Apple Netbook Confirmed?

[Sonist]

and more from Business Week (including a rumor regarding a 6" device, in addition to a larger one):

"..."There's no hotter topic [than tablets] in Asia right now," says Richard Doherty, a director at market researcher Envisioneering Group, who says Apple has developed prototypes of two different tablet machines—one that resembles a large-sized iPod and boasts a 6-inch screen, and another that features a larger display. Apple may launch one or both devices as early as September, Doherty says. ..."

[Sonist]

Now Gizmodo claims a source which has been "100% reliable" has seen 10", 13" and 15" tablets.

---------------

[Sonist]

How the Apple iPad Could Kill the Kindle

"... The new Amazon Kindle DX has a few weeks to live...."

Interesting musings from PC Mag, on what seems to be an impending (give or take a few months) introduction of a new product.

I kind of agree, but I believe it will actually be a boon to papers and magazines, since a larger, color screen, will support these publishing formats better. Particularly, if publishers move away from Zinio-type subscriptions, and just provide PDFs of the publications.

Keeping my fingers crossed, the iPad comes out sooner, rather than later.

[Abecedary]

Uhhh, Sonist, you realize that PC Mag article was published in May, right? I guess a "few weeks" really means 6-12 months (or more).

[Sonist]

Originally Posted by Abecedary

Uhhh, Sonist, you realize that PC Mag article was published in May, right? I guess a "few weeks" really means 6-12 months (or more).

I assumed, that he was thinking of introduction at the traditional September Apple event.

I'd be surprised if they announce it on the 9th.

But, given all the noise, I'd be really surprised, if an iPad (or whatever it's called,) is not introduced at, or before, MacWorld 2010. In fact, most of that noise points to a time before the holiday season.

[Abecedary]

Well, there is the "music-related" event on September 9.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Sonist

But, given all the noise, I'd be really surprised, if an iPad (or whatever it's called,) is not introduced at, or before, MacWorld 2010. In fact, most of that noise points to a time before the holiday season.

I wouldn't be surprised at all. A high percentage of Apple rumors, no matter how supposedly backed up have been incorrect.

BOb

[Sonist]

iLounge has some "details" on the iPad: it's gonna be a big iPhone

__________________________

"... Want to know some more about Apple’s upcoming tablet device? You’re in luck. We’ve received the scoop from our reliable source—who correctly called the iPod nano 5G, iPhone 3GS and Chinese iPhone 3G months ago.

Apple has created at least three separate prototypes of its tablet computer. Let’s call it “iPad.”
Version 1 was designed with a 7” screen, which was judged to be too small. The latest version has a 10.7” screen.


It runs iPhone OS.

There have been reports that it looks like an iPhone. They’re sort of true. It looks like an iPhone 3G, complete with a curved back.

It will come in two different variations: one with 3G networking capabilities, and one without 3G networking capabilities. Think of the 3G version as a bigscreen iPhone 3GS, and the non-3G version as a bigscreen iPod touch.

Screen resolutions will obviously jump considerably from the iPhone and iPod touch 480x320-pixel displays, enabling easy reading of full-sized book and magazine pages, plus cropped newspaper pages. Expect something like 5-6 times the resolution of an iPod touch or iPhone screen (720p or thereabouts) and 7 times the touchable surface area.

It is designed to expand the iPhone and iPod touch media concept to its next potential level: as a slate-like replacement for books and magazines, plus all of the media, gaming, app, and web functionality of the iPhone and iPod touch.

It is not meant to compete with netbooks. It’s an iPhone OS media player and light communication device.

Apple is currently planning to announce it on or before January 19, 2010, and to use an iPhone-like hype buildup period to start selling it in May or June.

It is apparently awaiting a final green light from Steve Jobs; chances of it appearing in the market are believed to be 80% at this point."

[Abecedary]

Originally Posted by Sonist

Apple is currently planning to announce it on or before January 19, 2010, and to use an iPhone-like hype buildup period to start selling it in May or June.

But I thought it was supposed to be announced in October and released in Q1 2010? Are you telling me all that speculation was wrong?!? Now I don't know what to believe...

[brecklundin]

Originally Posted by Abecedary

But I thought it was supposed to be announced in October and released in Q1 2010? Are you telling me all that speculation was wrong?!? Now I don't know what to believe...

And don't forget to add this apPlE tAblEt was invented by Algore, right?... Actually given the ApPlE naming it was now said to be invented by iAlgore

[dmaul1114]

I'm still very interested in an iTablet. $800 would be too much, but I'd want to wait a generation or two for the kinks to get worked out, and to see what competitors put out against it etc. anyway.

[Hellmark]

Originally Posted by Sonist

Hm, Apple might support "open" formats...?

According to BusinessInsider, "Apple Not Building An 'iTunes For e-Books."

Or, they'll let Amazon come in and handle things like on the iPhone.

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by Teddman

Anyone know if 9.7" will be large enough to read comics comfortably in portrait mode?

As a K2 owner, all I can tell you is that a 6" screen certainly isn't.

[dmaul1114]

Originally Posted by Hellmark

Or, they'll let Amazon come in and handle things like on the iPhone.

That would be the smart thing, since people wouldn't be buying it mainly as an e-reader, so they can avoid the cost of running an e-store.

And it makes good sense for Amazon to get more people using the Kindle store on more devices.

[dmaul1114]

Some more rumored details on iLounge linked to my Macrumors

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/bac...-apple-tablet/

1. Apple has created at least three separate prototypes of its tablet computer. Let’s call it “iPad.”

2. Version 1 was designed with a 7” screen, which was judged to be too small. The latest version has a 10.7” screen.

3. It runs iPhone OS.

4. There have been reports that it looks like an iPhone. They’re sort of true. It looks like an iPhone 3G, complete with a curved back.

5. It will come in two different variations: one with 3G networking capabilities, and one without 3G networking capabilities. Think of the 3G version as a bigscreen iPhone 3GS, and the non-3G version as a bigscreen iPod touch.

6. Screen resolutions will obviously jump considerably from the iPhone and iPod touch 480x320-pixel displays, enabling easy reading of full-sized book and magazine pages, plus cropped newspaper pages. Expect something like 5-6 times the resolution of an iPod touch or iPhone screen (720p or thereabouts) and 7 times the touchable surface area.

7. It is designed to expand the iPhone and iPod touch media concept to its next potential level: as a slate-like replacement for books and magazines, plus all of the media, gaming, app, and web functionality of the iPhone and iPod touch.

8. It is not meant to compete with netbooks. It’s an iPhone OS media player and light communication device.

9. Apple is currently planning to announce it on or before January 19, 2010, and to use an iPhone-like hype buildup period to start selling it in May or June.

10. It is apparently awaiting a final green light from Steve Jobs; chances of it appearing in the market are believed to be 80% at this point.

Doesn't sound like it will have stylus support for taking notes on books and in general, which is a deal breaker for me. But otherwise, sounds intriguing for a first generation tablet if those rumors are true.