Although analysts’ arguments on the Chrome OS announcement are divided, some of them sincerely believe Google’s upcoming operating system will pose a threat to Apple’s own piece of the market. And at least one analyst resonates with our own belief that Apple may avoid losing any customers by rolling out the long-rumored Apple tablet.

"I think this is a threat," Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research, said. Ezra is just one of several researchers whose belief is that Apple should be concerned about Google’s move. "This exposes the consequences of letting a gigantic gap open between its lowest-priced notebook and cheap netbooks," he added, according to ComputerWorld.

And, while analysts like Michael Gartenberg (Interpret) didn’t share his beliefs, Gottheil also asserted that Apple had time to make adjustments, with Google launching its operating system around the second half of 2010. "Apple will bring out a device, call it an 'iPad' if you want, that is in the middle, more than a netbook, less than a notebook," Gottheil shared, as Softpedia also suggested earlier this week "They'll be happy to say, 'You can get a Chrome device,' but here's what you'll give up," Gottheil added.

The analyst with the Technology Business Research further stressed that Apple might also have to drop the price on its lowest-priced MacBook, which currently goes for $999. Targeted by a Microsoft PC ad campaign in the latest TV spot, the White, polycarbonate MacBook should see a price cut of around $200, Ezra suggested.

"They need to produce a $700 MacBook, one that's specced the way they specced it in 2006, so they won't be accused of putting out a piece of junk," he explained, referring to CEO Steve Jobs dismissing netbooks last October as just that. "And with the new [Snow Leopard] OS, they can claim that it performs better than in 2006," Gottheil emphasized, according to the same report.

The researcher concluded by saying that, should Apple opt for these actions – rolling out the Mac tablet and dropping the MacBook’s price –, "Then I don't think Chrome OS is much of a threat. [...] Apple's never aimed at dominating the PC market." "All they want is to skim the cream," he pinpointed.