Apple iSlate Tablet first touch

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.