Apple tablet in 2010?
Rumors that have been swirling about Apple getting into the tablet market are suddenly gathering steam. Now the AppleInsider web site has stated that a, “10-inch, 3G-enabled tablet, akin to a jumbo iPod touch, is the latest brainchild of chief executive Steve Jobs.” The web site goes on to say that this means, “that the (tablet) device, which is expected to retail for somewhere between the cost of a high-end iPhone and Apple’s most affordable Mac notebook, is bound to turn up any time between January and March (2010.)”
There is some belief on the part of the AppleInsider folks and others that the Apple tablet (its real name, if it exists, will probably be something more glamorous than the “Apple tablet”) will use the very same Intel Atom process that runs under the hood of many of today’s netbooks. The Atom processor is well known for its low power consumption, low heat generation and decent performance. Its incorporation into an Apple tablet makes sense especially given Apple’s current commitment to Intel. It also wouldn’t be beyond the realm of possibility for Intel to design a new processor for Apple’s tablet—yes, Apple has that much clout.
On the one hand, a tablet Mac (or whatever) is no slam dunk for Apple (or anyone else for that matter.) The tablet market simply hasn’t matured yet. On the other hand, if anyone can make a successful tablet it’s Apple. They have a made a fortune out of defining unchartered markets. On the other hand, is this really a market that Apple wants to play in given the lukewarm reception that tablets have received thus far? On the other hand, one can see the possibilities should an Apple tablet become a reality in 2010. (As I ponder the possibilities of an Apple tablet, I begin to feel like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof!)
We’ve discussed the possibility of an Apple tablet in a previous column. In fact, rumors have been circulating about a forthcoming Apple tablet since 2006. However, with these most recent updates, it seems like four years later something might finally be forthcoming from Apple. But there is no way to know for sure. We will just have to wait for news to leak out of Cupertino (not likely) or some announcement at MacWorld 2010 (also not likely as Apple doesn’t plan to attend—although Steve could always surprise us. He likes to do that.) or at the 2010 CES (probably the most likely.)
