
X2468
Mar 31, 06:14 AM
Translation:
We were all wrong but we won't admit it so now we say that it's an internal secret ... :rolleyes:
Sounds just like some bloke from Apple. Snow Leopard's the last of the true desktop OS's. Lion is the bridge, and whatever follows will either be primarily iOS, or so close it's of little consequence. I'm so glad I hung onto my 2010 MBP.
Let's not forget it was the iPod that saved Apple and marked it's beginning as a gadget & entertaiment company. I had a nasty feeling then it would mark the decline of Apples great computers & here we are. How ironic it is that most people are unaware that a Brit actually invented the iPod and like so many other things, Apple stole the thing and ran with it. True "innovators" at Apple, yeah right.
We were all wrong but we won't admit it so now we say that it's an internal secret ... :rolleyes:
Sounds just like some bloke from Apple. Snow Leopard's the last of the true desktop OS's. Lion is the bridge, and whatever follows will either be primarily iOS, or so close it's of little consequence. I'm so glad I hung onto my 2010 MBP.
Let's not forget it was the iPod that saved Apple and marked it's beginning as a gadget & entertaiment company. I had a nasty feeling then it would mark the decline of Apples great computers & here we are. How ironic it is that most people are unaware that a Brit actually invented the iPod and like so many other things, Apple stole the thing and ran with it. True "innovators" at Apple, yeah right.

dernhelm
Nov 26, 06:17 PM
http://www.theapplecollection.com/design/macdesign/images/21286fujitsustylisticmodded.jpg
Too big! This is what M$ didn't understand. The value of a tablet is NOT simply being able to write on the screen of a laptop. Tablets need to be comfortable in one hand, they need to be able to collect information (text, drawing, audio, still and motion video), they need to be able to play back information (on its own screen, but also on TVs, projectors, etc), and they need to be able to sync up with home computers. I probably want some functional capabilties (e.g. iPhoto red eye and retouch, or simple text/excel type input) but I DO NOT NEED TO RUN PHOTOSHOP ON MY TABLET! I will transfer my data/photos/video onto my main computer to do that kind of work.
If you give me a highly portable dock (something I can toss in a bag, and whip it out if I need it), then I won't need a bevy of I/O devices (firewire, s-video, etc) on the tablet itself. That can shrink the size, weight, and heat output.
If Apple does release a device like this, I make only one prediction about it. Some idiot will try to run Quake on it and report the framerate. "Because how can you justify an $(N*100) device that runs Quake at only (F) fps?"
Too big! This is what M$ didn't understand. The value of a tablet is NOT simply being able to write on the screen of a laptop. Tablets need to be comfortable in one hand, they need to be able to collect information (text, drawing, audio, still and motion video), they need to be able to play back information (on its own screen, but also on TVs, projectors, etc), and they need to be able to sync up with home computers. I probably want some functional capabilties (e.g. iPhoto red eye and retouch, or simple text/excel type input) but I DO NOT NEED TO RUN PHOTOSHOP ON MY TABLET! I will transfer my data/photos/video onto my main computer to do that kind of work.
If you give me a highly portable dock (something I can toss in a bag, and whip it out if I need it), then I won't need a bevy of I/O devices (firewire, s-video, etc) on the tablet itself. That can shrink the size, weight, and heat output.
If Apple does release a device like this, I make only one prediction about it. Some idiot will try to run Quake on it and report the framerate. "Because how can you justify an $(N*100) device that runs Quake at only (F) fps?"

bwintx
Aug 2, 11:20 AM
not to sound like a complete and utter noob! but,
what time is the keynote supose to go on?
im very excited at thins, as its the first WWDC i knew about in advance. lol
1 PM EDT/10 AM PDT/17:00 GMT (http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/).
what time is the keynote supose to go on?
im very excited at thins, as its the first WWDC i knew about in advance. lol
1 PM EDT/10 AM PDT/17:00 GMT (http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/).

Super Dave
Jul 30, 05:16 AM
This sounds cool. Initially, though; I was kind of turned off by the idea of Apple doing a cellphone.
Unfortunately, I'm pulled back into thinking, "What could Apple do with phones that hasn't already been done." Small, light, photos, video, internet, music, games, personal organization? Most of this is pretty well covered with the current offerings. So what is going to be the selling point here? Is it going to be expensive or affordable? Is it going to be full-featured or bare bones?
Without even getting into new things, they could just do it well. Cell phones have interfaces like goats. Every single one of them.
David:cool:
Unfortunately, I'm pulled back into thinking, "What could Apple do with phones that hasn't already been done." Small, light, photos, video, internet, music, games, personal organization? Most of this is pretty well covered with the current offerings. So what is going to be the selling point here? Is it going to be expensive or affordable? Is it going to be full-featured or bare bones?
Without even getting into new things, they could just do it well. Cell phones have interfaces like goats. Every single one of them.
David:cool:

kjr39
Aug 11, 10:09 AM
Are there any benchmarks for the Core 2 Duo chips? What would we be getting from the upgrade?
.jpg)
ChrisTX
Mar 27, 12:01 AM
i want what the "reliable sources" are smoking.
jokes aside, this is terrible. too long of a wait.
and apple better not skimp my 4th gen touch on features, i want FULL iOS 5 support.
Every time Apple has demoed a new version of iOS it has been on the current hardware prior to the release of new hardware.
jokes aside, this is terrible. too long of a wait.
and apple better not skimp my 4th gen touch on features, i want FULL iOS 5 support.
Every time Apple has demoed a new version of iOS it has been on the current hardware prior to the release of new hardware.

DomC
Apr 5, 01:38 PM
That takes some balls. Perhaps Toyota can have a say on some Apple product? I thought it was genius of Toyota to do the theme. They probably found the Scion buyer is the same demographic that jailbreaks a phone. Sounds like good marketing to me.

Zombie Acorn
May 7, 01:40 AM
So, ask for 'half a kilo'. Problem solved. :)
Sounds like a drug order to me.
Sounds like a drug order to me.

phpmaven
Apr 25, 11:28 AM
+1. My IP is being logged right now most likely. No matter where you go, using any communication device, you can be tracked. If you're that paranoid, get off the grid. Every phone company tracks your location. This for iPhone users is just a log of it on your phone.
I do agree, however, that the consolidated.db file should at least be encrypted if it is to remain on the device. Now any good crook knows all they need is your iphone to find out when best to rob you.
Exactly. I don't know why everybody is all fired up about this. If you aren't a criminal, you have nothing to worry about. If you are, then you are probably bright enough to use a burn phone. :p
I do agree, however, that the consolidated.db file should at least be encrypted if it is to remain on the device. Now any good crook knows all they need is your iphone to find out when best to rob you.
Exactly. I don't know why everybody is all fired up about this. If you aren't a criminal, you have nothing to worry about. If you are, then you are probably bright enough to use a burn phone. :p

RebelScum
Apr 20, 09:06 AM
1)So I'll have fun with a Galaxy S2 while the gullible remain in denial.
Hurm
So if I said the Galaxy S feels like it was made by Fisher Price, in that it feels cheap, too light, over-designed, kind of goofy-looking, and therefore a monumental piece of crap when coupled with Android's battery-sucking OS and Samsung's baffling UI, would you take that as a statement of fact, or just another cue that everything is subjective?
Not that I hate Android phones. Far from it. My wife has one. She thinks it's "neat". I agree. She also thinks the battery life is a PITA and the inability to sync on a Mac is just plain stupid. I, again, agree.
EDIT: I just watched a review for the Galaxy S2. The only thing new I took away from it was "Wow, there might be something to this Apple/Samsung lawsuit after all."
Hurm
So if I said the Galaxy S feels like it was made by Fisher Price, in that it feels cheap, too light, over-designed, kind of goofy-looking, and therefore a monumental piece of crap when coupled with Android's battery-sucking OS and Samsung's baffling UI, would you take that as a statement of fact, or just another cue that everything is subjective?
Not that I hate Android phones. Far from it. My wife has one. She thinks it's "neat". I agree. She also thinks the battery life is a PITA and the inability to sync on a Mac is just plain stupid. I, again, agree.
EDIT: I just watched a review for the Galaxy S2. The only thing new I took away from it was "Wow, there might be something to this Apple/Samsung lawsuit after all."

KingCrimson
Apr 18, 02:57 PM
Interesting that Samsung Group is a much larger corporation to Apple, but only have $4.5 billion in cash reserves. While Apple has $50 billion and counting.

RichP
Jul 30, 09:12 PM
Why would it be advantageous to ban texting? All these features on phones are simply functions of software, not requring excessive hardware technology, so its not like the phone would benefit from not having it.
Also, 5MP camera? Thats just ridiculous. The issue with all these phones is the lenses involved, not the resolution. Give me a 1.2MP that has some decent glass with it to take a picture rather than some bumped up resolution that is junk when I iSync the iPone to iPhoto :D Beside, the nokia phones that do actually have high resolution cameras are THICK. Over an inch. Im not saying we need the next razr here, but over 1" thick makes it uncomfortable to keep in your pocket.
And I think it will be SIM free too. As posted, we all go blow 200-400 on ipods, why not phones. Beside, if Apple just releases unlocked GSM phones, the carriers have no say. iTunes, iChat, VoiP when the wifi is available, its all open season if this thing isnt branded to a particular carrier.
Also, 5MP camera? Thats just ridiculous. The issue with all these phones is the lenses involved, not the resolution. Give me a 1.2MP that has some decent glass with it to take a picture rather than some bumped up resolution that is junk when I iSync the iPone to iPhoto :D Beside, the nokia phones that do actually have high resolution cameras are THICK. Over an inch. Im not saying we need the next razr here, but over 1" thick makes it uncomfortable to keep in your pocket.
And I think it will be SIM free too. As posted, we all go blow 200-400 on ipods, why not phones. Beside, if Apple just releases unlocked GSM phones, the carriers have no say. iTunes, iChat, VoiP when the wifi is available, its all open season if this thing isnt branded to a particular carrier.

dukebound85
Apr 10, 06:02 PM
I don't see how you can say that. None the less how anyone can confidently answer this question.
You arrive at 288 by multiplying 48/2 * (9+3), but that is assuming multiplication is the implied operator.
Multiplication is always what you do when there is a term directly adjacent the ()
balamw & dukebound85:
You guys are making too many assumptions.
Following your thought process, the original post is not properly written then?
No assumptions are being made to get 288, but assumptions are being made to get 2. That is the point
There is nothing wrong with how the original post is written from a mathematical point of view as it produces a definite result.
However, if the author of the equation meant for all that to be under the denominator, it is not properly written.
If he did not mean for it to be, it is written in a proper manner but could be written in a clearer form such as (48/2)(9+3). However, that is identical to 48/2(9+3)
You arrive at 288 by multiplying 48/2 * (9+3), but that is assuming multiplication is the implied operator.
Multiplication is always what you do when there is a term directly adjacent the ()
balamw & dukebound85:
You guys are making too many assumptions.
Following your thought process, the original post is not properly written then?
No assumptions are being made to get 288, but assumptions are being made to get 2. That is the point
There is nothing wrong with how the original post is written from a mathematical point of view as it produces a definite result.
However, if the author of the equation meant for all that to be under the denominator, it is not properly written.
If he did not mean for it to be, it is written in a proper manner but could be written in a clearer form such as (48/2)(9+3). However, that is identical to 48/2(9+3)

Mister Snitch
Mar 27, 10:43 AM
"2011: Year of iPad 2."
If you want to hang 'no iPad 3 in 2011' on the technicality of a slogan, remember: An entire "year" of iPad 2 would have required a launch on New Year's Day, at midnight. That didn't happen. So, a slavish adherence to the slogan is not a reason we wouldn't see an iPad 3 launch in the fall.
In that event, the BULK of the year still would have been the 'Year of iPad 2', if not literally every single day of it. By year's end, it's pretty safe to say the majority of tablets in use will in fact be iPad 2's. That's enough to fulfill the slogan, if such a fulfillment is something anyone's looking for.
If you want to hang 'no iPad 3 in 2011' on the technicality of a slogan, remember: An entire "year" of iPad 2 would have required a launch on New Year's Day, at midnight. That didn't happen. So, a slavish adherence to the slogan is not a reason we wouldn't see an iPad 3 launch in the fall.
In that event, the BULK of the year still would have been the 'Year of iPad 2', if not literally every single day of it. By year's end, it's pretty safe to say the majority of tablets in use will in fact be iPad 2's. That's enough to fulfill the slogan, if such a fulfillment is something anyone's looking for.

Tilpots
Apr 9, 09:12 PM
Because to teach kids the correct way to do math, teachers make up examples in which some actual thinking is needed to solve the problem. Written the way you just put it, it does not teach pemdas, something this math problem is obviously supposed to do. Your math teacher obviously taught u wrong or you just forgot how to do math as my numerous facts supported by searches prove. I dont need to call anyone, I taught SAT review courses for over a decade and my wife is currently a math teacher. But please take my challenge. Go to your local school and ask any math teacher how to properly do pemdas if u still can't accept the fact that u are clearly, beyond any shadow of a doubt, wrong.
BS. The only lesson to be learned here is that teachers devise lame pneumonic devices to confuse kids. If you're so damn smart, why wouldn't you properly write the correct equation with proper groupings in the first place?
Look at the poll, the groups divided about 50/50. Great job you and your teaching pals did. So much for "perfectly noted." This example is a classic glass half full/empty exercise.
Tastes great. (who's with me):p
BS. The only lesson to be learned here is that teachers devise lame pneumonic devices to confuse kids. If you're so damn smart, why wouldn't you properly write the correct equation with proper groupings in the first place?
Look at the poll, the groups divided about 50/50. Great job you and your teaching pals did. So much for "perfectly noted." This example is a classic glass half full/empty exercise.
Tastes great. (who's with me):p

syklee26
Sep 15, 06:20 PM
I love my wife's macbook keyboard. It is much more comfortable to use, doesn't mark up the LCD display, has much better feedback, and the keys don't pop off inadvertently like my flimsey PowerBook keys.
I want to see a complete redesign of the MacBook Pro. New case, new keyboard, magnetic latch, easy swap HDD & memory access. I don't think it will happen at the Aperature event but I am hoping for a redesign at MWSF2007.
I expect if there is a change on the 25th, it will be merom update only.
i don't understand why people are so desperate for new designs in aluminum MBPs. this is as good as it gets. do you see any commercial or TV shows showing laptops other than Apple ones? you have to wonder why that's the case.....it's because this is the best design in the market.
i can see your point about keyboard but not others such as HDD and memory access....plus, memory is not that difficult to access anyway.
I do think new MBPs will see some nice upgrades in battery life....right now my 15 inch MBPs hit about 3:30 in normal use with brightness level all the way up. maybe new MBPs will have average 4 hours battery life.
I want to see a complete redesign of the MacBook Pro. New case, new keyboard, magnetic latch, easy swap HDD & memory access. I don't think it will happen at the Aperature event but I am hoping for a redesign at MWSF2007.
I expect if there is a change on the 25th, it will be merom update only.
i don't understand why people are so desperate for new designs in aluminum MBPs. this is as good as it gets. do you see any commercial or TV shows showing laptops other than Apple ones? you have to wonder why that's the case.....it's because this is the best design in the market.
i can see your point about keyboard but not others such as HDD and memory access....plus, memory is not that difficult to access anyway.
I do think new MBPs will see some nice upgrades in battery life....right now my 15 inch MBPs hit about 3:30 in normal use with brightness level all the way up. maybe new MBPs will have average 4 hours battery life.

Eidorian
Jul 21, 02:08 PM
i thought the merom chips have the same pricing as the yonah 5 or 6 month ago. that would mean apple could switch to all merom (MB, mini, MBP). especially since they are compared to dell & co. in the windows world you are almost forced to use the better chip (merom) because the competition is fierce.Merom is launching with Yonah's original pricing. Yonah is going to get another price drop later this year.

Becordial
May 7, 11:13 AM
Making it free would be a smart move by Apple. It would help bond iphone users more effectively to Apple ecosystem.
At the moment, I don't use the MobileMe service (though I'd like to have findmyphone and perhaps back to my mac services) but if I had it free, it would be a thing that would make it less likely that I would switch to RIM/WIN7 or Android.
Does anyone know if the Windows version of this similar service bundle is free?
EDIT: From MS
# How much does the My Phone service cost? It's free! Except for a few optional services, Microsoft does not charge for use of Microsoft My Phone. However, your mobile operator may charge for data usage so please ensure that you have an appropriate data plan. If you are unsure of your data plan coverage, contact your mobile operator.
At the moment, I don't use the MobileMe service (though I'd like to have findmyphone and perhaps back to my mac services) but if I had it free, it would be a thing that would make it less likely that I would switch to RIM/WIN7 or Android.
Does anyone know if the Windows version of this similar service bundle is free?
EDIT: From MS
# How much does the My Phone service cost? It's free! Except for a few optional services, Microsoft does not charge for use of Microsoft My Phone. However, your mobile operator may charge for data usage so please ensure that you have an appropriate data plan. If you are unsure of your data plan coverage, contact your mobile operator.

sartinsauce
Sep 11, 03:14 PM
Extremely unlikely. Or i`d say it`s impossible. We`ll definitely get DVD quality(atleast as an option). But my guesses are 720p will also be offered to those with a really really FAT internet pipe. Fat enough to fill a human body I guess:D .
I really think Apple will offer atleast 3 resolutions ie QVGA, DVD and(crossing fingers) HD 720p(may be at an extra cost and limited in number of available titles). Apple needs to do something which will set them apart from Amazon. I`ll be really disappointed if all we get is the same as Amazon.
Not gonna happen.
Apple's delivery requirements for iTMS are for an SD resolution (720x486). Many networks, in an effort to expidite iTMS availability, send Apple tapes containing content. Apple will not accept tapes in an HD format.
That being said, DVD quality downloads now (or in the near future) are a distinct possibility. Again, bandwidth is a mofo. How do you offer so much content, with such large file-sizes, to millions of customers simultaneously, while also maintaining bandwidth for music downloads.
Will there be a download queue, so we have to wait in line to download content?
I really think Apple will offer atleast 3 resolutions ie QVGA, DVD and(crossing fingers) HD 720p(may be at an extra cost and limited in number of available titles). Apple needs to do something which will set them apart from Amazon. I`ll be really disappointed if all we get is the same as Amazon.
Not gonna happen.
Apple's delivery requirements for iTMS are for an SD resolution (720x486). Many networks, in an effort to expidite iTMS availability, send Apple tapes containing content. Apple will not accept tapes in an HD format.
That being said, DVD quality downloads now (or in the near future) are a distinct possibility. Again, bandwidth is a mofo. How do you offer so much content, with such large file-sizes, to millions of customers simultaneously, while also maintaining bandwidth for music downloads.
Will there be a download queue, so we have to wait in line to download content?
Flying Llama
Jul 22, 03:30 PM
awesome...
I'm just sad we'll never truly be able to say the long awaited:
"Ah, the G5 Powerbooks are here!".
All those G5 PB on tuesday jokes, in vain... :(
It would have been awesome if Apple introduced some, just out of principle. :D
/rant
Can't wait for WWDC!!
--flyingllama
I'm just sad we'll never truly be able to say the long awaited:
"Ah, the G5 Powerbooks are here!".
All those G5 PB on tuesday jokes, in vain... :(
It would have been awesome if Apple introduced some, just out of principle. :D
/rant
Can't wait for WWDC!!
--flyingllama
aswitcher
Nov 26, 01:29 PM
It feels right to me to make the fabled video ipod into a home theatre controller as well. That would be a must have item for many people.
tny
Nov 26, 11:54 AM
i don't think it would appeal to that many people, to have an Apple tablet. I mean, the PC/Win versions aren't great sellers...
I don't think it would appeal to that many people, to have an Apple MP3 player. I mean, the existing ones aren't great sellers.
See the problem here? The reason the iPod took off was because it wasn't like the existing MP3 players.
Take a look at a group of current products:
1. The UMPC. Seems like a good idea, but not successful so far. Why not? Here's Gartner:
But while the UMPC concept has promise, today�s hardware cannot deliver on it. In Gartner's view, success will require:
* Technology advances that are at least two years away (including an eight-hour battery and a sub-$400 price)
* Low-cost, compelling content bundles (Intel and Microsoft are working on partnerships in this area)
* A better Microsoft shell/interface running on top of Vista
* Text entry options beyond �thumb-typing�
* "Dock and go" synchronization, requiring minimal user interaction
* Sustained market momentum from Microsoft and Intel
Today, we believe it isn't possible to produce compelling UMPC products � just "proofs of concept." The low battery life, high price and non-Vista operating system will likely hurt the UMPC's market acceptance in this first go-round, and the negative backlash could damage its future chances.
An Apple tablet would beat content bundles problem, the shell/interface problem, and the synchronization problem. Inkwell and a bluetooth keyboard option would help; and built-in WiFi will certainly help. If Apple can do something about the battery problem . . . I also think the form factor needs work.
2. The PDA. Right now the PDA market is growing, not shrinking - mostly thanks to the Blackberry and the PocketPC and at the expense of Palm. The magic combination seems to be email + cell wireless: if you can get your email anywhere you can use your cellphone, a PDA becomes a more compelling device. This ties in closely with
3. The cell phone. Everyone is in agreement that the cell phone is a target area for Apple; the question is who Apple's carrier will be. A GSM-based device that does EDGE could be used with many different networks.
4. The eBook reader, like the Sony Reader. The good side of the Sony Reader is low battery consumption and a very readable screen. The bad side is that it has to have a pretty low-consumption, low-use processor, no color, and the screen update speed is abysmal. The underlying tech of eInk isn't going to help with an Apple tablet, but the form factor might be a very good choice for a UMPC/Blackberry killer.
5. The tablet computer. The reason the tablet computer has been a failure is because the writing interface isn't very good yet, and because the damned things are the same size and weight as a notebook, so there's little point in dumping the notebook for a tablet. A smaller form factor with the same power, but one that it a little more usable and compelling than the UMPC might be very successful.
6. Video device, like the iPod with video or its competitors. A lot of folks complain that it's too small a screen, and the battery power isn't so hot. If you could have a larger screen that is not much heavier, and just a little more battery power . . .
7. Web pad / web appliance (Nokia 770, Audrey, Pepper Pad, etc.) The problems with these so far have been form factor and OS quality. Most web appliances have run either PocketPC/Windows CE or customized Linux distributions. The Linux distributions that have been used haven't had a good enough UI for a general computing, general audience environment - the needs of a web appliance are too complex to be handled the same way embedded interfaces (like TiVo's) have been handled. Windows CE isn't designed for a general computing environment, either, and makes too many compromises. I also think the Nokia 770 is too small, the PepperPad is overwhelmed by its case, and the Audrey isn't flexible enough.
A successor to the Newton that was a true OS X device, in a form factor similar to the Sony Reader, with .Mac synchronization, Airport Extreme and Bluetooth, a FireWire 400 and two USB 2 connectors, a mini-HMDI socket (with HDMI and DVI converters), a dock connector, an iSight, and an optical-capable audio plug, with some of the on-screen navigation tech we've seen in Apple patents, would be fantastic.
But I'd be surprised if the tech is there yet: the processors aren't small enough and cool enough, the flash memory (you'd want flash and not a hard disk drive) doesn't have enough capacity yet, and the batteries don't have a long enough life. I'll bet there is a prototype device like this in the Apple labs, but it might have mediocre stats: say
700 MHz processor equivalent
16 GB storage
256 MB ram
3 hours of battery life (1.5 playing an iTunes movie)
estimated cost to consumer $999.
I think a successful device would need
1.2 GHz processor equivalent
80 GB storage
1 GB RAM
8 hours of battery life (5 playing an iTunes movie)
estimated cost to consumer $699.
I don't think it would appeal to that many people, to have an Apple MP3 player. I mean, the existing ones aren't great sellers.
See the problem here? The reason the iPod took off was because it wasn't like the existing MP3 players.
Take a look at a group of current products:
1. The UMPC. Seems like a good idea, but not successful so far. Why not? Here's Gartner:
But while the UMPC concept has promise, today�s hardware cannot deliver on it. In Gartner's view, success will require:
* Technology advances that are at least two years away (including an eight-hour battery and a sub-$400 price)
* Low-cost, compelling content bundles (Intel and Microsoft are working on partnerships in this area)
* A better Microsoft shell/interface running on top of Vista
* Text entry options beyond �thumb-typing�
* "Dock and go" synchronization, requiring minimal user interaction
* Sustained market momentum from Microsoft and Intel
Today, we believe it isn't possible to produce compelling UMPC products � just "proofs of concept." The low battery life, high price and non-Vista operating system will likely hurt the UMPC's market acceptance in this first go-round, and the negative backlash could damage its future chances.
An Apple tablet would beat content bundles problem, the shell/interface problem, and the synchronization problem. Inkwell and a bluetooth keyboard option would help; and built-in WiFi will certainly help. If Apple can do something about the battery problem . . . I also think the form factor needs work.
2. The PDA. Right now the PDA market is growing, not shrinking - mostly thanks to the Blackberry and the PocketPC and at the expense of Palm. The magic combination seems to be email + cell wireless: if you can get your email anywhere you can use your cellphone, a PDA becomes a more compelling device. This ties in closely with
3. The cell phone. Everyone is in agreement that the cell phone is a target area for Apple; the question is who Apple's carrier will be. A GSM-based device that does EDGE could be used with many different networks.
4. The eBook reader, like the Sony Reader. The good side of the Sony Reader is low battery consumption and a very readable screen. The bad side is that it has to have a pretty low-consumption, low-use processor, no color, and the screen update speed is abysmal. The underlying tech of eInk isn't going to help with an Apple tablet, but the form factor might be a very good choice for a UMPC/Blackberry killer.
5. The tablet computer. The reason the tablet computer has been a failure is because the writing interface isn't very good yet, and because the damned things are the same size and weight as a notebook, so there's little point in dumping the notebook for a tablet. A smaller form factor with the same power, but one that it a little more usable and compelling than the UMPC might be very successful.
6. Video device, like the iPod with video or its competitors. A lot of folks complain that it's too small a screen, and the battery power isn't so hot. If you could have a larger screen that is not much heavier, and just a little more battery power . . .
7. Web pad / web appliance (Nokia 770, Audrey, Pepper Pad, etc.) The problems with these so far have been form factor and OS quality. Most web appliances have run either PocketPC/Windows CE or customized Linux distributions. The Linux distributions that have been used haven't had a good enough UI for a general computing, general audience environment - the needs of a web appliance are too complex to be handled the same way embedded interfaces (like TiVo's) have been handled. Windows CE isn't designed for a general computing environment, either, and makes too many compromises. I also think the Nokia 770 is too small, the PepperPad is overwhelmed by its case, and the Audrey isn't flexible enough.
A successor to the Newton that was a true OS X device, in a form factor similar to the Sony Reader, with .Mac synchronization, Airport Extreme and Bluetooth, a FireWire 400 and two USB 2 connectors, a mini-HMDI socket (with HDMI and DVI converters), a dock connector, an iSight, and an optical-capable audio plug, with some of the on-screen navigation tech we've seen in Apple patents, would be fantastic.
But I'd be surprised if the tech is there yet: the processors aren't small enough and cool enough, the flash memory (you'd want flash and not a hard disk drive) doesn't have enough capacity yet, and the batteries don't have a long enough life. I'll bet there is a prototype device like this in the Apple labs, but it might have mediocre stats: say
700 MHz processor equivalent
16 GB storage
256 MB ram
3 hours of battery life (1.5 playing an iTunes movie)
estimated cost to consumer $999.
I think a successful device would need
1.2 GHz processor equivalent
80 GB storage
1 GB RAM
8 hours of battery life (5 playing an iTunes movie)
estimated cost to consumer $699.
citizenzen
Apr 15, 08:23 PM
Your inability and insecurity to come within even the same area code of your own prior rhetorical question - choosing the greener pastures of everything-unrelated-to-something-you-started-but-can't-finish - says everything.
I guess you just can't relate to us creative types.
What are you, an accountant?
Next time, I'll try to say in numbers so you can understand.
I guess you just can't relate to us creative types.
What are you, an accountant?
Next time, I'll try to say in numbers so you can understand.
ThaDoggg
Mar 26, 10:47 PM
I'd rather they make it perfect...have good features...no bugs...instead of giving us crap.








No comments:
Post a Comment