Pictures at iPad PhotosApple is expected to reveal its new 'tablet' device at a news conference in San Francisco later, ending months of speculation.
It is believed the device will combine the processing power of a laptop with the portability of a smartphone.
Rumours suggest its 'killer app' will be the ability to supply digital versions of newspapers and magazines.
Luke Peters from T3 Magazine predicts the tablet device could transform the publishing industry.
"If rumours are correct and Apple is working with the Wall Street Journal and other written media outlets, then this device could do to publishing what the iPod did for music," he said.
"Due to Apple's already thriving app store and iTunes, this device could pave the way for bringing the notion of ebooks and touchscreen computing to the mainstream."
Business advisory firm Deloitte believes the tablet computing market could be worth more than £600m a year worldwide.
"Some analysts estimate 12-month sales from launch of more than $1bn," Deloitte spokesman Paul Lee said.
"This is larger than global sales of personal navigation devices."
There has been wild speculation for months about what the tablet will look like, what it will do and how much it will cost.
Some pundits believe the computer could be released as a high-end niche product.
Others insist its success will depend on being mass-marketed at a reasonable price.
Some tech experts believe the device will sell for around £375.
Scoop-hungry website Gawker.com recently offered $100,000 to anyone who could supply them a genuine tablet before the launch.
Apple responded with legal action, claiming the challenge was "encouraging the theft of Apple trade secrets".
Apple fans have also been trying to guess what the official name of the device will be.
Apple's front corporation, Slate Computing, applied for the trademark for "iPad" in July 2009.
There have also been rumours the device could be named "iSlate".
But despite the hype, tablet computing is nothing new. The term was first used by Microsoft founder Bill Gates in 2001.
He said: "Within five years I predict it will be the most popular form of PC sold in America."
Apple will unveil their device today at 6pm UK time
