Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad is the only tablet computer that most people know, which is leading the brand name to become synonymous with the entire product category. Apple has done this before, with its iPod being the moniker many use when they mean any MP3 player from any manufacturer. Though the Apple product names are still used as nouns, unlike Google which has become a verb (as in, "I'll Google it"), they are working themselves deeper into the common vernacular. But companies such as Apple must be careful to ensure that when their brand names get used generically, they are still unique enough to remain trademarked by their owner. Read more here about how the iPad name is coming to dominate the tablet category.