At this point, it seems like people are just talking themselves in a circle about the rumored Apple Tablet. Everyone is so excited for it, not matter what it actually is, that they’re starting to convince themselves that it could drop as soon as next month. Rumors of that date started after an all-over-the-place report last month by the Financial Times, that seemed to suggest the tablet was both being prepared for September, and for the latter holiday season at the same time. As we said at the time, it seems unlikely that either are true.
And today brings more people backing that up. Sources tell The Loop that the tablet will definitely not be a part of the September event (which is likely to focus on music and the iPod, just like all other Apple September events do). Jim Dalrymple writes:
Very reliable sources familiar with the product have said speculation of the tablet being introduced during the September event are flat out wrong. The Apple tablet, they said, would not see the light of day until the first part of 2010.
In linking to Dalrymple’s piece, Daring Fireball says basically the same thing, “I’m almost certain there’s no tablet coming this year. It’s a 2010 thing,” writes John Gruber, who also has a very good track record on these types of things.
The point is that while all indications are that a tablet (or large-form iPod touch) is coming from Apple, 2010 seems like a much more likely launch window. Apple has spent the past couple of years doing smaller, more focused events centered around specific product categories. A September event with an Apple Tablet would simply overwhelm the other announcements they plant to make there, like the “Cocktail” project, iTunes 9 and entirely new iPod touches.
Instead, I’d bet on Apple doing another special event in the first quarter of 2010, focused around this new device and maybe previewing the iPhone 4.0 SDK which this thing may have something to do with (just a guess there). Remember, Apple isn’t doing Macworld this year, so it doesn’t necessarily even have to be in January, but rather they’ll wait until they’ve perfected it. Whatever it is.
[photo via Gizmodo]
I’m more excited about the crunch pad. Any updates there?
+1
Who cares about the crunch pad…no way it will be able to compete against Apple’s version.
Of course not. Apple’s marketing resources dwarf TC’s. Thats not the point though… I don’t want to pay whatever ridiculous price Apple will charge for their tablet.
and I agree. a 600+ apple tablet is a bit expensive for something that I can’t use for personal and business uses. So I look forward to what TechCrunch is going to produce… and I bet it will be more productive toward business professionals than the prosumer everyone talks about…. and it will cost less.
how much will it cost and what will you get for that price ?
you seem to know a lot of things about the Apple tablet, please share with TC.
I would have to agree. I really can’t think of a good reason to pay twice the amount for an apple (for the lowest end model) while admitting that I have no real rights to any of the items I buy, and no real freedom to customize my gadget besides what apple has already approved. The only thing I get is a snazzy looking device with no functionality or flexibility.
Meanwhile I can get the same or better perfomance and greater flexibility and choice just shopping around. Crunch Pad is just one example.
But Apple thinks most users ride the short bus to work, and aren’t afraid to show it.
And with all the tools using itunes paying 99 cents per song only for the right to listen to a song, perhaps it’s not far from the truth.
(for those of you who don’t know, you don’t actually own the songs, just the right to listen – which apple can suspend at any time♥)
Yeah lets get a writeup-update on the Crunchpad please. I would much rather support TC than Crapple.
Lets go Mike….update please. On less bong load and one more Crunchpad update please
-1 for using the made up word “Crapple”
I really wish TC comments were more like slashdot … I’ll BURY YOU!
you’ll be barried fool….go get a real job and stop bumming around techcrunch.
for all we know ur just a 15 year old boy, with worthless opinions..
+1
Yes. I’m still anxiously waiting for that July update. I’m not sure how long I can keep calling it july. People get confused when I mention that today is July 44th.
+3
Where is our crunchpad info? I’m dying for one.
lmao, what a joke. stop sucking d*ck.
Nobody is sucking D1ck here… its all about want.
apple’s tablet is going to be overpriced for sure.
on the other hand, the crunchpad probably won’t be a rip off.
The end consumer would probably go with something cheaper that can get the job done.
If techcrunch can deliver that….well….it’s just logical for people to buy………________________
Yeah! Where the hell is the Crunchpad! We were supposed to get an update in July. It’s way past the middle of August already!
Forget about the itablet for a minute and concentrate on your own product!
I sure looks sexy!
Yes, Mr. Fuzz, you do look sexy to me. Your bi-focals are such a turn on. Ooooooo !!!! Aaahhhhh.
I like. I want one.
MG, you know as well as us all Apple loves to keep us stuck anticipation. Then when we finally see the device, it will be better than what we could possibly imagine now and we will all want one (and get one).
@September event:
Steve Jobs back in the seat doing what he does;
then,
“Wait, there’s one more thing.. one more little thing I want to share with you before we go..”
The world stops and listens.
either IS true.
there was never a september tablet. ITS ALL STILL A RUMOR.
AND IT WONT BE THAT GREAT CONSIDERING ITLL BE RUNNING OSX, THE BIGGEST PILE OF JUNK OF AN OS
Anonymous… Wow! Bill Gates and his dirty windows has got you so backwards that you cannot see clearly. Mac OSX and its machines are superior to your drivel comment. But then, Windows are just something to constantly clean due to its dirty behavior. As for the awful Internet Explorer… go on a Safari (Apple) and have a truly wonderful computing/internet experience. No! I’m not being paid to say this. Read my reviews: http://web.me.c...te/Welcome.html
and, I have been using Apple since it started and I know Windows too. I can’t help you, like others who are dumb.
That’s one big ass iPod Touché
I really hope that they do, do a tablet! I would one of the first to buy one of these things. The HP mini is nice but it only runs windows.
Any predictions on how much it will cost?
Let’s say $1199 – what a nice number!
All below would be too unpremiumicious.
Yes it starts at $2999. Two months later it will be about $899.
i want it!!!!
Neal Saferstein
http://nealsaferstein.com
Honestly, It looks cool and all, but I fear a large, unprotected glass screen like that. If it somehow breaks, I’ll be paying an arm and three legs to get it fixed. I’d love a large book reader for home, some wifi surfing, games etc… but not for $700-800. I have a 360, and it serves me quite well. No Halo, no COD, or such…PASS. No netflix integration like the 360. No coming Natal. PASS. Doesn’t even have a disc drive.
Touch screen cool and all, but I see this device as useless to me, its a big hazard. I’d rather use a netbook and my Pre for mobile computing. Macbook Air if I want Mac’s OS. I’m getting a Macbook soon, but ONLY way I’ll even Consider this is there’s some great, revolutionary functionality unheard of.
If there is a tablet as big as that rendering, Kindle is dead. Why bother, when you’ll can read your books, mags, and paper in color, and not have to carry another device?
You think Amazon was incapable of building a giant LCD screen? e-Ink is what make Kindle different.
Even Steve Jobs steps aside when Michael Arrington rolls out his package
so far out of all the crunchpad stuff above, this gets BEST COMMENT. lmfao.
2010 isn’t too far away.
Yes, Captain Obvious.
All tablet posts should contain a disclaimer that this organization is involved in the production of their own tablet device.
i doubt the tablet will come under fire as often as the kindle….maybe its the name. there’s an interesting article about names of ereaders over here: http://onthebut...e-so-yesterday/
i wonder how apple will promote this product…
I’d say Amazon is probably pretty worried about this thing. All the kindle really has going for it is whatever merit their “paper display” has, the possibility that they’ll be able to get content apple can’t because of their relationships with book publishers and almost certainly price for the device.
Balance those things against the fact that apple will surely have a super slick device that can do a ton more and has a much better full touchscreen interface…. I’d be surprised if it costs much more than an unsubsidized iphone.
Although I’m not sure what this device will be able to do that my laptop/iphone can’t and I personally don’t feel the need for an in between device.
Tom
http://www.swootness.com
Art Outsider Blog
What would be so special about the Windows Grungepad. It’ll probably already be at a disadvantage running Windows 7 with all that code bloat leftover from Vista. I thought all tablets were going to be a failure, not just Apple’s.
Apple has never said one thing about introducing a tablet. All this tablet crap is made up by bloggers that probably work for Microsoft, just to get a rise out of Apple fans. I don’t know how this whole Apple tablet thing got started. A rumor of a rumor.
I think it’s a joke to test how people can get excited over something that has no definite specs or size or anything. Some tech pundit says he held something like a tablet in his hands and that was the start of this nonsense.
Apple has never even mentioned in a statement that a tablet was being built. Earlier today I read that Apple is supposed to have some keynote address and that people were going to be upset if there wasn’t a tablet being offered. Upset over what. Not getting something that Apple never said was being built. That’s insane.
Hey putz, there is some decent evidence that some company is making a tone of 10 inch touch screens for Apple. What you think that mean?
Hope was fleeting…
Where’s the crunchpad?
The tablet will use 4.0 and it will be out before 2010.
Is TechCrunch really going to be one of this year’s TechCrunch50?
That’s the kind of gizmo my 3 years old daughter will like to bend until it breaks in pieces. No thanks!
i don’t think i’m excited about this tablet anymore. cause if i got one i would probably break it. but if it renders kindle obselete i will buy one and give it away.
someone tweeted this video link today. crazy lady singing at apple store. a complete headshake moment.
http://www.yout...h?v=DfACADZ2c0Y
The main question is: Is there a market demand ?
Currently you have netbooks selling at less than 299$ with a keyboard.
I’m so ready for one of these!!
+1,000
Breaking news:
Crunch pad will run mac os!
Many people said Apple was dead, many said the iPod was nothing, some big time phone CEO said Apple would not be able to walk into the mobile phone market and expect to be successful. Certainly not off the bat. Apple will have another winner because they have a CEO that wants a thing that is really compelling and cool. The nay sayers are thinking in terms of what is capable today, not what it could do. Like walk into a restaurant and their menu appears. From your past eating habits it suggests what you might like. Your order is made from the tablet. The bill is paid from the tablet. Etc. Etc.
i don’t understand why people think this is cool. it will be too big too put in your pocket for music listening and too small with a screen that is vulnerable to scratching to use as a laptop with any practicality. it might be cool for the home as a portable when not at the desktop – ’bout it
Leaked Photos: Steve Jobs previews Apple Tablet PC to Apple Board:
http://jivemofo...ter-apple-board
The iPods and iPhones are everywhere…even in Costco.
’seems Apple is setting the stage for something new and big that will upstage them.
I’m thinking announce the tablet in September with a holiday launch having wifi only then in 2010 a tablet launch with Verizon LTE!
Does the name Tablet mean it will have a hand writing program or does it merely refer to size and convenience?
Why would Apple get into this market? Amazon already own this market
Not after Apple gets into it. Besides, nobody currently really “owns” the tablet market.
Of course the pictures and videos related to tablet increase expectations. Tempting to see what wonder happens.