The oft-rumored Apple table computer may have attracted a media storm of buzz throughout the year with various rumors, but as the iSlate becomes more of a reality, the question becomes whether or not that buzz will translate into sales. While Apple has successfully positioned the iPod Touch and the iPhone in the marketplace, it will have a much more difficult time with the iSlate.
The iPod Touch is a digital music player. The iPhone is a smartphone. What is the iSlate?
Despite what analysts may think, apps alone will not sell Apple's tablet computer. At least, not the existing apps. After all, we can already get those with our iPod Touch and iPhone, so why go out and get a tablet?
Nor will the iSlate compete against the flurry of netbooks that have hit the market in the last few years. With the evolution of cloud computing, netbooks are becoming powerful devices capable of replacing our existing laptops. But without a physical keyboard, it isn't likely that the iSlate will become popular as a surrogate workplace. Tablets just don't make great work computers.
Perhaps the iSlate will do for digital video what the iPod did for digital music. Certainly, we are approaching the time when DvD and Blu-Ray will be replaced by digital and streaming video. Or perhaps the ability to be a capable eReader along with a web browser and the different applications available in the app store will be enough to push the device beyond just a few die-hard technogeeks who'll gobble up any gadget so long as it registers a 9 or above on the cool meter.
But one thing is clear: Apple has their work cut out for them marketing the iSlate to a public that is not quite ready to adopt tablet computing.
Next iPhone due for a 5MP camera upgrade
AT&T: No tiered pricing for iPhone data plans
More iPhone news
iPhone tips
How to remove duplicate songs from iTunes
How to convert a song to an iPhone ringtone
How to save iPhone battery life
More iPhone tips
Comments