Edible Apple

With Apple expected to introduce its very own tablet device later this month, the offerings at this years CES in Las Vegas are brimming with tablet-esque products from a number of companies looking to beat Apple to the punch. And joining the fray, according to a late report in the New York Times, will be an HP manufactured tablet multimedia device from Microsoft which will function as an e-reader with multimedia capabilities.

On Wednesday, Mr. Ballmer, Microsoft’s chief executive, will unveil a novel take on a slate-type computer during his evening keynote at the Consumer Electronics trade show in Las Vegas, according to people familiar with Microsoft’s plans. The slate will be made by Hewlett-Packard and possibly available by mid-year, these people said.

Remember that reports of a Microsoft developed tablet first surfaced back in September under the product or development name Courier. Initial reports suggested that the device would consist of two 7-inch multitouch tablets joined together to create what would seem to be a digital booklet. The booklet, as it were, was reported to support handwriting recognition in addition to having a built in camera on the back.

So can Microsoft pre-empt Apple? Well, if Microsoft’s efforts with Windows Mobile is any indication, we sure as hell wouldn’t bet on it.