Jan 14, 2010
The Purpose
Many originally thought that a tablet would be a revision of Apple’s original Newton Message Pad or a larger format iPhone but recent rumours and the actions of major publishers suggest it may be aimed at revolutionising online media. As we mentioned before, Apple has apparently been promoting the benefits of such a device to major newspaper and magazine publishers in a bid to get them on board in time for launch with interactive, digital versions of their publications. A number of major publishers have also joined forces to create digital publications for just such a device as we reported late last year.
Of course, apps will also be a major feature for a tablet device and, according to a Silicon Alley Insider source, Apple has already started asking developers to adjust their apps for the larger platform.
“They’ve told select developers that as long as they build their apps to support full screen resolution — rather than a fixed 320×480 — their apps should run just fine,”
As well as newspapers, magazines and traditional apps, targeting eBook readers from Sony and Amazon is also a likely part of Apple’s plans. Further rumours suggest Apple has also been speaking to book publishers regarding the device.
The Web
Without an internet connection it’s going to be hard to make the most of this device. WiFi is, of course, a given, but there are persistent rumours and analyst predictions of 3G connectivity in the Apple tablet. Recently Computerworld has cited a Wall Street analyst who claims that the tablet will definitely be available on the Verizon 3G network as well as others. With mobile network connectivity, the price of the device could also be subsidised when purchased with a fixed term contract.
Our 
provides the latest breaking apple news, reviews, tutorials and downloads online and our 
fan page is the best place to communicate with other iCreate fans.
provides the latest breaking apple news, reviews, tutorials and downloads online and our fan page is the best place to communicate with other iCreate fans.
How come you split your articles onto multiple pages? you will get less readers. Check out my site for more tablet pics. x
One of the photos displays a keyboard (in the ‘design’ section).
Whoever created that image can’t have been thinking straight. The 13″ MacBook Pro doesn’t have a numeric pad, and it’s larger than the tablet. Are you saying that we’ll have keys that are the same size as the iPhone’s keys?
I would just like to state that, for the record, iPad was my idea.
If Apple really does call it the iPad then someone owes me a Coke.
I think it definitely makes more sense than “slate” or “tablet” all duff names that say more PC than Mac to me.
I also don’t think that the wider public really understand what a slate or tablet actually is, and so Apple has a great opportunity to create yet another winning brand and one that sits well with the three Ps – iPhone, iPod and iPad!
Failing that – how about the iPod Maxi – geddit