Apple to launch tablet PC

WASHINGTON: What���s next from Apple? According to various reports, the California-based company plans to come out later this year with a portable tablet-sized computer that can surf the Web and may also serve as an electronic book reader.

London���s Financial Times was the latest publication on Monday to report on the long-rumoured device from the company. Silicon Valley technology blogs had previously reported that Apple was developing a new touch-screen computer described by some as a large-screen iPod Touch.

Apple was hoping to offer the tablet computer in time for the Christmas shopping season, but market sources in Taiwan have said that the 3G-connected Apple tablet will be ready by September.

The device would have a 10 inch screen, and would be able to connect to the Internet like the iPod Touch, allowing access to Apple���s online stores, but probably would not have phone capability. ���It���s going to be fabulous for watching movies,��� an unidentified entertainment executive told the FT.

The newspaper said book publishers have also been in talks with Apple about offering books on the new device, which could emerge as a potential rival to Amazon���s popular Kindle electronic reader.

The FT did not reveal any details about the price of the planned tablet computer. Apple is usually highly secretive about projects under development, revealing them only at launch.