Apple’s iSlate tablet rumors confirmed?

The Web site did end up getting some interesting pictures, and also with a letter from Apple’s attorneys on Thursday to ValleyWag’s parent company, Gawker Media.

In the letter, Apple’s attorney Michael C. Spillner of Silicon Valley firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, wrote, “I am writing on behalf of Apple regarding the notices on Gawker.com and Valleywag.com Web sites that Gawker Media will pay someone a financial reward for sending you photos, video, or a sample of an unannounced and highly confidential Apple product.

“While Apple values and appreciates vibrant public commentary about its products, we believe you and your company crossed the line by offering a bounty for the theft of Apple’s trade secrets. Such an offer is illegal and Apple insists that you immediately discontinue the Scavenger Hunt.”

Indirect confirmation of tablet’s existence?
Analysts are of the opinion that in the letter to ValleyWag, Apple’s lawyer has indirectly confirmed the existence of “an unannounced and highly confidential Apple product”.

Up until now, Apple has not uttered a single word to confirm the existence of its mythical tablet, although the industry expects it to be unveiled in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center on Jan. 27.

Meanwhile, Gawker Media remains unmoved by Apple’s warning and insists that the contest is still very much on, but it also cautioned the ‘would-be’ winners to submit their entries from an anonymous e-mail account.

Online readers reaction to the scavenger hunt for Apple’s iSlate tablet
Some readers online are vehemently opposing this offer by ValleyWag. One such reader Tom wrote on blogs.wsj.com, “If this gets out to certain people with access to certain parts of Apple campus and these people attempt to steal anything, ValleyWag will be guilty of a crime by association. If these people are then found out, arrested, charged and fined or punished for theft, ValleyWag will be dragged through the mud by civil suits if not criminal complaints.

There is a definite deterioration of values in media. People seem to think they can do anything they want now as long as they pay. I actually hope ValleyWag succeeds in getting something illegally and then be sued and punished to the full extent of the law. It is about time someone is taking to the matt and be taught a hard lesson.”

Another online reader studiodave on news.cnet.com posted, “The big deal is offering $100,000 to someone for breaking the NDA or breaking in and stealing some photos of protected property. That is a criminal act and Gawker Media should be fined for asking someone to commit a crime.”