iPad already has competition?

In the hubbub surrounding the Apple tablet roll-out, one assumption that's gone unchallenged is that Apple will naturally steam roll all its would-be competitors. Hold on. The field is far different than that which greeted Cupertino's other recent runaway successes.

Apple can expect to face competition the likes of which it's rarely seen. Unlike with iPod or iPhone, they won't catch any lazy companies coasting on old tech. Moreover, the device's sexy bonafides aren't enough--Apple will also be competing for content. And content is the only reason anyone will care about tablet PC's.