No this is not another speculation about upcoming Apple products based on rumor and innuendo. It is a logical argument that a tablet running the iPhone OS and apps from the App store is the obvious next step in computing from a strategic point of view.

First, take a look at all of those dedicated gadgets you can read about daily on blogs like Engadget: GPS units, phones, netbooks, music and DVD players, Kindles and Nooks, digital recording devices, video and still cameras, etc. Now imagine them in wastebasket. iPhone with App store effectively replaces all of them.

Now imagine Apple thinking about adding a device that eventually replaces conventional laptops and desktops. It is a larger form factor that is easier to do work on than an iPhone. It can connect to a monitor and input devices for use at home. It wirelessly connects to home entertainment systems. It runs the iPhone OS so it can take advantage of those 85,000 Apps and their use of touchscreen technology. It slips easily into any backpack or bag, weighs much less than a laptop and sips battery power. It is always connected (yes there is a plan connected with it). You can use it as a phone via wireless earbuds. Etc., etc.

The argument over the years for using Windows was access to more apps than Mac. Now with iPhone OS this argument is completely moot. A larger form factor offers a solution to the only legitimate argument against the use of a smart phone as a tool: size.

Jobs and Company have created a brilliant long term strategy with this entire approach. The only things lacking have been a larger device and the ability to choose providers. While I was skeptical about tablet speculation I’ve come around.