Apple Mac Tablet with Docking Station in 2007?
Smarthouse.com.au claims that Apple has a full working prototype of a Mac tablet PC within their labs with plans for a 2007 launch.
According to sources in Taiwan, the targets for this unreleased Mac tablet are expected to be home and education markets rather than the enterprise market.
The Intel-based Tablet Mac would also offer a docking station to provide HDMI output to the appropriate screen. Beyond using the technology documented in Apple's recent patent applications for touch-screen/tablet Macs, Apple is reportedly licensing at least three patents from 3rd party companies.
This is not the first time that there have been rumors about a Mac tablet. In fact, rumors of a Mac tablet culminated in early 2003 with significant evidence that a Mac tablet project was in the works at that time. At the time, one description of the tablet at the time was as follows:
The tablet, of course, never saw the light of day... though its unclear why Apple never released the tablet (if it did indeed exist).
As a historic note, Apple did work on a tablet form-factor for their Newton (PDA) devices. An unreleased prototype can be seen here.
According to sources in Taiwan, the targets for this unreleased Mac tablet are expected to be home and education markets rather than the enterprise market.
The Mac tablet has been designed to handle third party applications such as home automation software that will allow users to control lighting, audio, entertainment devices and security feeds. It also acts as a full blown PC has wireless linking for a new generation of Wireless Hi Fi speakers that are currently being tested by Apple.
The Intel-based Tablet Mac would also offer a docking station to provide HDMI output to the appropriate screen. Beyond using the technology documented in Apple's recent patent applications for touch-screen/tablet Macs, Apple is reportedly licensing at least three patents from 3rd party companies.
This is not the first time that there have been rumors about a Mac tablet. In fact, rumors of a Mac tablet culminated in early 2003 with significant evidence that a Mac tablet project was in the works at that time. At the time, one description of the tablet at the time was as follows:
A device that superficially resembles a large iPod with an 8-inch diagonal screen, lacks a keyboard, packs USB and FireWire ports, and runs Mac OS X along with a variety of multimedia goodies.
The tablet, of course, never saw the light of day... though its unclear why Apple never released the tablet (if it did indeed exist).
As a historic note, Apple did work on a tablet form-factor for their Newton (PDA) devices. An unreleased prototype can be seen here.
Top Rated Comments
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68 months ago
I see this being used as the interface remote for iTV. As a full-blown PDA device, no.
68 months ago
It'd be SO cool but I see it as being far too modular. You have to buy this, an airport express and iTV to get the end effect.
68 months ago
This looks to be a half-baked computer designed to run specific apps that control/present instead of being able to manipulate data.
Apple should give it full capabilities, about a 12" enclosure, and a durable case and we have ourselves a new toy and I've got my 12" PB replacement!
Apple should give it full capabilities, about a 12" enclosure, and a durable case and we have ourselves a new toy and I've got my 12" PB replacement!
68 months ago
If I could just have a Mac tablet that I could type and write notes on for class, I'd be in heaven :)
68 months ago
i'm digging this idea! i love macs, home cinema and home automation! the one thing is i feel that the screen should be at least macbook size, although the 8" from previous rumours may be a tad small, although i think i'm already sold...
68 months ago
If I could just have a Mac tablet that I could type and write notes on for class, I'd be in heaven :)
Yeah, I think a tablet would be useful for taking notes in class, and would consider buying one if Apple released one. I've seen other students taking notes on Tablet PCs in class and it seems like it works well. However, I'm not sure that there's a huge market outside of students and some other narrow markets. Of course Apple has entered markets where others have been less than extremely successful and done well before, so who knows.
68 months ago
Interesting I guess. But is there really a home/consumer market for this? I could see it working for artists and other professionals of that nature, but I know more than a few people that own PC tablets that hardly ever use them as such.
68 months ago
Looks like that 8 pound, 10" iPod might be true after all. :D
Seriously though, I'm sure Apple has a tablet prototype, but I'm doubtful that they'll release one in 2007.
Seriously though, I'm sure Apple has a tablet prototype, but I'm doubtful that they'll release one in 2007.
68 months ago
It'd be SO cool but I see it as being far too modular. You have to buy this, an airport express and iTV to get the end effect.
I posted about the dozens of potential applications in a prior thread. I mentioned a dongle. That might help any search for the message.
Mac Updates on Tuesday? More in September?
9-2-06 7:55pm
Message #16
"iPod video.
It's time for a screen centric ultra portable processor/storage device. an iPod and a remote control, an internet wireless device (hook your MacBook to it via cheater plug gigabit ethernet), hence a phone of sorts too. All functions in software/firmware and thus this one size fits all device can also be used for POS, Barcodes, Data collection and display in medical and scientific fields, etc. Emphasis on etc.
Make it so."
Apple Event September 12th? Movie Store? [Updated]
8-31-06 7:09pm
Message #123
"As for the so-called video iPod, it seems to me such a device has far more uses than a mere media replayer. It could be a remote control. It could be a PDA. It could be a 3G/4G internet portal, standalone or for an external computer, such as a, gag, MacBook.
Further, such a device is easily reprogrammable as a dictation machine, a bar code reader, a video camera, a still camera, etc, etc, etc. Some functions might need a dongle to the extent they are not implemented in Rev. 1A.
Rocketman
See ST-TNG datapads."
Rocketman
:)
68 months ago
Another in a long line of tablet rumors. :rolleyes:
I doubt Apple would waste their time on a tablet. The market has proven that there is little demand for them.
I doubt Apple would waste their time on a tablet. The market has proven that there is little demand for them.
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