My tablet predictions

January 26, 2010

Apple’s launching a tablet. No big surprise there.

To be honest I’m more excited about this launch than anything in the past from Apple. They’ve been working on this one for so long, and Steve’s been really picky about it. I just want to see it.

Here are a few of my thoughts about what we might see tomorrow.

The name

The name of the product is one of its most widely debated aspects. Its name depends on how they are going to market the device; if it’s dubbed a new kind of notebook, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it called “Mac touch.” If it’s branded as more of a personal device, it’s a bit trickier. “iSlate” doesn’t sound like an Apple product name, but knowing Apple, there’s a good chance they’ll keep the i- prefix. I really don’t want it to be called “iPad;” in some accents, “iPad” and “iPod” sound almost exactly the same. Given that the iPhone started out as “Safari Pad” internally and that Apple has been courting an iPad trademark, though, I think “pad” might end up in the final name somehow. (I don’t think the trademark shuffle necessarily means the device will be called “iPad.” They might just be covering the fact that nobody seems to say product names correctly.)

If I were in charge of Apple, I’d call it Canvas. It’s such a perfect name.

The look

Apple historically has opted for simple designs that are consistent across product lines. I think it’ll look like a 10″ iPod touch. (The aspect ratio is the only real question.)

The price

Up until a couple of weeks ago, my gut feeling about the tablet’s price was $999. It seems like a very Apple-like price. I’m going to stick with that (if only so that I might be pleasantly surprised tomorrow). If the tablet is below $799, we’re looking at a new Apple. Keep in mind that the iPhone itself without AT&T subsidies goes for $499/$599/$699.

The features

I’m guessing that the tablet will have a camera, WiFi, optional 3G (please, please optional), e-reader support, and a whole bunch of sensors, just like the iPhone.

I’ll be honest, though: if I can edit my photos on this thing in iPhoto, I’ll be a very happy Apple user. I bet there will be a ton of killer apps with the device, but that’s my top wish for the moment.

Over time, it’ll be all about the apps. I’ll say it right here: if there’s app support on this device, I’ll be making some of my own.

The dealbreaker

Of course, every Apple product lately has had a dealbreaker for me. With the iPhone, it was the enormously expensive cell contract. With the new iPod touch, it was the lack of a camera. I’m still holding out hope that the tablet will be dealbreaker-free.

I guess we’ll see tomorrow!