Ready for the iSlate?

[sundial]

On 26 January Apple may be launching their new product that will rival the Kindle.

It's still unclear as to what it will be called, but iPad and iSlate are the two most likely choices, with iSlate being the most likely name chosen.

Basically it looks like an oversized iPhone with a 10.7" touch screen and will have some very interesting features. It will have 5-7 times more resolution than the iPhone. It will come with two docks for charging--one for vertical and one for landscape charging. :cool: It will have Wi-Fi capability with optional cellular service. However, questions remain as to what the cost of the cellular service package will be. AT&T has not disclosed whether there will be additional monthly fees if one already has service through their iPhone. And it's not known whether AT&T will charge an activation fee.

The projected cost for the iSlate is $800.

http://www.buyislateaccessories.com/apple-islate-video-concept-designs-video

[Zen]

iPad sounds too much like a "feminine hygiene" product.

[MartianDestiny]

I really hope it's a tablet computer and NOT just an answer to the Kindle; otherwise I'm going to be very disappointed.

I'm also going to be really peeved if I am required to pay for monthly service.

Very interested in a tablet computer; not at all interested in an enlarged iphone.

O, and rumor has it that Verizon, not AT&T, is going to get the service plan if there is one (rumor is you'll have an option; buy one from apple without a plan or get a discount from verizon but have to have a service plan).

[TsPoet]

Very interested in a tablet computer; not at all interested in an enlarged iphone.


Since I loathe the telephone, I'm not sure what the difference is?
So, a tablet computer with phone capability would be a large iPhone - and would be perfect! But, that's because a phone is a necessary evil as far as I'm concerned and I use is as such as rarely as possible. I don't even have a home phone and have trained most people I work with to email me.

[MartianDestiny]

Since I loathe the telephone, I'm not sure what the difference is?


I don't consider the iphone a computer (and I have an ipod touch which is an iphone without the phone).

If the tablet has a phone capability I can ignore, fine, but I want a fully functioning computer not just a bunch of random applications (ie: I want a word processing capability, a standard operating system, a decent amount of RAM, and something that doesn't take 2 minutes to load the internet like my touch does, ability to write and save files (not just store them), ability to watch movies or load from DVD's, etc.). And I certainly don't want a Kindle (only an e-reader) with a phone on it. If the tablet is a computer with an e-reader function, cool, but I'm not going to buy an $800 e-reader when I can get a Nook for $250.

There has been (much older talk) about Apple doing a Macbook without a physical keyboard (going to a full touch sensitive "trackpad" that can sense what you are typing or something similar (screen maybe)), and THAT is what I want.

[OakLeaf]

Are they really talking about a phone phone, or just a wireless data plan from a phone company? I can't imagine talking into a tablet computer.

[HillSlugger]

I don't think I've ever heard any rumors that the Apple tablet would have phone functions.

[MartianDestiny]

Yes, sorry, I definitely wasn't thinking totally straight.

Just the wireless data plan (which I've heard rumors for and against).

[kjay]

iPad sounds too much like a "feminine hygiene" product.

Good one, as usual. Now I'm REALLY hoping it's not called "iPad."

[Owlie]

Good one, as usual. Now I'm REALLY hoping it's not called "iPad."

But think of the possibilities when it comes to ad campaign spoofs!

On second thought, don't.

[sundial]

Are they really talking about a phone phone, or just a wireless data plan from a phone company? I can't imagine talking into a tablet computer.

They're talking about a wireless data package for when you are out of WiFi range.

To me the iSlate looks like an iPhone that met a big rolling pin.

[sundial]

iPad sounds too much like a "feminine hygiene" product.

There's actually a parody about that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1BUH9eXy18

[Zen]

I did not know that :o

[TsPoet]

Is-Late

[ginny]

I don't know why, but I am totally negative on apple products in general. They seems so elitist! In academia, you aren't one of the 'cool kids' unless you have an apple. I'm tired of all the propaganda and I just don't know why I'm so bitter on the topic. Am I the only one? I used to just llluuurrrrvvveee the apple products...

[VeloVT]

ginny, I felt that way a little bit until I bought an Apple laptop, used it for a few years, then spent a couple days helping my parents with their computer issues (they have PCs). I am a convert. Don't hate until you have used for a while.

______________________________________________________________

I am also hearing rumors of a Verizon iPhone. I am not getting my hopes up too much, but that would be very cool. Of course, I had already started getting my hopes up for the Google Nexus One release on Verizon, so if they get the iPhone too I will have a big decision to make.

[sundial]

I think the iSlate will fill a niche for those who want more than an iPhone but are intimidated by a MacBook. I can see this product being very useful in introducing PC followers to the Mac ways. The compooter challenged would make excellent candidates as they can slowly learn to navigate the system by downloading books and music. :)

[KnottedYet]

Hee hee, I love Apple stuff... and not cuz I'm a "cool kid."

I'm an OLD FART and 25 years ago Apple was IT. My first computer encounter was with Apple and it was the foundation of all my computing life. Dealing with PC is/was a constant struggle for me. My brain just got wired for Apple back in my teens and 20's.

(and I'm certainly a big fan of open-source, and the virus protection offered by a machine that speaks a different language than the vast majority of the viruses that are trying to sweet-talk it into taking a walk down the primrose path!)

The slate is more than I want in a portable, and sounds like it will be well beyond my $$. I'm wildly happy with my iPod Touch, so I'll just get me a bag o' popcorn and watch the Slate Show. :p

Show us your age and nerdiness: anyone remember NeXt?

[MartianDestiny]

I'm far too happy with Apple products and their customer support to dislike them based on what other users or an add campaign project.

I assure you I'm not a cool kid, and I use the heck out of my computers. Far beyond what any average user does. Macs just work; I scare Windows machines. When I do manage to freak a Mac out (and I have once) Apple hands me a new one.

[MartianDestiny]

sounds like a FAIL!

a) They are calling it the iPad (who in their naming/advertising dept. is asleep at the wheel?)

b) It sounds like it's an overgrown ipod touch; no Mac OS, no CD/DVD drive, no compatibility with office software.

O well guess I don't need a new computer afterall; thanks Apple :rolleyes:

[sfa]

Yeah, why'd they go with the stupid name?

The pricing seems good though (starts at $499) and I like it that the data plans are all pre-paid, so you don't have to lock yourself into a contract. I'm not a fan of iWork, so that bit isn't appealing. Could be very competitive with the Kindle, given that it's a similar size and price as the Kindle DX but can do so much more. I know I'd buy it before a Kindle, but I haven't ever wanted a Kindle so that doesn't count for much.

DH wants one. He's been hanging out, waiting for this day for two years. But then, he used to own (and LOVE) the Newton, so his judgement is clearly impaired!

Sarah

[VeloVT]

no verizon iphone. bummed.

I think it's a little harsh and premature to call it a fail, but I don't see this device being indispensible to me, personally. maybe I will eat my words though.

[kjay]

A real bummer about the name! My hubby has macular degeneration, and so I'm interested in learning if it could help him to read more easily. I hope so. I love Apple, but the Apple computer is what I started out on, so I'm used to it. Never any viruses, either. Knock on wood.

[KnottedYet]

I don't actually mind the name: it's reminiscent of the P.A.D.D. from ST:TNG, DS9, and Voyager... which was the inspiration for the iPhone/touch/pad.

(secret confession time, I named my iPod Touch "PADD". Yes, I'm a trek geek)

Someday my needs might be best met by an iPad, but for now I'm very happy with my iPod and its size and functions. Matched up with my iBook, I'm covered.

[SadieKate]

Are they really talking about a phone phone, or just a wireless data plan from a phone company? I can't imagine talking into a tablet computer.

Why not? You can use Skype on a Touch.
https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA10063/Will-Skype-work-on-the-iPod-touch;jsessionid=AA6F13D303F64B58CF8F672EDC9B3382

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, okay, with a headset, but then it's still two devices you've got to carry. Unless you're one of those people who've had their Bluetooth headsets surgically implanted into their ears, which I decidedly am not. :p

I have to say it looks more appealing than I thought it would... although I haven't seen a picture of the keyboards yet (either the virtual one, which I'm most curious about, or the physical keyboard dock). If I hadn't just got an e-reader for Christmas I'd be all over it!

[SadieKate]

I'm certainly not feeling the need. It's good to be unplugged at times.

[zoom-zoom]

sounds like a FAIL!

a) They are calling it the iPad (who in their naming/advertising dept. is asleep at the wheel?)

Was NO ONE at Apple aware of this sketch?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFNQE_TzQNI

The naming of this device has me thinking that TPTB @ Apple are a bit clueless and did not consult with ANY women before choosing this moniker.

[Blueberry]

a) They are calling it the iPad (who in their naming/advertising dept. is asleep at the wheel?)


My DH has nicknamed it the iKotex. :rolleyes::rolleyes:::confused::confused:

Not marketing genius.

[OakLeaf]

They said the same thing about the Ford Probe. And yet, CW was that it was only a "chick car" without the turbo.

MacWorld's (male) livebloggers were certainly aware of the connotations, but opined that they would "drift away." "Pad" means so many other things, of course, to women as well as men, and is well established in the computing world in the form of touchpads, etc.

[tulip]

iSlate is such a great name because it connotes old slate tablets. iPad--just brings back horrid memories of kotex and those belts! Yes, young'uns, before they were sticky on the back, you had to wear a garter belt to keep them on :eek:

I started out with Apple computer way back in 1984, and used them until I went to grad school 10 years later. Then in one grad program there were only Apples, and in my other grad school program there were only PCs. It was supposed to be a joint degree program, but obviously there were many issues to overcome.

When I got to the working world, it was a PC world--AutoCAD and ArcGIS. So I've stuck with PCs, and have been quite happy with them. But Apple products are so pretty! And I use my iPhone for just about everything.

No iPad for me, though. I have enough things to plug in.

[ny biker]

iTampon is a trending topic on twitter right now. Just sayin'.

[OakLeaf]

On TE, it would have to be iDivaCup. ;)

But I guess it does give a whole 'nother meaning to "I'm too old for an iPad."

[smilingcat]

Sent the youtube video link to a friend of mine...

She wrote back
I'm waiting for the bigger screen version. max-iPad.
ROFLOL...

Sorry

[shootingstar]

No idea if I really need something like iSlate at this time.

But I like the name --I've always liked catchy names that marry the old/historic with the new/innovative concepts. And yes, the young generation can learn how very old concepts can be transformed into new but still perform the same function: a device to communicate and get info.

[TsPoet]

When the one with 3G comes out in the next few weeks they can call it the iPad with wings.

[SlowButSteady]

It looks too big to curl up in bed with to read at night.

I may want to wait for the mini-iPad.

[KnottedYet]

It looks too big to curl up in bed with to read at night.

I may want to wait for the mini-iPad.

mini-iPad, AKA: the iPod Touch
I curl up with my iPod and read in bed. Since the screen is backlit, I don't even have to turn the bedroom light on to read. If I wake up in the night I can grab my iPod and pick up my reading again, and if I fall asleep while reading the iPod turns itself off after a couple minutes.

[Owlie]

It looks too big to curl up in bed with to read at night.

I may want to wait for the mini-iPad.

The iLiner?

[ginny]

ok ok ok ... fine. The technophobe weighs back in... Knotted, does it hurt your eyes to read from a backlit screen in a dark room? It is pleasant to read that way? When I work on my computer a lot (which I don't do unless I'm writing a paper or a proposal), my eyes sting and are dry and I think it's because I don't blink much. But, writing a paper or a proposal is VERY different from reading for pleasure. I would like to hear people's experiences with these reading devices - outside in bright light? in the dark? is the screen too little to get much per page (with the iTouch - and probably the Kimble or whatever it's called)...

[shootingstar]

ok ok ok ... fine. The technophobe weighs back in... Knotted, does it hurt your eyes to read from a backlit screen in a dark room? It is pleasant to read that way? When I work on my computer a lot (which I don't do unless I'm writing a paper or a proposal), my eyes sting and are dry and I think it's because I don't blink much. But, writing a paper or a proposal is VERY different from reading for pleasure. I would like to hear people's experiences with these reading devices - outside in bright light? in the dark? is the screen too little to get much per page (with the iTouch - and probably the Kimble or whatever it's called)...

I haven't tried this research yet, but surely the federal agency for occupational health and safety should have info. on computer ergonomics, which could include recommended practices to prevent eyestrain and computer screens.

For several employers, was always vigilant about computer ergonomics for staff since I had to undertake redesign in layout of libraries..which meant ensuring position of workstations did not encounter light/sunlight glare. Did hear from an ergonomics expert at that time.

Personally I no longer want to read anything on a computer screen any size or watch tv in the dark/very low lighting. It seems to cause eyestrain after awhile.

And no computer screen reading for me in bright sunlight. I have in other workplaces drawn the window blinds to block a gorgeous view because of this problem.

[KnottedYet]

ok ok ok ... fine. The technophobe weighs back in... Knotted, does it hurt your eyes to read from a backlit screen in a dark room? It is pleasant to read that way? When I work on my computer a lot (which I don't do unless I'm writing a paper or a proposal), my eyes sting and are dry and I think it's because I don't blink much. But, writing a paper or a proposal is VERY different from reading for pleasure. I would like to hear people's experiences with these reading devices - outside in bright light? in the dark? is the screen too little to get much per page (with the iTouch - and probably the Kimble or whatever it's called)...

Reading from the backlit screen: no, it doesn't hurt my eyes, even in a dark room. The iPod Touch has a brightness control that goes from soothing and dim to crazy bright. I'm one of those folks who can get a massive migraine from bright light, and I'm constantly turning down the brightness on computer monitors. (then the next person has to turn it back up, oh, they loooove that...) I have no problem at all reading on my iPod in a dark room, nor outside, nor in a lit room, nor on the bus where the lights go on and off when the doors open (the iPod has an auto-brightness feature. I have no idea how it works, but it brightens and dims the screen as lights go on an off). The FreeBooks ereader, which I use the most, has a gentle parchment background. (FreeBooks is a $2 app, and the 24,000 classic and out-of-copyright books are free.)

Little screen: it's kind of like reading off an index card. I thought it would be distracting having sentences full of line breaks, but it isn't at all. Each line at the font size I like holds about 7 words. Page turns are intuitive and fast. I get so caught up in the story that I completely forget what I'm reading on. You can change font sizes on the fly, which is nice; especially if you've forgotten your reading glasses, or you're on a bumpy bus ride, or your eyes are just tired.

Pleasant to read: oh, this is the BEST way to read in bed! Since the iPod fits in the palm of your hand, you can contort yourself into any position you like and still read comfortably. You don't have to struggle to hold the book open while lying on your side, you can use just one hand to read, and the blankets don't shift around every time you turn the page. If you fall asleep while reading, the iPod turns itself off and remembers what page you were on. If you wake up during the night you can just grab the iPod and start reading again without turning on a light. (quite nice if you don't want to wake anyone else up, too)

IPod vs. Kindle: I want a Kindle, I want an iPod, I want a Kindle, I want an iPod, oh no what shall I do! I was *this* close to buying a Kindle, but I couldn't justify $250 for something that really only was a reader. I wanted to keep my calendar on it, do some email on it, maybe have an internet browser, too. The only reason I wasn't jumping at an iPod immediately was my concern over the screen size. That has turned out to be a non-issue, as I actually love the screen size in many ways. I love that I can get to my bus stop and just jam the iPod into my pocket. I love that I can use my iPod for a zillion other things besides reading. The app store is great fun, lots of free apps. One that I really like is a free app from the Louvre with video tours and extensive info about various works of art. Oh, yeah, watching video on the iPod is a blast! It's amazingly clear. Email is easy, you can write letters which the iPod will save and then send automatically when you get within range of a trusted wifi. It will also automatically download your incoming email and store them so you can read them any time. Learning to type on the screen keyboard with my thumbs took about 5 or 10 minutes. The vertical orientation gives you a smaller keyboard, but even the smaller keyboard is quick and easy.

Kindle app: the Kindle app (from amazon.com) for iPhone/iPod is free. I thought it was $10 once upon a time, but it's free. You can buy books from Amazon and read them on your iPod, so you have access to all the same books someone with a Kindle has. So far I've been using FreeBooks, because I really want to read the classics... and those are free free free! I'll probably get the Kindle app eventually.

Back up: anything you have on your iPod is backed up on the computer you use with it. (you can also use it even if you don't have a computer, but you will have to buy a wall charger for it since it only comes with a USB charger.) All your books and apps and songs and videos and calendars are in the computer, so if you lose or destroy your iPod you can load it all into its replacement.

Price: I bought my iPod Touch for $180. Apple has refurbished ones for $150, and I think the new ones at Apple are $199. A friend of mine got a new one at Target for $150, so look around for good prices.

Bottom line: I'm very happy with my iPod, which I use probably 80% of the time as an ereader.

[ginny]

well, what an awesome thorough answer to my question! Thanks! You practically have me running out the door to buy an iPod Touch... thanks, Knotted! :D

[KnottedYet]

well, what an awesome thorough answer to my question! Thanks! You practically have me running out the door to buy an iPod Touch... thanks, Knotted! :D

You're welcome!

I've had my iPod for a couple weeks now, and don't regret a thing. It's proven itself far more useful than I would have imagined. (I call it my "external brain.") The iPhone was appealing, but I'm glad I got the iPod instead. I like having my phone and camera separate from my iPod, and I like that my iPod only connects to the outside world by cable or wifi.

[StressFree]

I am telling everyone right now that the iPad is definitely a failure, first indication is that apples stock was going up right until the release of the iPad. As soon as it was announced and for another few days their stock has been going down. Also, you CANNOT do multiple tasks at once with it. Example, you can't listen to music while you surf the internet, you can't read and listen to music etc. That is a huge step backwards. There are tons of reasons why this is a failure, but it would make this post way too long. one more would be that you CANNOT add your own programs that you like to use, for example, if you prefer to use firefox instead of safari, well thats too bad you can't download firefox your stuck with safari. What a horrible idea.

[ginny]

Knot:

I'll have you know that I have decided to buy an iPhone if they ever are carried by Verizon.... I know you said you like the iPod and phone separate, but I'm such a simpleton that combining gadgets into one device is an appealing thought to me... this is all your fault you know :D

[OakLeaf]

No mobile device (short of a full-sized netbook or laptop) offers a choice of browser. And stock is always "buy on the rumor, sell on the news." That's why it's a cliché - because it's usually true.

Now that someone else posted about prepaid phones, more and more I'm liking the idea of having one strictly for emergency/athletic use. I know it still means I'll have to own two devices, but I won't have to carry both of them all the time, and I won't have to try to run or ride hills with a four-ounce iPhone or Droid bouncing at the small of my back. I know we had quite a discussion last year about why flip phones aren't safe for emergencies (because it takes so long to physically remove it from its sweatproof plastic bag or other container, and you can't dial out without opening it - half the time if my phone rings after I get home but before I've taken it out of its bag, I can't even get to it in eight rings before it goes to voicemail), but since all the compact phones are flip phones, I think I'll take that risk.

[smilingcat]

With a pre-paid phone, you will be limiting the financial damage when the phone is lost. With most other plans, YOU'VE GOT TO CALL IN AND SHUT DOWN YOUR SERVICE!!

As for the phone in the pack, would you want a phone case with an arm band so its on your upper or (lower) arm? Velcroed so that you can rip the phone off your arm to answer..

[VeloVT]

@Oakleaf --
Opera Mini is available for most smartphone platforms. It's way better than the proprietary blackberry browser.

[OakLeaf]

Ah, my mistake. However... now that I look, yes, there are several third party browsers for the iPod/iPhone (not Opera though) - and supposedly all iPhone apps will work on the iPad.

So... not a valid criticism of the device.