Is this the Apple tablet? (update: new images)
By Nilay Patel 
posted January 27th 2010 10:29AM
posted January 27th 2010 10:29AM
On a totally separate note, we also received a tip claiming to have some specs -- we can't verify any of this either, but we're told that the device will have a 10-inch screen and look like a larger iPhone with a MacBook-like aluminum back, and that pricing will run $800 on contract with Verizon and $1000 without when it arrives in March. We're also told that the official name remains a secret and that Apple employees are still calling it by the codename of "K48" -- a name we last heard in May from the same source that pegged the iPhone 3GS exactly. This source also tells us that the iPhone will be coming to Verizon as well and that we'll see iLife '10 tomorrow, but there won't be any MacBook updates. A relatively safe set of predictions -- which is why we sort of believe them.
Just 13 hours to go -- we'll find out if any of this is the real deal soon enough.
Update: Based on some rough measurements, that screen does appear to be between 9- and 10-inches diagonal. Additionally, it looks as though there could be a front-facing camera on the opposite side of the home button (up top in these photos) due to that cutout section, though the images are really too grainy to know for certain.
Update 2: Our source has shared another photograph, this time showing an iPhone resting on the tablet for comparison. Check it out after the break (bigger image for inspection available in the gallery).
Update 3: Gizmodo managed to snag some images of what appears to be the back of the tablet from Chinese forum WeiPhone before they were mysteriously yanked. WeiPhone is the same forum that leaked the K48 name way back when, so who knows -- the image shows what could be RF testing, but one of them feels kind of render-y to us. Check 'em all in the gallery!
Either it is just me but this looks to be a clear see-through screen, and also could this be Apple's new maps application they have been working on?
The think I don't understand is how are you suppose to type on this thing? How about when you are say laying it down on flat surface and want to type like I am doing with this sentence? I mean I could see this in a really specific market doing wonders but are people who buy Iphones, Macs, and Itouch made for a specific consumers in the market?
I think a price of $399 with a 2 year contract probably will get a nice little segment of the market. But for it to sell like the Iphone, Mac notebooks, MP3 players is unrealistic. Anyone else think I am wrong?
@JohnMKeynes
Actually I completely agree with you. That is unless Apple has some feature we haven't thought of that this tablet can do. If not...then I agree with you. Even if it was priced under $400...it would still not sell like the iphone or ipod. Not even close. I could be wrong of course lol...
@JohnMKeynes
That's what I look forward to find out about it today - how do you type on it? I can't imagine it to be comfortable wheter it's on your lap or on a table, and if it's this big you can't write while holding it in your hands... So why choose this over a MacBook or iPhone, wich are both great to type on and the MacBook running OS X - specially if it's 1000.-...?
@nIcon
It's my (firm) belief that the device will feature multi-touch gestures on not only the front of the device, but also on the back panel where one's fingers would naturally fall when holding the device.
With that typed, who's to say that Apple hasn't devised some kind of (alternate) typing interface in this area?
Could be interesting...
@DaHarder
I was kind of hoping for a stylus with some cool features, some useful creativity apps and super-accurate handwriting. But you're probably right about Apple having "outside the box" ideas and solutions. I'm pretty sure that suddenly today at 8 pm (GMT +1) I NEED to have a tablet in my life... :-)
@nIcon Given the rumours bout 'crazy ass multitouch' it's likely gonna have some sort of version of that 3d osx-like desktop engadget posted the patent application for a while back. This would also make sense given the 'iPhone os on steroids' rumours.
@monaarts
Please Clarify?
The device pictured is obviously bolted down to some kind of platform, and those exposed fasteners are NOT a part of the device itself but the hold-down portion of the security apparatus.
With that typed, it looks like Apple will finally move into the 21st century and offer a true widescreen/16:9 mobile device.
this design looks like Steve just gave his design team a compilation of his Sex Pistols albums and asked them to go crazy.
the iPunk. because confirmity is passe.
Actually.... IF this is real... (Which I'm not denying) - WHY didn't the guy send it to Gawker and get the huge cash reward?
@Apple Fan
Who is to say he didn't send it to Gawker? This is the apple display-and-touch bolted on one of six tables that have been set up at the Yerba Buena location.
It was only a matter of time before this leaked.
Honestly I really don't see the absolute need to have a tablet, Is it just my? Don't get me wrong I love being on top on all the cutting edge gear, but I really can't see myself buying one unless there is some awesome use that I have yet to think of or some function that it may have to make life easier.
@rulenumber75 Yeah, I don't really see a need for a tablet myself, unless there's some functionalities/apps announced tomorrow that is a must for me.
Instead of a tablet, I rather see Steve announce that Apple will sell iPhones unlocked out of the box in the US, starting tomorrow, and a firmware update will be released that will unlock all existing iPhones.
tabletyaygasm. I wonder if there is anything else hapenning in the world of tech?
@monaarts
I understand where your concern lies, but it's not easy to discern where the actual edge of the device is and which part is the security enclosure.
It's really not that big of a deal as all will be revealed in a few hours anyway.
"No Service," huh? I guess we're still stuck with AT&T then.
@unfletch well played good sir
$1000? Um, Engadget, tell me more about the HP Slate....
@jin and guice
Yeah, I know what you mean. If this really is the Tablet, I'll pass. :\
The bezel design doesn't fit in with the design of other Apple products, but maybe it's just a rough case covering up the real thing underneath.
Here are my set of predictions, on the last night of the pre-Tablet era:
http://bit.ly/cdWBaG
www.appleslate.com clicky clicky
@videopro2 dont do it youll earn the man half a cent for his url
*checks the picture*
*opens iTunes and plays: I Don't Wanna Be In Love - Good Charlotte*
Every feature but flash support is predicted. I don't think they would get away with not having support for flash. Although itd apple they can get away with anything. Cut and paste.
Took forever
Complaining about the price point? You guys just don't get it. People stood in line for 3 days to pay $600 when the iPhone launched. It's not about the hardware. Sure you can go buy another tablet computer for $400, or a netbook for $299.
It's ABOUT THE SOFTWARE. The interface is the PRODUCT not the hardware.
I'll gladly pay $899 for this thing. I'm sure it's going to invent a whole new use for tablets besides everything that tablets already do. Apple did it with the cellphone, and they do it with the tablet.
They aren't into niche markets, they don't join genres, THEY CREATE new ONES. This won't be like an iPhone or a desktop computer. It's going to HAVE a whole new USE that apple invented just for the device with the software.
Go buy your HP.
@inkhead
Not people, iLemmings.
just heard from twitter that the tablet has camera priced at 599,699,799, intervals, includes HDTV tuner and has ability for video out with adapters and such, does video conferencing and will have a wireless keyboard available for purchase
Looks like a big old iphone, really could care less about this shit
@frenchcheeto That's what everyone has been saying it would be from day one. This is a no brainer. Why so many comments like this one? Good Lord...
The tablet has been around for years. Apple will make it useable. Have you ever used a tablet with Windows? There's nothing intuitive about it. I think the ticket for this new Apple tablet will be it's interface and input. People think it will be an overgrown ipod touch, I think it will be the standard and emergence of tablet computing. No I am not an Apple fanboy, the only Apply product I own is a shuffle for the gym :3
It looks like there's a camera in one of the shots, above the time.
Will the finger print and grease stain problem be solved? If not, then thanks and see you in the future.
@devitus iPhone 3GS.
Behold, the Applet!
I think Apple is trying to target students mostly as well as videophiles and extreme "on the go" types.
For students, the ability to carry a light, thin, portable color computer with you would be pretty sweet (smaller, thinner, more damage resistant than an envy/ MB air).
Instead of having to open up my bag, open up the sleeve I store my computer in, open up my laptop etc- all I have to do is reach in my bag a pull out a thin tablet device. I'm not expecting huge productivity power- what I want is something to keep all my textbooks on (assuming Apple can finally get textbook manufacturers to make ebooks for 33-50% cost), have a great color screen, the ability to highlight, make notes, and search would be very useful.
Being able to quickly turn the device off and stow my shit back in my bag and maybe surf the web WHILE STANDING comfortably in the hallway for my next lecture or watching a video lecture from a previous class would be GREAT!
Also, being on an airplane flight or in a car, and having a video player capable of HD playback with such a portable factor instead of again- having to pull out my computer for my bag, and it's sleeve etc. would make watching a video less of a hassle and keep from interrupting or annoying the person(s) beside you.
All-in-all, this could really be a hit- if Apple can pull off the support side of things- or a miss. I'm betting it will do fairly well.
As far as Verizon goes, I've had AT&T since my first cellphone10 years ago and have never had a problem. AT&T's customer service has been good and I'm bathed in 3G where I live. If I didn't have AT&T I guess Verizon would be my carrier. Although, I am constantly talking on the speaker phone or with earbuds and surfing the internet and IF the commercials are true- you can't talk and surf at the same time, that would ruin some of the experience I have with my 3GS.
As far as the OS is concerned, I really hope Apple unveils multi tasking as well as the ability to create app folders to organize my apps the way I want. Having 8 pages of apps sucks!! I'd also like the ability to customize my sounds on the phone (not as important as the other two updates :)
This is it. Absolutely certain.
The size fits a 10" 2:3 aspect ratio screen when taking the home button as a reference.
And it's got two docking connectors!
Let me adress something (imo) intresting.
The wire, looks like a internetcable it plugged in on the long side of the device.. I would expect such things to be at least in the corners of the device?
If that is the tablet it looks like to be everything that I hoped for besides the price point.I wanted alimium back (which I believe iPhone/iPod touch follow suit) and curvy edges with very iphony look!
@Ravenwoods no way dude! you wanted it to look like a bigass version of your slick phone? well, youre in luck, because it's apple we're talking about
aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!! (runs around holding head, screeching like a wet pantyless schoolgirl at a Billy Ray Cyrus concert) aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!! OMG OMFG OMG OMG .... (sarcasm organ overload)!!!
But i am pretty excited..... aaaaahhhhhhhh! really....
If you check this
http://imgur.com/NowoJ
Up at the top it looks like a second home button which is very similar to this
http://www.ispazio.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/65zy.jpg
@rhodesy22 hmm or maybe its a camera.
@rhodesy22 it actually does, i think the two home button pic is prob legit
@rhodesy22 It does look very similar and so much more ugly in the second pic.... ughhh big and fat.
Todays cameras dont take ghetto pictures like that anymore. So lame...
It looks to me like it's just in a tamper proof case so that no one can take it apart and take pictures of it. They have those same screws in high schools so that stupid kids don't take shit apart.
I can't wait until the Microsoft/HP Courier comes out.
@john
Looks like a fixture to hold and transport it for automated testing during manufacturing.
We have test fixtures where I work that look very much like that.
That doesn't look like something Apple would make.