Apple tablet destroys potential of netbooks and e-readers

A day may be coming, and soon, when the necessity for multiple everyday electronic gadgets, all performing separate functions, can be consolidated into one. Imagine an iPod with the capabilities of the Kindle and a smartphone with the capabilities of a Macbook or netbook. Yes, Apple may be just that close to having the everything gadget (known for now as the Apple tablet, Apple iSlate, and/or Apple iGuide) in April. 

It is currently just speculation, but sources believe a January 26 launch event at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts could be the introduction of one of the most powerful mobile Apple tools yet.

The Apple tablet would be the hybrid or middle sibling between the iPod Touch and Macbook. Sometimes, hovering in the middle of two perennial all-star products can be a negative, but in this case it brings the best of both worlds, together.

Reportedly, the super-sized iPod Touch will utilize a 10" screen supplied by Innolux and the glass will be protected by the technologies created by G-Tech Optoelectronics.

The Apple tablet will have WiFi capabilities, or potentially a 3G connection, meaning it could bring the power of the Apple network to pretty much any hot spot. This means Apple apps, Podcasts, movies, music and TV shows all downloadable where ever a connection can be found.

Additionally, iTunes may begin to dabble into eBooks which would mean the Apple tablet would be a big time competitor to the Amazon Kindle 2, the Sony eReader and the Barnes and Noble Nook. Not only would you be able to read the eBook on the Apple tablet, but you would also be able to watch the movie adaptation in picture perfect quality as well. 

Netbooks, on the other hand, were created to perform the simplest tasks without the need for a laptop. Initially, one of the big draws to netbooks was the ability to surf the Internet, send emails, and stream videos on a bigger screen than a smartphone. From the sounds of it, with the anticipated capabilities of the Apple tablet, it may be able to do all that and more (assuming a keyboard can be configured to the tablet) making the netbook essentially obsolete.

Sure, it may not have the size convenience of an Apple Nano or Touch, but don't put it past Steve Jobs and Apple to make the sleeve or carrying case of the Apple tablet the next hottest trend.

An all-in-one unit, even if priced between $500-$900, is worth it if it can take the functionality of the iPod Touch, netbook, and Kindle 2 and pack it in to one sleek design.

January 26 could be the announcement of something very big coming very soon.