New Apple products for 2012: Speculation and wish list

[reece146]

I never understood the point of a smaller iPad until recently. There were some niche cases but it seemed a step backward. I've been back in the office the last month+ and have had to interact with humans and in talking with the fairer sex I see a need for something smaller. The grasp that I use to hold the iPad in my left hand (pinky wrapped under, clamps against third finger and heel of palm) doesn't work for them because it is too much weight and their hands are too small.

I hope this new form factor doesn't ultimately replace the "large" iPad. I haven't liked the smallness of the Android devices in this smaller form factor that I've encountered.

[haven]

I think the original iPad is easy to use when you're seated. It's not easy to do much with the iPad while standing. I think the smaller iPad will be easier to use when you need to be mobile. The smaller size will be easier to tote around, and will fit better in a vehicle interior.

I'm using an iPad case called Tab-Mate from Mightypouch.com that has a slot for my hand on the back. This allows me to carry the iPad securely in one hand. The Tab-Mate is unique in that the handle (they call it a Tab-Mitt) is fastened to the case by velcro. This allows me to position the location and angle of the strap to fit the way I want to hold it. Or to remove it altogether. Other iPad cases with handhold are not as flexible.
http://mightypouch.com/tablets-e-rea...dtab-mate.html

[off-roader]

Apple is inviting the tech press to a meeting next week.

Has anyone heard more about this rumored press meeting scheduled for this week? Just curious.

[haven]

Apple sent out invitations to the computer industry press today, inviting them to a meeting October 23 in Cupertino. Speculation is that a smaller iPad will be announced as part of a meeting that focuses on digital publishing. Apple's iBooks program has been a bit of a dud, compared to Amazon and Barnes and Noble's offerings.

Ideas about where a smaller iPad should be priced are all over the map. Amazon and Google say their $199 tablets are being sold very close to the cost of making them. Apple could match the price, and effectively destroy Android tablet sales this holiday season. But I think this is unlikely. The cheapest iPad today is the iPad 2 with 16GB and WiFi only, price $399. The smaller iPad could be priced at $299, and see significant sales. Other models with more memory and a 4G cellular modem will run up the cost.

The reason why Apple waited until Oct 23 to make the announcement probably is due to Microsoft's plan to roll out the new Windows 8 tablets on Oct 26. Prices for Windows 8 tablets look like they have matched the current iPad prices, meaning $500 to $850, depending on options. A smaller iPad priced below $300 could make people think twice about the new Windows 8 devices. Microsoft is counting on the attraction of running Windows software like Microsoft Office to keep demand up, even at higher prices.

[Ryanmb21]

Rumor has it that the 10/23 event will also include new/updated Mac Minis, a 13" macbook Pro Retina and iMacs.

No mention if they will be offering newly updated stickers for the back of your car.

[BlueGerbil]

My personal Apple wish list:
- 15" MBP w/ retina display, not much larger then my 13.3" MBP 2011 now, QuadCore i7 ULV, 1 TB SSD, no optical drive, retina display
- "dumb" 27" display to match my Thunderbolt display, but cheaper
- iPhone 5 128GB (yeah, I keep lots of photos and music on it!)
- iPad 4 (same size, 128GB - see above - retina display, integrated camera connection kit (read: SD card slot) for viewing photos of my DSLR)

[HillbillyfromAL]

I think the next iPhone will have 128gb as a option. I'd really like to see them take the conventional 2.5in SSD into the 1-2TB range I like the fact that I could buy a new MacBook with the cheapest HDD in it then swap it out and not have to wait hours to transfer. Of course since I only have 20gb free I want a bigger SSD. After using my wife's iMac which has the combo I'd much rather have it like it is on my MacBook Pro. I rarely see the spinning wheel of patience anymore on mine. I think the retina display will be all across the board in a year or two.

[Honu]

I think the next iPhone will have 128gb as a option. I'd really like to see them take the conventional 2.5in SSD into the 1-2TB range I like the fact that I could buy a new MacBook with the cheapest HDD in it then swap it out and not have to wait hours to transfer. Of course since I only have 20gb free I want a bigger SSD. After using my wife's iMac which has the combo I'd much rather have it like it is on my MacBook Pro. I rarely see the spinning wheel of patience anymore on mine. I think the retina display will be all across the board in a year or two.

SSD and regular HDD you want to leave some breathing room helps a lot still try to leave %40 open if ya can


agree want HUGE SSD

[HillbillyfromAL]

Even though the SSD is quite full it still performs well. I'm just waiting for an affordable 1tb SSD.

[haven]

In addition to the iPad Mini, Apple announced several new products today.

1. new version of iBooks with continuous scrolling
iBookstore 1.5 million titles

2. updated MacBook Pro

13 inch screen, 2560x1600 pixels
Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, "Ivy Bridge"
up to 8 GB RAM, 768 GB flash storage
dual Thunderbolt ports
dual USB 3.0
SD card slot, HDMI output
Magsafe electric plug
Facetime HD front-facing camera, 720p

base model $1700
2.5 GHz i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB flash
available today

3. updated Mac Mini
Core i5 or i7 ivy Bridge
up to 16 GB RAM
1 TB hard drive or 256 GB SSD
Four USB 3.0 ports
SD card reader

base model $500
2.5 GHz Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB flash

server model $1000
2.3 GHz Core i7, 4 GB RAM, twin 1 TB hard drives

4. updated iMac
super thin, lighter than before

21.5-inch LCD, 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
27 inch LCD, 2,560 x 1,440 pixels
Intel Core i5 or i7
up to 32 GB RAM
up to 768 GB flash memory or 3 TB hard drive
three Thunderbolt ports, four USB 3.0 ports
720p Facetime camera

"fusion drive" option
combination of flash and hard disc, best of both
128 GB flash plus 1 TB or 3 TB hard drive
OS and apps on flash, hard drive for storage

21 inch base price $1300
2.7 GHz i5, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive

27 inch base price $1800
2.9 GHz i5, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive

5. updates for original iPad
Apple sold 100 million iPads in 2.5 years
new version of iBook Author to help create new content

4th generation iPad
A6X processor (iPhone 5 uses A6, iPad 3 uses A5X)
doubles CPU and graphics performance compared to iPad 3
Facetime 720p camera
LTE cellular modem
Lightning smaller power and accessory adapter port

prices stay the same, just double the performance