The iPad could get a significant makeover this year. One analyst believes Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will launch an iPad Hybrid that brings the best of both a tablet and laptop together.
Apple may introduce exciting new gadget
Patrick Wang from Evercore Partners believes a 12-inch tablet hybrid is in the works and will likely change the whole laptop market. Wang shared his predictions in a note to investors this week. He thinks the new iPad will feature a larger display (about 12-inches) and feature an “A8” processor. This tablet is likely to debut during fall 2014.
Wang predicts this purported device will revamp the laptop computer market. Although Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has already tapped into the market with their version of hybrid tablets which run on Windows 8. His note elaborated, “Arriving in fall ‘14, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) goes Enterprise with an 12” iPad. Powered by the A8 chip (perhaps 4C), this expands ARM’s reach and, once again, transforms the traditional notebook market as we know it. Expect a 2-1 hybrid – think iPad + MBA – similar to how most iPads are used in the workplace and in the same spirit of MSFT’s Surface. We discussed A7 in detail, the benefits of 64b, and why it makes sense in our note. Two obstacles: (1) Microsoft Office not just Office 365 and (2) local storage. This would hit Intel in an area of strength – enterprise NBs – and open up the monopoly to price competition, a common theme for Intel in 2014.”
Apple’s tablet to give Microsoft a run for their money
If Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) attempted to take on Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Surface tablet line, it would be surprising. The company’s chief executive officer Tim Cook took many opportunities to knock their competitor. Back in April 2012, he likened the tablet to converging a toaster and fridge. At the last iPad event, he said their competition is confused by turning personal computers into tablets and tablets into personal computers.
