Would you buy the rumored Apple tablet if it came out?

[untmdsprt]

Rumors have been flying recently that Apple may be putting out a tablet based computer in the near future. This would be great if they used the full Mac OS instead of the iPhone OS.

I could see myself buying one if they added the multi-touch feature to use the Chinese handwriting function, and if it was lighter than my Macbook.

Would anyone else buy such a thing?

[Belton]

I'd be interested in seeing it.
The fingerpainting kanji input might be more usable if it were on a larger screen but I'd much prefer if a proper stylus could be used, however I doubt they will offer anything so useful and I can't afford a modbook. The crayon like pens for the iPhone aren't much improvement on a finger and a finger just isn't good enough to write with, though fine for buttons and gestures.
And... Japanese developers would have to write interesting software aimed at children or port the software already used on windows tablets in some schools.
In the meantime my DS gives better functionality for kanji writing practice. The new DSi LL might be more interesting and much cheaper. And my MacBook has lots of life still left in it.

[Tangram]

Probably not, because it would be way overpriced. My HP tablet notebook is a great computer, and the tablet is at least on the level of most midgrade tablet devices I've used. It was $800. Apple doesn't even make a laptop for that cheap. It would definitely not be worth the money to me.

However, for all of the Apple fankids who won't use a PC, I'm sure it would be great for practicing writing Asian characters. My tablet notebook picks up the writing really well, and Windows Journal has a chisel tip that I use. It makes even my terribly written characters look beautiful.

[untmdsprt]

Well since this was posted, the Apple tablet actually is real. Unfortunately, it's running the iPhone OS and has a stupid name of iPad.

It seems to me that Apple has put it squarely in the ebook category along with the Kindle. If you look at it this way, then yes the iPad is a good value for what you get compared to other ebook readers. If the thing had a camera, and an iChat app I would have instantly bought one for my mom so we could video chat. Her PC laptop is nothing but a pain to both of us so we never bother to video chat.

My bf is looking at it if and when there are a lot of Japanese titles he can read on it. He's in the market for a Kindle, but I told him to wait and see what Apple does for the Japanese market.

I personally don't have a use for it because I already have an iPhone.

[Ulver_684]

The ipad costs $500- 800! I won't buy it until the price goes down because like untmdsprt-san said it has the iphone os!

[untmdsprt]

Keep waiting Sindy! Apple NEVER lowers their prices for anything. They just wait until it's cost effective to add new features. You either want it or you don't.

With Apple you have to set a price you're willing to pay and then see if anything fits within that range. Apples are built for the long term. My current Macbook is going on 3 years old, and running Snow Leopard. I don't see any reason to replace it with something newer as it does everything just fine.

The iPad is actually cheaper that most ebook readers like the Kindle. The Kindle DX only has 4GB, while the iPad starts with 16GB.

Again, I'm waiting until they put a camera into the iPad then I'll order one for my mom.

[untmdsprt]

Well now that Apple has announced that Japan will be getting the iPad on May 28th, I've decided that I really don't want one. Here are my thoughts:

1. Already have an iPhone
2. Lost my job at the last minute and struggling to find something else
3. Too big to take on the trains here in Japan
4. Have used Ubuntu, and deciding to switch to it for my daily needs when I can get another computer.

Anyone else change their minds about buying one?