There is much talk about the highly anticipated Apple (News - Alert) tablet. Even my teenage son can’t resist reminding me of all its intended virtues and what he will be able to do with one if granted access. As CNET recently highlighted in an article however, the crowd is still waiting.

The teenagers are certainly talking excitedly about the leaked details, including a comprehensive device that allows the user to access all media, such as video, music, games, books, magazines and newspapers.

The 10-inch touch screen is certainly exciting and the slate-style form factor with virtual keyboard for text input is far from the clunky keyboards of last week, but other than some fun features, will consumers really want it?

Let’s consider the facts for a moment: the tablet computing idea has been tried in the past and failed; smartphones, music players, laptops and e-readers have saturated the market; highly anticipated introductions from Google (News - Alert) are creating competing excitement.

Mainstream shoppers may be curious, but that may not get their pocketbook to open. Gadget lovers may be the most anxious for its release, but they are also the harshest critics, which could put the tablet at risk before it is even seen.

To get a better idea of what consumers really think, ChangeWave, a research network that regularly polls early technology adopters and Retrevo, a consumer electronics shopping and reviews site, surveyed consumers. Their findings highlight the fact that Apple may have set up expectations to which they cannot meet.

According to ChangeWave’s poll of 3,314 respondents earlier this month to gauge their interest in buying an Apple tablet for themselves or someone else, only four percent said they were very likely to buy a device they have never seen. Another 14 percent were somewhat likely, but heavy marketing may need to take place.

In polling 500 of its users, Retrevo found that price is a huge concern for potential tablet owners. In fact, 70 percent said they would not buy a tablet from Apple that cost more than $700, yet up to 70 percent would in fact buy it if the price were right. The remaining 30 percent would spend more than $700 on something they have never seen.

While price is a factor, some consumers also have high expectations from an Apple device, including solar-charging capability as the number one demand. Consumers also want a front-facing camera, 4G wireless connectivity and a battery that lasts more than six hours.

Factors that could kill the deal include a forced purchase of a monthly data plan or the lack of a 3G connection.

As the anticipation of the Apple tablet builds, the competition is also preparing. It appears that Amazon in short order will offer games and other applications on its e-book. Amazon announced today a development kit to enable software developers to build apps for the Kindle. Electronic Arts Inc.'s EA Mobile (News - Alert) unit will be among the first to develop such new applications for the Kindle.