This is my big problem with this whole class of analysis. It keeps coming back to the Mac example and not the more relevant iPod. The conference call gave a hint, Apple is spending $3B to prepay for supply of some new components. Which Android manufacturer can do that? Samsung probably has the best chance since they source a lot of components themselves (heck, they build some for Apple).

The current Android tablets are not significantly cheaper than the iPad (especially considering the smaller screens). Apple with the iPod started at a high rate and kept moving the price point down to make life very difficult for competitors. If Apple keeps the current iPad and makes it the new entry model at a lower price point (much like the iPhone), then the problems for other manufactures will be increased.

At this point, I really think HP will surprise a lot of people, but I don't seen the Android tablets (or Blackberry with its bizarre connectivity requirements) being major competitors until they resolve their pricing issues.