Watch out iPad: Google's Chrome OS tablet is coming soon

Did you know that Google's ChomeOS is taking the form of a Tablet?  I covered a previous report on the matter, but now we are starting to get images of prototype OS shots.  And they look very tablet- y.

On Google's ChomeOS User Experience page,  you'll find many prototype OS screenshots and mock-ups of Chrome running on 5-10 inch tablets.

Obviously the soft keyboard bears a striking resemblance to the iPad's which was launched last week.  Google's approach on the OS appears to be more of a traditional desktop windowing system, however, rather than iPad's iPhone like OS.

It will be interesting to see if Google and their partners can come through with these on time and on spec.  Apple, as of March, will have a head start in this space but Apple relies on Google for its mapping, Youtube and Safari search functions on the iPhone and iPod -- a card that Google could play down the road.

Steve Jobs (allegedly) said that Google's "Don't be evil" mantra was "false" at a Town Hall meeting and said Google's Android team wanted to kill the iPhone - so it sounds like Apple is taking the competition seriously.  Recently the iPhone had an off quarter, slowing adoption rates to fewer than last months new customers.  AT&T new activations were also down.  Most of that blame is on Android's surge but could also be blamed on Apple for not being on more mobile networks. 

In the end, the iPhone and iPad have some competition, which is better for customers and it sounds like Apple has some exciting things in store.

The battle between Google and Apple has just begun.