CORP TALK: As the rumor mill over Apple’s impending January 27, 2010 launch event in San Francisco heats up, speculative news are afoot that the company is not only talking to book and news publishers like Harper Collins and New York Times to have their content in the tablet device, but may also be discussing possible distribution plans with telecom operators, particularly in the UK.

The device is rumored to be 10-inch wide, has no keyboard but has short-range Wi-Fi and possibly mobile connectivity to phone networks. Journalists and bloggers have been speculating on its name, ranging from iSlate to iPad.

There are also speculations that the price of the device may be between US$800-1000, but if talks with telecom operators come through, expect these devices to be subsidized further.

Till January 27, the world waits with bated breath.