This past week, there have been renewed rumors of an upcoming Apple Tablet device. The rumors all agree on a 10” tablet device, multi-touch user interface and an approximate $800 price tag. Some claim that it will be released early next year, while some report that it may be available as early as September this year.

Nobody on the street is certain about what this mystical device will do. Besides your MacBook, iPod and your iPhone, do you need a Tablet too? Read on for SkratchBoard’s take on it.

Here are our guesses:

  • The device will be marketed not as a replacement for any existing device, but a new genre of device that addresses most consumer computing needs: web, e-mail, media consumption, and games.
  • Built-in 3G connectivity will mean the iTablet is connected. Apple will probably want to sell the iTablet only with service (just like the iPhone) since they get a lot of kickbacks from the operator.
  • Instant re-use of apps. Apple will want to reuse the great 3rd party apps ecosystem they have built with the iPhone. They will be very tempted to let existing apps run on the iTablet. Certainly, there will be some challenges to make apps compatible since the hardware is different, but that’s a solvable problem.
  • Great e-book reader. Following the success of the Amazon Kindle, Apple will try to replicate its success in the music/video business in books. iTablet, will be a great book reading device, although it would need to be extremely light and power efficient.
  • Keeping devices in sync. Apple will also want to make it seamless for users to keep things in sync between the devices, probably through its MobileMe service. This includes music, video, podcasts, photos, etc.
  • Through an accessory connector, the iTablet can be combined with a keyboard to deliver a NetBook experience. With a full physical keyboard attachment, users will be able to touch type and do a lot more with the iTablet.
  • Passive mode. When the iTablet is at home, it makes for a great digital photo frame, or a passive display that can show your latest Twitter feed or Friends feed from Facebook.

So what are your thoughts? Are you ready to dig into your wallet again for Apple?

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