Writerland » Apple announcement http://meghanward.com/blog Reading, Writing, and Publishing Mon, 21 May 2012 20:46:04 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 iPAD! http://meghanward.com/blog/2010/01/27/apple-tablet-unveiling/ http://meghanward.com/blog/2010/01/27/apple-tablet-unveiling/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:05:56 +0000 Meghan Ward http://meghanward.com/blog/?p=552 So the announcement for the Apple tablet, the iPad is over, and this is what we know:

It has everything you would expect: Calendar, maps, iTunes, photos with slide shows, web browsing, e-mail, movies.

And here are the specs: 0.5-inches thin, weighs 1.5 pounds, 9.7-inch IPS display. 10 hours of battery life, a month of [...]]]> So the announcement for the Apple tablet, the iPad is over, and this is what we know:

It has everything you would expect: Calendar, maps, iTunes, photos with slide shows, web browsing, e-mail, movies.

And here are the specs: 0.5-inches thin, weighs 1.5 pounds, 9.7-inch IPS display. 10 hours of battery life, a month of standby, accelerometer, compass, speaker, mic, dock connector.

It runs all third-party iPhone apps either small or full screen (2x), and developers can also develop specifically for the iPad, with fancier graphics for video games, etc.

It has iWork with spreadsheets, etc. (spreadsheet has onscreen calculator). iWork apps are $9.99, but I’m not sure what that means.

You can type on it with two hands, like a real keyboard, or you can connect an external keyboard through a keyboard dock.

It has a case (sold separately, like the keyboard?) that lets you prop it up a little or a lot to watch movie or read books.

It has an e-reader called iBooks, which looks like a (color) bookshelf and links to an iBooks store. Looks like all but RandomHouse of teh big five publishers are on board and book prices will vary (Ted Kennedy’s was priced at $14.99). Will use ePub format, which is way better than the Kindle because it allows you to download books from libraries and other e-book stores.

It syncs with USB, has WiFi and optional 3G. Data plans with ATT: $14.99/250mg; $29.99/unlimited. No contracts. Cancel anytime.

PRICE!: Wifi only: 16mb $499; 32mb $599; 32mb $699. Wifi+3G: 16mb $629, 32mb $729, 64mb $829.

Until I play with one, it will be hard to say, but it sounds like this thing could replace laptops altogether with the attached keyboard. Depends on whether you can work on a screen that small, though. I know I’d rather lug an iPad around than a MacBook Pro.

A few disappointments, but it sounds like @Jason of Endgadget had the next generation, due out in October (Why would they give him one that’s different than the one announced today? Seems odd.) Jason said the one he has has two cameras, one front and one back, mouse gestures, and fingerprint recognition. Will I have to wait until October to get mine? UGH! But seems worth it to get the cameras.

Now that you know the price – will you buy one? Will you, will you?

]]> http://meghanward.com/blog/2010/01/27/apple-tablet-unveiling/feed/ 1 Apple tablet unveiled today http://meghanward.com/blog/2010/01/27/apple-tablet-unveiled-today/ http://meghanward.com/blog/2010/01/27/apple-tablet-unveiled-today/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:21:51 +0000 Meghan Ward http://meghanward.com/blog/?p=542 The Apple tablet is going to be unveiled at 10 a.m. PST today, Wednesday, Jan. 27 (and, oh yeah, the State of the Union Address is tonight, too). Why, might you ask, am I so excited about the Apple tablet? Mainly because I really wanted an e-reader for Christmas and couldn’t decide which one (I [...]]]> The Apple tablet is going to be unveiled at 10 a.m. PST today, Wednesday, Jan. 27 (and, oh yeah, the State of the Union Address is tonight, too). Why, might you ask, am I so excited about the Apple tablet? Mainly because I really wanted an e-reader for Christmas and couldn’t decide which one (I wasn’t blown away by the Kindle or nook), and my husband gave me a coupon for “the e-reader of my choice,” which included the yet-to-be-announced Apple tablet. I don’t have an iPhone, and the Apple tablet is rumored to be a giant i-Phone that works as an e-reader but oh-so-much-more. The unveiling is rumored to be scheduled for 10 a.m. this morning (Apple hasn’t even confirmed that they’re unveiling the tablet, but MacGraw Hill said yesterday that it is). Rumored possible names are: iPad, iSlate, iGuide, and iTablet.

Starting at 10 a.m., in a separate post, I’ll be blogging live about what’s announced, so see that post for periodic updates. Meanwhile, founder of Endgadget @Jason is spilling the beans on what the tablet will feature. Here’s what he had to say earlier this morning, in reverse tweets:

Yes, it’s true… I’ve been beta testing the Apple tablet for the past two weeks and it’s amazing.

Note to press: No, not going to break my NDA w/ Apple/steve so u can get jump on announcement. It is the most *amazing* device ever.

The best part ofthe apple tablet as beta user has been the built in HDTV tuner and pvr, and the chess game.

Also, the apple tablet is really amazing for newspapers. Video conferencing is super stable, but nothing new.

The price will be 599, 699 and 799 depending on size and memory in apple tablet. Also, wireless keyboard + monitor connection for tv

Ok, I will take two questions about the new apple tablet which I have right here. Go ahead… My nda is basically over. :)

Yes @HappyDrew, the apple tablet is running an iphone os flavor with ability to have multiple apps running at same time (ie pandora, browser

Well @joshgrenon, I can tell u the battery life is great in ebook reading mode but not great when on wifi or playing games. 2-3hrs

Yes, there are 2cameras: one in front and one in back (or it may be one with some double lens) so you record yourself and in front of u.

Apple Tablet has thumbpads on each side for mouse guestures, reads fingerprint for security. Up to 5 profiles by finerprint for family.

Yes, apple tablet is oled + back has solar pad for recharging, but it really doesn’t work quickly. More a gimmic. Verizon+att,wifi yes!

Apple tablet’s 2 cameras is sick feature for video conferencing: u shoot what’s in front of you + yourself. Augmented video conferncing!

Ok, I’m going to bed (with apple tablet after reading nytimes+Vanity Fair on it!), steve jobs outdid himself, its greatest device ever!!!

Apple tablet games are sick. Basically nintendo wii-level innovation. Custom farmville app is insane. Mark pincus is demoing with steve tmmr

For background: apple asked me to do press tomorrow on cnbc, cnn, etc. As a pundit they gave me tablet 10 days ago. 3people dropped it off!

Sorry, @snappme can’t show device or say actual name.

apple tablet connects to other tablets over wifi for gaming. There will be LAN parties with these things, people playingFirst personshooters

Off to bed, but I assure you I’m not joking and the specs are real…. Most of all that this is best gadget ever made and NOT overhyped.

… also, Farmville for Apple tablet is a huge game changer. I know for a FACT Mark Pincus is onstage tomorrow with Jobs.

My questions for you: Would you consider buying an Apple tablet? If not, are you planning to get an e-reader eventually? What are you looking for in an e-reader?

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