The tablet speculation is heating up, as expected. Between now and January 26th, it’s going to be really crazy. Two recent articles caught my attention recently. One, from MacInquirer, is poking fun, but will probably end up being incredibly accurate:
[Apple Tablet Specs Mystically Revealed](http://macinquirer.com/files/e3b1cf90bc2fb7faec39de4298fd6455-135.html#unique-entry-id-135)
The other, from John Siracusa, is well-thought out and practical. In other words, it’s not full of crazy nerd wishes that not only will not come true, but shouldn’t.
[Antacid Tablet](http://arstechnica.com/staff/fatbits/2010/01/antacid-tablet.ars)
Keep both of these articles in mind as you read the insane predictions coming from all sides over the next three weeks. When someone tries to convince you that the “iSlate” will make you waffles, wax your car, and cost $20, you’ll be able to keep your expectations in check.
Remember, when it comes to rumors, there’s the old fun stuff based on nerd dreams, and then there’s the “analysts” who want to build up a rush of expectation and profit on the disappointment. And then, buried amongst all that, one or two realistic articles from smart people.
Personally, I can’t wait to find out exactly where this device is going to fit into my workflow. If it allows me to switch to a big iMac at home and drop my laptop for the tablet for basic portable functionality, I’ll be very happy. I figure, the tablet plus an iMac will probably come out to about the same price (give or take a couple of hundred bucks) as a 17″ MacBook Pro. While I don’t expect the tablet to be as powerful as that MacBook Pro, of course, the iMac will be far more powerful. Which means I get a much more powerful computer at home where I need it most, and I still get to do some work at the coffee house. How much work will depend on how much more powerful the tablet is than an iPhone.
