Apple Working on “Bathroom Web Surfing” iTablet Since 2003
While the entire industry is increasingly painted as breathlessly holding their breath for an Apple iTablet sometime in 2010, the New York Times re-affirms they’ve been working on just such a device since at least 2003:
“It couldn’t be built. The battery life [using PowerPC chips] wasn’t long enough, the graphics performance was not enough to do anything and the components themselves cost more than $500,” said Joshua A. Strickland, a former Apple engineer whose name is on several of the company’s patents for multitouch technology.
More essential than that, even as technological hurdles were cleared over the years, the idea kept getting shot down by Apple CEO Steve Jobs because no one could answer the question of “what they were good for besides surfing the Web in the bathroom”.
Ultimately, Apple’s experiments with a Safari Pad were leveraged into making and marketing the iPhone instead — something Jobs, and users, obviously found more compelling.
Arguably, the same problem still exists. Apple’s own hardware (like PA Semi chipsets), software (like iTunes LP and iTunes Extra), and industry rumors over print-derived content (like magazines, books, newspapers, etc.) add sub-plots even while the main storyline is still getting fleshed out.
Not lost, however, is that while competitors have tried to evangelize the tablet concept for a decade and received nearly zero traction, the mere thought of a post-iPhone Apple iTablet has achieved so much media buzz the category itself has seen a re-birth from a variety of players.
Apple’s would likely have 85,000 iPhone apps (possible 100,000 by launch), which — as has been speculated before — could run, several at a time, each in their own window like on a desktop system, along with full screen versions of Safari, iPod, and whatever i-app shows dynamic “print” media.
If the iTablet ends up being real, and being “All your media in your hands”, Apple might have a story of their own finally worth telling. Then we’ll just have to see if people buy it.
October 5th, 2009 at 7:18 am
I’m not sold on a tablet format even if the great almighty Jobs is on the design team.
October 5th, 2009 at 7:27 am
I read this article from the Times last night.
Some of my take-aways:
Previous attempts to launch a successful tablet PC were hampered by the lack of technology we see today, such as video, tv, network support, etc. They were no more than glorified PDAs. Tech has essentially caught up to the concept.
Still, with smartphone devices like the iPhone currently on the market, the question remains as to whether the mainstream will have a non-redundant use for both the tablet and smartphone.
October 5th, 2009 at 7:55 am
I honestly don’t see the point to an itablet. This is what a MacBook and an iPhone is for if you want mobility.
October 5th, 2009 at 8:05 am
That’s like saying that there’s no point in using a clipboard if you could use a spiral notepad or a ledger.
October 5th, 2009 at 8:07 am
No OS X…
No CS4…
No dice…
October 5th, 2009 at 8:52 am
If the itablet cost as much as a clip board or spiral notebook I’d take two. Otherwise I don’t see the point either.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:17 am
I’m hoping this tablet can replace my home computer where I sync my iPhone. Would be nice if I synced with the tablet.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I can already ready surf the web in the bathroom with my iPhone. Next…
October 5th, 2009 at 9:55 am
The media’s current description of the Apple Tablet is unappealing. I’m glad that Jobs knows that. This gives me hope that Apple will not release a redundant large iPhone.
October 5th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I use an iPhone + MacBook Air on the road, iMac at home.
I can’t see anything usefull in a 10 inch tablet.
October 5th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
not many ppl have enough cash for that kind of equipment Hans, therefor there could possibly be a market for a tablet if it can replace a desktop… the world may never know for sure until it’s finally anounced.
October 5th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I think the main difference being pursued here is the data entry and web browsing…ultimately, it is the multi-touch screen that makes the product unique from netbooks/laptops etc.
I guess we are supposed to picture whole libraries of textbooks available (rather than lugging around heavy books) and keyboard-free notation and navigation, in addition to all the features of the standard netbook. It is, in theory, supposed to be the workhorse that the iPhone can not really be for professional/collegiate application.
Again, the question is: What about the average user who already owns a netbook and a smartphone, not to mention the home PC/Mac? Will there be a need for this device in the mainstream? That’s the challenge for these companies, I think.
October 5th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
@ sting7k
exactly what I’m doing rite now!!!! Lol
October 5th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Itablet idea is stupid. No need for it it at all. I for one would not buy this. Let it go Apple and stay focused on the hardware that have real uses.
October 6th, 2009 at 5:03 am
I do think we need to move away from the Desktop Computer and into the future with a computer base station somewhere hidden in the house and everything else communicates with this base station.
Then the tablet would become a controller/keyboard for you 50″ TV, Fridge, Stereo, Coffee Maker and a monitor in case your somewhere else than where you normally has viewing equipment.
The problem is this computer house is not something we will get anytime soon, we are slowly inching closer to machines that talk to each other, but there is still to many monopoly wars going on for it to become normal and need a generation or more of competition before companies is forced to compete by being able to talk to everyone else.