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!
@Bash23 i can't tell if your non sequitur is on par with the "i like turtles" kid, or youre serious
Anyone notice the camera at the top in the first pic?
I got $20 saying that it will be the same as other tablets, but better. And it will also be too expensive for anyone with approaching a tight budget.
No macbook updates? Does that mean MBP updates are a possibility.. I really don't care about the tablet.. Atleast not till I see how it will change my life... ... ... OMG!
NOOOOOOO....!
i work at apple and thats it josh, you have totally posted a pic of the tablet.
congrats and well done!
now can u please post something else other than apple itablet rumors.
Is Jason Calacanis lying? He just announced he's been beta testing the tablet for 10 days and is tweeting the device details: http://twitter.com/jason
@mousewrestler the guy always read as if the hates Apple. why would them give him a product that hasn't even left their hq? not to mention he says 3 sizes for the tablet, oled and hdtv tuner. what the f*ck?
FAKE!!
It looks a little big. I hope it can fit on my "iRack" next to my "iPod", "iLamp" & "iMicrowave".
No Macbook updates? FUCK YOU APPLE.
@tweak it's okay, have a big unwieldy iSlate instead!
Apple is due for a dud and i think this will sell well but be a dud by apples standards in terms of sales..
@SmartPhoneVnguard i'm not sure why this era in society has such a high level of boners for tablets. For what Apple will be promoting and using this thing for, it is neither efficient or effective.
At $1000 the next rungs down the ladder (imitators) have a chance if they can get to market early and with android market place apps. TICK TICK guys !!!!
APPLE TABLET
The price will be 599, 699 and 799 depending on size and memory in apple tablet. Also, wireless keyboard + monitor connection for tv
Apple tablet is running an iphone os flavor with ability to have multiple apps running at same time (ie pandora, browser)
There are 2 cameras: 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.
u shoot what's in front of you + yourself. Augmented video conferncing!
Apple Tablet has thumbpads on each side for mouse guestures, reads fingerprint for security. Up to 5 profiles by finerprint for family.
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 games are sick. Basically nintendo wii-level innovation. Custom farmville app is insane. Mark pincus is demoing with steve tomorrow
Apple tablet connects to other tablets over wifi for gaming. There will be LAN parties with these things, people playing First person shooters
Farmville for Apple tablet is a huge game changer.FACT Mark Pincus is onstage tomorrow with Jobs.
@SirMaster
Farmville > Mass Effect 2
This is gonna be a real game changer.
This is not my info, I am just passing it a long. It seems reliable though as there were a few people on twitter conversing about it who all seem to have demo units from today.
They were trying to prove to each other they had tablets and seemed like they trusted each other after conversing.
@SirMaster if thats the case i might buy one. i hope the central processing unit and graphic processing unit are the same across the board and that on the size is different. but i doubt they would have different sizes. Right? that kinda fragmentation right at launch would be bad business.
@SirMaster Why would a device with a touch sensative screen need thumb pads for mouse gestures?
you guys really couldn't wait until tomorrow to post about the iTablet again?? I mean posting often a week beforehand was annoying enough, but somewhat understandable, but you couldn't wait one day? REALLY?!
If even half of this is true I don't see me ever buying one. First of all I personally don't see the need for an over-sized iPhone that has a $1,000 price tag, going to Verizon (which has horrible service where I am, AT&T is the best and has 3G here also), and it better not be exclusive to Verizon! Second of all, thinking of everyone else including me and the way the economy is in the US, who in the heck has that kind of money to cough up for this (if this is it) especially if the iPhone has the same capabilities besides a bigger screen. If anything Apple should focus on a new iPhone that actually looks refreshed and has OS 4.0 (whatever that holds)
Now, if the iPad, iTablet, or whatever it will be called is say $500 or less then I could see me maybe getting one in the future, Maybe. Don't get me wrong, I love my iPhone, but the iPhone needs some love and soon considering Palm WebOS and Android phones are coming to AT&T and both OSes (and the phones that run them of course) are looking better and better. Besides the tablet I hope Apple atleast gives a preview of iPhone OS 4.0 or better unveil a new iPhone altogether!
That is the real deal. I saw a plastic mold of the model when I was working at the airport. Sync port on the bottom similar to iTouch/iPhone. SD card slot on the side. Volume rocker on the opposite side with a sliding switch above it. Power button on the top right and a headphone port on the left. TRUST.
@tamburgerSUPREME sd card? hahahahaha what about memory stick?
@tamburgerSUPREME
When you were working at the airport really? This super-secret prototype mold was just chilling at LAX somewhere? Apple probably has much better security guarding stuff like this than any US airport :P
@tamburgerSUPREME @zorn Say what you will, but you will not doubt my statements after the conference. The model of the tablet was flying through SFO a few weeks ago.
I also notice that the original article could not determine the screen size. from a quick measurement when I saw the model it was roughly 10 inches measured diagonally. Closer to 10 than 9 though for sure.
What about FarmTown app? Will the iPhone be able to the same things via an OS update?
This is it! Shiet!
so its just a big iphone
I thought i would be more blown away than i am. i really hope its good. even though i will never buy one. Its just good for us consumer. i love competition. I just hope that the industry does not try this 1000 bull. thats really pricey. It better have some GROUND breaking specs. and some garsh darn HDMI. Im genuinely looking forward to see what they(Apple) have in store. And thats a first. its kinda crazy though. this thing will cost as much as a plastic macbook. Some thing about that doesn't sit well with me. :'(
Ugh, so those giant iPhone rumors were true? Way to mess it up. The concept art got me more excited than the final product, assuming this is true.
@zorn Say what you will, but you will not doubt my statements after the conference. The model of the tablet was flying through SFO a few weeks ago.
Tablet(s), pills, I don't care - both get you hooked. Want!
@monaarts
From the picture above, what on Earth are you seeing that's lead you to believe it's translucent?! It's a big iPod Touch. Are you seeing a picture no one else is seeing?
If any of you want to buy this and sell me their 3G iphone, i will give you $20.
sorry apple, i prefer
http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook
Looks like one of those giant iPhone displays that you see at cellphone stores. As for the tablet concept if it's going to be $1000+, and have expensive e-books then it's over and Kindle will remain king. I see a smaller color kindle arriving with a $199 price tag and a good price on books. Android powered and better than a sheet size iPhone.
I don't get excited when I see this. Oh wow, an enlarged iphone...big deal.
On the left bottom of the device you can look thru the screen and see the stand where is is fixed on. If the screen is a clear screen where do you put the hardware that is needed.
@(Unverified) that's the reflection.
@ivoblom
Look at the third image. You can clearly see the edge of a table.
@KGB considering the edge of the table is OUTSIDE the screws, no, you can't see the edge of the table behind the tablet.
@daseff Oh just kidding I get what you're saying now haha. We're right, he's wrong :)
Too big, too expensive, too iPhone OS.
So, yeah... it's a big iPhone then.
There's definitely something up the top. Just tweaked the levels in photoshop and something is clearly visible... camera?
http://www.backroomcinema.com/dan/tablet.jpg
It's basically the device mounted inside a protective housing, sorta like some of those iPod cases that are two-piece aluminum with bolts holding the two pieces together.
We'll find out for sure in 8 hours... since it's 2AM PST as I type this.
wot? visible screws?
I've always been a keen follower of Apple Keynotes and the introduction of new products that would come with it. This time though, I'm even more interested because if this tablet is going to happen, I'm really curious to see how it will add value to our daily life. I just can't see a need in between my iPhone and MacBook. And certainly not at 800/1000 bucks..
iPhone OS and being tied to iTunes = FAIL for me.
re iupdate #2: what a strange aspect ratio...