The Apple tablet does not exist, at least not until it receives a proper unveiling by Lord Jobs. Here is a list of reasons why I want the fabled Apple tablet and how it would fit into my life, assuming it does any of the following:
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Rendering by Jesus Diaz of Gizmodo.com
Comic books: I was an avid collector and fan of a number of comics in the mid to late 90′s, but for some reason stopped indulging in comics. Mac software company BitCartel makes a piece of software called ComicBookLover, which looks fantastic, but I’m holding off until I know if Apple does anything in this space. Rumors are heavy with info that Apple has been in talks with magazine publishers to save their dying industry, but I want them to be talking to the likes of Marvel and DC to reinvigorate my love for comics. I must credit Andy Ihnatko for making me near-giddy with speculation that LongBox digital comic distribution may be involved with Apple.
- Games: iPhone developers have proven to be creative in bringing a massive gaming audience to an Apple platform for the first time ever. I can only imagine what developers like ngmoco (makers of Eliminate, Rolondo, and Topple) or Gameloft can do with a larger feature set, let alone more screen real estate. The thought of playing Fieldrunners on a larger device will excite me and probably make my son wig out! I can also imagine a larger multi-touch screen giving unlimited creative uses for multiplayer gaming. Only time will tell, but Apple is a serious contender in the gaming market and it will be interesting to see if they aim to expand their offerings with games on a tablet device.
- Sofa surfing: I often times leave the laptop in my office and rely on my iPod touch while sitting in the couch. A larger device would be great for comfort as well as sharing the experience with others. I initially didn’t like the notion of a tablet, but Michael Arrington’s CrunchPad sold me on the idea of a large screened web browser, and unlike the doomed and limboed CrunchPad, the Apple tablet will do this and so much more.
- Books: This past Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to use an Amazon Kindle for the first time. I hated it. I think an ebook reader is just what I need to become passionate about non-fiction once again, but if it’s not as intuitive as a real book, then count me out. I hope Apple can deliver a device that can handle text and long hours of reading as well as it will handle other forms of multimedia. If so, they’ll have a real winner on their hands.
Aside from the items mentioned above, I hope there are a few surprises in store for us as well. We will have to wait in see. I know I will be on the edge of my seat at the end of January. 2010 is going to be an exciting year for gear heads.
As for the intuitive e-book reader interface, I’d love to see something that utilizes the TouchFlo feature to ‘turn’ pages, use the stylus to ‘highlight’ passages and to write notes on the pages themselves. Would be nice, maybe we’re asking for too much?
If Apple ever came out with something like this, I’m sure it would be severely overpriced simply for it’s novelty. Although I am sure there are myriads of fanboys ready to plunk down a good amount of greenbacks, the hype usually outweighs the technology itself. I wouldn’t be surprised if Monseiur Jobs would unveil a ‘Tablet 2.0′ three months after the originals release!
I the meantime, Microsoft is still working on the Codex, others call it the Courier: http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/people/kenh/codex-chi-2009-with-authors.pdf
I’d like to have something like that, but then again, I’m a PC.
I was actually trying to find info today on the Apple tablet after hearing about it for the first time today. I should have looked here first!
By the way our nameless mutual friend should have a hangover if he recommends “The Hangover!” lol
Hey Scott! Come do a story on my new gallery at 218 Main, Clovis!!!
Curious on whether the iPad has lived up to these expectations.
I have been meaning to follow up on my experiences with the iPad, stay tuned in March when I hit one year of daily use!