Further substance to rumours of Apple Tablet?

Silicon Alley Insider reports that Apple may indeed be planning to release a hybrid tablet pc that is a cross between the iPhone and a laptop, the so-called “media pad” of earlier reports. However, according to analyst Gene Munster, it won’t see the light of day until the first half of 2010. The delay is thought to be due to the need to develop the OS, supposedly a blend of the iPhone OS and OS X.

AppleInsider provides additional detail reveals further detail, claiming it will cost between $500 – $700, placing it neatly between the iPhone and the cheapest Mac laptop. Inline with other reports, it says that the screen will be between 7 – 10 inches.

If these reports are correct, then it seems that rather than go for the netbook market, Apple is intending to create its own niche market with a hybrid product that takes the best of its iPhone/iTouch/iPod product line and combines it with a smaller and innovative version of its Macbook range. This fits with Apple’s style…. rather than follow the crowd and come late to the party, its aiming to change the whole game with something that will be what others follow and try to emulate. If that is even half right then, I for one, can’t wait for it to come to market.