When a rumor never seems to fade into the past and is frequently brought up over and over again generally there is some truth to the matter. Reports are surfacing again that Apple will be releasing a tablet PC in October for around $800.00.
That"s a direct statement which means that the source in hand must be fairly confident that the information received is accurate. More interestingly is that the new information matches up with previous rumors.
"Taiwan"s high-tech supply chain companies said Apple will debut its first netbook in October; Apple will pose itself to tackle the Christmas shopping season. Three corporations – Foxconn, Wintek, Dynapack have received direct orders from Apple"
What is interesting about the quoted source is that it says netbook unlike previous rumors that mentioned a tablet. Further the source says that Apple will debut "touch screen technology on its netbooks, Apple will not target low-end consumers, avoiding direct competition with Acer, Asus, as well as their less-than-500-dollars netbooks. Apple"s netbook (or a "tablet" as many call it,) will probably be sold at around $800 USD each."
If the sources are correct then it means Apple will be selling a small light netbook with a touch screen; something that isn"t prevalent today. A product of this nature will certainly attract attention but it"s clear that at around $800.00 it"s not truly targeting the netbook market with its pricing.
Apple generally holds a press conference in the fall to release its new iPod line and could bundle this announcement in with its other products. It is also no secret that Apple is flush with cash right now and may be more willing to invest into niche markets but only time will tell.