iPad envy

ONE PAD LEADS TO ANOTHER: These damn digi-tablets are multiplying like Tribbles. Google is "soon expected" to begin selling a tablet PC of its own, the N.Y. Times reported. Big cheese Eric Schmidt was overheard blabbing some details about the device to friends at a recent party in L.A., while people with knowledge of the project told the Times that "the company has been experimenting in 'stealth mode' with a few publishers to explore delivery of books, magazines and other content on a tablet." Google is also reportedly considering an apps marketplace for tablet PCs. The Times report notes that Nokia also plans to release a multifunctional e-book reader device, while Microsoft "is flirting with the idea" of releasing a slate, and HP is expected to release its own tablet PC (pictured) by midyear. (4/13a)