Submitted by David Kuan04.21.2009
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This prediction is closed and has been judged.
The rumor mill has been working for months on the topic of an "Apple netbook" or "Mac tablet" being announced by Apple. However, earlier rumors have failed to turn into an actual product announcement (see Apple announces a Mac tablet at MacWorld 2009?)
But, if such a product were to be announced this year, the event would likely be the World Wide Developer conference, the annual gathering for developers which has been used for Apple product announcements in the past. This year, the company is gearing up for WWDC '09 to kick off on June 8.
Prediction: This prediction contends that Apple will announce a netbook- or tablet-like device, characterized by at least two of the following characteristics:
* Larger screen than the current generation of iPod Touch and iPhone devices
* A physical keyboard
* Less CPU processing power and storage than new low-end Macbooks currently being sold in the Apple Store
In addition, the device will have a lower base price than the cheapest MacBooks currently being sold in the Apple Store, and will not be branded as an extension of the MacBook or iPod product lines. However, the device does not need to be called a "netbook" or "tablet" by Apple, as both terms are associated with portable PCs.
For the prediction to be favorably judged, Apple will have to make a formal announcement of the device and give enough basic product specs (including price) at WWDC in June.
Price History
Prediction Statistics
| Betting Closes: | Jun 05 2009 | Current Consensus: | 19.00% | Total Bets: | 29 |
| Today's Change: | 0% | ||||
| Life Time High: | 56.22% | ||||
| Life Time Low: | 16.11% |
Comments
Good analysis of Tim Cook's statements during yesterday's quarterly conference call about the possibility of a netbook-like device-
http://www.macworld.com/article/140164/2009/04/apple_netbook_cook.html
Here's another take: Cook was negative on netbooks, but what about a tablet?
http://theappleblog.com/2009/04/23/apple-says-no-to-netbook-quietly-nods...
Ian Lamont
Managing Editor
The Industry Standard
twitter.com/ilamont
A Mac Tablet announcement is still very possible at WWDC 2009. As for netbook, the prediction, http://www.thestandard.com/predictions/apple-launches-netbook-09, is probably a done deal.
I just posted a related prediction:
An Apple e-reader announced at WWDC '09?
Note that it's actually possible for both of these predictions to be judged as positive, if Apple releases an e-reader that fits the criteria above. However, it's also possible to judge one positive and one negative, if a tablet-like device is released but it doesn't have any e-reader browsing and purchasing mechanism.
Ian Lamont
Managing Editor
The Industry Standard
twitter.com/ilamont
An analyst is anticipating an Apple tablet "to fit between its iPod touch and MacBook devices", writes Alley Insider:
http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-tablet-in-2010-2009-5
However, the analyst thinks it wouldn't be available until next year. If this speculation is correct, the question would be when an announcement would be made, and what details are revealed in the announcement.
Ian Lamont
Managing Editor
The Industry Standard
twitter.com/ilamont
Lots of rumor-mongering on Apple especially closer to an event. Some claims hedge fund managers do this to make a quick short term gain. That said, the market is not prime for a Mac Tablet at this time.
The prediction only has 22 hours before it closes. Consensus now stands at just 19%. Last chance to bet!
Ian Lamont
Managing Editor
The Industry Standard
twitter.com/ilamont
Analysts skeptical about an Apple tablet:
http://www.thestandard.com/news/2009/06/04/no-tablet-no-cheap-iphones-ap...
Ian Lamont
Managing Editor
The Industry Standard
twitter.com/the_standard
Daring Fireball's WWDC predictions:
http://daringfireball.net/2009/06/wwdc_2009_predictions
Check out the note at the end regarding an Apple tablet.
Ian Lamont
Managing Editor
The Industry Standard
twitter.com/the_standard
Judged negative. No e-reader or tablet at WWDC.
Ian Lamont
Managing Editor
The Industry Standard
twitter.com/the_standard
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