What I mean to say is the iPad product launch will propel the socialization of a tablet computer to critical mass.

Keep in mind, there are other tablets, besides the iPad, that will be released soon. HP, MSI, Asus and the JooJoo (which looks awesome) are a few of the many companies that will be launching tablet computers.

Conceptually, it’s hard for the common person to understand why they would need one. It seems excessive, and a more of a luxury. This is because the device sits in that unfamiliar middle ground of it’s “not a phone” but it’s not your “computer”, but it’s supposed to be everything in between (which is even hard to think about). However, the tablet computer could be the perfect device between an eReader and laptop.

I believe that these tablet computers will create a need for consumers that wasn’t there before. You don’t think you need it- until it’s illustrated exactly how you need to have this device in your life (take for instance what “tone up” shoes have done for the shoe industry, it’s created an entirely new niche market).

I’ve blogged before that there are many practical uses for this type of device we have yet to discover that would make our lives easier. Take for example; graphic designers showing their portfolio at a coffee shop meeting, real-estate agents working with clients using it to show photos and their properties, photographers showcasing their portfolios, or people who need to give a 1-on-1 presentations at table in casual settings. Recently, after watching the guided tours of the iPad, I thought of the idea of using a tablet computer propped up, to run photo slide shows at a wedding guest sign-in table. How cool would that be?

My main point about the iPad product launch, is that this will be the event that thrusts the introduction and socialization of this type of device to critical mass. For some people, when they see this device, there will be moments in which they say things like, “i never thought about that, i could really benefit from using one of these”. Make no mistake, it will take time for this process to occur and it’ll require some great marketing to illustrate to others why they need this device.

Personally, I can’t wait to physically hold it- touch it- and use the iPad, I want to put it through my own tests. And for the record, I would still camp out for this device. I want one.

What do you think? What was your reaction to the iPad? Do you want to buy a tablet computer? Tell me your thoughts.
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Back, in July of 2008, I was 1 of the few crazy people who waited over 10+ hours to get the 3G iPhone. I even video blogged it and took photos.

Several people have asked me, was it worth it? (i was interviewed on Fox and NBC and was asked this same question). What are my thoughts now?

I would do it again.

When I tell people what I did- it sounds 100% crazy: 10 hours of waiting in line overnight, outside, I took a 1-hour nap on the concrete sidewalk, with only 1 Starbucks donut and Frap to eat and drink. All this, just to be 1 of the first people to buy a new phone.

But I’m telling you, I’d do it all over again. And like Scoble, yes, I am a fanboi too.

Many blogs are quoting Steve Jobs in saying this new tablet (still unconfirmed) release is, “the most important thing I’ve ever done.” Considering his achievements, that’s a powerful quote. The release of this product has taken years in the making- which I’ve followed closely.

Will I camp out when it goes on sale?

I want to. Half the excitement from a major release like this is the people you meet. There’s only a select few who are dedicated and passionate enough to do this. It’s completely idiotic and wonderful in every respect. The experience of the camp out is worth it- and the privileged of getting to use first whatever this device might be- I want to be apart of it.

PLEASE NOTE: once a release date is set, I’ll formalize my offer in a blog post that is open to anyone: the open proposal for sponsorship of my camp out at the low cost of whatever the device selling price is. This will be in exchange for the rights to a video blog and photos from the camp out experience (the sponsor gets full rights to the video and photos I take, more details later). Furthermore, I’ll wear t-shirts / hats / signs or whatever swag you’d like during my camp out. Heck, I’ll setup a tent with your logo on it if you want. I’m open to ideas. Drop me an email if you’re interested (email@ramseymohsen.com), I’ll be posting details later.

You might think I’m going out on a limb here- I am.

Some of you follow me on Twitter, my tweet explains my thoughts and expectations for this week’s rumored Apple tablet launch:

So now we all wait till Wednesday …and I’m totally pumped for it. Do you think I’m crazy? Tell me all your thoughts good AND bad in the comments.

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**UPDATE**
My friend Ryan sent my pictures of his faulty USB charger. He described to me how when he simply pulled it out of the wall, one prong came out. Here’s a picture of his charger:

(click the image to enlarge)

Steve Jobs shared some information in today’s Wall Street Journal article, regarding the Apple app store:

• There have already been 60 million downloads, the majority of them free.
• Paid downloads have pulled in about $30 million in revenues in the first 30 days.

TechCrunch also provided some interesting insight on the sheer number of apps one even uses:

“The question is how many apps can one person really manage before becoming overwhelmed. While the initial impulse is to download as many apps as possible to try them out, there is a limit to how many apps you can juggle on your iPhone. It is not much different than a PC. You have tons of apps, but how many do you actually use on a regular basis?“

While I’d like to believe that apps will continue to improve and build upon the 3G iPhone capabilities, there are critics that believe that these apps are going to hit a saturation point real soon. I know in my own personal day to day usage — the ones I use (starting with the most frequently used): SMS, Email, Safari, Notes and AIM.
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“You walk into a Starbucks. Order your latté. While you wait, you hear a song wafting from the loudspeakers. You love it. So you get out your iPhone and buy it over Wi-Fi. Just like that. The iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store on iPhone tells you what’s playing in select Starbucks and lets you buy it along with other featured Starbucks content.”

Back in ’07, I remember thinking this was the beginning of a great business model that could grow outside of just purchasing a song at Starbucks. But Apple has not moved forward with it.

Think about it… why draw the line at just selling Starbucks music? Why not something in more functional everyday commerce areas like retail stores, concerts, festivals or any event.

• What if… if you were at a concert and you had the ability to pull your phone out and order the album that’s being played on stage? Why not give people the ability to order the t-shirt and have it shipped to their house so they don’t have to carry it around? Let them order the album of the opening act or make a donation on-the-spot to the artist’s favorite charity.

• What if… while watching the Super Bowl you were able to get real-time updates pushed to your iPhone as commercials aired allowing you to bookmark for more information later or buy the product right away?

• What if… while watching American Idol you can purchase the shirt David Cook is wearing on stage? This would of course be done through an American Idol iPhone Application — in which you could vote for contestants and watch previous performances.

• What if… [insert more great ideas I haven't thought of yet here]

While I’m unfamiliar with the technical requirements it takes to setup a wi-fi base that once connected you’re iPhone would load a “Store Application”. I’m assuming with the launch of the App Store and it’s API, this in theory, could be relatively simple for the folks at Apple. Another alternative I’d offer: instead requiring developers to code a “Store Application” from scratch — is Apple could offer an application that resides in the next firmware update (universal user interface, few customizations here and there, standardized checkout — essentially give developers places to slot graphics, products, prices and descriptions). This would allow developers to then utilize an API to setup their own custom settings within using the web service. There could even be a per transaction fee Apple can mandate in order to monetize the Application.

Is my idea that far fetched? I’m sure critics would argue not enough users have an iPhone for this to be worth the investment on either Apple or the businesses. To which I would point out one million people purchased a 3G iPhone during is launch weekend. Is that enough users?

These are just thoughts, sparks, ideas… what are you waiting for Apple?
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**UPDATE** This post was featured on !  How cool is that?  Check out the article that mentions this blog post.