Apple tablet later this year?
May 24th 2008
Jason O'Grady (ZDNet) has revived the zombie-like presence of the Mac tablet, a notional Apple product that has more lives than a vampiric cat.
A little birdy tells me that Apple will announce a 12 or 13-inch tablet in the fall of this year. Most likely in the September or October time frame. It will run the full Mac OS X and have a slot loading SuperDrive, an "iPhone-type" GPS chip and an Intel Core Duo processor, presumably Intel's Atom.
O'Grady has faith in his source, who has been "reliable in the past."
Really?
Of course, anyone wanting a Mac tablet can already buy one--the Axiotron / OWC ModBook. The reviews of this product have been overwhelmingly positive and it has sold very well.
Still, is there enough success available for Apple to build their own? I'm skeptical.
The accountant's model of computer development posits that Apple's leaving money on the table, and that the company could build out the product and market without spending a lot of money. That is, the reason for Apple creating and selling a tablet is that it will put more money in the company's pocket than it costs to make--they can make a profit.
However, that doesn't sound like the Apple we all know and love. Apple products don't just make money--they make a statement, fulfill unrealized potential, connect dreams with needed functionality.
Are there unmet (think game changing) needs for Apple to fulfill in the tablet market? Again, I'm skeptical...
What's your take?
