The news comes as the computer world is set to be shaken up by tablet and slate PCs launched by both Apple and Microsoft. Whilst devices such as these have been on the market for some time, it has taken until now for their real potential to be explored. Google meanwhile has tackled the netbook with its Chrome OS but has now shared a few glimpses into how the software could work on a tablet PC.

Thought to already be negotiating a Google branded tablet, it is currently rumoured that HTC are the favourable company for operations. Alluding to a few details on the official Chrome OS website, Google said that the tablet would have a UI incorporating the full five to ten inch screen. In addition they explained that instead of having separate windows for utilities, it was a possibility that a “tabs only” concept would be used. Including “upward dragging motions”, individuals would be able to hide the toolbar “to have full-screen content”, whilst the device’s UI is “ideal for portrait devices.”

Though the information was rather stark, especially for those keen to get hold of any such concept, it proves that Google is emerging as a forward thinker, moving in positive areas in a number of markets.

Largely sitting in the market between smartphone and laptop, Interpret’s vice president of strategy and research Mike Gartenberg meanwhile said “Everything they have done up until now is in this device – the iPod, iTunes, multi-touch, the applications. And then they added new features like the iBook store and productivity. I think this is going to be a very successful product for them and exceed expectations.”

Until now, tablet PC’s have been a niche market, but with a successful launch by Apple, it is thought that the industry may sell up to 9million units across the board in 2010. Like their launch of the iPod, Apple has managed to redefine the sector, making products cool and widening tablet devices to the general population. And with a particularly attractive price point, £376 for the 32GB version, or £439 for 64GB, the iPad could just reinvigorate the waning tablet market.

Buying the iSlate.com domain name over two years ago, the rumours of an Apple tablet computer soon started. With Steve Jobs, Apple’s chief executive making an appearance on January 27th at an Apple event, it is widely thought that he will unveil that latest product here, finally confirming its name and shipping date which many believe will be around March or April of this year.

The technology and use of the predicted iSlate is also widely varied in opinion. However, a number of industry sources had leaked small hints, particularly one individual in Silicon Alley who suggested that Apple had approached developers of iPhone apps to ask that they make them suitable for larger screens. And with Apple’s patent on 3D interface and a former designer from the firm expressing that he had developed a multi touch version called iWork it is thought the system will be based around an iPhone OS using a virtual keyboard.

However, the true nature of any such computer remains a closely guarded secret, the details of which will only become apparent on the 27th January. However, with a source deliberately leaking that the iSlate’s screen could be as large as 10inches, and with a multitude of gaming reporters invited to the end of month Apple event, it seems more than likely that the tech giant will be providing something truly special with their next product.

With so much speculation surrounding members of the PC world, the revelation by the mobile phone operator came to many as a surprise. Using a T-Mobile SIM and with Wi-Fi capabilities, the tablet PC will offer both video and verbal, hands free communication. An Android system allows for compatibility with core applications, though the Android Market cannot be accessed. This is largely because most applications for sale are for use in devices with far smaller screens and would not work properly in a tablet PC format.

Explaining that a large amount of research had been carried out, T Mobile said that their latest product filled the up and coming niche for family organisation and central based communication. For example, one core program will be a family calendar which can be accessed by any family member from phone or PC and will send reminder texts to individuals for events. T-Mobile’s Head of new Proposition Development Richard Warmsley explained “This is not technology for technology’s sake, it’s a new category of device and not about taking one specific device head on.” The device will available on contract and pay-as-you-go and is expected to hit the markets later this year.

Sources within the industry, and with inside knowledge of Microsoft’s plans have announced that the tablet PC, manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, has been in development for some time. Whilst both Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft declined to comment on the speculation, photographs which emerged last autumn showed a prototype for exactly the rumoured device. A highly modern piece of tech, with close integration of work from both companies, the tablet/slate computer is planned to be available from mid 2010.

However, if speculation is indeed true, then Microsoft will be keen to remember that a very similar product is widely regarded by experts to soon be revealed by Apple. Microsoft’s main rival has long been keeping quiet on the rumours that it was developing a tablet PC, refusing to comment one way or another. But with Apple due to unveil the device later this month, a gadget that will more than likely have far more than a few surprises, either Mr Ballmer believes that Microsoft’s product is better, or wants to get a few weeks lead. Either way, with the technology market continuously evolving and leading towards a sector of smaller machines, it is likely that within the next year a new line of chic, small and high tech computers will be gracing shelves around the world.