Photos: The Google tablet to rival the iPad?

If you thought the hype surrounding the release of the Apple iPad was a bit much, photos floating around the web are already suggesting what a possible Google tablet could look like - well before one has even been announced by any manufacturer.

Google tablet mockup

Google opened Chrome up to developers at the end of last year, with specifically designed devices expected to arrive at the end of next year.

At the time, Google said the devices would likely be along the lines of a thin clamshell design, between a netbook and a laptop.

Click on Gallery above or here for images of the tablet mock-up from the Chromium Project site.