The “WePad” has an 11.6-inch touch screen. In addition the device sports two USB ports and allows users to connect all kinds of devices including external keyboards to data sticks. Similar to the iPad, the WePad comes inWiFi-only and WiFi/3G-versions, with 16-gigabyte or 32-gigabyte storage.

During a press conference in Berlin on Monday, Helmut Hoffer von Ankershoffen, Neofonie's founder and managing director, told reporters that given its technological superiority and greater openness, the WePad will be a "bargain compared with the iPad."

According to reports the device is powered by an Intel Atom chip and uses Linux, which is compatible with Google's Android and all Flash applications. (Analysts and consumers alike have criticized Apple for the iPad’s lack of support for Flash). It will also boast a complete open source office package.

The WePad will hit stores in Germany starting in late July. No word yet on which service providers will be supporting it.

Apple's iPad, meanwhile, goes on sale in Germany at the end of April, giving it a roughly three-month lead on its German competitor.

Soon we will all see what the competition brings. Will the WePad interface truly be built around a touch interface, or will a standard Linux platform be used? If the WePad has any chance it must be designed around a "touch friendly" interface, it will be the only way it stands a chance at being as enjoyable to use as the iPad. Time will tell...