6" or 7" iPod touch - Not Even A Rumor Or Wild Speculation

The tablet market is predominantly iPad.  That's it.  Some might be as far as to call it the iPad market because there really isn't a tablet market at this time.  Nevertheless, there could be a time when Apple and its fans will have to live with the fact that the iPad has to share the market with other devices running on Android, Windows, or Web OS.

And pricing is going to be a big big factor in just how Apple can retain its dominant share in the tablet market.  And you can get that Apple isn't willing to cede it to anyone else.  

This is why despite Steve Jobs say that there won't be an iPad with a  smaller than 10" screen, it is a given that Apple will have to release an iPod touch with a bigger screen.  

7" tablets running on Honeycomb as on their way here.  And they can cost from $250 to $350.  It's likely that Apple can lower the iPad price down to $400 some day but the $300-$350 price range will be all Android or possibly Windows 8 territory if Apple doesn't do anything about it.

Just like in the MP3 player market, Apple just covered just about every price point.  $50, $100, $150, and up.  The iPod touch can be had for as low as $199.  But it still is just an iPod touch, not a tablet.

Apple may need to compete at the $300 price point with a touch and a screen size that is much bigger than the 3.5" currently on the touch.  Perhaps even a 5" or 6" and 8 GB at $330 and 16GB at $400.  Such a device could be enough to beat back anything that its competitors can come up with. 

It's not only a fan boy who wants this to happen but Apple will have no choice but to make this happen.  And I think it is going to happen.  In the forthcoming iOS 5, an user can split the keyboard so that its easier for one to thumb-type.  

That is pretty powerful evidence that this super-sized iPod touch is coming.  When it does, I'll be in line for one.

 

Note:  Yeah, I know.  I am still holding out for Web OS to make a comeback.  Until we know for sure what HP is going to do with it, there's still hope.

Mobile: Samsung Not Interested in HP's PC Biz; What about Web OS - Apple, You Want It?

Samsung has publicly declared itself out of the running for HP's business. And it's a very smart move.  It also puts an exclamation point on the state of the PC market.  What that statement is, that's for you to decide.

Samsung has found great success in the Android realm with the popular Galaxy S.  However, just today, a Dutch court ruled Samsung violated some Apple patents and will result in the banning of Galaxy phones in Europe.  Ban or otherwise, the handset business is obviously more profitable and has a higher margin than the PC business for the giant Korean tech company.

However, I'm Sammie made an inquiry or two regarding the future of Web OS.  Samsung has shown interest in licensing Web OS.  Perhaps, it might be interested in buying it from HP.

iPhone Coming to T-Mobile Too!

This is very spotty at this time but a MacTrast, a site that seems to be on a roll of late, is saying that the next iPhone will also be made available for T-Mobile and can run on its 3G network.

While yesterday's report regarding Sprint getting the iPhone omitted this, it stands to reason that Apple will try to make its iPhones to run on as many networks as possible.

Too bad it's too late for some folks.  I've already gone to Verizon and hopefully, I'll be able to grandfather in my unlimited data plan with a LTE iPhone in the future.

Personally, I would like to see Apple make the iPhone 5 available to the pre-paid market as well in addition to the lower end iPhone 4 that will be out in a few weeks.

Source:  Cult of Mac via MacTrast.

Android, Via Samsung Galaxy Phones, Banned In Europe - Yes, That's What Apple's Going For

Apple got Samsung's Galaxy S II banned in Europe.  A Dutch court ruled Samsung violated three of Apple's patents.  It will go into effect in the middle of October.  We should see what this means for the mobile landscape in the coming weeks.  

According to Apple's attorneys in the past, they have tried to talk to Samsung about this but were rebuffed.  However you have to really understand that Apple isn't suing Android makers for royalty payments.  It's suing them because it wants unique mobile experience exclusive only to its iPhone and iPad.

I'm sure this isn't over.  

The current ban is actually Europe wide but there are legal rooms for Samsung to maneuver.  The issue, however, goes beyond Samsung and strikes at Android itself.  This gives Apple a very big club to go after other Android device makers selling in Europe.  All the other blogs seem narrowly focused on the Galaxy devices.  They're wrong.

It'll be interesting to see just how this might impact us here in the US if at all.

So, if you're in the market to get an Android phone, now's the time to do it.  

If you want the gory details, please visit FOSS Patents.  Florian Mueller, the author, explains in ways that even a dodo like me can understand.

What Are Your Reasons For Getting a Macbook

You've got a Macbook?  Maybe you do but you like to upgrade?  Or trying to convert someone over to the Apple's side of mobile computing?  Or trying to get one for work?

eWeek, via MacDailyNews, has some compelling reasons why people should be buying Macbooks.

I couldn't put it better myself.  I'll let you chick through to read it but personally, I like the security, the heart and soul Apple poured into making my Macbook Air, long battery life, and the elegance of the OS X.

On top of that and it's not just me but others as well, many feel they're more creative and productive when they're using their Macs.  I certainly don't feel that way with my Dell.  Forget about Steve Jobs' reality distortion field.  Apple products just seem project their own creativity field for the users.

What's your excuse for wanting or getting a Macbook?

Source:  Macdailynews, eWeek.

TheStreet.com Bait Click With Faulty Claim Of Free iPhone

Earlier, we shared with you s Reuters report that has some "exclusive" information on the next iPhones.  Plural.

One will be an eight GB iPhone 4 and another will be the higher end model.

Thestreet.com reports that it means its a free iPhone.  Well, maybe but probably not.  Keep in mind that Apple and AT&T typically offers a lower end iPhone.  Currently, it's the iPhone 3GS.  and the year before that it was the iPhone 3G.

So, this newer model iPhone 4 with less storage falls in line with that kind of thinking.  There is absolutely no proof that Apple will price it low enough that carriers can subsidize the whole device and make it free.

There is one possibility.  If this newer iPhone 4 can be sold around $400, then that could happen.  Remember that Apple will be going after the post-paid market as well.  A $400 iPhone could be just what is needed but it is still pretty expensive compared to the Android devices that cost $200 to $300.

Can this newer iPhone 4 be free?  Only if it retails for $400 and wireless providers are willing to cover that cost.  Otherwise, look for $100 to start, just like how much the iPhone 3GS costs when the iPhone 4 came out.

Source:  The Street.

HP's Touchpad Fire Sale Provides Two Key Lessons

Did you manage to buy a Touchpad for $99?  If you did, I truly envy you.  I really do.  It says quite a bit about you.  Okay, you're smart.  Brilliant, really.

I'm sure the mobile device makers already know that.  Some bloggers do too but most generally assume that you aren't too savy when it comes to tech.

And the fire sale of the Touchpad provided two very valuable lessons for those who would try to convince to buy their tablet.  For some like RIM and Motorola, it could already be too late with their current offerings.  They'll make another effort.  But for some just getting ready, like Amazon, learn from this.