Official Apple Tablet (general tablet market) thread. Constantly updated

[Spectrum]

####EDIT for JAN 27th official annoucement#####


Apple iPad Specs at a Glance

http://www.tabletcommunity.com/apple-ipad-specs/


Apple has published a page of iPad specs detailing the capacities, dimensions, and features of the device. According to the page, the device is 9.56" tall and 7.47" wide, with a depth of just 0.5" and a weight of 1.5 pounds. Units with the 3G option weigh 1.6 pounds.

The screen has a resolution of 1024 x 768 (132 pixels per inch) on a 9.7" (diagonal) display. The screen itself resists fingerprints through an oleophobic coating. It will play 720p HD video at 30 frames per second, though true 720p resolution is 1280 x 720.

Apple is offering the iPad in either a 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB capacities, all of which are built around a 1GHz Apple A4 processor. The device has up to 10 hours of battery life between charges with up to one month of standby time.

It includes an iPhone/iPod Dock connector, a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, and has a built-in microphone and speakers. WiFi + 3G versions of the unit also include a SIM card tray.

The device includes a built-in digital compass like the iPhone 3GS, as well as an accelerometer and an ambient light sensor. The WiFi + 3G model includes assisted GPS, as well as cellular data connection through 3G.

Mac system requirements
Mac computer with USB 2.0 port
Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
iTunes 9.0 or later
iTunes Store account
Internet access

Windows system requirements
PC with USB 2.0 port
Windows 7, Windows Vista; Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
iTunes 9.0 or later
iTunes Store account
Internet access

live event link here

http://www.livestream.com/crunchgear

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/jan/27/apple-tablet-launch-live-coverage

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/live-from-the-apple-tablet-latest-creation-event/


some pics

This site has lots of news http://www.tabletcommunity.com/news/

Lots of posts being made about the coming Apple tablet so as opposed to having several a day...figured we could just have them all in one thread unless one in particular was really important. I am going to compile some of the previous posts here and then just start updating this thread daily with good articles that I find. Feel free to add to it.

Apple Tablet to Have Webcam, 3G
http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=457950

Apple’s tablet will have a 3G connection supported by Verizon
http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=456229

Apple expects to sell 10 million tablet computers in 2010
http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=454600

Microsoft to drop tablet ahead of Snapple
http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=456197

CES: Video - how students may use an Apple tablet
http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=456295

Apple's tablet to have 3D navigation system?
http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=456289

Apple’s ‘iSlate’ Tablet Specs Leaked?
http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=455419

New York Times: Impact of ‘iSlate’ Could Rival iPhone
http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=455423

archos 5 internet tablet
http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=453184

 

[Spectrum]

http://www.businessinsider.com/rumor-apple-has-purchased-a-bunch-of-101-inch-lcd-oled-screens-2010-1

This morning's Apple tablet rumor buzz comes from a thin report by Sylvie Barak at TG Daily.


An anonymous designer told Barak at CES, "We were designing a product for a customer and we needed 10 inch screens, but we've been trying for months and can't get one from any of the Asian suppliers...We were told that Apple pre-ordered them all. All 10 inch LCDs , and all 10 inch OLEDs too."

Is it possible Asian suppliers are out of 10.1 inch LCD and OLED screens? Maybe. But Apple-bull Gene Munster thinks the company only sells 1.4 million tablets altogether. It wouldn't need many screens to fill its initial run.

Plus, last Friday Reuters reported that Apple was getting touch screen panels from TPK solutions, and Wintek Corp. Touch screen panels might be different from LCD, but if two companies can handle the touch screens, we think two companies would be able to fill the screen orders, leaving plenty of other options for this designer's clients.

 

[VegasGuy]

Where are these "tablets" going to be built? American made or somewhere else? Do we have that speculation and analysis available?

-VG

 

[Spectrum]

Where are these "tablets" going to be built? American made or somewhere else? Do we have that speculation and analysis available?

-VG

Not sure yet.. but Apple works with various companies in asia.... but the profits really all flow back to the U.S...at least on Apple products. The margins their manufacturers earn are very low and the profit margins Apple earn on their hardware sales are uncharacteristically high for the computing industry. If someone pops up my feed reader, I will post it though...

 

[Spectrum]

wouldnt expect it to be MUCH different than the Iphone contractor list

iPhone Primary Contractors - a partial listSoftware and design Apple USA
Assembly Foxconn?, Quanta, Unknown Taiwan
TFT-LCD Screen Sanyo Epson, Sharp, TMD Japan
Video processor chip Samsung Korea
Touch screen overlay Balda Germany
Bluetooth chip Cambridge Silicon Radio UK
Chip manufacture TSMC, UMC Taiwan
Baseband IC Infineon Technology Germany
WIFI Chip Marvell USA
Touch screen control chip Broadcom USA
CMOS chip Micron USA
NOR Flash ICs Intel, SST USA
Display Driver chip National Semi, Novatek US, TW
Case, Mechanical parts Catcher, Foxconn Tech Taiwan
Camera lens Largan Precision Taiwan
Camera module Altus-Tech, Primax, Lite On Taiwan
Battery Charger Delta Electronics Taiwan
Timing Crystal TXC Taiwan
Passive components Cyntec Taiwan
Connector and cables Cheng Uei, Entery Taiwan

 

[divine]

A visual guide to the many months of rumours surrounding Apple’s rumoured Tablet. Click on the image for a higher resolution version.

Note: Below you will find a list of sources with a number, these numbers correspond with the numbers in the graphic above.

1 - Unique tablet UI: http://www.cultofmac.com/rumor-apple-employee-says-tablet-ui-has-steep-learning-curve/25228, http://www.businessinsider.com/appl...exy-to-it-says-someone-who-has-seen-it-2010-1

2 - Aluminium casting: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60745S20100108

3 - Quarter two launch: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60745S20100108

4 - Powered by a P A Semi chip http://www.thestreet.com/story/10656904/1/exclusive-apples-tablet-has-no-intel-inside.html
5 - Supported by multiple 3G carriers: http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/06...ultiple-wireless-carriers-including-verizion/

6 - 3D operating system navigation: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/technology/2010/01/apple_tablet_3d.html

7 - March Launch: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703580904574638630584151614.html (subscription required)

8 - Two different finishes: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703580904574638630584151614.html (subscription required)

9 - Around $1,000: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703580904574638630584151614.html (subscription required)

10 - January 27 unveiling: http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20100104/major-apple-product-announcement/

11 - 10” display: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20091228PD212.html

12 - Called iSlate: http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/12/25/apple-islate/

13 - Supports Apple’s App Store: http://www.businessinsider.com/appl...ary-asks-developers-to-get-apps-ready-2009-12

14 - Pixel Qi screen: http://www.macrumors.com/2009/12/11/3qi-screen-technology-shipping-in-time-for-apple-tablet/

15 - OLED screen: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20091118PB201.html

16 - e-reader like functionality for newspapers, books, magazines: http://gizmodo.com/5370252/apple-tablet-aiming-to-redefine-newspapers-textbooks-and-magazines

17 - Front facing camera: http://t.sina.com.cn/kaifulee (Chinese), http://************/yba689d (translated)

18 - Multitouch version of iWork: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/09/technology/personaltech/09reader.html

19 - Runs iPhone OS: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/ten-new-details-on-the-apple-tablet/

20 - Interact with tablet using palms and fingers: http://www.appleinsider.com/article...es_tablet_like_input_interface_reappears.html

 

[Spectrum]

damn Divine... you broke that shit down.

 

[divine]

damn Divine... you broke that shit down.

I stol that shit from mashable..

 

[Spectrum]

I stol that shit from mashable..

 

[VegasGuy]

wouldnt expect it to be MUCH different than the Iphone contractor list

iPhone Primary Contractors - a partial listSoftware and design Apple USA
Assembly Foxconn?, Quanta, Unknown Taiwan
TFT-LCD Screen Sanyo Epson, Sharp, TMD Japan
Video processor chip Samsung Korea
Touch screen overlay Balda Germany
Bluetooth chip Cambridge Silicon Radio UK
Chip manufacture TSMC, UMC Taiwan
Baseband IC Infineon Technology Germany
WIFI Chip Marvell USA
Touch screen control chip Broadcom USA
CMOS chip Micron USA
NOR Flash ICs Intel, SST USA
Display Driver chip National Semi, Novatek US, TW
Case, Mechanical parts Catcher, Foxconn Tech Taiwan
Camera lens Largan Precision Taiwan
Camera module Altus-Tech, Primax, Lite On Taiwan
Battery Charger Delta Electronics Taiwan
Timing Crystal TXC Taiwan
Passive components Cyntec Taiwan
Connector and cables Cheng Uei, Entery Taiwan

Thanks eewwii.

-VG

 

[FLoss]

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

ARM-powered Apple tablet called 'iPhone on steroids'

By Slash Lane
Published: 11:35 AM EST



Clues on Apple's forthcoming tablet continue to surface as the device is expected to debut this month, with a new report referring to the device as an "iPhone on steroids."

Citing a close contact within Apple, Boy Genius Report on Wednesday issued a report with alleged new details and specifics on Apple's 10-inch touchscreen device. The source said the device has an internal model number of K48AP and sports an "incredibly fast" ARM-based processor.

What kind of ARM chip remains unknown, though many have speculated that the reference Cortex-A9 design would be a likely candidate for any new hardware. However, one analyst recently claimed that the device would sport a Cortex-A8-based chip with a speed of about 1GHz.

In Wednesday's report, the source also said that the tablet has multi-touch gestures that are "out of control," and the device runs the on the iPhone kernel. There hasn't been an update to the iPhone OS in some time, the tipster claimed, because the new build has too many tablet-related references that "Apple obviously didn't want to leak."

Those details are bolstered by a report from earlier this month that claimed a new iPhone 4.0 beta SDK includes a "simulator" that aims to make it easy for developers to adapt to different screen resolutions. Some developers have allegedly been asked to prepare full-screen demos of their iPhone software for a demo later this month.

Reports have indicated that Apple is planning an event on Jan. 27 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco to unveil its tablet device. Last July, AppleInsider first reported that the device would see an early 2010 debut, and the hardware would be akin to a large iPhone or iPod touch.

http://www.appleinsider.com/article...d_apple_tablet_called_iphone_on_steroids.html

 

[Spectrum]

Slate and tablet computers: learning from the past

http://www.ruggedpcreview.com/mt/archives/2010/01/slate_and_table.html

 

[JD Walker]

I recommendation for the soon to be new Apple users out there: Never buy 1st Generation Apple Products.

So this alleged tablet is using a RISC based processor? BTW, are the current crop of INTEL processors RISC or CISC?

 

[doggish_098]

alleywag today announced that it is offering a bounty of up to $100,000 for information on Apple's much-anticipated tablet device. The reward ladder begins at $10,000 for "bona fide pictures" of the device, increasing to $20,000 for video. Potential rewards for more ambitious tipsters include $50,000 for pictures of Apple CEO Steve Jobs holding the device, and $100,000 for anyone willing to let Valleywag play with it for an hour.

We've had enough of trying to follow all the speculation around Apple's impending tablet -- how it'll work, its size, the name, the software and whether it will save magazines. We want answers, dammit! And we're willing to pay.
As a disclaimer, Valleywag "encourages" tipsters to stay within the law and notes that it will not pay out any prizes until the Apple tablet debuts in order to ensure authenticity. Despite the disclaimer, however, Valleywag's offer could easily face legal challenges as pointed out by TechCrunch.

We spoke to a lawyer about the legality of the bounty, who says that Apple could have a claim against Gawker/Valleywag for inducing breach of contract, since anyone who has their hands on the tablet is certainly under a nondisclosure agreement. This could result in tort damages, with potential for punitive damages.
Apple has reportedly scheduled a media event for later this month, where it is widely expected to introduce the new tablet device, likely giving potential entrants for Valleywag's contest just two weeks to produce their information

 

[Spectrum]

http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/...Apple-Do-With-Swedish-Eye-Tracking-Technology

An article on recombu.com explores the possibility that Apple is gearing up to launch eye-tracking technology soon. Citing a patent filed in 2008 that mentions 'gaze vectors' and a recent purchase of units from a Swedish eye-tracking company, the author suggests that the inclusion of eye-tracking tech in the company’s forthcoming tablet would be Job’s magnum opus. 'What better flourish to a career that began with the popularisation of windows, icons, mouse and pointer than to usurp them all?'"

 

[Spectrum]

A Layman's Guide to the Tablet PCs of 2010 [With Video]

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/erica-westly/science-inc/laymans-guide-years-new-tablets

 

[Jagi]

Tablet K48AP is 'iPhone on steroids' and gestures are 'out of control'

​

BGR got a bit of supposed spy info on the tablet:

* The tablet’s multi-touch gestures are “out of control.”
* It’s powered by an incredibly fast ARM CPU
* It runs on the iPhone kernel.
* The internal model number is K48AP.
* There hasn’t been an updated iPhone OS build because there’s too much tablet-related code/references in the OS and Apple obviously didn’t want that to leak. Oops.
* The tablet is basically an “iPhone on steroids.”

None of this is really new except the model number K48AP which we'll hopefully be able to confirm in the coming weeks. A commenter points out that Twitter User @cdevwill posted about it a few months ago. We also have noticed a virtual stoppage of iPhone beta releases in the previous months which the report also notes..

 

[Spectrum]

The inside track on Apple's tablet: a history of tablet computing

http://www.appleinsider.com/article...es_tablet_a_history_of_tablet_computing.html?

 

[Spectrum]

http://mashable.com/2010/01/15/apple-tablet-revolution/

5 Industries an Apple Tablet Could Revolutionize


If you haven’t heard an Apple Tablet rumor by now, you’ve most likely been living in a cave somewhere for the past year. It’s all anybody can talk about, especially since it could launch at the end of the month.

With the daily deluge of rumors flooding your Twitter stream and RSS feeds, it’s easy to become cynical about the mythical device. Why should you care about a device that has no confirmation at all of its existence?

The answer is that its potential impact could be nothing short of revolutionary. Like the iPod and the iPhone, an Apple-built tablet could not only become a consumer hit, but actually redefine multiple industries and how they do business. Here are just some of the ways an Apple Tablet could spark a revolution.
1. Publishing and Media

Let’s start with the most obvious choice: Media. We’ve covered the previous rumors that Apple wants to redefine print with its rumored tablet. While the Kindle has done a lot to bring print into digital form, a tablet could be far more suited for reading the newspaper, opening up your textbook, and even sharing notes. Hell, Wired’s already preparing for the tablet.

The simple point is that it’s easier to carry a smart tablet than 300 hardcover books and 20 newspapers with you. Apple’s tablet will almost certainly have a focus on bringing all of print into the digital world, whether the industry is ready for it or not.
2. Healthcare



Above: The AirStrop OB iPhone App. It allow doctors to check on their patients vitals on-the-go.


A few days ago, a rumor spread that Apple was designing the tablet specifically for the healthcare industry. While we, of course, have no idea whether the tablet is being made for doctors or whether it’s being made at all, the notion is very logical.

First, the iPhone is already a tool that doctors use to save lives. If the tablet can run apps, then those tools will immediately be at their disposal. Second, it has the capability to replace the clipboard by accessing digital records, making medical data easy-to-search, and having references built right into the tablet.

Healthcare is a lagging industry in terms of technological adoption, but if any company has the resources to break that barrier, it’s Apple.
3. Entertainment

Entertainment is another industry that could be immediately affected by an Apple Tablet. It’s big enough to provide easy viewing for your movies and television shows. And if the 3G rumors are true, you could access that data via an iPhone app. Having the ability to view TV from anywhere is no small deal.

It’s not just the TV and movie experience that could potentially be upended, either. Gaming would get a completely new platform, paving the way for a new wave of touchscreen games, depending on how the tablet is designed (I wouldn’t want to hold the tablet in one hand and touchscreen with the other). It probably won’t have the same effect on the music industry as the iPod had, though.
4. Finance

The finance industry is a giant behemoth with many arms — trading, banking, personal finance, and investment banking, just to name a few. The tablet could have a dramatic impact on all of these areas.

Trading: Traders need to have information at their fingertips and make trades in an instant. Many use their mobile phones or specialized devices for this, but a tablet could present a lot more information and be far more dynamic. You could see tablets everywhere on the floor eventually.

Banking: Bank tellers could process information with the tablet and easily hand it over to someone else when the situation arises. A tablet would be a far more effective way of sharing financial data or even making payments. The need for paperwork would be gone.

Personal Finance: With apps like Mint at your fingertips, managing your finances would be a snap. If tablets have a wireless way to communicate with one another, it could also prove to be the ultimate payment system.

Investment Banking: In addition to facilitating faster and more effective trading, investment banks could use them to quickly conduct research and swap notes.

The right software and the right interface could stir many financial institutions to purchase Apple Tablets in bulk.
5. Computing

Consider the big picture with this final industry. For years, we’ve relied on desktops and laptops with bulky keyboards. Only recently has mobile become a computing force, but even that is nothing compared to the computing industry.

Imagine that the Apple Tablet comes with a new type of tactile, gesture-based keyboard, something a recent Apple patent supports. Imagine you can type almost as well on it as you can with a keyboard, or even 75% as well. It immediately becomes a great device for computing on the go, an object that could be used as a primary computer if you wanted to.

Now imagine that the devices does have a few input ports, specifically two USB ports. Now you have a device that can be connected to your keyboard and mouse, as well as your other devices potentially. Stick the tablet on a stand and it’s a computer. Unplug and take it with you and your computer can come with you, even easier than a laptop.

While this was a thought exercise, this is the type of thing Apple has clearly thought about in the tablet process. If the Apple Tablet proves to be real, you can expect this type of imaginative thinking to be present in every aspect of the tablet’s design, interface, and functionality.

This is why the media and millions of early adopters care so much about the potential tablet and the rumors: Its potential as a revolutionary device is very real.

 

[divine]

Rumor has it the iTablet (or whatever it is to be called) will run the mobile version of Mac OS X (like the iPhone, iPod)... so do you think Apple will announce iPhone OS 4.0 on the same day as the tablet launch?

 

[MonkeyBizness]

Rumor has it the iTablet (or whatever it is to be called) will run the mobile version of Mac OS X (like the iPhone, iPod)... so do you think Apple will announce iPhone OS 4.0 on the same day as the tablet launch?

the event will debut the tablet that won't ship til beginning of march supposedly. the 12 month product cycle of the iphone means the new one will drop June so i don't think that Apple would use a January event to promote two big devices that aren't immediately available.

probably run a modified version of the mobile OS which will lead to OS 4.0 when the new iPhone will drop.

 

[divine]

They announced Iphone 3.0 OS well in advanced of its actual release..

the event will debut the tablet that won't ship til beginning of march supposedly. the 12 month product cycle of the iphone means the new one will drop June so i don't think that Apple would use a January event to promote two big devices that aren't immediately available.

probably run a modified version of the mobile OS which will lead to OS 4.0 when the new iPhone will drop.

 

[Word?]

I honestly haven't been this excited about a gadget for years. I'm fiending for this shit and I haven't even layed eyes on it yet.

 

[MonkeyBizness]

They announced Iphone 3.0 OS well in advanced of its actual release..

if the tablet and new iphone have the same (or close to the same OS) then the question is what is the obsolescence factor that the new iPhone will have to warrant an event debuting it? each product cycle has to get new adopters and turn over previous owners. marinating on a new OS for a couple of months isn't enough, so they new iPhone would have to have some new hardware features to make it desirable.

January Event: Debut Tablet. Debut new iPhone OS 4.0?
March: Tablet on sale.
June: New iPhone with OS 4.0
i don't think they'd do that.

i think they'll debut the tablet this month. let the heat marinate and let it go on sale in March or April. then have another event to drop the new iPhone and it's new OS.

this january thing is gonna be more than the tablet. expect new desktop towers and something with AppleTV and possibly new MBP.

 

[divine]

The iPhone and tablet are two difference devices.. and each will have a launch date.

My question is, I wonder if they will announce iPhone OS 4.0

if the tablet and new iphone have the same (or close to the same OS) then the question is what is the obsolescence factor that the new iPhone will have to warrant an event debuting it? each product cycle has to get new adopters and turn over previous owners. marinating on a new OS for a couple of months isn't enough, so they new iPhone would have to have some new hardware features to make it desirable.

January Event: Debut Tablet. Debut new iPhone OS 4.0?
March: Tablet on sale.
June: New iPhone with OS 4.0
i don't think they'd do that.

i think they'll debut the tablet this month. let the heat marinate and let it go on sale in March or April. then have another event to drop the new iPhone and it's new OS.

this january thing is gonna be more than the tablet. expect new desktop towers and something with AppleTV and possibly new MBP.

 

[MonkeyBizness]

The iPhone and tablet are two difference devices.. and each will have a launch date.

My question is, I wonder if they will announce iPhone OS 4.0

i know they are two different devices. and i understand your question.

what i'm saying is:
January to debut tablet that will run a modified iPhone OS (NOT OS 4.0). probably debut other new products at the same event. Tablet will ship in March.
Early Summer have an event to debut new iPhone with new OS 4.0.
June will have new iPhone and OS 4.0 available.

each quarter that have to drop something new.

 

[divine]

ok, I see.

i know they are two different devices. and i understand your question.

what i'm saying is:
January to debut tablet that will run a modified iPhone OS (NOT OS 4.0). probably debut other new products at the same event. Tablet will ship in March.
Early Summer have an event to debut new iPhone with new OS 4.0.
June will have new iPhone and OS 4.0 available.

each quarter that have to drop something new.

 

[MonkeyBizness]

ok, I see.

yeah, the way it usually breaks down with Apple product cycles is

Q1 (January): New hot shit, OS updates, updates on new computers, laptops [availability can be anywhere from Jan to April]

Q2 (June): iPhone

Q3 (Back to school) iPods

Q4: Holiday: updates and bumps on computers and stuff and price drops [holiday push]

 

[Spectrum]

http://mashable.com/2010/01/18/apple-tablet-launch

January 27 has been circled on the calendars of Apple Tablet enthusiasts for a couple of weeks as a potential launch date for the long rumored device, and now it’s confirmed that Apple will be holding an event next Wednesday to show off its “latest creation.”

The event will take place at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco, and at this point, if anything other than the Apple Tablet (potentially named iSlate) is revealed, it would be a bigger surprise than the Tablet itself. Nonetheless, we eagerly await the specs of the device, as well as learning its price, most recently rumored to be in the $1,000 range.

 

[divine]

WSJ: Apple and HarperCollins negotiating e-book deal for tablet
from Engadget by Ross Miller

Here's the skinny from The Wall Street Journal: major publishing company HarperCollins is in talks with Apple about bringing e-books to the oft-rumored, still-unconfirmed tablet that's expected to be the focus of its January 27th event. The article also states that other publishing companies have been in talks with Cupertino HQ. That jibes with what we've heard through the grapevine, specifically with Time Inc. property Sports Illustrated, and fits comfortably well with the New York Times conjecture from earlier today. E-book readers are all the rage these days, but like we said just after CES, we'd wager the future of the medium integrated into slates to provide rich, color multimedia presentations. Seems someone might be sharing in our perspective, but of course, this is just one of many, many, many Apple rumors we expect to see in the buildup to next week.

 

[LennyNero1972]

I wonder when Apple is going to give their Mac Pros a full redesign?

 

[Spectrum]

http://mashable.com/2010/01/18/apple-tablet-launch/
January 27 has been circled on the calendars of Apple Tablet enthusiasts for a couple of weeks as a potential launch date for the long rumored device, and now it’s confirmed that Apple will be holding an event next Wednesday to show off its “latest creation.”

The event will take place at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco, and at this point, if anything other than the Apple Tablet (potentially named iSlate) is revealed, it would be a bigger surprise than the Tablet itself. Nonetheless, we eagerly await the specs of the device, as well as learning its price, most recently rumored to be in the $1,000 range

 

[Spectrum]

http://mashable.com/2010/01/20/apple-tablet-verizon

Northeast Securities analyst Ashok Kumar — the man behind the rumors that Qualcomm will power the Verizon iPhone — has an even bigger assertion this time around: Apple’s tablet will feature a wireless chip made by Qualcomm — meaning its telecommunications partner will be Verizon.

The new revelations are being reported by TheStreet, the same outlet that reported rumors of an Apple/Verizon tablet partnership back in July of 2009.

TheStreet reports that the partnership with Verizon for wireless service means that the price of the tablet will be subsidized by Verizon and offered to consumers at $200 less ($600) than the retail price ($800 without subsidy). Kumar’s intel also concludes that the tablet will come with a docking station to connect the tablet computer to a keyboard and mouse.

According to the report:

“Having a telco partner means the price of the Verizon Tablet will be less than a Tablet purchased directly from Apple. Analysts estimate that Verizon will subsidize about $200 of the Tablet’s price and require a two-year data service plan of around $60 a month. Apple is expected to sell the Tablet for around $800 without a subsidy.

Apple is expected to unveil the Tablet next week and make it available for sale in March, though the sale date might be delayed until June due to component supply shortages, Kaufman analyst Shaw Wu indicated in a note Tuesday.

The Tablet will also include a docking station, according to Northeast Securities’ Kumar. This could be a crucial feature for consumers who harbor an ongoing love affair with keyboards. For those unsatisfied with touchscreen typing, a dock would connect to a keyboard and mouse.”

While we’re not likely to get confirmation of these new rumors until Apple’s event next Wednesday, we do believe that there’s an air of legitimacy to them. We already know that Qualcomm has been anxious to work with Apple, and that the same holds true for Verizon. It seems entirely logical that Apple would want to partner with Verizon for built-in wireless/mobile broadband service and a consumer-friendly subsidized price, especially since it’s the current model it uses to sell the iPhone.

 

[doggish_098]

6 days, 23 hours, 56 minutes until the Apple Media Event

 

[divine]

6 days, 23 hours, 56 minutes until the Apple Media Event

I hope Google/HTC is taking notes.. this is how you build up for an event!