Peter Kaplan envisions the day when the denizens of Larchmont and Mamaroneck will be glued to the screens of tablet-like mobile devices while sipping coffee at Starbucks or Così, absorbing everything from local gossip to global news, and saving journalism while they're at it.

That's quite a charge for us locals and for the new technology, but Larchmont resident and prominent journalist Kaplan is placing his eggs in that basket -- or rather, his career on a thin, seven-by-nine-inch device.

"I really believe we are on the precipice of something great," said the 15-year editor of The New York Observer, who left the newspaper last June to help Condė Nast design new products specifically for tablet technology. "This is the first time in the last ten years that I'll say that the news business will survive, and will be significantly healthier ten years from today."

Kaplan spoke to an engaged audience of about 75 at the Larchmont Temple Sunday on the subject: "Will Print Journalism Make It?" sponsored by the Friends of the Larchmont Public Library.

Except for book publishing, which has remained strong in recent years in spite of the Internet's proliferation, Kaplan said, the future of traditional print media no longer seems to be the question; it is struggling to stay afloat. But recent developments in technology may offer promise to journalism by serving as a bridge between the old and new delivery systems.

Apple's iPad and other tablet-style devices in development elsewhere are something in-between a laptop and a smartphone. They will allow users mobile access to email and the Web, the ability to send photos and download music, as well as other popular applications, while remaining relatively light and portable. "The iPad is like an iPhone on steroids," Kaplan said in his colorful speaking style. "And most of you will own one in a year or two."

Participating actively in the question and answer period following Kaplan's remarks, the crowd seemed both relieved and skeptical at Kaplan's optimism about the future of journalism. What appeared unanimous was a frustration with the impact the Internet has had on the media, both in terms of the quality of information available online and the ill health of some of the country's most reputable publications, including The New York Times.

Kaplan offered some reassurance with historical anecdotes, describing how the American public was in a state of panic during a spate of newspaper closings in the 1930s, and had to adapt to another radical change with the rise of television broadcasting in the 1960s. "Surges and collapses" characterize the history of journalism, he said, but "Americans love information, and are willing to pay for it." 

He acknowledged that the Internet has been an unprecedented force for democratization around the world, but has also upended journalism by offering virtually limitless information and crippling the financially crucial relationship between viewer and advertiser.

Kaplan is banking on the idea that future tablet users -- the first version of the iPad should ship in late March -- will be willing to pay for access to online magazines and newspapers presented in a visually pleasing format and offering a "three dimensional" experience. For instance, they will provide interactivity, including options to see images, animation and video clips related to a story, among other features (to see a demonstration check out a Wired magazine video here).

Because the presentation will appear extremely crisp and designed, resembling the original print publications more than their current Web sites but offering much more content, media outlets will be able to cultivate a loyal subscriber base, Kaplan argued, and entice advertisers to shell out the big bucks once again.

Community-based media outlets represent a different but related trend in that they may also help funnel vital advertising dollars to publishers by providing a direct and intimate link to local consumers.

"It is my belief, for the first time," Kaplan said, "that the economics and integrity of what the media does for a living can be fused."

Let's hope he's right.