Most of the Mac community expects an Apple tablet to be announced, if not made available, in early 2010. Rumors about the tablet range from a small e-reader to a 10-inch device that will not only serve as a media reader, but also run most iPhone and iPod touch applications.

I think that any tablet Apple releases will run a version of the iPhone/touch OS, to ensure that all the effort Apple has put into the App Store will be transferable to the new tablet. That would ensure that a large number of compatible (though not necessarily optimal) applications would already be available at the launch of the new device.

Personally, I'd prefer a tablet that runs OS X, so I could use my existing applications and data on an easy-to-use, touch-based tablet. But I think the iPhone OS model will prevail, to allow Apple to leverage the App Store and the revenue it generates.

That leaves a few unanswered questions about how an Apple tablet would be sold. Will there be more than one model, say a 10-inch and one with a smaller display? Will it be sold as a standalone device or with a multi-year contract locked into a data service provider?

And of course the main question:

Back in November, I mentioned the possibility of TV subscriptions coming to iTunes. Now more information is making its way through the cracks. While Disney was always rumored to be the first company that would sign up, bringing both Disney and ABC TV content to iTunes, rumor has it that CBS is also interested, and is negotiating with Apple to make its roster of shows available.

Courtesy of Apple

Some rumors describe a simple subscription system, where you would pay a flat rate to watch certain networks, much like cable TV offers certain packages of networks in an all-or-nothing style. I like to think Apple will grab the opportunity to forgo bundling, at least as it exists today, for a direct a la carte system.

In the a la carte subscription system you would select a number of slots, say 1, 5, 10, 20, or 50, for which you would pay a monthly or perhaps discounted yearly fee. You would then fill each slot with any TV show available from the iTunes service. For a five-slot subscription, you might choose Ugly Betty from ABC, The Closer from TNT, Family Guy from CBS, Saturday Night Live from NBC, and Fox News. As you can see, you would get to decide which shows you wanted bundled together, not the networks. Once you selected the shows for your subscription, you would have access to all past shows available on iTunes, and all new ones, as long as you continue your subscription.

There would also be a set of promo slots that every account gets for free. Various content providers would use the promo slots to show you their latest new shows for the season, enticing you to add them to your subscription service.

Beyond the promo slots would be special one-time subscriptions for special events, say the Winter or Summer Olympics.

Apple has an opportunity to look past the current way of packaging subscriptions by network, and give us what we really want: control over what we watch. Given the choice, would you prefer to watch content from one of the existing networks or a personalized package? I'm all for choice, and providing that level of choice could set iTunes TV apart from current competitors.

Of course, Apple has never said that it's working on a TV subscription service, so all of this is just conjecture.

What are your thoughts? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Apple has released a new firmware update for 27-inch iMacs. The update addresses issues users have cited with the display flickering, or image corruption.

The firmware corrects these issues that have been associated with ATI Radeon HD 4670 and HD 4850 graphics cards used in the 27-inch iMacs.

This update may also be the reason Apple has been delaying shipment of the 27-inch iMacs. Perhaps once Apple starts applying the updates, the backlog of 27-inch iMacs will start flowing.

Before you attempt to update your 27-inch iMac, be sure that your OS has been updated to at least OS X 10.6.2. You can check your OS X version by selecting 'About This Mac' from the Apple menu.

When performing any firmware update, it is important to ensure you have reliable power. Any interruption during the firmware update process can lead to your Mac not being able to boot. It is recommended that you have a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) connected to your Mac.

If you don't have a UPS available, just follow some simple guidelines. Don't update during a storm, or during any time when power may be more likely to go out, such as with active construction occurring in your home. Don't update while major appliances such as washers or dryers are in use. And whatever you do, don't update if you hear someone in the household say "Hey, watch this!".

Irukandji from Charlie's Games is a clever 2D vertical-scroll-style shoot 'em up game, reminiscent of Space Invaders. But only slightly. Irukandji is a species of venomous jellyfish found in the waters around Australia. The game is set in an underwater deep sea trench, where your first ship appears similar to the little jellyfish as you swim about with your tendrils trailing behind you.

Irukandji

You gain capabilities and elevate in game levels as you destroy hordes of sea monsters and acquire various powerups. As the game progresses, you unlock other styles of ships, each with different characteristics and weapons. You will need all of the skills you develop when you finally face the mutant sea crab in the last level.

Irukandji is donationware. A 2-level demo is available for downloading. A contribution as small as $1.00 unlocks the entire 10 levels of the game. If you like the first two levels, consider making a donation. Remember: The dreaded mutant sea crab is waiting for you.

See other software choices from Tom's Budget Software Picks.