Steve Jobs and the giant iPod!

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has been focusing intensely on a tablet device since returning to work in June, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The rumor mill has been abuzz with stories of a possible Apple tablet, Netbook, or giant iPod. But those familiar with the device declined to reveal details about it or disclose its release date, the Journal noted.

Still, many industry watchers expect that it will be a multimedia device that will let people surf the Web, watch movies, play games, and possibly read e-books. And they expect it to debut later this year or in early 2010.

Jobs' attention to the tablet is a sign of how important the new device is to Apple, the Journal said. Since unveiling the iPhone in 2007, the company hasn't released a new product category, choosing instead to enhance its existing line of MacBooks, iPods, and iPhones.

A tablet has been in the works for some time. Apple was granted a patent on such a device last year. But the design process apparently hasn't been a smooth one. Jobs halted the project twice, once because of poor battery life and again because of insufficient memory, a person familiar with the matter told the Journal.

A few months ago I got myself and my wife iPhones. This was the first we’ve both bought and used Apple products since we’ve been mostly PC persons, I more on the Linux side of the PC. I was leaning towards an Android phone but what with the bad economic situation I opted to save a few bucks and got the family plan, which means I have to get an iPhone. Well, pleasant surprise! This gadget is almost perfect for me! I’ve yet to find something I don’t like about it.

Having had great experience with the iPhone I’m feeling more and more of a convert. I’m currently thinking of getting an iMac for my next computer even thought I’ve been testing Windows 7 and like it (a bit. Windows is getting to be a bore).