Apple Tablet Computer

speculate that Apple will introduce a tablet computer but Steve’s analysis seems cogent. Not only does he predict such a product, but he also believes that it will use an operating system much like the iPod Touch or iPhone, as opposed to the Mac-OS. As a result it will provide a bigger screen to experience the touch-sensitive icon-based interface that has reached close to 50 million users of the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Such a device would mostly be used for Internet-centric computing such as email, web browsing, and media consumption. The bigger screen would be attractive for such applications as downloading movies from iTunes or watching video streams from YouTube or Hulu. When limited interaction is required, such as quick email responses, a virtual keyboard will be adequate, especially since the tablet computer will provide a bigger one than the iPhone. It should also be adequate for interaction on social networks such as FaceBook.  Users who need to create bigger documents, like multipage reports or spreadsheets, could attach a separate physical keyboard when needed.

The success of the Apps Store is another factor that could benefit a tablet computer based on the Touch-OS. Presumably all the apps would also be available on the tablet computer. No doubt some will be even more useful with a bigger screen. One example is the Amazon application for downloading digital books. The experience of reading a digital book on a tablet computer would presumably be much better than trying to read it on the small screen of an iPod Touch or iPhone.  Those who are considering the purchase of a Kindle, might prefer the more versatile functionality of a tablet computer for which digital books is only one of many applications.

Steve envisions the Touch-OS tablet will be designed to provide near desktop computer functionality.  It will be a general purpose device intended to obviate the need for such specialized units as those designed for Internet Video, digital music, home media centers, and digital books, among others.  It might use a 3GS processor with an approximate 10-inch display and High Definition video capability. Since Apple has developed its own lifestyle/productivity software applications, it could run versions of iWork, and iLife. Finally, it would easily synchronize with conventional Mac computers.

Steve estimates that an Apple tablet would be priced at $500 - $1,000. He reasons that it would be under Apple’s low-end laptop, but above the iPod Touch or iPhone. He speculates a market entry this autumn or next winter.

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