A report from the iLounge blog as quoted by the Guardian said that the new machine will boast a 10.7 inch screen, use the iPhone operating system and come in 3G and non 3G versions. The blog predicts that that the new product will be launched in January 2010.

Industry sources claim that Apple has done enough research on touch screen computer concept over the years and possibly testing the new product for viability and sustainability in the market.

Media reports say that Microsoft is also considering to launch dual screen tablet, known as Courier, which could make market more competitive with other players like Amazon struggle to move Kindle range of electronic readers. Trade circles believe that Apple has experience in usage of the touch screen technology.

Meanwhile, US-based DoubleTwist, a developer of software that allows other manufacturers access to iTunes, has launched marketing campaign copying Apple's look-a-like commercial made in 1984.

Meanwhile mobile products developer and Apple's competitor Palm has announced its latest update to the Pre's webOS operating system.

According to The Register, Palm tried to get the USB Implementers Forum, guardian of all things Universal Serial Bus, to rule that Apple was unfairly locking the Pre out of iTunes, but that effort came to naught last week when the USB-IF took Apple's side in the syncing spat.

Since Apple is also under regulatory investigations related to its relationship with Google and allegations of anti-competitive hiring practices, the newly proposed product may have regulatory impact.

What is your opinion of this?

Have your say and discuss with your peers on the InfoGrok community.