Apple, Verizon could launch tablet in time for the holidays

Image Credit: Gizmodo

Image Credit: Gizmodo

In case you  missed it, Apple isn’t developing a netbook. The company has reiterated this point at every possible opportunity over the last year or so. But that doesn’t mean the company has nothing to offer in the small, light, and ultraportable computing category. Rumors of an Apple tablet that will be larger than an iPhone but smaller than a Macbook have been flying for the past half year or so.

Now The Street reports that Apple’s 9 to 10 inch tablet could be available before the holiday season. And while the tablet might not be as cheap as today’s netbooks, which commonly sell for around $400 or less, The Street reports that the Apple Tablet could be distributed by Verizon, with the telecom subsidizing the price.

It’s possible that the tablet, which will reportedly be a larger version of the iPod Touch, could have a keyboard. But the deal with Verizon is intriguing, because it implies that the tablet will be 3G capable, which means in some ways it could be an oversized iPhone. The Street says the tablet will be a data-only device, without voice capabilities. But why?

Throw a little bluetooth headset in there, and you could even make calls while leaving the tablet itself packed away in your bag. Because let’s face it, are you really going to want to buy this tablet plus an iPhone if you have to sign up for separate 3G data plans for each?

via CrunchGear

Related Posts


Posted on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009, 10:33 am by Brad Linder
Tags: , ,


  • MonkeyKing1969
    Well, here is what I would say, "If they make one it will likley have the fastest and most responsive touch screen." It could be just an 'big' iTouch and still sell like gangbusters. It really only needs to be responsive and light weight. Price? Since when did Apple fans ever look at what they got for what price? Never, okay maybe in 1983, but once Mac hit in 1984 Apple started their tax and they never looked back.

    And, let me tell you, if their device works half a second faster for screen movement as opposed to the other touch-screens -- they win.
  • Zobeid Zuma
    As near I can recall, in 1982 Apple computers were *wildly* overpriced, in comparison with models from Atari and Commodore. Over the decades the "Apple tax" has gradually dwindled to nearly nothing, even as people seem to be more and more offended by it.
  • Goodman
    I'd love an Apple touchpad (I adore my iPhone) but I definitely wouldn't sign up for another data plan. Mostly I'd be using it in places with wifi anyway. If Verizon wants to offer it at a discount if you sign with them that's fine, as long as I can pay full price to use it with wifi.
  • drewk79
    What would be so bad about a Ipad with a keyboard linked by bluetooth.

    I would love that. There could be a a flip cover to protect the screen while not in use and the keyboard would be wireless. Sounds great I hope HP comes out with one.
  • Newton II?
  • Jenny
    And those of us with debt are once again left out of the cold by big phone companies. Limited to cheap pay as you go phones, unable to buy these lovely phone plan iPhones for lack of proper credit. Sorrow sorrow.

    I want me a tablet, but I'll stick with Winduhs thanks. :3
  • MasterBlaster
    Wow... Thanks for the insight. I hadn't really thought about the repercussions from 3G plan or not, and phone capability or not, or even how ridiculous it might look using the iPad while talking on an iPhone...
  • briangoodwin
    It is too bad that Verizon is all about dumbing down devices....because I love the idea of making it phone capable with use of a bluetooth headset and integrated speaker phone.
  • Steve
    Anything associated with Verizon will have to be locked in to VPay. Apple is too happy making money off their application store. Don’t see any Apple products ever with Verizon. Both companies think they are the ones in control.
  • Wow Apple has really mess up on this whole netbook fiasco. They are basicly going to realease a Itouch with a keyboard! And if the tablet is going to be 9 to 10" why still use the 3g data plan. Thanks but no thanks Apple. Im going to use my Asus Eee PC and use Skype if got to make calls geez.


    www.bestnetbooksof2009.com
blog comments powered by Disqus