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I read it as: Tablet = Works great in Dimly lit areas (Backlighting) eBook Reader = Works Great in Sunlight.

If true, then it really is a new species, neither iPad nor Kindle.

The capabilities of Google Earth and Maps would make for a killer travel guide. There's one problem, however. LCDs don't look so great outdoors in the sunlight. The transflective screen would make such a use feasible, comfortable, and possibly slick.

You also need a cellphone connection to use google maps/earth. If you're exploring a city, i think the phone form factor is more convenient. If you're out in the wilderness, you probably don't have an Internet connection.

Google Maps relies (currently) on a connection, but there are plenty of map applications for iPhone and Android that will let you pre-download maps and then track your location via GPS.

I believe they are planning models with 3G and wifi :)

wilderness.

its a hyperbole :) check this mockery of steve jobs http://bit.ly/aYhAXY

Hyperbole is my educated guess.