(Column) - Rumors are making their way around media publications about a possible Tablet PC from Apple. Microsoft, and Bill Gates in particular, were super excited about the Tablet PC, but obviously, their efforts didn't prove to be fruitful. Although they continue to battle it out in hopes of succeeding, Apple has the market all to itself if they want to pursue it. Who's going to compete against Apple? Microsoft sure isn't a threat. Before I get too insulting, here are my reasons for why Apple will be uber successful with Tablet PCs.

Apple clearly knows how to design consumer friendly products that make you the center of attention anywhere. They have the special magic wand that works and works rather well, I might add. The market is in favor of Apple, and users are in awe of what Apple will release next. Nothing can go wrong, so if by sheer luck, Apple will be successful with a Tablet PC just on its merit.

On a more objective note, however, the company has a loyal user base that devours its first batch of products despite being aware of their imperfect state. And Apple has the branding to go with that loyal user base. It's a cool, hip, iconic company that gets it right, and gets users drooling over its sleek and sexy devices.

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According to rumors, Asus is working on a prototype for Apple. Naturally, you would expect the company to include a touch screen, cover flow and a bright crisp display in a super nice package. Apple will make carrying a Tablet PC a hot thing, and when that happens, it will only replicate its success. If my circle of friends have an Apple Tablet PC, you can bet that's what I'll be getting when my notebook breaks down.

Not to mention, Microsoft always went after the mobile professional crowd to replace their traditional pen and paper with a Tablet PC. These generally included business professionals, doctors and lawyers, and as we now know, these people weren't receptive to the idea. Apple, on the other hand, will target mainstream consumers. The iPhone crowd, if you will. And that will open doors that Microsoft never had the chance to knock on, let alone sell to. The funny thing is, Apple will do all of this with a hefty price, and it will still end up selling millions of units in a matter of months, while Microsoft will scratch its head over the changing reality of the Tablet PC market. At least Bill Gates will be satisfied to see his vision come true. Disappointed, but satisfied nonetheless.

If Apple does, indeed, release a Tablet PC, it will be a grand slam success, and it will take the Macintosh/OS X platform to new heights, something that Apple is known for reaching lately.

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