Why Apple's tablet won't be using Mac OS X
This is all Hypothetical assumption if a tablet comes out. There are couple reasons why Apple’s tablet will be using iPhone’s OS rather than Mac OS X.
Pricing
Ever since Macbook Pro 13 inch was released, the product differentiation between Macbook and Macbook Pro has been unclear. Apple knows that the tablet’s pricing is going to be a big factor. Anything priced above Macbook will lose the battle against already flooded market of netbooks. Pricing range of 600~800 seems fair value for just the product without any subsidization from cell phone companies. Will Apple make money from the device itself? No.
Just like how PS3 is priced, Apple will/need to make profit from some other places, like selling Apps. If the Tablet uses Mac OS X, selling hardware and a OS would be the only profit. If the tablet uses iPhone Apps, Apple will be able to collect commission from all the App store purchases.
App Store
App Store probably has more Apps than all the Application made for Mac OS X until now. Apple is currently domination with this new approach of centralized App repository. Why waste all the possibility when apple can make extra $$$ from App store commission revenue. I have always wished I would be able to run the iPhone Apps on my Mac. Apple won’t allow running iPhone Apps on OS X due to file access and easily abusable illegal App sharing. Only way would be making the tablet a Big brother of iPod Touch.
Battery Power
No matter how efficient a laptop battery has become, fancy new hardwares are eating up more power at the same rate. iPhone OS is much more efficient in battery life in standby compared to Macbook’s Sleep function. An iPhone in Airplane mode without any push/periodic check can last more than 3 weeks with a full charge. Assuming 10inch screen, that would be about 9 times the current screen real-estate. This means bigger battery. Getting rid of USB and display ports can definitely add more room for the battery too.
My Prediction of the Tablet
- It is going to be a big brother of iPod Touch
- It will come with 3G data plan(hopefully Verizon), this will allow Apple to subsidize the pricing.
- Online Game market will be big on this device. Think of MMORP(ex.WOW) to go.
- Interactive social networking.
- It will be the "Cloud Device" Using iWork in the Cloud, and more
My Must have features
- Bluetooth Keyboard capability(without this, game market will be crippled)
- Front facing Camera(taking a picture with 10inch tablet will be foolish but video chat would be nice)