Laptop Thoughts: Things Amazon's Possibly-Forthcoming Tablet Must Have to Beat the iPad

"All signs point to an Android-based tablet coming soon from Amazon. There are reports that it's already in production for a fall launch, and Amazon has gone on a hiring spree for Android developers. It makes sense. The Nook Color just got a nice upgrade to Android 2.2 Froyo, turning the device into a fully-functional tablet for just $250."

Most of these fall into the "no brainer" category, but if Amazon can deliver a tablet that offers an attractive design, reasonable performance, and an easy-to-swallow price tag, they could have a hit on their hands. Amazon has had a near-perfect execution with the Kindle - they achieved great mindshare, have evolved the product over three iterations, and have a powerful ecosystem for selling products. If anyone can deliver an Android tablet that really rocks, it just might be Amazon!