If you’re one step ahead of everyone else, you’re a leader. Two steps ahead, and you’re a martyr.

About a month ago, Tom and I were brainstorming about the game-changing possibilities of Apple’s rumored tablet device and the potential feature set that would make it so. One of those “game-changing” features we discussed was giving the device a conference room phone capability – kind of like the ubiquitous “spider” phone we see on conference room tables. The other idea, was the ability for the device to project for adhoc presentations.

Of course Tom’s response was: “Nah.”

Fast forward to today when this article from MacRumors shows up on My RSS feed.

Personally, I still see this as more a tablet feature than an iPhone feature. At some point, the number of things my phone can do becomes a detriment to actually getting things done. “Gee, I’d like to take this call but my phone is actually recording the event and broadcasting my slide deck on the screen right now.” In addition to that, throwing a monstrously bright light on a 10′ screen for my animated Keynote/PowerPoint presentation is going to suck battery life down faster than multitasking ever would. On a tablet however, this capability would fit nicely. Broadcasting a presentation on the screen locally for those close to the device, projecting on the wall for everyone else. All the while controlling it via your remote (or phone) from across the room.

Likewise, I can’t see using the tablet as my phone (form factor), but I can sure see it being the centerpiece of an impromptu meeting while serving up slides from a remote presentation (think a self-contained WebEx device). The tablet will be an addition to your phone, not a replacement. Subsequently, the market for it will be much smaller, although, potentially more lucrative (and farther reaching) with its impact.