Comments on: Apple Has Chosen Foxconn to Manufacture iTablet/iNetbook?

By: Tom S

Tom S — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:20:09 +0000

It would need to be identical to a MacBook, but touchscreen. That means it needs full OS X.

By: Carolinamic

Carolinamic — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:14:08 +0000

I think that this net tablet could be used as a carputer. Most people that install computers in there car use between a 7-10 to screen monitor to interact with the computer and this thing would almost eliminate the need to mount the actual computer in th trunk or glove box. Not to mention the running of all the wires also.

By: Apple Development Center

Apple Development Center — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:38:56 +0000

I’d say with all these rumors floating around, one of them is bound to be right! I think that there is a chance that they’ll come out with something similar to this in the near future.

By: frog

frog — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:55:30 +0000

If it does run OSX, I wonder if it will run in single application mode by default.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:38:45 +0000

I don't think it would need to run the current desktop/notebook OSX, but I also don't think it could just be a big iPod Touch.

IMO, a 10" capacitative touchscreen device would in real life require extensive UI optimizations. That's why I imagine it's taking so long to get this product out; it would be the largest capacitative touchscreen device ever made. As such, it would make sense to require all new optimized software, and it would be smart to plug it into the App store for software distribution.

But, at the same time, it has to have a desktop class browser with associated abilities, I think. People who have an iPhone or iPod Touch don't need a larger iPhone or iPod Touch that does and doesn't do exactly the same things; they need a full browser with Flash support, full online document support, and all that crap. And people who use a notebook won't go for a massive 10" PMP that doesn't have all that stuff. For the same reasons, I think it has to have a hardware keyboard option (like a dock or whatever, as pictured in the render).

This iProduct has to end up sitting precisely between the MacBook and the iPhone/iPod Touch, IMO, in order not to compete with either while still being desirable to anyone who already owns both or either. If you need real OSX, you go with a MacBook product. If you need real portability, you go with an iPhone/Touch. If you need netbook capability with optimized games, apps, etc., you go with the iProduct/iTablet thingie. That's the way I see it going down, at least.

By: frog

frog — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:09:14 +0000

I also think it would need to run Mac OSX. A big screen iPhone, would just be rather pointless in opinion – it’s benefit right now is that it’s in your pocket 24/7; a 10″ device will need a seperate bag, meaning it’s competing with a proper laptop.

By: Adam

Adam — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:59:30 +0000

It would need to be a fusion of iPhone OS and full Mac OS X.. Able to run app store apps and osx programs.

By: fassy

fassy — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:53:51 +0000

I help maintain the network for a small physician practice, and while as a geek I would love to see these devices in use, the article seriously underestimates the uphill battle any such device, much less an OSX-based device, has to wage to make inroads into healthcare. What EMR/billing that exists is heavily Windows-based, and specialty devices (those without their own OS, of course) are almost exclusively Windows-based. Windows or Mac, HIPAA regulations as well business and cultural factors (mainly involving older docs) are going to surprise many who try to create an “ultimate” EMR device.

That said, I hope somebody still takes the plunge, if only to give me a business excuse to buy one

By: hotrod

hotrod — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:53:25 +0000

An iTablet if implemented correctly, might make me jump from my Windows laptop to my first MAC machine in 10 years. Yikes. I never thought i’d say that. But I do love my iPhone. and if i could touch and use my laptop in the same way I’d be stoked.

By: Stan Scott

Stan Scott — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:59:38 +0000

I hope these rumors are true. If the iTablet/iNetbook really takes off, why would you want a Kindle? I’d just put my books on this device and go.

By: Neil

Neil — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:27:41 +0000

I don't know what to think with this one. It could be cool, but for me it would have to be a "real" notebook, running OSX, not just a big iPhone in notebook clothing, which is what some sites seem to suggest.

I guess only time will tell if there is any substance to these rumors.