New info out of China suggests $800 iTablet coming this fall
It has been several weeks since there was a fresh rumor about Apple's fabled tablet computer or a supposed netbook, so thank the maker that we now have new speculation about what Apple might be doing. According to a report from China Times (English translation), at least three companies connected to Apple's supply chain have received "direct orders" from Apple to build what is alternately referred to as either a netbook or a tablet.
The report seems to confirm an earlier rumor that Apple would be sourcing 9.7" touchscreens from Wintek for the device, giving further credence that the device will have a tablet form factor as opposed to a tiny laptop known as a netbook. However, it conflicts with that same report by naming Foxconn as the manufacturing partner as opposed to previously rumored Quanta, which manufactures MacBooks. Dynapack, known for its rechargeable batteries, is also said to have received an order from Apple related to the device.
China Times claims that its sources are reliable, and those sources indicate that the device will launch in October for the holiday shopping season for around $800. This is in contrast to netbooks, which generally sell for around $300-500; iPhones and iPod touches, which sell for around $200-300; and Apple's notebook line, which starts at $999.
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