5 Things We Want The Apple Tablet To Offer

With the recent rumors of a new tablet coming soon from Apple, we were salivating at the thought of what the tablet could possibly look like (if it looks like the picture above from ZDnet, then I’m all for it). Before Apple releases the tablet to the public, here’s a few things the Apple Tablet should offer.

iPhone on Steroids

We know Apple will be designing the new tablet with the Apple iPhone in mind. It’s one of their most successful devices, so why not use it as inspiration for a new design. The tablet can continue to have the virtual keyboard and multi-touch capabilities but should definitely offer Bluetooth connectivity to a mouse or keyboard.

The virtual keyboard alone should be fine for many. The iPhone keyboard took some time getting used to but it’s simple and easy to use once you get used to it. Of course, the tablet should be slim enough to carry anywhere. Netbooks are portable but they’re still very thick and clunky to use. Apple can avoid all those problems with a slim design, that’s not too heavy but also offers GPS and 3G capabilities as optional services (more on that later).

App Store/Software

The new tablet must have the iTunes app store. The current app store has over 50,000 apps but many of them are duplicates or apps that most people would never use on a regular basis. The iTunes app store for the tablet will need some tweaking since iPhone apps will not be good enough on a much larger screen with better graphics.

What the tablet will also need is a cross between a full-blown OS X and the current version available on the iPhone. Unless Apple is planning to install Snow Leopard in the tablet ahead of the launch date, then it would be best to have a crossover operating system. With Snow Leopard launching in September, there is a possibility the tablet will have a full OS X operating system.

Decent Price

This will be a major factor for many as they wonder if throwing down a few hundred dollars is going to be worth it for a Mac tablet. Previous rumors suggested a retail price of $800. That’s a pretty high price to pay for a tablet unless the specs on the device are off the charts. There have been other rumors that suggest Apple and Verizon working together to subsidize the cost of the device with a two-year data agreement. While that works for the companies to lower the upfront cost, the long-term costs become too high for the consumer. Personally, I’d rather pay the high up front cost than have to pay Verizon or any other company $60 or more per month for 3G internet service on a table, a service that I may not even use much. I’d say a realistic price for the tablet would be around $700-$800. Of course that’s including the so called “Apple tax”.

Kindle Killer

I own a Kindle and it’s a great device for reading books but it lacks some features that could make it great: ability to read blogs for free and browse the web. The Apple tablet can easily offer those features but will have to offer some of the things that make the kindle great; ease of use, eBook download capability and long battery life. Most people will flock to a device that offers more than just the ability to read books, which is why smartphones are so popular. If Apple can create something that will give the Kindle a run for its money, expect many people to jump ship and possibly buy the Apple tablet. I know I’d definitely sell my Kindle 2 if Apple’s tablet becomes a worthy eReader.

Better Battery Life

If you’ve ever used a netbook, you know how frustrating it is when the battery starts to die within a few hours use. Battery life is extremely important for a portable device and Apple needs to keep that in mind because iPhone doesn’t have great battery life either. Apple will have to fix that issue on the tablet to make it worthwhile. With battery life in mind, the tablet must have a better cooling system. We’re expected to place the tablet in our laps but if it can’t stay cool, it’ll be hard to use regularly.

What the Apple Tablet Doesn’t Need

I’m going to go out on a limb and say this; I don’t think the Apple tablet needs built in 3G internet service or GPS. Let me explain why.

If the rumors hold true and the device has a 9 to 10-inch screen, then it’s not something many people are going to pull out and use to look up their favorite restaurants or the closest Starbucks. It just won’t happen. I live in NYC but I have yet to see someone pull out a netbook in the park and use it for browsing the internet or answering any emails.

It’s one thing to have 3G service on your mobile phone on the go, but it’s another to carry it around on a 10-inch screen. Leave the 3G feature optional because most people, like myself, will only be using a tablet at coffee shops (free Wi-Fi), trains (no cell connection) or in my living room (Wi-Fi). The only time I use data on my iPhone is when I’m out with friends and I need to look up things. I can’t picture myself taking out a to-inch tablet at dinner to prove a point. I’ll probably get “douchebag” stamped on my forehead.

The same argument goes for GPS. It would be a nice optional feature to have if you’re a driver but for the rest of us, it’s not ideal to have in a tablet and carry around.

Leaving the 3G portion optional will also give buyers the option to pay the upfront cost of the tablet and never have to deal with monthly data bills or pay the cheap cost of the tablet and pay a monthly fee for the 3G service. Let the people choose what they want. But knowing Apple, they don’t really leave much up to the people.