Apple Predictions
I often like to post my predictions the night before an Apple event.
This has long been anticipated… since the original iPhone was released, fanboys, journalists, analysts, everyone has dreamed of a multitouch computing experience delivered with the Steve Jobs seal of approval. There is no question that tomorrow is that day. It’s been nearly impossible to avoid the painstakingly detailed analysis of Apple’s patents, faked photos, and general speculation in every technology publication.
These predictions are based on what I’ve read, my understanding of Apple’s business and marketing strategies, and what I’ve seen in the past in terms of rumors coming true. There are some things that I won’t predict, because I can’t, such as: how you will hold and type on such a large device. I do believe that Steve will lead the keynote, with appearances by the usuals like Phil Schiller, Scott Forstall, and a slew of companies showing off applications. Expect to see one of those beautiful videos featuring Jonathan Ive, Dan Riccio and Bob Mansfield.
I encourage you to read Derek Powazek’s post about the tablet, because I wholeheartedly agree with everything he’s written. I want this device to be the catalyst for digital publishing, a way to interact with books, magazines, newspapers, journals, like we never have before. Just like music, film, and television, these books and magazines will be offered direct from the publisher in the iTunes Store. I’d also like to see the tablet eclipse our preconceived notions of it only being a web browser, reader, media player, and gaming device. Ideally, the tablet would be the first all-touchscreen computer that you can be completely productive on: think the rumored touch versions of iLife and iWork.
Also expect two versions of the device, in two different storage capacities, with the more expensive model sporting built-in 3G connectivity.
Update: Well the poorly named Apple iPad has been released. It’s a beautiful device, and the applications look great. It’s unbelievable to me that there are no multitasking capabilities, and the iBooks application falls a little short. Still, they’ve signed on some great publishers, and I will indeed be buying the device, I am curious to see if it can replace my netbook as my around the house, and commuting computer. I’ve updated my predictions to compare them with what was actually released.
Predictions:
Tablet
NameApple Canvas is what I prefer, but iTablet might be more obvious, like iPhone.
Actually named the iPad, terrible in my mind. I keep saying iPod when I mean to say iPad.
Price$699 subsidized through a contract with AT&T/Verizon Wireless, $999 unsubsidized.
499 - 16GB, 599 - 32GB, 699 - 64, add $129 to each for 3G, unsubsidized, no contract needed with AT&T only.
Design
Picture a large iPhone, or rip the screen off a MacBook Pro and add a home button, ports, and volume switch. Aluminum unibody design, entirely glass front screen with black border.
Operating SystemLike nothing we’ve seen, think iPhone with more color, animation, interaction, andmulti tasking.
Processor
Apple developed (P.A. Semiconductor) 1.5Ghz or greater, low power.
Indeed it is Apple designed but rated at 1Ghz, which seems way too low for such a device to me.
RAM
1GB
Not mentioned during keynote, or listed on tech specs page.
Storage
64GB - 128GB SSD
16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models offered.
DisplayWVGA AMOLED, 10.1” widescreen
9.7” LED backlit In-Plane Switching LCD
Connectivity
802.11n WiFi / 3G (premium model) / Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR / GPS
Camera2.0mp webcam
Ports
30-pin dock connector / 3.5mm headphone jack
One More Thing
With the tablet being such a ground breaking device, I don’t see this as the time or place for another product introduction. If anything, I’d like to see a tease of the next generation iPhone, with an announcement that it will be available on both AT&T and Verizon Wireless in July.
