My iSlate Prediction

In a month or so, I'm anticipating a new device from Apple called the iSlate. The device will be a 10" touchscreen, similar in many ways to the iPhone. It'll be compatible with all the iPhone apps (developers will now be developing for the two screen sizes), but will not be a phone. However, you will be able to buy a wireless data plan.

Most of your interaction with the phone will be multitouch gestures, although Apple will make a wireless keyboard and display adapter available to turn the 10" iSlate into a small desktop computer. The rest of the time, the device will be in your hands or cleverly tucked into a pocket in your briefcase or purse.

The big thing about the iSlate will be its Magic Slate technology, which will feature an Apple-exclusive streaming plan for TV, movies, and music. For a fee ($59), you will get unlimited access to TV, Music, and Movies. You will still be able to buy media on a permanent basis, but as long as you have a Magic Slate account, you can get unlimited streaming. While pricey, this could possibly replace your need for cable TV or that pesky Netflix account. And, of course, the iSlate will have ports on it allowing you to hook it up to any SD or HD TV set.

All of this is just based on rumor and speculation (and my own instincts), which means it's most likely wrong. I don't know anyone affiliated with Apple and I certainly do not have any inside info. But I wouldn't be surprised if some of this is pretty close to the truth.

One way or another, something big is about to go down that will, as the iPhone has, change the media world altogether.