Ready for the iSlate?

[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).

[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.

[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/FA1...8F672EDC9B3382

[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.

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.