Earlier quoted context omitted.
Hmm. So, we've got a handheld device with a slick UI, that can be used for video, audio, email, games, and reading, has a long battery life, and reasonable performance ... the first iteration of the mythical "tablet" that everyone's been talking about for two years now ... and the general reaction is that it's too much like a fancy Walkman?
Point well taken! But I'd argue that "the first iteration of the mythical "tablet" was the iphone 3GS. It's smaller form factor makes it the more exciting (and marketable) tool. BUT - reserving judgement for Steve's infamous WOW moment (fingers crossed). A dock, awesome multitouch, or something along those lines would help a lot.
> 10:18AM "Now if I want to send a message, I hit compose -- up pops this gorgeous keyboard." Steve is typing, it looks very responsive.
I would be extremely disappointed in Apple if they produced a device that was supposed to be capable of handling email, and you couldn't type on it. I suspect they've managed to solve the multi-touch/OSD keyboard problem somehow, which would be neat.