Apple's Tablet Will Be a Super-Sized iPhone or iPod touch

One of the most significant open questions about Apple's much-rumored tablet may have been settled -- which operating system it will run. According to a new report, this device will be based on the iPhone OS, not Mac OS X.

Citing one of its most reliable sources, iLounge is reporting that this will not be a scaled down laptop. Instead, it will be a scaled up smartphone or handheld. It will let users browse the Web, check their email, and play music, video, and games. 

Apple has reportedly been talking to publishers of magazines and college textbooks about bringing their content to iTunes. This company could be planning on using its tablet to compete with the Amazon Kindle e-book reader. 

Not Pocket-Size
Previously, there were reports of Apple testing a variety of sizes for this model. According to this latest source, the company is currently considering giving it a 10.7-inch screen, which would give it a display about 7 times the area of an iPhone.

This device will supposedly come in two versions, one with 3G mobile broadband, and one without. Both will likely have Wi-Fi.

Coming Next Year?
This source says Apple CEO Steve Jobs has yet to sign off on this tablet. If he approves it, his company will reportedly announce it in January but not release it until close to mid-2010.

Previous unconfirmed reports have said this device will be offered by either AT&T or Verizon, and will cost between $800 and $1,000.

A Voice from the Past
Michael Tchao was re-hired by Apple on Monday to be the company's new vice president of product marketing.

He was one of the developers for the Newton, the first PDA, and Apple is apparently going to call on this experience for its tablet project.

Source: iLounge, Gizmodo, NYTimes