You've probably seen the rumors flying all over the internet about Apple's next product launch - the tablet computer, currently dubbed the "iSlate". I don't seem to be able to avoid coming across speculation and excitement over the much yearned iSlate. We've seen a steady progression of Apples products from the iPod to the iPhone, and there is very little reason right now to refute claims that Apple won't continue the trend with a tablet.

Some things I have heard though, are somewhat confusing... perhaps it's just Apple fans hyping and dreaming, but I've also heard equally unfounded claims that seem to come from the haters as well. So, here's my short list of what the iSlate won't be:

  • Revolutionary

I know you've probably seen statements claiming the Apple tablet will change the way we do computing, or give us true wireless freedom.
In reality, we can probably expect to see a large form-factor iPod Touch with some iteratively more powerful hardware. Removing the keyboard from a netbook is not a revolution. Multi-touch has been done. Solid-state storage is not new. Apple is simply bringing these things together to take their next step forward.

  • Newton MessagePad

For some reason I have heard a few claims that the tablet will be a flop, just like the Newton... What?!? This is pretty obviously not going to be the case. The iPhone, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, etc. are perfect examples of why a tablet from Apple will not be badly received.
Apple has built to much runway for this launch to flop as badly as the Newton. That being said, there seems to be a lot of expectation from consumers that may hinder the glowing reviews you may expect.

  • A device with mass-market appeal

I don't mean it won't be popular; it will be - just not on the scale of the iPhone (for example).
Ask yourself, "What is the use-case for a wireless device bigger than a phone, but smaller than a laptop, no keyboard, and won't fit in your pocket?"
A few answers I can come up with: E-Book reader, home automation / home theater controller, hand-held game console (maybe).
The problem is portability. I don't even think it would make a good game console. I can't imagine carrying something that size around with me in public... it's just to bulky.

Of course, all this is speculation, and I don't have a leg to stand on with any of these arguments until the device is released (if at all I guess). Anyway, I can't wait to see what comes out of this, it's somewhat exciting, and I'm no fanboy of Apple... In fact, I'm much less than a fan. But I have been wanting a decent tablet device I can run at home, and if this fits the bill, I see no reason why I shouldn't go for it. :-)