New Apple tablet rumor: Larger form factor running Mac OS X
The rumor reported Friday by Gizmodo states that the two new devices could be in addition to the long-rumored 10-inch device believed to be coming in early 2010.
"This source claims that the two touchscreen prototypes — made of aluminum, but on the shape of big iPhones — were in a factory in Shenzuen, China," the report states. "One of them 'was running Mac OS X 10.5.' When I asked, the source didn't know if these were built for demonstration purposes, or if they were preproduction units. The company has a tight relation with Apple but 'it's not FoxConn.'"
Writer Jesus Diaz goes on to call the rumor "surprising," given that most sources, including AppleInsider's own, have stated that the only forthcoming hardware has a 10-inch screen. The report speculates that perhaps Apple is exploring other form factors as internal prototypes, whether or not they will become final products released to market.
Given a report earlier this month that Apple investigated screen sizes of 4, 7, 9, 10 and 12 inches, these reports, if true, suggest that Apple has explored touchscreen devices at nearly every possible screen sizes. In the earlier report from a financial analyst, it was stated that Apple purchased large numbers of some screen sizes, suggesting they could have been for more than prototypes, but a more significant small production run.
As for the latest rumor, AppleInsider sources have been adamant that the 3G connected device due to arrive in early 2010 would come only with a 10-inch form factor.
Earlier this week, a new report stated that the upcoming tablet launch is the No. 1 priority of company co-founder Steve Jobs. AppleInsider's own sources have said that Jobs reset development of the device numerous times over the years, striving to create hardware that meets his own high standards. In fact, at times Jobs even had doubts that the product would even see the light of day. However, the device now seems set for its 2010 debut.
Gizmodo also reported weeks ago a rumor that the tablet would have a 10-inch screen and come in come in two versions: one for educational use, and one with a Web cam. That report said the operating system that the tablet would run is a "huge secret."
163 Comments
That report said the operating system that the tablet would run is a "huge secret."
My money's on OSX.
As someone wrote a while back, Snow Leopard has technologies that will make a tablet much nicer to use. Expose in the dock, for example. Smaller size, for example.
Or it's just a proof of concept that could be six months away or six years away from being a real product, or never at all.
I can understand a 6 - 10 inch tablet, it's holdable, transportable, and usable. Any bigger and it starts to be a bit unwieldy, it needs to be rested in a stand, or placed flat on a surface. It's turned into a different class of device.
Why would Apple go to all the trouble of creating a whole new OS for the tablet when it's already got OS X? It doesn't make any sense.
My money's on OSX.
As someone wrote a while back, Snow Leopard has technologies that will make a tablet much nicer to use. Expose in the dock, for example. Smaller size, for example.
The third party programs still wont be nice to use on a tablet though. For a consumer device, which is what a sub $1000 tablet would most likely be, I think a variant of iPhone OS would work best. However, a 13" or 15" tablet would not be a consumer device, and it would not have a sub $1000 price. I don't know what to make of this rumor. Isn't it coming from the same guy that said someone called him with details on the tablet, yet provided no additional information except for a codename he won't reveal?
Snow Leopard does have some touch friendly features like large icons with in icon previews and the expose feature you mentioned. I am very skeptical of this report though.
Well there goes their 1 chance at getting something in the sub 1k range. If it's a 13" or 15" tablet there's no way they are going to price it low enough to encourage buying. Unless of course Apple does the unthinkable and prices it low... (which I would whole heartedly be in favor of)
However, there is 1 thing that I would want on an apple tablet that I would keep me on the sidelines (other than the obvious USBs, DVD, etc) I want the ability to run my iPhone apps on it I would absolutely love that and I'm sure both Apple and the developers would love that as well