According to the big league media, Apple is really doing the tablet this time. After many rumored announcements, the swell behind this unannounced announcement is impressive. If the tablet is real, as virtually everyone would have us believe, the bigger question quickly becomes, “who’s radio will it have?”
Apple’s tablet would need to be connected. An always-on connection to the internet is a prerequisite for most netbooks, laptops and of course, smartphones. An Apple tablet that relies only on WiFi isn’t nearly as interesting.
Apple’s relationship with AT&T has been tight since the launch of the iPhone and Apple has gone to bat for AT&T over the 3G bruhaha, so maybe the love affair would continue. However, the analysts point to Verizon. From PHONE+
Analysts are saying that Verizon Wireless will be a 3G carrier for the device. Broadpoint AmTech analyst Brian Marshall is saying that unnamed sources have told him that it’s a “certainty” that Verizon will support the tablet. However, so will other carriers, he said – it will be a non-exclusive
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The non-exclusive route seems to make the most sense. Apple would be able to point to Tablet sales with a Verizon radio to provide the carrot to carry the iPhone at a premium (the stick). PC/laptop/netbook are typically non-exclusives with limited subsidies – very different than the smartphone market.
What if Apple has coaxed AT&T to allow tethering on the iPhone for the event? By tethering to the iPhone, iPhone customer could avoid another mobile data bill each month simply by using the same connection they currently pay for. It would be an interesting alignment to get AT&T to step into the promised tethering world for the iPhone.
Will we see one tablet version with multiple radios or a customized tablet for each vendor? Will the vendor subsidize the tablet? How quickly will the price fall?
Assuming they are not just showing us the iPod touch with a camera, this is going to be an interesting event.
Read [Appletell]
I like this.
Nice.