Google prepares to launch iPad rival

Google is expected to begin selling its own slate computer in the near future, offering up a rival to Apple’s iPad.

The new product will run on the firm’s Android operating system, already used by several phone companies and on its own Nexus One mobile handset.

Apps for the device will be available on its app store, Android Marketplace.

The new device will also double as an e-reader, said a report in the New York Times.

Apple said that it sold more than 300,000 iPads on its first day, with one research firm forecasting sales of 7 million this year.

iSuppli said that worldwide iPad sales would hit 7.1 million units in 2010, before doubling to 14.4 million in 2011.