Borders survey presumes future 'iPad' e-reader

A Borders customer survey asks about a mystery Apple iPad large-screen reading device.

(Credit: Borders/Screenshot by Michelle Meyers/CNET)

This story was updated Tuesday with some clarification about the origin of the iPad reference. See details below.

There are a gazillion rumors swirling out there about a forthcoming Apple tablet of some sort. And while we certainly don't feel the need to point you to each and every supposed leaked photo or tip from a super-secret inside source, this potential clue is too interesting to pass on.

MacLife appears to be the first to have noticed that a survey Borders e-mailed to customers, for which those willing to participate earn a coupon for 20 percent off, referenced a device called the Apple iPad.

More specifically, after getting a sense of my taste in books and buying habits, Borders asked about my familiarity with digital-reading devices and whether "I plan to buy an Apple iPad (large-screen reading device) this year." Hmmm, that was a toughie.

It's hard to know what to make of this reference. Perhaps Borders has some sort of inside knowledge, or perhaps the third-party producer of this survey reads Apple fan blogs. Or maybe Borders is just listening to CNET readers, who seemed to like the name iPad in our "Name that Netbook" poll.

Only time (and Apple's anticipated September event) will tell.

Updated at 3:15 p.m. PDT on Tuesday: A Borders representative said book audience research firm Codex Group conducted the poll on behalf of Borders and "included the term iPad in the survey." However, Codex Group founder and CEO Peter Hildick-Smith declined to explain the origin of the term, deferring to his client, Borders.

In other words, we still don't know if someone was trying to predict the future, has inside knowledge, or is simply having fun with Apple watchers.

[monkeyfun14]

Does borders know something that we don't?

[sman591]

The name "iPad" just doesn't seem like a name that Apple would come up with...

[monkeyfun14]

That would be a image nightmare lol.

[assman]

I'm actually convinced by this. It seems legit, Borders marketing team has probably been in so much discussion with Apple over this device that they forgot it hadn't been publicly announced yet.

I'm willing to bet we'll see the Apple iPAD released this year or next to compete with Amazon. They'll probably offer digital books in the iTunes store and partner with Borders and other big retailers.

The name is perfect, I disagree with sman, it sounds exactly like a name Apple would use. The iPod for music and video and the iPad for reading and note-taking (it'll probably be touch-sensitive).

The best confirmation of this is if the iPAD reference is quickly removed from the survey now.

[ResinNation]

I beg to differ on the point that whomever posted this survey knew a thing about Apple's products - they don't even refer to the iPod touch properly.
Also, iPad? You really think that sounds realistic?
While I do believe an Apple device is in the works, my bet is that it will do a whole lot more than just be a book reader and big ol' iPod. I'd look more to something in the netbook vein, and quite frankly, when it comes to downloadable media, Apple really doesn't need to partner with any other retailers. iTunes and the App Store are pretty good indicators to that.
I could be wrong, of course... but I'm not.

[applebyte201]

Just went to take survey iPad is no longer a choice

[ebpda9]

Could it be a typo? That name seems a bit odd.

[assman]

Yeah.. just as odd a name as "iPod" was when it was released..

[smrterthnu]

Except the "O" is on the other side of the keyboard. I wonder if the iPad will be worth the wait. GOD I HOPE SO!! GIMMYGIMMYGIMMY.

[mrwater]

Hey, smnterthnu, they must be typing with a Dvorak keyboard layout. The A and O keys are right next to each other.

[stskhalsa]

iPad: Two products in one - a large screen iPod Touch AND a feminine hygiene product...

[Markus2008]

Nice :) About the story though, they probably just misspelled iPod, thinking it was different than what they referred to as the "iTouch".

[PhoenixFiresky]

They also mention that Plastic Logic's reader will come out "next year" (which we know to be early 2010). But they talk about the iPad as if it's out already, which would place it's expected release in 2009.

Interesting.

[aafreund90]

It look's like someone might not have a job on Monday morning.

[ashis23]

this article talks about rumored iPad on pc mags website
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2346545,00.asp

so, maybe it is true.

[roark1]

I agree with the group that thinks the name "iPad" seems almost logical. I have read rumors that Apple TV technology will be included, making it an "iPod Touch AV". What was obviously inspired by the iPod Touch, I think that the iPad is going to chart those grey areas of "quick idea" notepad. Its just realizing the abilities of the Touch, and making those features in a more usable and readable surface. I mean iPad sound better then "iSteno". Just because the iPod has internet surfing abilities, its certainly not the greatest web device conceived. It's just too small.

Its just logical,

iBook = Notebook Binder
&
iPad = Yellow Legal Steno Pad.

[monkeyfun14]

Its only good until trolls start using the name as artillery.

MacsiPad

[professionaladventurer]

Oops, someone is getting iFired.

[bugfish]

I would have to guess based on past experience with Borders that they do not have inside information on Apple products. Apple just doesn't let that information out to third party retailers. This survey question is based on the common assumption that Apple is coming out with a tablet of it's own.

[blakestar]

Genius marketing...

[svgtom]

I doubt the "a" in iPad was a typo for "o" since it's described as a "large screen reading device" which is odd in itself since reading on the still rumored tablet Apple is only supposed to be one of its many functions. Also, wasn't there as article a couple of weeks ago indicating that there are no plans to add books to iTunes?

[svgtom]

whoops! my comment should read "Apple tablet"

[Yelonde]

*steve jobs walks into borders, pulls out a chainsaw*
"I TOLD YOU GUYS NOT TO TELL!!!!!!!!"

[NikEst]

Common, Jobs just had a kidney transplant, he can't lift a chainsaw. Think man.