Comments on: Last Minute Tablet Thoughts

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:28:40 +0000

Congrats on the price estimate

Although the question is if you want that version.

By: Chris Patterson

Chris Patterson — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:50:10 +0000

A good set of predictions. Price will be a wildcard, but $600 is only a bit higher than a Kindle DX, which doesn’t do nearly as much. Again, Apple will expect to make money off partner revenue with this one.

I expect it will “sync” like the TV – You can see it in iTunes, but it won’t have a cable. And I’m guessing with OS4, you won’t need the cable to sync your iPhone anymore either.

Scratch iTunes, it’s going to either be “iMedia”, “iStuff,” or “iAllMyCrapAnywhereInTheWorld” but it will be the media hub that power the tablet and the newly upgraded Apple TV software (and maybe hardware, cause H.264 barely flies on the current model).

No cables, no discs, none of that old technology.

No flash drive, sorry. MobileMe wins here, and iDisk will make it happen. Besides, it’s already a 64GB flash drive in itself. A wireless one at that.

Let’s hope for even 1/3 of what you have listed above!

By: Henry Kim

Henry Kim — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:36:41 +0000

Wow, you’ve really thought this out. I’m a little skeptical about it being a game-changer but if it really does launches anywhere near $500, it will be eyebrow singing, brain-searing explosion in the face of mobile computing manufacturers everywhere. One big advantage for Apple is the fact that there are already apps for it. I’m predicting a drawing app like SketchBook Pro will be one of the big sellers, especially if Apple ships a stylus with the tablet. I blogged about it: http://www.taylorkim.com/content/killer-app-apples-tablet

By: Ian

Ian — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:46:05 +0000

Personally, I’m “worried” that it will be $1000 (unsubsidized). Their pricing is pretty predictable. They mark things up by around 35%. So, whatever it costs, they usually just mark it up by that much. Are they making enough on app store, books, music, etc.. right now to cover some of that 35%? Nowhere close. Might that change if more and more people buy stuff from the store? Perhaps… but I’d be surprised if they don’t mark it up 30% as usual.

As for the name, I’ll pick the “boring” iSlate.

I think the free MobileMe accounts are sort of a possibility.. but judging from my own experiences with MobileMe, non-nerds just aren’t ready to use it. Some part of it breaks every 3 months.

By: u.c.

u.c. — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:02:17 +0000

Great Post. One thing is for sure if its for sale in N America/Canada for around 699 Bucks or less in rip of UK it will be £699 UK Pounds.However, we r used to that.I have a need for this machine for travelling around with. (also my wife can use it leaving the iMac to me)iPhone a tad too small for me and Laptops are heavy (excl the Air) but this seems to me the way forward. Waiting with baited breath. Its going to be a very interesting announcement.Must check if my local store has something special lined up for the announcement tomorrow as its not far to go.

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:50:41 +0000

I just can’t see the 499 price. It would be 100 dollars over the 64GB Ipod Touch. Although I have no problems with a lower price for the touch (ps will they announce the ipod touch with a camera tomorrow…)

My gut says 799. It has to be under 1000 but it can’t be too close to the touch.

I can see that it can use a stylus but as NYT says, it won’t come with it. I would be shocked if it did.

If it has a carrier, I will be interested how the pricing is going to work. Will you be able to piggyback on the dataplan of the iPhone?

I am curious what the surprises are going to be, if there are any since everybody has been talking about it.

By: Derek

Derek — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:05:12 +0000

Sadly, I agree it’s probably March, due to some recent manufacturing issues in China

By: Tilo

Tilo — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:59:48 +0000

I agree with that. What do you think of the availability? Will they start selling tomorrow? Some reports saying that we won’t be able to get our hands on it until March.

By: Ken Mattlin

Ken Mattlin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:53:40 +0000

Great tidbits and RIGHT ON..I’m an old man and an Apple convert a few years ago but I’ve been in merchandising and retailing forever. This product that Apple is launching will certainly hit a high note for the non-technical among us. A GREAT item which I categorized as a “TABSLATE”. My definition of a tabslate is a handheld computer product larger than an IPHONE but smaller than a Laptop.
It’s the perfect product that seems to fulfill the original goal of the pioneers in the home computing field.Going back to the time of the Commodore 64 and the Apple, this concept of the “TABSLATES” brings it ALL together..

By: Derek

Derek — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:32:11 +0000

I don’t think they’ll be making it for less than $500. I think that with subsidies it will be *available* for less than $500. If you don’t want the subsidy, it’ll cost more. Of course, maybe they’ll do what they did with the iPhone – expensive at launch, and cheaper 2 months later.