Analyst tablet hands-on

Apple's rumored tablet device is indeed genuine, claims a source cited by Barron's. Described only as a "veteran analyst," the person is said to have had a first-hand view of a prototype system. Development is thought to be far enough along that the product could be announced in September, and released in November.

Other companies are said to be aware of the impending device, and holding off on products of their own. "It's close enough now to a final design that in Asia, there's no other product in the waiting room or in the bullpen," according to the analyst. "There are dozens of ODMs [original device makers] making products for Lenovo and other PC makers that are all waiting to see what the Apple product is."

Little else is known about the tablet, but the source suggests that it should be amply capable of HD video. "It's better than the average movie experience, when you hold this thing in your hands," the person adds. Speculation from miscellaneous analysts quoted by Barron's holds that the product could cost between $699 and $799, and handle tasks normally split between separate devices, such as gaming and home media streaming.

A September announcement would echo some other forecasts, but not information obtained by Apple Insider, which claims that Apple has penned a Q1 2010 release date for the tablet into its calendar.

by MacNN Staff