Opening the Book on an Apple iBook Reader

by , 3:45 PM EST, February 5th, 2008

In the past, Steve Jobs has denigrated some technologies that seemed logical for Apple to pursue. At one time, Mr. Jobs said Apple would never build an iPhone. He doubted people would want to watch video on an iPod. Then, recently, he said that few people read any more and that the Kindle would go nowhere. That's enough proof that Apple is working on their own eBook/iBook, small tablet sized reader, according to Jim Lynch at Extreme Tech on Tuesday.

In fact, Mr. Lynch is really surprised that people in the media even fall for that ruse any more.

Of course, the iPhone and iPod touch are just a bit too small to comfortably read an eBook. A larger screen, like the Kindle is needed, and Mr. Lynch pointed to the evidence. AppleInsider has reported from sources that Apple never really gave up on the Newton project and is working on a Mac tablet or slate that exploits the multitouch technology.

iTablet Concept

Even more telling is recent evidence that Apple is interested in a specific 5.2 inch LCD screen made in Germany. "Then about a month ago, another source revealed that Apple has shown significant interest in a 5.2 inch, 800 x 480 pixel touch screen design by Balda, a German company and the current iPhone screen supplier, and Wintek, an Asian component supplier. This second piece of evidence reveals the real purpose of this new device, an ultra mobile device occupying a position between the 3.5 inch iPhone and the much rumored 7-10 inch Apple tablet. There was also a previous article I wrote which highlighted Apple's sudden concern for flash memory supplies in 2008, despite industry predictions for next year which emphasize greater production and softer demand. This further confirms that Apple is working on a new device due sometime in 2008 that will put strains on the flash memory supply chain," Mr. Lynch wrote.

Adding to the speculation, Mr. Lynch pointed out that Apple still owns the name "iBook." He went on to also point out that a color LCD screen of this size could breathe new life into the comic book and graphic novel industry. "Comics could be a killer app for the iBook reader," the author concluded.

TMO notes that that tablets haven't really been successful because they're designed for people who have to do work on them. Leave it to Apple to figure out that the format is a good idea, it's just that the target user was misunderstood and neglected.