Unless you've been living under a rock or a Kindle, you probably have heard the rumors surrounding Apple’s unveiling of the Apple Tablet (which will take place Jan. 27). According to Steve Jobs, the tablet “will be the most important thing I’ve ever done.” That is saying a lot since he was the mastermind behind other little hits (iPod, iPhone, Pixar). In any case, you don’t have to be a tech geek to know that the announcement may revolutionize the world as we know it, or at least the world that revolves around multi-touch screens, cool apps, pricey gadgets and a man who loves wearing jeans and a black turtleneck.

I’ll come out and say it, I want this tablet. I don't even know what it looks like (although this blogger took a nice stab at it) nor do I know what is really rumor or fact, yet I still want it. Functionally (I assume), it will make me more efficient at my job, as well as make for a great companion on my morning commutes. Not only that, but I’ll be the envy of every subway commuter … well, until they get their own.

Let me again say, I really want this tablet. I wonder how much the tablet will cost? I’m sure it’ll be pricey, but have you not read all the reports on it? The way bloggers are raving about it this tablet is worth its weight in gold. Then I remember the images and the stories streaming from the broken country of Haiti. It makes me wonder—no, really wonder—if I am more willing to buy the tablet than to send money of the same amount to Haiti. I know, what a killjoy.

Let’s be honest. We live in a consumeristic culture that operates out of perceived obsolescence—we believe we need this product. Some of us won’t think twice about standing in line for days to get our hands on the tablet. There are people in Haiti standing in line for hours to just get a bottle of water and bread.

I want this tablet; however, I can't get the faces out of my mind. I’m having a hard time forgetting the stories of people robbing each other for crumbs.

The truth is, I really want the tablet, and if my actions and attention given toward the Apple tablet is any indication, I want it more than helping Haiti. Talk about a killjoy.

*Note: I have a good friend who is one of the bigger Apple evangelists I know. Yet, in the aftermath of Haiti, he spent days setting up a site with his design buddies to make a dent in Haiti’s suffering. This is a great place to start … Apple can wait. Visit their site: http://www.threadnwater.com/