For the past two years I’ve prefaced my comments about Apple’s rumored tablet computer with the word allegedly. Allegedly Apple is making a jumbo iPhone. Allegedly it operates on a new operating system, a hybrid of Leopard and the iPhone OS. Allegedly Apple has deals with major media companies. Allegedly Steve Jobs thinks the Apple tablet will be the most important thing he’s accomplished. Now, on the eve of an Apple media event where allegedly Apple will unveil the “iSlate” or “iPad” or “iWhatever-it-will-be-called,” even more rumors abound. The release of the new device, however, seems almost certain. And I am agog.
If you have not already guessed my brand loyalties, let me clarify: I am an unabashed Apple supporter. MacRumors, AppleInsider, and 9 to 5 Mac are among the first posts I check when I read my RSS feeds in the morning. I have eschewed all other tablet pcs and e-readers in favor of an Apple created tablet. I have even adjusted my spring budget to allow for the purchase of the yet to be released Apple device.
I understand arguments against Apple products: They are expensive and break too often. Yet, for the past decade they have also been consistently innovative and occasionally ground-breaking. Two characteristics that I prize heavily.
I eagerly awaited the release of the first generation iPhone much like I have awaited the release of the tablet. I believed and still believe, especially with the success of the App Store, that these devices will redefine educational experiences and facilitate unimagined learning opportunities. Tomorrow, I hope, is a moment when possibility meets reality.
(Also, if the potential for Apple’s tablet and/or netbooks, along with digital content, to replace traditional textbooks interests you, check out June’s blog about netbooks and downloadable content in the classroom.)
