The buzz is really picking up following the rumors that Apple’s touchscreen tablet is on its way.  With many sites saying that its debut will arrive as soon as October, I’m sure their competitors are beginning to get anxious.  Apple, who has yet to offer their competition in the current touchscreen netbook market--computers designed for wireless communication that tend to rely mostly on web-based applications because of their limited capacity in comparison to traditional laptops--is likely to produce yet another cutting edge tech device.  You can read an article from MacRumors here.

When Apple entered the touchscreen market with the release of the iPhone in June 2007, it was common speculation that Apple had decided to hold off on developing a large-scale device until after it was satisfied with the iPhone.  Considering how far the iPhone has advanced in what feels like a rather short two-years, I don’t think anyone will be surprised when Apple eventually rolls out the next “big thing” with clear sings that they didn’t want to waste anybody’s time with a gadget that would fall short of its hype.  Considering its rumored to be starting at a price of about $800, Apple is clearly not looking to enter the low-end market and compete with companies like Acer that offer laptops in the $300 range.  Still, it seems that Apple’s Tablet (as its being referred) is going to cost less than their current MacBooks and will provide an interesting alternative in the ever-changing market for on-the-go technology.  I don’t have an iPhone yet, but I want one.  More and more, I’ve had the opportunity to mess around with my friends iPhones and they are definitely as fun as they are productive.  Bearing that in mind, Apple’s Touchscreen Netbook is sure to be fun and in all likelihood will be infinitely more productive, especially considering it will have a ten (or so) inch screen.

Stay patient though.  Even if Apple officially reveals the new device in the fall, it probably won’t be released until sometime in 2010.  But who knows?  Apple knows how to keep a secret more than anyone. So, to be completely honest, this entire post is speculation.  That being said, it doesn’t mean we definitely won’t see the new device on shelves by this holiday season.