The last interesting Apple device category ((WWDC 2008 approaching))

nobody@vox.com(Marc) — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:40:47 -0700

I'm not looking forward to the 3G iPhone, seriously. Everyone knows it's coming one day since SJ announced the original iPhone back in January 2007. However, these three devices ((or rather new device categories)) could be interesting...

1) iPad ((aka Newton 2.0 / Palmtop, the current iPod touch is getting into that device category))

2) Apple Ultraportable ((the MacBook Air is getting there, but still too large in my view))

3) iBook 2.0 ((Apple's answer to the Amazon Kindle, a simple eBook reader, unrelated to the original iBook laptops))

Some people might argue that category 1) and 3) could be merged into one device over time, but low-voltage display technologies ((EInk etc.)) aren't ready yet for moving content or colour output, at least not at an affordable price.

Apple might bring out either 1) and/or 3) at WWDC 20008 in June. I guess it's rather device 1), but that's just a guess. However, recent rumors make this more likely. See eg. ...

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/14/intel-confirms-atom-based-larger-iphone-mini-tablet/

and before...

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/11/3g-iphone-in-may-another-device-at-wwdc/

Another take on a potential eBook from Apple can be found here...

http://blogd.com/wp/index.php/archives/3667

The Apple ((multitouch)) pad rumors have obviously been around for some time as well...

http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/26/is-apple-working-on-a-multi-touch-based-newton-successor/

PS: Note I didn't use the word "tablet" for devices 1) ir 3) because I think this name is linked to the rather unsuccessful MS tablet PC product category. Also, Apple's devices, especially device 1) will most likely have a smaller form factor than MS tablet PCs.

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The last interesting Apple device category ((WWDC 2008 approaching))