New information published in an article on a German website where the manager of Intel in Germany confirmed that Apple will be shipping a device that sports their new Atom processor. We had seen the rumor for a tablet like device, that could supposedly be launched at WWDC 2008. If this leak does turn out to be true, it definitely adds some credibility to the rumor.
As part of an Intel event for the 40th birthday of the semiconductor company at Munich’s BMW World, Germany managing director Hannes Schwaderer confirmed today what has long been a rumor on the Internet: namely, that there is an iPhone with Intel’s new Atom chip. The device is slightly larger than the current version, Schwaderer said. That is not, however, because of the Intel chip, but because of the larger display used in the new iPhone. - Hannes Schwaderer, Germany Manager, Intel
Recent update on 5/5/08 revealed the following:
“Intel knows nothing over future products of other manufacturers and can therefore over it also nothing say,” -Mike Cato, Intel Spokesman
The new iTablet or whatever Apple calls it, is a slightly larger device that will accommodate a larger screen. It is rumored that the device will have a 720×480 multi touch display. This matches the description in the rumor about Steve Jobs announcing such a device at WWDC 2008 on June 9, 2008. We also expect Jobs to introduce the new 3G iPhone during the keynote. Make sure to follow live coverage of Jobs keynote on June 9, 2008 at 10AM, PST @ http://live.iPhoneBuzz.com!
So, lets start from the beginning, as best I know it, Apple founders Wozniak and Jobs went to school, blah, blah, blah, they started making computers and software for them. BAM! They are in business. Several years go buy where Apple is largely unnoticed, then they make the iPod in 2001. The iPod gets Apple noticed and they ride the wave well releasing new versions and models of the iPod whenever sales start to slump of the previous model. But their computing division continues to go unnoticed, until Intel gets involved; now everyone wants one, but some still avoid them due to price or for what some would call a weird OS.
Well, that brings us to present day, where the OS isn’t so weird, Apple’s more out in the public, and everyone takes notice when they do something. The iPod in its many different designs is selling more than ever. And then a few months ago Apple releases the iPhone, a highly unique melding of all the latest mobile devices to make what many consider to be the best mobile phone out there, and if you were to spend any time with one, you’d be hard pressed to disagree. Sure there are things that could be improved, but even in its current state its better than just about anything out there.
But, as I mentioned, the iPhone was the first time Apple had done anything with any sort of touch sensitive screen since the Newton, an old PDA from back in the black and green only screens of yore. Then Apple goes and sticks the multi-touch screen and the cool mobile OS in an iPod, which means they don’t mind spreading the multi-touch love around. So I and others have been waiting for a long time, ever since Apple snatched up the guys from FingerWorks and ever since Axiotron and Other World Computing started selling the ModBook, a custom made Mac iTablet of sorts, well, we’ve been waiting on Apple to make a Mac iTablet.
I envision two different Mac iTablets, a small and light version made from the MacBook and larger model that’s based off of the MacBook Pro and is more of a laptop that just so happens to have a touchscreen and swivel hinge. I’d be happy with just the MacBook based one, thin, light, long battery life, and a lot of the same technology and gestures as the iPod Touch and iPhone. Apple is rumored to be working on an ultra-portable notebook right now, and that could be the platform they choose to launch the Mac iTablet from, which would be good too since its rumored to be smaller than a MacBook, and 50% thinner and 50% lighter, and likely with a longer battery life, so that would be even more perfect for use as a itablet.
A slate style itablet, as in no keyboard, except on screen, would be amazing if it were made from the rumored laptop as it would likely have a brushed aluminum backing, the same glass covering as the iPhone with a few buttons, SSD storage, LED backlighting, and no optical drive, all driving the weight down, the heat down, and the battery life way up. A Mac iTablet like that would be one done in true Apple style, perfect from the start.
If you are interested in keeping up on the latest news regarding both a Mac iTablet, and any other inventions Apple throws out using their touch-screen technology you can certainly expect to find the latest news at iPhone Buzz. So please, stop by, check out the site, and share your thoughts.