Consumers showed that they really love the Apple iPhone and Apple iPod. However, these are small-sized tablets. This means that the Apple tablet, a larger and more versatile version of the iPod, will surely have a strong impact on the market. Intel and Qualcomm are also pushing to get these tablet-like devices on the market sooner, meaning that they too believe in their success.

Although Apple is the leading company in this area, let’s not forget that things change pretty quickly. For example, a Google Chrome OS-based tablet or an Android based tablet can have the same impact on the market. Whichever company manages to get their product out first will clearly have a strong advantage over the others. Don’t think of the new tablets as thick and heavy, laptop-like things. Instead, they will be mobile Internet devices build around wireless connectivity and portability. The new tablets will be small and thin, weighing very few pounds.

And, best of all, their user interfaces will be more inspired. In the near future, all PC makers that produce laptops will have their market reduced to one quarter or less. The next generation of tablets will be a success over laptops! “I see my iPhone as a mini tablet. Depending on the price, I would definitely consider buying a larger, easier to read/type device.” – user comment on a CNET news story.