Apple trawling networks for tablet subsidies?

Apple profilt pie will be reduced

If Apple are going to sign any deals with any of the mobile suppliers then the suppliers will be looking at wanting a larger cut of the pie. And if they are successful then all will be rubbing their hands when the money start to rolling in.

A wink is as good as a nod

Given the amount of frenzy whipped up over this, and the flutter it's caused, there's only one possible name for this device:

iLash

Dodgy numbers

A 32GB iPhone 3GS can be purchased on PAYG for £550. The same phone can be purchased, contract free in the USA, for $699 (£507 if you convert to £ and add VAT). The £800 number quoted in the article has no basis in reality.

Already paying monthly for iPhone?

It may be that Apple won't impose another data contract on users, there may be an option to do without. This could be done in two ways: use tethered iPhone data, or using the iPhone to download and upload content for the tablet.

You could show emails/websites/apps/content on iPhone, flick the phone to 'throw' info to the tablet and use it offline. If you make any changes you want to upload to the net, drag back to iPhone to send from there.

The good, the bad, and the locked down tighter than a gnat's...

My main thought is that if this new device is locked down as tightly as an iPhone then the cost will have to be close to, or on a par with, a good quality netbook or lower-end laptop to counter the lock-down issue.

One of the things that stymied Linux netbook sales was, allegedly, people trying to install Windows software. Imagine the potential return rate if it isn't explained to Joe Public that not only can't they install Windows software on the iThingy, but they can't in fact install any software, unless it has been blessed by the church of St Jobs, and downloaded direct through a secure channel from the internet.

Personally, if this is the case, the device is a non-starter for personal use. Although if this thing is half as good as I suspect it will be, I shall probably buy a couple anyway and start work on some applications. Point of sale software, and interactive brochures strike me as two very rich veins.

Re Name

How about the I-Zac ( Newton) , ok I'll get my coat

And another thing...

If they are trawling the networks for subsidies, this can only mean that the device will be sold 'on contract'. Hopefully (ha!) we'll be able to purchase contract-free and network-unlocked also.

Evil Steve for the network lock-in.

Subsidised another way

I'm hoping that Apple can subsidise the iBook/iSlate/iPad/iWhatever another way.

I'd happily pay Apple a chunk of cash every month for rental access to TV shows on iTunes. That way I can ditch my flakey Sky TV sub, and get the benefit of the television shows that I want, when I want, on my iThingy, or Apple TV, or iPod, or anywhere else I have iTunes.

And get a subsidised iThingy.

However, with the blinkered nature of most content providers/TV networks, this is unlikely to happen. Can but hope, though...

pft!

"When Apple launched the iPhone, it decided to go it alone, believing that punters would pay top dollar for the Apple product. It is one of the few mistakes Steve Jobs made"

Curious, because what I remember is long lines round the block at launch followed by 6 months of supply issues.

Apple releasing the phone like that was about setting the table with the networks, showing them how fucking lucky they were that Apple was allowing them to sell their überfone.

To Recap: No Network Subsidy, but Apple takes a cut from the Network subscription plan. Apple handles user details and phone registration. Apple handles all extra revenue services such as music & ringtones, Apple defines design and operation of device. Apple maintains and updates phone firmware, Network must include unlimited data with all iPhone plans. Network must heavily advertise device. Network must provide support for users of device. Network must never make direct eye contact with Apple.

This is also why it took so long for MMS, it was never technically hard to implement, it was simply another kick in the balls for the networks so they knew their place in the relationship.

It's coming up for 3 years since Apple went it alone and now they still have all of the above but now the network buys the phone up front, and all it cost Apple was adding MMS lol.

Oh, the tablet, it's going to be initially strong in the education market then branch out from there as specialist apps become available. You shouldn't read anything into any subsidies other than as an indication of Apple's stronger negotiating position.

Price of an iPhone...

The iPhone costs a fecking ridiculous amount - how does it cost 300 quid more than an iPod touch????! How can Nokia knock out a whole phone at £15 but apple charge 20 times that to tack a phone onto their mp3 player?

Apple pitch their prices at what people are prepared to pay, not on any reflection of what the product costs them. Therefore, trying to guess their pricing strategy based on other fruit products is going to be a shot in the dark, at best. Since this is presumably going to be a fashion accessory to adorn the coffee table of trendy young professionals I'd expect it to come in at a price they're going to pay in their millions - which isn't going to be the best part of a grand.

Timeliness rules?

Alternative title: give a sprat to catch a mackerel?

Reasoning:

slates are probably wholesomely needed by the public but do the public realise that it is so?

And once the public realises that it is so the slate will become hot.

Traditional models tend to be elitist and cost recovery inspired but all that does is delay the day when such commodities become widespread with the public.

Taking a hit now makes for a robust market in the future yes?

And a robust market in the future makes for good sure footed business sense but it takes a longer term view of things.

Should one take an annual return view of things then it has to be elitist, it has to be limited and it has to be expensive yet the technology is capable and better if it is more universal, more common and more widespread?

Name

Or: i of Newt