Apple fuels buzz over tablet computer

Apple on Monday ratcheted up the public relations buzz surrounding the launch of a new product, widely expected to be a tablet-sized computer, this month.

It sent out a press invitation via email, inviting journalists to “come see our latest creation”. Whilst far from explicit, as is Apple’s wont, the invitation was the strongest confirmation yet of what has been the company’s most anticipated new product since the launch of the iPhone three years ago.

The invitation was decorated with bright paint-like splotches, suggesting colour may be an important feature of the new product. Apple typically drops such hints, last year using musical notes to indicate that new audio players were on the way.

One of the likely possibilities is that the tablet computer would allow users to read books and magazines, like existing electronic readers, but in colour.

The Kindle and other leading e-readers rely on E -Ink and are in black and white.

Industry analyst Michael Gartenberg said the clues in the company’s invitation were “always painfully obvious in retrospect”.

The name and functions of the new machine are not known, but intense speculation and leaks from component manufacturers and business allies have pointed to a number of expected characteristics.

The consensus is that the tablet will have a large screen, perhaps 10 inches on the diagonal, and run the same operating system as the iPhone and iPod, as opposed to the Mac computers.

That means that it would be able to handle many of the more than 100,000 applications – or apps – that are designed to run on the smaller gadgets. A touchscreen would be a significant feature.

Video game manufacturers expect the device to have strong appeal for their audience.

The iPhone and iPod are already challenging portable products from Sony
and other console makers as popular gaming devices.

Among the big unanswered questions are what internet connectivity will come with the tablet and what other forms of entertainment it will provide.

Apple has been in discussions with cable network channels about carrying bundles of video for a monthly fee.

Book and magazine publishers, meanwhile, have been hoping that Apple might enliven their electronic formats.

Time Warner recently showed off a conceptual version of an electronic, full-colour Sports Illustrated magazine that allowed for fast-flipping, zooming and other functions in need of support from new hardware.