Hi all, This week's poll question is about how Apple's rumored tablet computer. Discuss here whether you think about this device, and, if you like, the poll results themselves. Thanks! Justin

Oh my, back to the future once again. Anyone remember the Apple Newton OS? Anyone ever own a Newton MessagePad? There are rumors out there that Apple hired back one of the original developers of the Apple Newton to work on the tablet. The Newton OS was pure technological genius at its best with its handwriting recognition and ability to run on a small form factor. Sadly, the Apple Newton is a fine example of how not to design and bring a product to market. It was forward technology with as many features as the kitchen sink at a price-point only tech gadget freaks would pony up. So it never 'crossed the chasm' to penetrate the mainstream consumer as our erudite friend Geoffry Moore would probably agree. The Newton OS and its product line withered on the vine at the hands of Apple's then CEO, Gil Amelio. A savvy and small crew from the Newton team broke off and went to Palm. That group got the product right for the market by stripping out the bells and whistles and by launching the hugely successful Palm Pilot - may it rest in peace. And now it seems that the mainstream market is ripe for such a product and Apple has successful experience in launching smaller form factor appliances (iPod and the like). And these days, consumers expect the bells and whistles. Is Jobs upset that the Amazon Kindle is wildly successful when Apple had the technology decades ago? He should be. Would it cost more than the inevitable copy-cat clunky knock-offs from Korea? Probably. Would I attempt to read 'War and Peace' on it? Probably not. That piece by Tolstoy is a bit long-winded and would fry my eyes out reading it on an electronic form factor. Do I need a tablet appliance? Nope. Nobody really needs an electronic tablet if they already have either a desktop or laptop (or pen and paper for that matter). I saw some artistic mockups of what the Apple Tablet could look like. If the product turns out to be similar to what I've seen, then it's quite slick and I want one. I also want an Aston Martin. Doesn't mean I could afford one or would go out and get one. But one can dream, perchance...

"Would you get an Apple Tablet Computer $900 iPhone?" Nope. Apple blows. :-)

Great ... we get another avalanche of noun, verb, incredible ... noun, verb, amazing ... noun, verb, awesome conference speeches all over again. Windows 7 News!