TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington is promising to introduce a Linux-based tablet, the CrunchPad, before the end of the month.

"The purpose of the Crunchpad will be very simple: surfing the Web," writes the NYT's Claire Cain Miller. "Turn it on and up comes a browser. It is nothing more than 'an Internet consumption device,' for reading, checking e-mail or watching video, Mr. Arrington said... The CrunchPad will be 16 millimeters thick with a screen of at least 12 inches that is flush with the aluminum case, and it will come in different colors. It will run on an Intel Atom chip and support Flash, which the Apple iPhone cannot."

"The CrunchPad will use a customized Linux kernel that boots directly to a Webkit-based browser," writes InformationWeek's Marin Perez. "The device is expected to come with 4GB of internal memory, and a USB slot for an external keyboard. Arrington said having the device boot directly to the browser means it won't need a lot of hardware horsepower to operate smoothly."

More here from Electronista ... more here from the SF Business Times ... more here from ZDNet ... and more here from Gearlog.