Yesterday Gene Munster, an analyst at Piper Jaffray, announced that he expects Apple to unveil a powerful multi-touch tablet shortly, with plans to release the device in the first half of 2010. Within minutes the net was buzzing.

While it could be argued that his claims carry more weight than those made previously, similar rumours have been doing the rounds for a while now – each and every one causing a mini media frenzy of its own.

Ooh, pretty tablet. (Image by ndevil)

When you consider the impact that such a device could have on the market, it’s not surprising. Munster, like the rumourmongers before him, hasn’t said it will offer anything truly revolutionary, but simply by virtue of being an Apple product it would doubtlessly cause a stir.

With the promise of a beautiful 7-10-inch touch screen display, a powerful processor and a specially optimised Apple operating system – bearing similarities to OS X and boasting built-in iTunes support – it would be ideally suited to both work and entertainment and successfully bridge the gap between the MacBook and iPhone touch.

And it’s not just something for netbook and tablet manufacturers to worry about either.
With a rumoured price point as high as $800, it wouldn’t be in direct competition with Amazon and Sony, but any company with an eReader in its stable would be foolish to turn a blind eye to this news.

In the short term, its release could lead to price drops all round, while in the longer term it would likely force competitors – both direct and indirect – to reevaluate their offerings and think outside the box.

It would be great news for us consumers, and while I don’t plan on buying a tablet, an eReader or a netbook any time soon, I sincerely hope that Apple takes the market by storm. 

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