Network World poll: are you salivating for an Apple 'iSlate?'

One of five consumers likely to buy Apple tablet; what about IT?

A new survey finds that almost one of every five consumers in the market for a computer are thinking about buying the upcoming Apple tablet computer, often referred to as the 'iSlate.' This is even though Apple hasn't confirmed there is such a product, which nevertheless is expected to be announced next week.  

Web searches for Apple tablet terms has skyrocketed in recent weeks.  

But "consumers" -- as broadly described in the survey -- can cover your accountant brother-in-law, your postal person, barber or your local Starbucks barista. What about IT professionals, those shrewd, techno-savvy, hype-wary (not to mention hype-weary), clear-eyed, hard-headed nerds who work and live with and wallow in High Technology?

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A new survey finds that almost one of every five consumers in the market for a computer are thinking about buying the upcoming Apple tablet computer, often referred to as the 'iSlate.' This is even though Apple hasn't confirmed there is such a product, which nevertheless is expected to be announced next week.  

Web searches for Apple tablet terms has skyrocketed in recent weeks.  

But "consumers" -- as broadly described in the survey -- can cover your accountant brother-in-law, your postal person, barber or your local Starbucks barista. What about IT professionals, those shrewd, techno-savvy, hype-wary (not to mention hype-weary), clear-eyed, hard-headed nerds who work and live with and wallow in High Technology?

According to the ChangeWave survey, 4% of consumers are waiting with sweaty palms and bated breath to get their hands on the iSlate, and 14% more are "somewhat likely" to buy it. And among that group, 37% are willing to pay more than $700 for this baby.

According to a separate survey of 500 people by consumer electronics seller Retrevo, the top features absolutely needed in an Apple tablet are long battery life, 3G connectivity and a big e-bookstore, while biggest inhibitors are a required monthly data plan, AT&T lock-in and a lack of ebooks. Solar charging and a camera for videoconferencing are also in demand, the survey found.

We crafted our own Network World version of those same questions and threw in a third one to find out whether Apple's newest creation will find a place in the enterprise. 

Read more about data center in Network World's Data Center section.