20 January 2010 | Author: J. Morton Search Copywriter

Apple in talks with UK mobile companies for iSlate?

After competing against each other for exclusive iPhone mobile contracts only a few years ago, discussions are heating up again with these companies about a new Apple product - the much-blogged, -buzzed and -anticipated tablet computer.

Referred to by many as the 'iSlate', the device is thought to be set for launch in San Francisco 27 January, though invitations to the exclusive event only beckon invitees to "Come see our [Apple's] latest creation". However, most tech writers, reviews and pundits foresee the event as a platform to launch the computer.

Another thing setting commentators talking - this time in the UK - is reported discussions between phone companies, including Orange, and the tech giant. The iSlate is expected to be available in the UK market by summer 2010, but its price could be reduced if they come to agreeable terms with mobile firms, according to a Guardian report.

Specifications on the device have been kept under wraps, but it is rumoured to have a large touchscreen, web access via wi-fi, and the ability to view television programmes and digital books and news articles, and, of course, no keyboard. Connectivity to the internet with mobile networks is also a possibility, possibly driving consumers to mobile providers for coverage.

With Orange and O2 - the iPhone's network providers - already offering subsidised iPhones for certain contracts, and other mobile companies doing so with laptops for long-term contracts, it's a good bet Apple will broker deals to reduce the costs of an iSlate to British customers.

These proposed bundled packages would hardly make the product free, however, and the Guardian projects its cost at just below Apple's most affordable MacBook (£816). Any agreements made with the mobile companies in discussions are also not expected to be exclusive, meaning multiple carriers could stock the device.