Motorola to Launch Android Tablet in Time for Holiday Shoppers

Fresh from the successful launch of its Droid X Android smartphone, Motorola is apparently wasting no time in leveraging its feel-good experience with plans to roll out an Android tablet computer in time for holiday shoppers, according to a Bloomberg Businessweek report.

Motorola (MOT) is reportedly the latest smartphone maker to dabble in the land of tablets, previously the domain of only computer makers, with its eye on rivaling Apple's (AAPL) iPad. If it's successful on that front, Motorola would be two-for-two, given that its Droid X has been a sellout and touted as a clear competitor to Apple's iPhone 4.

According to the report, Motorola's tablet would span roughly 10 inches, similar to an iPad, and offer television services and Internet connection through wireless carrier Verizon Communications (VZ), which also markets the Droid X.

Talk of a Motorola tablet has been circulating for a couple months, after the company's co-CEO Sanjay Jha hinted such a product might be in the works. One thing he didn't allude to, however, was a Verizon tie, but that would make sense given the carrier's relationship with Motorola's Droid X smartphone.

A tablet computer could be a lucrative proposition for Motorola, especially if it turns out to be as popular as the iPad. Apple sells its iPad for $499 -- compare that to Motorola's newly introduced Droid X, which retails for $199.99 after signing a two-year service agreement with Verizon.

That price point difference may go a long way in explaining the interest by smartphone makers to jump on the tablet bandwagon.