From the latest reports and rumors flying around, it’s possible to make this conclusion. If various sources can be trusted, Apple should release a touch-screen tablet device on January 27th. Of course, this is still simply a collection of rumors, but it’s not just a single rumor that keeps making the rounds—there are quite a few in circulation, and each has a level of plausibility.

Barron’s is reporting that an “analyst” has “… seen first-hand a prototype slate-style computer from Apple.” According to this analyst, the device will retail between $699 and $799, and will launch in November, following an official announcement in September. The device will fulfill a plethora of multimedia functions—from supposedly impressive high-def video playback to gaming.

We dreamed of seeing a touch-screen Apple netbook at this year’s WWDC, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Now, seven weeks after the event, rumors have surfaced once again of a plausible touch-screen device from Apple HQ, this time with a little more information. If The China Times is to be believed, Apple have plans for a 9.7-inch touch-screen netbook device that will cost around $800.

Today, Apple held their quarterly conference call to report earnings to the shareholders. They reported that they saw $1.21 billion in profit, which is up $160 million from this time last year. Not bad, I guess. I mean, it’s the best 2nd quarter Apple has ever had, but the interesting part of the conference call for me was the Q&A towards the end. Specifically, the question about netbooks.