The Apple Tablet will not make the same mistakes as other tablet PCs
12:24 pm, December 28th, 2009, John Brownlee
Over at InfoWorld, Randall C. Kennedy has posted up his thoughts on the forthcoming Apple tablet, conservatively placed under the non-confrontational headline, “Why Apple’s rumored iTablet will fail big time.”
Kennedy’s points are all good ones, if a bit petulantly phrased. First, he points out the history of the tablet PC, noting that every major computer manufacturer has experimented with tablets, with all experiments ending in failure, because tablets are underpowered and awkward to use on anything but a desk or table Kennedy then points out that for most of us, typing on a hardware keyboard is simply faster than using a pen or stylus. For regular computing, Kennedy says, a laptop or netbook is simply going to do anything a tablet can do, quicker, more efficiently and more precisely.
Those aren’t bad points, but Kennedy is ignoring the fact that all past tablets have failed precisely because they weren’t fully realized products.
Tablets have historically just been laptops with digitizers, and ran operating systems that were only modestly tweaked to encapsulate the functionality the tablet-form factor implies. Apple is not going to make that same mistake: the one thing Apple does better than any other company on the market is releasing new, fully actualized products, with operating systems designed around the possibilities of their device’s form and function. They aren’t going to release a laptop without a keyboard. They are going to release a targeted product that is much more likely to be meant for mobile browsing, reading, gaming and multimedia than writing reports or presentations.
I’m a bit skeptical of the Apple Tablet too, but it would be total stupidity to write off Apple’s device simply because of the mistakes companies like Microsoft and HP have made in the past. Apple will have learned from them, and their Tablet isn’t going to be like anything on the market before. It will fail or succeed, not as a tablet, but as a new class of product.
Posted by John Brownlee in Apple Tablet, Opinions, Top stories | Comment on this article
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Kennedy’s failure is that he believes this tablet is going to be a Mac OS device for full computing. but Apple has their portable Mac Computer. several of them.
it makes more sense that this device is a better ipod touch rather than a lesser Macbook.
and thus the fail will be on Kennedy. we’ll see what he says when the device is announced.
Charli, on December 28th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I think the apple tablet will be a combination of the iPhone OS and Mac OS X. More like an iPhone on steroids though.
Dustni, on December 28th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I agree. Apple has waited this long, apparently going through various prototypes until they have something that works the way they want it to. No body needed an iphone or ipod touch before Apple introduced them, now every other company is trying to catch up with their own copies. The Apple tablet will be something new and different that we don’t even know we need yet. I love people who make predictions based on pure speculation…
Ictus75, on December 28th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I’m hoping that the tablet is a scaled down laptop, not a scaled up iPod touch.
Something that would be easier to work with on a plane than a laptop. Something to have by the couch instead of a laptop. That’s the note to hit for this particular Apple geek. A large iPod touch barely interests me… except for the eBook possibilities.
JAYnLA, on December 28th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
You can’t predict technology.
Jon, on December 28th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I’ll bet on Apple over the prognosticating pundits.
IcyFog, on December 28th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
With as successful as the iphone/ipod touch have been I would think all Apple needs to do is upsize that for this tablet and it will sell like hot cakes. And with as many rumors that have been going around from publishing companies about new and improved emagazines and all the great apps available already in the app store I can’t wait for this thing to arrive!….My ipod touch has pretty much replaced my iMac. I rarely use the iMac since email and the little surfing I do is super easy and super portable on the ipod.
murphysm, on December 28th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Kennedy forgets that Apple don’t play by the standard rulebooks. They take the rule book, throw it out the window, invent their own rules, and come up with spectacular results.
Dave, on December 28th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I would gladly preorder a tablet that could do all of things everyone agrees it will do (video, audio, ebook, internet, email) AND it allows me to take notes in microsoft word (or google docs or something similar).
I *HAVE* to be able to use this at school and on the couch.
All I am asking for is the ability to open, edit, and make word docs, or barring that, even text files. I can export them or email them to my desktop if needed.
I am a PC guy ready to take the Mac plunge if I can take notes on this thing. Nothing fancy, and I am a hunt-and-peck typer, so the virtual keyboard will do just fine. I can type pretty damn fast on a cell phone virtual qwerty, a tablet has to be at least that easy.
Make it happen Steve-O!
Roderic Rinehart, on December 28th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
I really liked the part about the fully realized products… like a phone without mms, or without bluetooth data transfer, or navigation… very funny indeed
Apple is a great company, but you just wrote some funny nonsense.
jmtc, jco
jco, on December 28th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Kennedy is just desperate for attention. Like a million other trolls, he knows if he shouts “Apple will fail!” everybody will whip around and stare at him. The fact that the rest of us think he’s a moron to make a prediction based on nothing doesn’t bother him–it’s his moment in the sun. He’s counting on the fact that when the product is introduced, everybody will forget what he said. Then he will concoct another reason to shout “Apple will fail!” People are actually making careers out of this.
Site7000, on December 28th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Kennedy’s first point is on target. He could have left it there and had a decent column. But then he adds those bizzaro anti-Apple fulminations and ruins whatever semblance of sanity he tries to display. When was the last time Apple introduced a white-on-white product? Or name someone other than a 7th grader or grandma who doesn’t run into the netbook performance wall early and often (that’s why there is no Apple netbook).
The truth, buried too deep in all the data for Kennedy to (mis)understand, is that even if Apple perfects the tablet, it will only ever be a niche product. Just like the MacBook Air, which is still the best ultra-light on the market, the need and usefulness is very limited. Whether it’s a notebook without a keyboard, or a giant iPhone without a phone, it doesn’t make sense for many people. Maybe if it’s priced to compete as a netbook – but that seems very unlikely. But it would really destroy Kennedy’s entire thesis.
Unless Apple has figured out something the rest of us don’t know about tablet computing. But that’s never happened before…
imajoebob, on December 28th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
The MacTablet, iTablet, iSlate…whatever is utterly pointless and WILL fail. Of this I have no doubt.
All you Mac Fanboy’s have been warned.
RD
Roger Dodger, on December 28th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
…And I digress. I mean seriously, you’re going to spend how much money on a 10″ Mac tablet just to surf the web??! Or just to send emails??! I know the product details are sketchy but wake up people! All of this can be done already on your Mac Book, iPhone, IPod Touch, whatever…
This is why this new product will fail. Apple is good
for a failed product every once in a while, right? You can’t always bat 1000.
RD
Roger Dodger, on December 28th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
I think, from my vantage point of writing this in my pajamas, that what was missing from former iterations of the tablet, was an OS designed specifically to take advantage of tablet features. And a technology landscape that could deliver content.
Clearly from the iphone and itunes that exists now.
What also exists now, that didn’t then, is the massive interest in comicbooks (cbr and cbz files are everywhere) which the likes of Kindle can’t handle due to their monochrome nature. You see a deal with Marvel or DC for an itunes style content delivery system and magazines will jump on board too. A reading device with magazine dimensions will be very popular.
Another advantage in technology that didn’t exist before, is allowing artists to sketch directly onto the screen using Painter/Photoshop etc. That tech was in its infancy when previous tablets came out. Considering the number of digital artists who prefer Macs, an iCanvas would be very welcome.
Also around now, that wasn’t before, streaming movie and TV media, turning devices into a TV on the nightstand, or a personal movie player on the go. This is now basic functionality, which Apple can exploit simply because it’s a bigger screen.
Really, the technology landscape only now comes close to delivering things that a tablet can take advantage of.
And that’s without even contemplating Apple’s game changing idea bank, which I’m sure has been perfecting the killer app or hook that makes a tablet a must have. Top priority being solving the keyboard problem.
Stel Pavlou, on December 28th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I didn’t think it would work till I started really tapping in to everything the iPhone can do, I’d buy one even if it was just a giant iTouch.
Jef, on December 29th, 2009 at 12:09 am
I should say why, APS, Autodesk Skechbook, and mobile web are the reasons I’m most excited about this.
Jef, on December 29th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Much of the success of the iPhone can be attributed to the App Store, a source for products specifically designed for the iPhone or iPod Touch. It is possible there is a similar synergy set to take place with the Tablet. Consider the recent iTunes LP format – the music plus a full-screen, interactive album cover complete with lyrics, photos, liner notes and live links to tour dates, music news and exclusive content. This format is taylor made for the Tablet. While this won’t be the only selling point, expect Apple to make a strong case to reliving the experience of opening a new album and browsing it’s contents as you listen for the first time. The Tablet could bring the physical element into digital music. Remember, at the launch of the iTunes LP, it was reported that this was a joint venture between Apple and the record labels to stimulate ALBUM sales. As news of the Tablet being pushed back started to surface, fewer iTunes LPs were being released. Expect to see more iTunes LPs being released as we get closer to the Tablet’s launch. This is a format that could be adapted for book publishing, movie releases and newspapers. I don’t believe the Tablet will be meant for word processing or spreadsheets. If that’s it’s focus, it will fail. However, as a full-service multimedia device (music, movies, books, magazine, newspapers, internet), the Apple Tablet will be a hit.
Jay, on December 29th, 2009 at 12:45 am
I use a table PC to deliver lectures to my college math courses. I’d love to dump my college-issue pile of crap machine. If an apple table did come out with the ability to write with a stylus in something like PowerPoint, and added new ways to view textbook/magazine/journal articles, I think I’d just about thought I died and went to heaven. But, I somehow doubt it will be all that I want. If it comes out at all.
Lawrence Morales, on December 29th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Apple will fail in making a cell phone. Oops, that was pre 2007.
GG, on December 29th, 2009 at 1:41 am
Apple’s greatest strength is a CEO who vets new products, not on market surveys or focus groups, but on what kind of product he would want to own. I know of no other company that does that.
agr, on December 29th, 2009 at 1:43 am
People, it’s going to be Apple’s version of The Kindle. Which was apperently The most sold item this xmas at Amazon.
Erwin, on December 29th, 2009 at 2:18 am
Original article title:
The Apple Tablet will not make the same mistakes as other tablet PCs
Better article title:
Randall Kennedy will make the same mistaken predictions as other PC Tech writers.
Daniel, on December 29th, 2009 at 2:44 am
all i know is that he will be one of the first ones in line to buy one.
he will enjoy using it. just like he probably enjoys using an iphone he probably owns. (secretly).
Edgar, on December 29th, 2009 at 2:54 am
It amazes me how many people have no idea what tablets are capable of – and if Apple truly utilizes the tablet capabilities then I would take notice but if it does end up being a glorified iPod Touch then they will definitely miss the point.
I use my Tablet PC all the time for school, in fact I depend on it so much that I purchased a back up in case anything happens to it. It is a fantastic piece of machinery, far from the FAIL that many have stated. While it isn’t as “powerful” as my MacBook, there are many things that I can do with my tablet that I couldn’t do with my MacBook especially as a science major. I agree with the comment above, I’d rather any Apple tablet be more like a “lesser” laptop than a “greater” iPhone or iPod Touch.
Arianeira, on December 29th, 2009 at 4:10 am
This tablet should be able to run Photoshop. Great stylus. Should be a better version of Kindle. Has a big memory to take all my music and video during a long trip. That’s all I’m asking.
itskaye, on December 29th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Whether the Apple tablet succeeds or fails is largely irrelevant, except to those who hold AAPL stock (which of course, I do). But as a consumer, I am still left to wonder, WHAT WILL I USE THIS THING FOR?
Is it a book reader? If so, why would I buy it since I’ve not even purchased a Kindle? Heck, I don’t even have an iPhone, although I have many Macs. If it is more than a book reader, then what else can it do, and why would I be more empowered with a tablet versus something like the iPhone? Photoshop on a tablet? Pah-leez! Just an oversized iPhone? Then why have it?
And will Apple try to tie the old AT&T 2-year-contract ball and chain around buyers necks with the tablet? Or will there be a non-3G version, similar to the iPod Touch?
Too many questions. Not enough answers. And I worry that some of my questions will remain even after this device is released. I just don’t see how useful a “tablet” would be.
James Wages, on December 29th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Amen James Wages!!! Finally another voice of reason against an Apple tablet-thingy abomination. Thank you.
MacTablet fail. Glorified web surfing, emailing, and Kindle knock-off piece of over-hyped junk it will be. Beautiful no doubt however. Utterly pointless and we ask why..? Because Apple can!
RD
Roger Doger, on December 29th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Oh yes you all simply don’t get it. do you. It may take more then 10 years but I am sure sooner or later ink on paper will go the way of the horse and buggy.
Once it is out you will know why you want one.
And in 10 or so years you will need one.
People actually said these comments:
Why do you need a phone in your house.
People don’t need computers in their home only businesses need them.
Apple is going out of business the OS war is over and Microsoft won Apple lost.
There are already mp3 players Apples iPod will never sell it cost too much.
A Apple phone with no keyboard what a joke.
The printing press was invented over 6 centuries ago don’t you think it is time we stop it with ink on paper so we can pass on knowledge or tell a story. Apple understand like Amazon does that in the not so distant future everything you buy now that is printed on paper will go digital no more books no more news papers and magazines. That is what a tablet does it replaces the need to carry a stack of text books. Sure it will take time for it to replace all books but in just a few short years I have bit bought a single CD all my music is bought and downloaded Sure there are still CDs and DVDs in stores but more and more people rent on demand netflix has gone to download and I do not think it will be long before DVD discs for movies (and even blue ray) are a thing of the past.
And a warning to Borders Books you will soon be as irrelevant as tower records. We no longer will go to video rental stores or news stands.
And the tablet is going to make that happen not right a way but eventually and sooner then you think. Oh and you early baby boomers now in your 60s sorry you will just have to get used to the morning download instead of the morning paper after all no need to call it a newspaper when there is no paper.
mike, on January 11th, 2010 at 8:15 pm