Toshiba to come out with iPad rival

Toshiba, the electronics company, is set to release a "smart pad" which it hopes would rival the iPad. The device, which runs on operating systems by Google's Android and Microsoft Windows operating systems, is scheduled for launch before October.

The company, which is known for making notebook PCs, has recently started a rebranding effort into general mobile devices and is said to be researching the composition of the forthcoming tablet or "slate" PC. The company has asked customers for input on the look of the product.

Mark Whittard, managing director of Toshiba Information Systems Division Australia, says that "digitiser technology," which allows multi-touch input was an option for the yet-to-be-released smart pad.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Toshiba will also release two new models. The releases, which will come out next month, include the Portege AC 100 Android "cloud companion."  Whittard says that the model "combines the functionality of a smart phone and the useability of a netbook."