I’m a big fan of OSX and use an iMac all day, I’d never go back to a PC for anything other than games. Yet I’ve never seen the point of an iPphone.

Or an iPad.

As a laptop replacement the iPad lacks OS/X and a real keyboard. As an ebook reader it lacks convenience and an optimised screen. Even Apple seem a little uncertain as to what the iPad is other than “cool”.

Now the uncertainty over the iPad’s purpose looks set to increase. Digitimes Research reports that a smaller version of the device – perhaps a 5″ or 7″ screen – will launch in Q1 next year. The iPad’s little brother is also expected to have a price below the psychological $400 barrier. The idea is, presumably, to compete directly with dedicated ebook readers.

Doubtless this will sell – Apple seem to have a golden touch just now – but personally I see even less reason to buy a small iPad than a large one. As a laptop replacement it’s value will be greatly diminished (smaller screen, even less useful virtual keyboard), exposing its failings as an eReader to even greater scrutiny. Why buy an iPad when you can buy a Kindle for the same sort of price? Especially since by 2011 the Kindle will also presumably have improved.

So unless there’s more to the miniPad than so far reported my position remains unchanged: if I want a laptop, I’ll buy a laptop, if I want an ereader, I’ll buy an ereader.