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Will the iSlate bring 3g to the masses? Excelsior! (Posted by: Sam)

1/11/2010

5 Comments

 
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I’m writing this, my first post in my new little corner of the Internet, from a location without reliable wireless. Particularly, I’m writing from Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO, a junior college that is a far cry from the giant lectures and endless hikes across campus I’m used to. All things considered, you would think wireless would be a bare necessity in this day-and-age, especially for a college, regardless of size. This simply isn’t the case and I’m stuck waiting to get home before I can post this.

Naturally, I can still go online and stay connected via my iPhone. Why? It has 3G of course, a service that is quickly becoming the norm for more and more people, even if it is limited to cell phones and those who can afford the mobile wireless hot spots.


However, everyday there’s new tech that enables us to move further from our desks while still remaining productive. Obviously one of the most exciting prospects that has exploded in popularity and rumors is the infamous Apple tablet. Whether it will be called the “iSlate” or something else, this new device is poised to change the rules.

With the prospect of the tablet having 3G, it makes it all the more exciting to consider the possibilities. Granted, 3G has been around for some time; it generally is limited to our cell phones (unless you use the Google Nexus 1, bummer), mobile hotspots, or 3G plug-in cards.

The problem with these isn’t found in the speed or reliability of the service, but in the price. With 3G cell phone service being much higher than the regular service and mobile hotspot service having a similar, high monthly fee in addition to purchasing the router itself.
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(Credit: James Martin/CNET)
I feel like this is an area that the Apple tablet will be very helpful in, driving down the cost of 3G coverage and use. Before you call me crazy and say that Apple makes some of the most overpriced shiny toys available, think about the consequences of the new device.            

It has already been reported that the tablet will be a 3G device similar to the iPhone only larger and with a fuller featured version of Mac OS X. What we will see once this device is introduced is an initial bevo of copy cats and “me too” devices similar to what happened with the iPhone when everyone wanted a touchscreen, no matter how crappy.

Once the initial excitement dies down, people will realize how great it is to be able to use 3G coverage to do more than just look up sports scores on a cell phone, and companies will respond. All of the new technology and innovation when it comes to how 3G will be used will work to bring down the currently high prices of 3G coverage to levels comparable with the Wi-Fi prices we saw a few years ago.

This is not to say that 3G will be the successor to Wi-Fi, as it still can not stand up to a solid broadband connection in terms of speed; but it will push the bar as to what we expect our devices to be capable of in terms of accessing our online lives.

So, wait and see what happens on January 27, when the Apple Tablet is set to meet the public. There will be cheers, there will be jeers, but above all there will be progress.


5 Comments
Nik Mogilny
1/14/2010 11:45:25 am

Has Apple released a possible price for the iSlate? Another concern of mine for the product is how will the 3G network perform on this larger device? Will it be close to the speed of regular wifi, or will it be slow and sluggish like the 3G on the iPhone? On that same point, will the iSlate be able to take advantage of features and programs such as flash player, which the iPhone can not?

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Hopeful
1/14/2010 12:12:40 pm

It will be interesting to see whether the tablet will have 3g native or will use the iPhone for tethering (will we finally get tethering?). If I already have an iPhone (with the requisite data plan) will I have to purchase another data plan with the tablet? If so, I can't (won't) go there.

AT&T is in big trouble with their 3g service. Simply overloaded. I hope that Apple breaks ties with them and allows connectivity to other carriers.

I'd love to see the tablet blow me away. But, there's many things to wonder about. Can't wait to see what we get!

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GameShoeStaffer
1/21/2010 01:16:37 pm

Hey guys thanks for the comments. I'll do my best to answer some of your questions.

Nik-
Price wise, estimates are saying between 600 and 1000 dollars. Most guesses are saying 800. As far as 3G goes, I would see this device being the beginning of the end for AT & T exclusivity. Why? For one everyone else wants in and two, having all the 3G apple devices on one network will only slow things down unless the performance of the network receives a serious boost, which it very well could. When it comes to flash, we are looking at most smartphones being flash capable by the end of the first quarter/ beginning of the second quarter. However, Apple has said they won't be among the first to take advantage of this. So, maybe the tablet will, since it should be a richer iPhone; but I look for the iPhone to have flash eventually too, er, at least the mobile version.

Hopeful-
It looks as though the tablet will be set to go for 3G straight from the box. Data plans have been an iffy subject as not many rumors are circling about that. However, I can tell you that AT&T has recently reduced the data plan price for iPhone so this could be a great change for them to make 3G more accessible. As I wrote above, the availability of 3G is going to be a big determining factor in the success of devices such as this. If the masses can't use it, then sorry, it becomes another expensive toy. I too feel that AT&T has been sluggish with 3G. Lack of Apple on other carriers has made them stagnate and not worry about competition. Once the iPhone and Tablet make it to other carriers (my money is on yes, they are stepping out) then hopefully we will see competitors ramping up their 3G service to beat the other guy. Of course, the consumer usually benefits from competition with better products and varied pricing.
Thanks for commenting and stay tuned, Wednesday the 27th is gonna be big!

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Air Jordan link
2/16/2011 08:53:07 am

There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. Do you think so?

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venta de sibutramina link
3/18/2011 05:56:01 pm

Must be spread gadget fanatic will surely going to get insane!

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