Reports are that Google is exploring building a tablet of its own based on the Android OS. Google had been encouraging third-parties to build such items, but now they are exploring a model closer to the Nexus One, where they sell the device directly.

Details on the Neofonie WePad were released. It will run an Intel Atom N450 processor, with an 11.6″ 1366×768 touchscreen, and a running time of about 6 hours. It will support full HD playback. The 16GB version will cost 449 Euro(about $600). A 3G version with GPS and 32GB will be 569 Euro. It will be available this summer.

Supporting established standards and peripherals like USB and bluetooth are essential. These standards are there, why not use them? Then any device will work.

The truth is, we’d like to see the tablet combined with the netbook. Lenovo is set to release the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid, which is both tablet and netbook, is an example. The screen can be removed from the netbook assembly and turned into a slate running an embedded OS. But having two processors and a $1000 price tag is a bit much.

Many years ago, our editor spotted someone using a PDA with a Targus Stowaway Keyboard. After some deliberation, he rushed out and bought a Handspring Visor and its Stowaway Keyboard. In fact, several of the Gadget Wisdom team(long before it existed), did so. Not long after, Handspring ceased to exist, but that is another story. We picked the wrong horse to back there. But, the idea was sound. A portable device that could be used to do basic productivity events.

The Android phones we purchased have the same benefits for productivity as our old Handspring Visor…although built-in external keyboard support would be nice. The price for an iPad is $500. You can get a 10″ netbook for around $300.

The tablet/slate has yet to be proven successful. But a hybrid device that could serve multiple uses could be most useful. Someone just has to perfect it. We aren’t there yet.

In the meantime…anyone want to buy a Handspring Visor?