Apple Mac Tablet PC and other products in Mid 2007

Apple researchers have built a full working prototype of a Mac tablet PC and three Companies in Taiwan are now costing a product for a potential launch in mid 2007.

Sources in Taiwan have said that the focus has been more on the home and the education environment than the enterprise marketplace. Several months ago It was told that Apple was exploring a neat new device that is basically a touch screen that links to various source devices including a brand new media centre that Apple is planning to launch next year.

The Mac tablet has been designed to handle third party applications such as home automation software that will allow users to control lighting, audio, entertainment devices and security feeds. It also acts as a full blown PC has wireless linking for a new generation of Wireless Hi Fi speakers that are currently being tested by Apple.

One set of speakers which are similar in size to the small Bose speakers have been developed by an Australian Company.

The new MAC tablet has Intel processors as well as a docking station that allows the device to link to screens with HDMI input. The docking station also has additional memo0ry capability so that users can stream content to either the tablet PC or the docking station or directly to a media centre if one is being used.

During the past year Apple has lodged several touch screen patents. They have also lodged patents for wireless devices. However three patents according to sources have been lodged by third part Companies who are licensing technology to Apple.

Quanta and Hon Hai Precision Industry are Taiwanese Companies that make notebooks and other devices for Apple. Both have signed confidentiality agreements with Apple for the Tablet Mac.

Source : SmartHouse, Engadget

Apple 'iPhone'

The long-rumored arrival of a hybrid mobile phone and iPod music player from Apple Computer Inc. has morphed from a question of "If" to "When" among fans and analysts.

Since Apple's introduction of the iPod five years ago, the company has sold more than 67 million of the devices and more than 1.5 billion songs from its iTunes online music store.

Now, Chief Executive Steve Jobs and Apple are poised to roll out what has been dubbed the "iPhone," perhaps as soon as January next year at the Macworld conference that kicks off every new year, analysts say.

"From a technical standpoint, the phone is pretty much done," said American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu. "It's a big endeavor and we believe it's beyond speculation."

"There is a lot of buzz," said Gartner analyst Mike McGuire. "But there are also a lot of things in the way that make it difficult. Which carrier and the like they use are not trivial challenges."

Jobs and Apple are famously tight-lipped about unannounced products. But company Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer did hint about a possible mobile phone with iPod-like functions during a conference call with analysts in July to discuss third-quarter financial results.

"We don't think that the phones that are available today make the best music players," he said. "We think the iPod is. But over time, that is likely to change. And we're not sitting around doing nothing."

"The key challenge here is if they were doing it, it has to be a very good phone and a good extension or subset of the iPod and iTunes software," McGuire said. "It's not just music. It would have to be a good media device."

Source : Reuters
Note : Above image is not actual Iphone. Other suggested images on Apple Iphone Blog

Sony Ericsson W300i

Over all : A full-fledged music phone for the price of two CDs? Sign us up, especially considering the all-around quality of this attractive flip phone.

Pro: Excellent call quality, reception, battery life, PC connectivity, and music capabilities for the price.

Con: No stereo Bluetooth. Speakerphone should be louder.

Price: $29.99 (with contract) $179.99

Specs:
Service Provider: Cingular Wireless
Screen Size: 1.8 inches
Screen Details: 1.8", 128x160, 262k-color main display; 1", 101x80 monochrome external display
Camera: Yes
Megapixels: 0.3
Bluetooth: Yes
Web Browser: No
Network: GSM
Bands: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
High-Speed Data: GPRS, EDGE
Special Features: Music

New iPod Shuffle Set to Arrive Nov. 3

Apple said Tuesday that it planned to release the second-generation iPod Shuffle on Nov. 3, which is thought to be the world's smallest MP3 player at just a half a cubic inch in volume and weighing in at a half an ounce. The player has a 1-gigabyte capacity and retails for $79 USD.

Originally The cause of the delay is unknown, however it looks as if the new Shuffle will be the last new iPod before the new year and Macworld 2007. "The new iPod shuffle completes our all-new lineup of iPods for this holiday season and beyond, and we hope it's going to be a huge hit," Apple worldwide marketing vice president Greg Joswiak said.