Apple Tablet Computer and/or Apple Netbook

The speculation continues, and this time another site I don’t generally go to for my Apple rumors has suggested we may see an Apple tablet computer (sort of an Apple netbook, too, given the size) next month. Shockingly, it’s a damn good idea and possibility, and it somewhat goes along with what I’ve been hoping for.Instead of calling it an Apple netbook, because this doesn’t exactly qualify, let’s call it an Apple tablet computer for the time being. That said, the proposed Apple tablet computer would have a 7″ or 8″ LCD, no physical keyboard, and have access to the App Store.

They go on to say that this is the perfect blend of a netbook and tablet computer because it’s the right size to take around and do all of the normal day-to-day light work that you don’t need a full keyboard or computer for, while still being small enough that you can take it everywhere without it getting in the way.

With a proposed price of $6-700 I think they’re being optimistic, and they even agree on that same point. Realistically, I can’t see Apple charging less than $800 for an Apple tablet computer because, well, they have a profit margin to maintain.

In the face of other similar products that have failed, they point to the App Store and the closed platform as the reason an Apple tablet computer could succeed. Go back a couple of months and try to remember what you thought of the App Store. Go back to the original announcement — think it had a chance? Think it’d be a total cash cow for Apple? Think it’d actually be full of useful, intelligent applications (and games, and some crappy ones)?

Imagine all of that on a larger device that uses a similar interface but is a little more powerful. I’ll take two, thanks.

Silicon Alley Insider has a good write-up and suggestions for Apple if they’re thinking of making an Apple netbook or Apple tablet computer.