Google (GOOG) wants to catch up to Apple (AAPL) in the tablet market in the worst way.   

That was evident to me when my family was shopping for a tablet last year. Though the iPad was more expensive than many Android models, we felt that the Apple product was better -- a lot better -- and our view was backed up by Consumer Reports.

"Still, Apple, long known in the computer market for charging more than competitors, has managed to offer more than the other tablet brands for a lower price. . . . Other tablets of a similar size that use Google's Android operating system require a costly long-term data contract, or cost more than the iPad 2 without one, or lack 3G data capability altogether and can connect to the Internet only via Wi-Fi, such as through a home router," the consumer magazine said in May 2011. 

Of course, Android tablets have improved since then, but unfortunately for Google, so has the iPad. Apple recently released the iPad "3" to rave reviews. Walt Mossberg, the Wall Street Journal's influential technology reviewer, said the device "has the most spectacular display I have ever seen in a mobile device." It's little wonder that Apple has already sold more than 3 million of the new iPads.

For shareholders, the stakes are huge. Google shares have barely budged this year as Wall Street wondered when the company would see a payoff from Android, which it gives away for free. Meanwhile, Apple, whose mobile operating system is proprietary, has seen its stock rise about 50% during the same time.

Google already is making a huge bet on Android through its planned $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility (MMI). The Journal notes that Google will offer Motorola-branded tablets through its online store. That may not be a good thing. Last year, the company unveiled the Xoom tablet with much fanfare. The Xoom, though, was considered by pundits to be a bust, as were the two versions of the Dell (Dell) Streak.

Forming a marketing alliance to sell Android tablets is easy. Google's challenge, though, will be to convince the public that Android tablets are as cool and easy-to-use as an iPad.

Jonathan Berr is an Apple customer but, alas, does not own its shares or the shares of any other company mentioned here.