Apple iPad Tablet Computer: Rumor or Reality? - Fact or Fiction?
(Page 3 of 4 )
The nature of the "calling device" mentioned by a source is getting a lot of conflicting reports. Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that Verizon is currently in discussions with Microsoft to carry a touchscreen device that is currently code-named "Pink." This device will reportedly compete with Apple's iPhone by early next year.
USA Today has suggested that this device will run on Verizon's CDMA network, though Munster thinks this is "unlikely" because of the hurdles involved in both building and supporting a cellular technology that is already struggling and on its last legs. Apple's very own COO Tim Cook recently said that "CDMA doesn't really have a life to it after a certain point in time."
The iPad, if it exists, may very well come out before this new iPhone-like calling device, especially if Apple is in negotiations with Verizon. 2010 is the most likely release date for this device because it's when Verizon's next-generation LTE (Long Term Evolution) cellular network will be in working order and Apple's contract with AT&T will have expired.
It may not be that cut-and-dried for Verizon, however, because there are multiple reports surfacing that AT&T is attempting to get Apple to extend its deal so the company can continue to be the iPhone's exclusive U.S. carrier.
On more than one occasion, Apple's Steve Jobs has said that "computers have real keyboards." That assertion alone is not enough to lead millions of Apple fans astray, but it's getting increasingly difficult to differentiate between real, substantiated facts and the same old rumors that have been circulating for nearly ten years when it comes to Apple's tablet computer.
Many in the blogosphere have come to the pretty firm consensus that the tablet will be just that -- a tablet and not a standard netbook. To confuse matters even further, Cook recently said in a conference call that "netbooks have software technology that is old. They don't have a robust computing experience. They lack horsepower. They have small displays and cramped keyboards. I could go on and on but I won't. We're only going to plan things where we can deliver something that is very innovative that we're very proud of."
Many believe that Cook's statements are consistent with reports that Apple will release an iPhone-like tablet instead of a netbook, while naysayers believe a Mac tablet would be impractical. After all, a tablet can't fit in a pocket and you would have to hold it while typing. Who wouldn't prefer a laptop over that? That being said, if anyone is going to revolutionize the tablet market, it's going to be Apple, who would surely find new uses for it beyond typing, e-mailing, and downloading/listening to music.
Next: How it all Started >>
More Computer Systems Articles
More By Joe Eitel
