CrunchPad Web Tablet Becoming Reality

Tech bloggers are changing the world. At least that’s what we’d like to think, and Mike Arrington’s CrunchPad web tablet is a chance for all of us to pat ourselves on the back. Not that we really had anything to do with his idea but, you know, we’re all kind of in the same boat so his success feels like ours too … sort of. It looks like the CrunchPad may hit stands relatively soon.

This little Atom-powered touchscreen tablet has been popping up in the rumors category for months, but we haven’t gotten anything really concrete until now. Apparently the web tablet, a 12-inch touchscreen device that is made to do nothing more than surf the internet, is several prototypes past the idea stage and could be out by the end of the summer. Arrington said there will be an announcement in July or August announcing the device with the actual device to follow as soon as possible.

The CrunchPad is only for internet access. There is no hard drive or keyboard – it’s the Kindle for web browsing, essentially. But it’s apparently going to do its job really well, better than netbooks even. At least, that’s what Arrington claims. And, coming in under$300, it looks like it could be an even better investment than a netbook. You decide. Pics of the latest prototype here. I like it.

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