Apple’s next big thing will be to enhance the Apple TV (yet again) to make it a true media server, capable of meeting all your home media needs, with 500 GB of storage (up from the current pitiful amount), the ability to download Apple Lossless files from iTunes, HDMI 1.3 output, the ability to Time Machine its big media archive back to Time Capsule, and synchronize itself with iPods and iPhones.

Doing so expands Apple’s already growing footprint in the home entertainment / media convergence market, which is a far far bigger market than for tablet PCs and UMPCs.

What I feel Apple has ignored for a long time, is the fact that their ‘cheaper’ products sell well. Say what you will about interface/design/etc, but iPods for a long time have always been a deal in terms of gigs per dollar. Especially considering it’s from a reputable company. The iPhone 3G is a downright DEAL, imo. I’m not sure if people would call it a ‘smart phone’ (as I’m not sure of the exact definition myself), but it has alot of features for $299. Of course you’re roped into a contract, but that happens with other fully-featured phones as well.

So I think that Apple should go with an UMPC. The important factor should be the price, which should be around 350-450. Going with OSX would be important imo, because UMPCs have more of a ‘productivity imperative’ about them than ‘a phone that lets you google, check your email, play music and games’. UMPCs are more computer like, so go with a real OS. Give it WiFi, but no cellular connection. This will drive the cost down, and they won’t have to worry about undercutting the iPhone or their precious iTunes Store.

Give it a slideout keyboard, and perhaps innovate with having it connect with your computer over WiFi, perhaps integrate as a remote with AppleTV. Just remember- at most you have to keep it sub-$500 or no one will see the need for it.

I’m a graphic artist…. And if that’s what its going to be I’m sold.

I want a BIG iphone, essentially. something about the size of a paper back book, with 3G/Bluetooth/WiFI, so that I can run OFFICE like programs. Google Docs, whatever… and a fully functional browser.

3G and Mobile me if used correctly, would be fantastic for this device, file storage at mobile me, would make this a fantastic option. I could use a handheld, for portable work, then use a desktop ask needed.

I also like how apple has place itself inbetween the cell providers and the customer with the mobileme service… you can flip providers, but your data sits at apple.. which is why its so hard for me, as all my data sits with google currently…

I will be in line for the megaPhone

Putting the Mac OS on a tablet is the kind of lame move that Microsoft makes with mobile phones and UMPCs, the desktop metaphor can work with a standard computer but is completely inappropriate for a mobile device. Besides which Steve Jobs in an aesthete of the highest order, expect a Zen like purity of design when Apple eventually launches its tablet device.

UMPC? Ultra Mobile Personal Computer? Smart! The objects described are not mobile, they don’t move on their own, they have to be carried. Therefore they could be called Ultra Portable Personal Computers. UPPC, for abbreviation lovers. Then why bother with the word “Ultra” if something is portable it it, ultra or not, what is the difference? A small child cannot carry a “portable” chainsaw, but an adult could. Therefore skip the Ultra, which makes the gadget a PPC but if one could be somewhat more inventive, it is a pocket (size) computer, is that difficult to figure out? Oh yes, we already have an abbreviation “PC” for personal computers an abbreviation lovers would suffer if they have to write two words.

This brings out a good point on Brenda’s opinion on how Apple always change the way people use and see technology.

Both of you got it right to some extend, but I personally hope Apple’s ultra portable tablet would have physical keyboard