CrunchPad tablet getting closer to reality with launch prototype

Back in April, we got a look at some leaked photos of TechCrunch's Michael Arrington's $200 CrunchPad tablet, but Arrington provided us with more tablet eye candy yesterday. Arrington said in a post that he "just nailed down the final design for the device."

The above photo is a conceptual drawing, but Arrington says the first working prototypes should be in the TechCrunch office in a few weeks.

The launch prototype has some significant improvements from the past versions, including a screen which is now flush with the case, and a thinner body of about 18-mm. The case has changed from plastic to aluminum, which, although more expensive, is sturdier and allows for a thinner body. The change to aluminum may be one reason why the estimated $200 device is now looking more like a $299 tablet.

Check out Arrington's post to see past prototypes and more photos of the launch prototype.