Holiday over- Apple r @ it again

Apple is set to unveil its new tablet computer, keenly watched by gadget-obsessed consumers, envious competitors and eager content partners.

The new touch-screen device will be modelled - physically and functionally - on the three-year-old iPhone.

And just like the iPhone and the iPod before it, the device will be part of an integrated ''ecosystem'' of services tipped to include functions and content for the education sector, digital books, newspapers and magazines.
The anticipated Apple tablet is said to be modelled on the iPhone.

''Met its match with a rolling pin'' ... the anticipated Apple tablet is said to be modelled on the iPhone.

The tablet, to be named the iPad, iTablet, iSlate, iCanvas or iBook, will inherit the gaming, music and video capabilities available on the iPhone and some of the newer iPods.

Michael Arrington, an influential Silicon Valley technology blogger, has quoted Apple's co-founder and chief executive, Steve Jobs, as calling the tablet ''the most important thing I've ever done''.

That has led pundits to believe Apple's announcement in San Francisco today will put emphasis on the tablet's uses in education. Apple has a long history in the education market, beginning with its earliest computers in the late 1970s. More recently the iPod Touch has been used for learning programs in schools and universities.

“The most significant thing about the announcement will not be the device itself, but the new ecosystem that Apple will announce regarding e-book and entertainment titles, especially by the major education publishers,” said Philip Cookson, a former Apple manager who now runs the Melbourne-based consultancy, Philology.

Apple has also been working with select software developers and content partners to develop a small suite of applications which will be showcased at Wednesday’s event.

One of the companies reported to be among the launch partners is the publishing house Conde Nast. The publisher of The New Yorker and Vogue has already begun selling its GQ men's magazine as a download for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

The download, which sells for $3.99 in Australia, contains photographs and articles from the physical publication plus extras such as videos.

Other print content partners could include The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal - both of which have signalled that they are to lock most of their content behind a pay wall and charge readers to access their content.

News Corp’s book publishing arm, HarperCollins is another company mooted to have been talking to Apple about making its books available on the tablet.

According to the blog AppleInsider, the device looks like an iPhone that has ''met its match with a rolling pin''. As well as wireless connectivity, the tablet is almost certain to be configured to use the latest high-speed mobile networks.

Cookson, who has been closely following developments, believes that the device will come in one size, a 25-centimetre screen, and that it will cost between $US700 and $US800, depending on the options.

Wednesday’s launch is just a show and tell session. The device is not expected to go on sale until at least March.

Apple places a high premium on design and it will have almost certainly been led by Jonathon Ive, the British-born designer guru behind most of Apple’s products, including the iPod and the iPhone.

He and his boss have an aversion to buttons, cable ports and switches and the tablet is expect to boast the same svelte look and minimalism that is found in other products in Apple’s stable.