Unless you’ve been on a sabbatical to Elbonia, you know that Apple, Inc. is about to release a tablet computer. The unannounced, unknown device is commonly known as iTablet, iSlate, iPad, or Jesus Tablet by technology pundits. Arik Hesseldahl in BusinessWeek:
The hunger for information—and misguided speculation—reminds me of the mistaken prognosticating about the iPhone before its introduction three years ago. It may be time to step back and realize that Apple may uncork a product so surprising that the company again leaves the tech industry scrambling to catch up to its products’ smooth operation and sleek design.
So, what should we expect from Apple (besides the unexpected)?
Apple may throw everyone a curve ball here. Imagine an Apple tablet about the size of a 11-in. spiral notebook with an iPhone-like touch screen. How about the ability for the machine to recognize voice commands and dictation of text? A built-in video camera and maybe a mini-projector for meetings would be nice. And if the reports of Apple’s discussion to land print media content in the iTunes store are true, how about an easy-on-the-eyes display for reading electronic magazines and books?
Besides email, music, movies, TV shows, and browsing on a larger screen device, what will the Jesus Tablet do that isn’t already being done by an iPhone or a Mac?
We use PCs and laptops to get things done when we’re stationary; we use mobile devices to stay informed and complete small tasks when we’re out and about. This device, it seems, will either have to incorporate both paradigms or have to create one of its own.
Basically, nobody but Apple knows.
But I’ll buy one.