05/14/2008, 5:00pm, EDT
Wednesday, May 14thIntel exec claims Atom-based Apple tablet
Intel Germany chief Hannes Schwaderer today claimed at a Munich company event that Apple is developing a touchscreen device based on his firm's new Atom processor for ultra-mobile devices. As interpreted by AppleInsider, the executive provides few details but indicates that it will be slightly larger than the iPhone due to a larger display.
The executive also implies that the equipment may be a new iPhone model, though previous rumors from AppleInsider have suggested a tablet-like device that would be used for general computing. Intel's current version of the Atom is also considered by many to be too hot and power-demanding for devices small enough to be used as cellphones; the basic 800MHz Atom chip is currently slated for ultra-mobile PCs as well as a new class of device known as a Mobile Internet Device, which is usually built for a combination of Internet access and media playback.
Intel itself has instead suggested that the Atom's replacement next year, codenamed Moorestown, will be more suitable to smartphones with both reduced power and heat as well as a reduced footprint. At a previous company Developer Forum, Intel revealed a prototype of an iPhone-influenced device that would use Moorestown but in a stretched-out form factor meant for carrying in a bag rather than a pocket.
The report also suggests that Apple has no plans to abandon the iPhone as-is and refers to common speculation that the company is bound to launch an updated 3G version at next month's Worldwide Developer Conference.
Filed under: iPhone, Apple
Other story tags: Intel, Moorestown
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Such a device could be useful as a PDA for quick data entry while walking around (great for doctors), remote control or basic data analysis while standing/walking around.
It could be the closest device we've seen so far to those PAD devices that were on Star Trek DS9 and Voyager.
The Star Trek device is a "PADD" = Personal Access Display Device. Created during the ST:TNG timeframe, as a Newton-esque remote computer interface terminal.
And yes: I think it would be great addition to the Apple computing-device lineup. So many have been looking for the Air to be smaller, and/or the iPhone to be larger, something like this appears that it could fill that niche, and do quite nicely.
the light of day
It could very well be the first comment is the most correct. Apple does a lot of R&D, and there are many patents and neo-products that never see the light of day. HOWEVER, some of the technology they develop during their research may make it into existing products.
Engage!
slightly larger than
the iPhone - by what - 2cm ? Or maybe actually a lot bigger and therefore able to constitute a computer instead of a big iPhone_
in other news...Hannes Schwaderer resigns his position among rumors that he broke his binding non-discloure agreement and now owes Apple his left testicle and first born_
Re: headline
If you can read German, how about posting a full translation, fur die Google eins sucks.