Research analysts are getting really excited over Apple’s iPad. ABI Research Senior Analyst Jeff Orr expects companies to sell four million units this year. That number will rise exponentially to 57 million units sold in 2015, a 1,325% growth over a 5-year period.

“Apple’s iPad is not the first media tablet. But it does help define this new device category. The main focus of media tablets is entertainment. A tablet will not replace a laptop, netbook or mobile phone, but will remain an additional premium or luxury product for wealthy industrialized markets for at least several years.”  [9to5 Mac]

While the industry in confused about pitching tablets to consumers just the right way, expecting this growth without a substantial sentiment lift seems unrealistic.