From a very early age, we learn to ask for a Band-Aid instead of a bandage. Likewise Cool Whip (Why are you putting so much emphasis on the “H”? Clip below the fold) and Scotch Tape — brands that have become synonymous with their product categories. Apple has achieved that twice — first with the iPod (a.k.a. MP3 player) and now iPad in the tablet space.

Itchy nose? Then you’ll be wanting a Kleenex (rather than a tissue).

Apple’s iPad is achieving a similar level of name/brand awareness in the tablet computer market.

“For the vast majority, the idea of a tablet is really captured by the idea of an iPad.’ [Apple] gave birth to the whole category and brought it to life,” says Josh Davis, a manager at Abt Electronics, a Chicago-based Apple reseller.

More than that, the iPad has crushed all potential competitors in the two-plus years since Apple changed the world again. In fact, the computer tablet concept was unsuccessfully pushed by Microsoft for a decade, only to be eclipsed in the days and weeks after the iPad shipped back in March 2010.

Although it’s possible that the iPad name could become so generic that it loses all meaning, I’m guessing Apple will create something new and just as memorable to replace long before that happens…

What’s your take?

Gratuitous? Perhaps Wheat Thins would have been a better choice.