It's a pretty exciting day for geeks today. Apple is making a big to-do about their much talked about Apple Tablet and the world will be introduced to it at 10am PST. Of course, it won't be called the Apple Tablet. There are many rumors about what it will be named, including the "iSlate".
Personally, I'm not feeling a lot of love for that name -- it's reminiscent of school days when the teacher wrote on the slate and occasional scratched her sharp nails on it. Or is that a chalkboard?
There is so much talk on the web about this iSlate, iTablet, Apple Tablet, iVeryExpensive...whatever it's going to be called...that it is a bit disturbing. Sure, McGraw Hill CEO Terry McGraw spoke about the tablet on CNBC yesterday. Big deal...as if that wasn't staged to create even more pandemonium.
We all know it's coming and it sounds like it might be around $800+ to buy the iPhone on steroids. That's with a rumored Verizon (why not AT&T?) contract. So, you have to marry Verizon to get the $800 "deal" but it may be closer to $1000 to buy it without a contract.
The economy is still sucking the life out of most of us, yet we're really excited about a $1000 Apple tablet. Can't fit it in your pocket but you can read books on it. I can't imagine reading to my child at night from a tablet. Safe to say, I love gadgets but I also think books should not be replaced by electronics.
What's all the hype about? Sure, it's going to be fantastic. You'll be able to scroll through a magazine at lightening speed. So much for relaxing and enjoying a magazine. You will be able to use the Apple Tablet as an e-reader and never go to the library again. Pity.
The anticipated Apple table might be great in the medical world. Portable medical records for doctors to reference. Hmmm. OK, nice idea but where is the doctor going to put it? On his clip board?
Great idea for students but they will still need a laptop or computer of some kind to get their homework done. The cost of a college education is staggering enough, never mind adding another grand to the total.
Supposedly this gadget will be about 10", which isn't that big but it's not like throwing an iPhone in your pocket. It won't replace a laptop but it is likely to out-do the netbook market for those who have cash to spare.
Yes, it's going to be amazing and those of us who like geeky things (I'm included) will be tuning in to what ever live coverage we can find on the Internet. However, is this another toy with some decent potential? Who really needs another amazing piece of technology?
It's cult-like, that's for sure. Reading a few tweets this morning solidifies the fact that people are crazy for Apple and anything new they produce:
BradPareso: APPLE TABLET IPAD ITABLET CANVAS THE TABLET THE HOLY GRAIL WHAT JESUS WOULD USE TO SURF THE INTERNET
xashx: Waiting for the official announcement of the Apple Tablet, I go wild, again, about what e-books might mean for poetry
Then there are the Tweets that bring humor into this over-hyped announcement for yet another pricey Apple product:
@keithrichman: I hear the apple tablet solves global warming and knows the plot for the last season of Lost.
BREAKING NEWS: Mexican version of Apple Tablet launched - to be called the iCaramba
In my tiny state, unemployment is well over 12%. I don't forsee many people slapping down a grand for an Apple tablet when the library is still a free place to get real books and an iPhone is $99. Granted, the tablet will probably do more and may become an invaluable business tool. Other than that, it's an expensive toy.
Just my insignificant three cents.
Let me know what you think about the Apple tablet after the insanity is over. Live coverage is everywhere. This announcement is going to be hard to hide from. I'm going to be keeping my piggy bank shut. You?
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