The Register has learned that Apple has filed a European design trademark for what may be the company's answer to Microsoft's Tablet PC. Reports suggest that the tablet may be a wireless access point and part of a larger home entertainment system.

The report is bolstered by a column written by eWeek's Matthew Rothenberg that was published back in November of 2003, which hinted that Apple had begun sharing prototypes with developers. The Register has also reported that Quanta, a Taiwanese manufacturer, has been tapped by Apple to build a "wireless display".

"We might be seeing an 'iMac Jr.' in the not too distant future, equipped to work with both iTunes - and perhaps other iLife apps, such as iPhoto - and AirPort Express to deliver Mac-stored music, photography and video wirelessly to your hi-fi and TV," said The Register.

Microsoft is also keen on the idea of bridging the gap between the desktop computer and home entertainment. The software giant fielded a slate-like device called Mira that was distinct from the Tablet PC in the following way: Mira was primarily aimed at the consumer for use in a home environment. Mira enabled uses to work with PCs from up to 150 feet away using the Remote Desktop Protocol.

While Microsoft has since abandoned work on Mira, it has publicly announced work on Windows Media Center Extender.

With Media Center Extender, Microsoft has extended its vision of the PC as a hub for home entertainment. The product fleshed out Microsoft’s PC-centric "eHome" vision, and works by connecting Windows desktops wirelessly to set top boxes, TVs and Xbox game consoles.

Microsoft has also released Portable Media Center (PMC) handheld devices, which resemble Apple's iPod. However, PMC devices go a step further by synchronizing with Media Center Edition PCs to offer go anywhere access to music, television programming, pictures, and video.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has indicated that Apple has ruled out adding video capabilities to the iPod for the time being.

The Register has posted sketches of the purported Mac tablet that are available for viewing on its Web site.