Apple Tablet a Concept Since 1983!
January 24th, 2010
The Apple Tablet has been a concept since 1983. The popular touch-screen application that’s sort of like an iTouch on steroids has gained a significant amount of anticipation over the past couple of weeks. One would think that the Apple Tablet would be a relatively new concept, dreamed up after the success of the iPhone and iTouch. However, it’s been noted that designers have unearthed designs that existed back in 1983.
Despite what you might think, the Apple Tablet’s predecessor wasn’t a touch screen application. The prototype was called “Bashful” after one of Snow White’s 7 dwarfs and featured an attachable keyboard. It also included a handle for “enhanced portability.” One version even included a phone attachment. Can you imagine how this technology would have taken off if implemented in the early 1980′s as it was being developed?
For those that think that naming a prototype after a character in Snow White was a little strange, you should note that the computer language used by Apple during the time was dubbed “Snow White.” The language was developed by Frog Designs, and was used in popular products such as the Apple IIc and the corporate Macintosh SE.
The history of the Apple Tablet is quite interesting, considering that Apple is expected to unveil the product on Wednesday. Of course, until Steve Jobs appears on stage with a product and introduces it, one should not count their chickens before they hatch.
Also expected during the January 27th event is a new software upgrade for the iPhone and new versions of iLife. Despite the hype surrounding Apple’s 10 inch tablet, some speculate that it may not be as big of a success as expected. PC World pointed out that even though tablet computers have been available since the 1990s, they only account for 1% of the market.
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