Dubai: The new Apple tablet (rumoured to be called iPad or iSlate) will cost between $599 (Dh2,200) and $799 (Dh2,900)and feature solar panels for recharging as well as a digital TV tuner and a personal video recorder, according to a leading blogger.
Jason Calacanis, a well known name in the tech field whose previous company helped launch Engadget, and who has worked for AOL and Netscape, claims to have been given a sneak preview of the eagerly awaited device.
On his Twitter feed @jason, he described it as "amazing" and "the greatest device ever" before telling his followers that he was taking the tablet to bed with him.
Rumours and hoaxes have been popping up all over the internet but Calacanis, who says that his non disclosure agreement with Apple had expired, is the most credible source yet.
The tech guru said that the new Apple tablet was "really amazing for (reading) newspapers" and featured "super stable" video conferencing.
Blogger Dustin Curtis has also posted what appears to be the first pictures of the device on his blog. Fake ads and fan-videos of the device that is set to revolutionise the market have also peaked interest.
It has long been rumoured the device could be the springboard for giving the electronic reader (of which there are currently two main players the Kindle and Sony’s e-reader) mass market popularity.
He also tweeted that the games available on the device will be of high quality, with good news for Facebook addicts:"Apple tablet games are sick. Basically nintendo wii-level innovation. Custom farmville app is insane."
And as great as it might sound for people in the UAE, Calacanis described the solar panel as a gimmick as "it really doesn't work quickly".
Those expecting to sit and play for hours on end may be disappointed with the revelation that the battery life lasts only two or three hours when playing games or using wi-fi, but may be buoyed by his claim that the price would include a wireless keyboard and connection to televisions or monitors.
The official launch of the, as yet still secret and un-named, Apple product will be at 10pm UAE time. Come back for pictures and all of the news from the event.
