levels of integration, do you consider Android to be "full-featured" at the moment? Compared to full-on Linux on a desktop, I find it to be as compromised as iOS was in comparison to Snow Leopard. And is Metro going to be as "full-featured" as Windows 7 once was, or will tablet use under Metro/Windows 8 be gimped as well?

This concern goes beyond Apple and Apple users. It addresses the future of complexity-friendly operating systems across all platforms.

It should be possible to run a full Ubuntu OS on Android phones. You can read about it here.

[frahse]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

Well, Win8x86 Tablets *will* have a desktop mode parallel to the Metro GUI/HTML5 mode so there is no loss of functionality there: Win8 *will* run all Win7 apps the exact same way Win7 does. No need to fret there.

Win8Arm tablets will be a step *up* in functionality and capability from WinCE which is already a far more robust and flexible OS than Android or iOS on the techie stuff. (It is used in mission-critical embedded systems, after all.) What it will not be (for obvious reasons) is backwards-compatible with Win7 Apps so until the Windows ecosystem finishes its migration to the new programming model, the Win8Arm app catalog will be leaner than Win8x86.

That much is a known certainty.
What is not known is how the hardware guys (HP, DELL, ASUS, ACER, Lenovo, to name just the top 5) are going to spec-out and price their entry-level/consumer-focused offerings. The business grade tablets we already know what they will look like (Ultrabook processors and screens, slightly higher prices--probably in the $899-999 range for starters). The Wacom pen-capable models will likely list north of $1299 with lower street prices.

The consumer pads? And especially the ARM-pads?
No clue yet. Probably they'll list with the iPads or a bit higher with street prices a bit (say $20) less.

One thing to look forward with the Win8 consumer tablets (both x86 and ARM-based) is that they *will* be LINUX hackable. Not sure it'll make any commercial difference but with core LINUX adopting some Android elements we may see some genuinely robust LinDroid implementations for the techie crowd. And Apple is already (quietly) acknowledging that they need to bring more of OS X to iOS and *soon*.

So, my guess is that, longer-term (ca 2015) we'll see growing functionality in the consumer tablet space bringing it closer to what Windows TabletPC's have had for the last 10 years. Those of us that are used to full-computer functionality in our tablets are not going to go wanting.

I would like a Win8 tablet with total compatibility with my Win 7 notebook computer and my XP desktop. I would also want the ability to hook a keyboard and mouse to it if just with the USB2/3 connector. I don't require an integrated system.

Even now, I use a mouse with my notebook, and sometimes hook in a "typist" keyboard if I am going to do a stint of typing (over say 2 or 3 hours.)
That would be a great help in writing.

[Prestidigitweeze]

That's good news, fjtorres. Thanks so much for the detailed report.

afv011: I very much appreciate the information, but being able to run full-on Linux on an Android device is not the same as implementation on a deeper level. Dual booting is always fun, but I wish the experience were closer to that of a rooted device, given the way the Android UI is spec'd and built into the design of most Android devices. Oh, for full functionality with the clean quietude of an ad-free UI unmolested by carriers -- and all without carrier incompatibilities.

[monkeyluis]

Originally Posted by Shack70

Apple is not going to drop the price of anything to compete. I would guess they will try to sell an iPad mini between $350 to $400. The sad thing is no matter what price they come out with many Apple die hard fans will buy it, even if they already have an iPad and an iPhone.

Uh. No. I wouldn't. I like the size of my iPad just fine. I have a kindle fire, while its nice, I'm not a fan of the screen size as much. The fire itself is fine, I just like the big screen & you can really tell the difference, when surfing, reading, games. Etc. that's not too say it wouldn't sell. I just think your stereotype is a little off.

[monkeyluis]

Originally Posted by afv011

It should be possible to run a full Ubuntu OS on Android phones. You can read about it here.

I would gobble up a true Ubuntu tablet In a heartbeat. I've read it can run, but is it made for mobile? That's what I would want.

[monkeyluis]

Originally Posted by SeaKing

Hey. Sorry. That does look overboard!

When you show all those "**** Apple Consumers" references lined up like that it does look like I am trying to ring your bell. That is not the case. I was just trying to indicate that Apple Consumers more than any other group in the market are an extremely cohesive group. I would say that they are unique in that, far more than any other product purchasing group.
Hey I have them in my family and love them dearly, and even buy them Apple equipment. Just bought a son a super duper Apple computer and a girlfriend an iPod Touch though I argued for something else with the girlfriend. I know better not to try and argue with one of my children.

I have said it before and I will say it again. Apple makes excellent hardware. Very Good Software. I really don't like the iTunes store which by the way I have a latch to on my desktop because that is where I set that iPod Touch up. It now officially goes to her Toshiba now, but it is still emailing me as well. I haven't removed that because if there is a problem I might need it because that is the set up computer though probably it would be ok.

I come down hard on Apple because the analysts, the pundits, the tech writers, magazines and commenters everywhere push it so much. It certainly is good equipment but it costs way too much.

Anyway, that is why I tend to push back on Apple. It is just to maintain a little balance in this world.

Um, that's not apples fault. Why come down on them. Come down on the analysts, pundits etc. you just said they make excellent hardware & software yet you want to come down on them or their customers. Insulting a group of people because of their choice of product. C'mon.

[monkeyluis]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

How about a compromise - a 5" iPod touch?

Like a galaxy note. Those are nice. Just too expensive. & I don't want the phone part. Lol. I almost got one till I knew that part.

[Sil_liS]

Originally Posted by monkeyluis

I would gobble up a true Ubuntu tablet In a heartbeat. I've read it can run, but is it made for mobile? That's what I would want.

There is this one: http://www.ekoore.com/web/en/product...ramica-10.html, that was released last June. Since at the time I had just purchased an android tablet 3 months before I wasn't looking for a new tablet, but I thought that it was interesting. When rumors of an official Ubuntu tablet were floating around I googled it again and I remember reading that there were people that were not really happy with the company (I don't remember for sure if it was the delivery, or a faulty product, or bad customer service but there were some complaints).

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by monkeyluis

Like a galaxy note. Those are nice. Just too expensive. & I don't want the phone part. Lol. I almost got one till I knew that part.

Like a Galaxy Player. Those are not expensive. No phone part and no data plan.

[monkeyluis]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Like a Galaxy Player. Those are not expensive. No phone part and no data plan.

[monkeyluis]

Originally Posted by Sil_liS

There is this one: http://www.ekoore.com/web/en/product...ramica-10.html, that was released last June. Since at the time I had just purchased an android tablet 3 months before I wasn't looking for a new tablet, but I thought that it was interesting. When rumors of an official Ubuntu tablet were floating around I googled it again and I remember reading that there were people that were not really happy with the company (I don't remember for sure if it was the delivery, or a faulty product, or bad customer service but there were some complaints).

I think it could be smoother. Looks a little janky. I'd like to see an official Ubuntu tablet edition.

[ucfgrad93]

I'd love to see a 7-8 inch iPad. I love the size of the Fire or the Samsung Galaxy 7.0 Plus.

[Sil_liS]

Originally Posted by monkeyluis

I think it could be smoother. Looks a little janky. I'd like to see an official Ubuntu tablet edition.

You will have to wait for that because 'announcements in that' area are to be made later this year. The next version of Ubuntu will be available on April 26th so maybe we will see some movement towards tablets.

[VaporPunk]

Originally Posted by Shack70

Apple is not going to drop the price of anything to compete. I would guess they will try to sell an iPad mini between $350 to $400. The sad thing is no matter what price they come out with many Apple die hard fans will buy it, even if they already have an iPad and an iPhone.

Emerging markets. If Apple wants to compete around the globe with a $149 high-quality Google tablet it needs to compete on price as well. There are millions of people in developing countries and the BRIC nations who would snap up an Apple instead, if it could approach some level of price parity (and retain quality) with the Google tablet.