Apple iSlate Update

Apple is expected to announce the creation of a tablet PC in early 2010, to be called the iSlate.

The iSlate is expected to share much of the same aesthetic as previous Apple products such as the iPhone and iPod. It is expected to feature a 10.1 inch touchscreen produced by Innolux, as well as a virtual keyboard. It is also expected to feature a webcam, making video conferencing possible from the device. It is also expected to have e-book reader capabilities, putting it in competition with the Amazon Kindle.

Much of the development of the device has been conducted in secret, with those working on the project being sequestered from others at Apple, much as those responsible for development of the iPhone initially were prior to its announcement in 2007. It is expected that Apple will make the official announcement of the availability of the iSlate at an event on January 26 at Yerba Buena in San Francisco, CA.

The most widely circulated price of the iSlate is $1,000 USD, but rumors indicate that Apple may try to lower the price to as low as $600.