New MacBook Pros 2010 Incoming?

The reader on Reddit.com noticed 4 new Apple Laptop (Macbook Pro 2010) SKUs appear in the Microcenter purchasing system today. The 4 laptops are labeled: "Apple System Good-USA", "Mac System #1 Best-USA", "Mac System #2 Best-USA", "Mac System Better-USA."

The 4 SKUs which show up under a search for "Apple Laptops" are likely to correspond to new Macbook or Macbook Pro models range anywhere from $1,799 to $2,299 which fall neatly in line with Apple's existing pricing of laptops.

The submitter of this news went on to state: "This all just showed up in my system at microcenter, with model numbers and price. The week before the macbook came out in november this came up the same way, with a correct model number and price. Looks like we might get new Macbook Pro 2010 tuesday...".

We take this news to point strongly to the release of at least four new Apple Laptops (Macbook Pro 2010) configurations next week.

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Apple Planning for Graphics Processors in Upcoming MacBook Pro 2010?

The reports from AppleInsider that it has received information that Apple is planning an enhancement to its next-generation of MacBook Pro 2010 that will allow for automatic switching between integrated and discrete GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) based on whichever is the more optimal technology (power consumption vs. performance) at any given time.

Since September 2008, Apple has offered two NVIDIA GPU in its 17" and higher-end 15" MacBook Pro models, one discrete processor and one integrated processor. Users of these machines have been able use the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences to select whether they prefer "better battery life" with the integrated graphics or "higher performance" with the discrete graphics, although switching between the two requires users to log out of their accounts temporarily.


Apple's rumored plans appear to be based on NVIDIA's Optimus technology, which allows for seamless switching between graphics processors based on automatic software settings. NVIDIA reportedly developed the technology in response to a dispute with Intel over NVIDIA's ability to build chipsets for Intel's latest processors, a dispute that has led to NVIDIA exiting the chipset business. NVIDIA's Optimus technology offers computer manufacturers an enticing means to pair NVIDIA's well-regarded discrete graphics processors with integrated processors provided by Intel as part of its chipsets.

Today's report notes that the source is not 100% certain that the change will be made in time to appear in Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro 2010, which is widely expected in the near future. Apple's pressing need for a solution to the situation presented by the Intel-NVIDIA dispute, however, makes it very likely that the technology will be included in the forthcoming models.

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MacBook Pro Core i5/i7 Specs Leaked?

Yeah! We apparently have discovered the specs of the upcoming MacBook Pro 2010 but bring a large grain of salt with you, just in case. And by a grain of salt I do mean the largest pile you can get your hands on!

The first thing we will comment on when looking at this New Zealand-based online store is that they have mastered the art of time travel. Now that’s something I’d gladly describe here for you but unfortunately they have not revealed that technology to the public yet. What they did reveal is “15’’ MacBook Pro 2010, newly released April 2010.” What they must have done is head to April 2010, check out the new laptops and then quickly returned to update their site accordingly only to take it down so nobody could still see it. God I love Google cache!

Moving on to the MacBook Pro 2010 specs we will say that what you’re about to see doesn’t sound that outrageous for the next-gen MacBook Pro:

• Intel Core i5/i7 processors
• Up to 8GB of RAM
• 640GB HDD / 256GB SSD
• LED-backlit glossy widescreen standard display with anti-glare option available
• New 8-hour built-in battery
• Express Card/32 slot
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M Graphic Cards
• Multitouch trackpad

It does just like a little too good to be true though. Like the Express Card/32 slot there? Is Apple really returning us that slot? What about the Intel Core i5 and i7 incompatible Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics cards?

At least Best Buy was kind enough not to update their web page with questionable details. We understand the need for attention but that doesn’t mean you can go ahead and play with our mixed MacBook Pro-related feelings!

Since we will be talking at least a few more times about these upcoming updated MacBook Pros, let’s hear from our reader what they want to see in Apple’s next-gen laptops!

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New Macbook Pro 2010 Core i7 has been Benchmarked! Feb 2010

This video blog about a benchmark on geekbench that was done for the unreleased macbook pro 2010 with intel core i7 620m.

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Clues Hint at Possible MacBook Pro 2010 With Core i7 Chip

The Computer geeks has report hinting at an upcoming MacBook Pro 2010 equipped with Intel's latest mobile processor.

Readers of MacRumors spotted Geekbench benchmark results for what appears to be a MacBook Pro featuring a 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 M620, a high-end dual core processor featuring Intel’s Hyperthreading and Turbo Boost technologies.

The benchmark results appear plausible, as they suggest the alleged Intel Core i7 MacBook Pro outperforms 2.66GHz MacBook Pros with the current Core 2 Duo chip. However, take this with a grain of salt. You have to wonder why an Apple employee would run this test and post the results in public.

Geekbench creator John Poole told Wired.com that Geekbench results can be faked, but he believes the Core i7 MacBook Pro benchmark is real.

“If the system information for this system has been faked, it’s a convincing fake; there aren’t any inconsistencies in the system information, the Mac OS X build number matches Apple’s numbering scheme for new hardware builds, and the processor matches people’s expectations for what will appear in the refreshed MacBook Pro,” Poole said. “In other words, I believe this result is authentic.”

Intel announced its latest mobile chips at CES 2010, and many notebooks are beginning to ship with the new processors. Observers believe Apple will upgrade its MacBook Pro family to include the new Intel chips.

MacBook Pros received an upgrade in June 2009, and Apple typically refreshes its notebooks every six or seven months. So if the Geekbench results are to believed, we should expect to see a Intel Core i7 MacBook Pro soon.

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Apple's MacBook Pro 2010 Updates

Recently, I have heard a lot of chatter on the subject of Apple's Macbook Pro 2010 being updated. Various rumours have been circulating.

Macrumors published an apparent geek bench on the to-be-updated Macbook pro. It showed a detailed list of its score and a few specs were listed.

So apparently we will see a 600m Intel Core i7 chip with two cores in the new MacBook Pro 2010 and i am assuming with its Core i5 and i3 counterparts in some of the lower end MacBook Pros.

Here is the apparent GeekBench test for you all to see. So what do you think leave comments below and thanks for reading.

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Is a MacBook Pro base on Intel Core i7 strutting its specs in the wild?

For ur viewing pleasure, I present the latest Apple rumors doing the rounds this Saturday Noon -- namely, GeekBench results for a "new" Core i7 MacBook Pros. According to the results, what you're looking at above are the numbers for the MacBook Pro 6,1, sporting a nastified Intel Core i7 (dual core, not quad) 620M (Arrandale) percolating along at 2.66GHz.

Other curious points here are the 4.8GHz Front Side Bus, which sounds a little screwy to us, and a final GeekBench score of 5,260, which makes current MacBook Pros clocked at the same speed look like your grandfather with a walker (those ranges hover around 3,700-4,000 on average). The laptop in question is also allegedly running a fresh version of Snow Leopard (build 10C3067 of 10.6.2), which certainly makes sense if someone is out there benching a new Apple's product, though it's not a number we can verify.

Still, if you were using a new Apple's product, would you be dumb enough to publicly share this information? Probably not, which of course raises the question that this might just be a hackintosh or some other clever spoof (even if we did see a suggestion of new MacBook Pros on the way recently). In the meantime, you can dream of having your pants burnt off by the above monster, and we'll let you know if this thing starts looking a little more real.

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Intel promotion points to the MacBook Pro Core i5

It's a good safe bet Apple will eventually incorporate Intel's latest processors into its MacBook lineup in 2010, though when that will happen is still unknown.

AppleInsider got its hands on an e-mail promotion sent to participants in the IREP (Intel Retail Edge Program) --a training program for Intel sales representatives--that hints something might be coming soon. The e-mail to participants includes this language: "January Prize Draw: Win a MacBook Pro. Pass this month's trainings for 2 chances to win one of 2 MacBook Pro laptops with the accelerated response of an Intel Core i5 processor."

Reached for comments, an Intel spokesman was said, "There was an error on

AppleInsider got its hands on an e-mail promotion sent to participants in the Intel Retail Edge Program and we are investigating."

It could have been a mistake in the language in the e-mail, or--and this seems more likely--the mistake could have been that it was sent out too early. MacBook Pros with Arrandale architecture, which includes the Core i5 processor, have been anticipated for some time, as my colleague Brooke Crothers wrote on Monday. Check out his post for more about what to expect if Apple does indeed add Intel's latest silicon to its notebook lineup.

After the jump is the full text of the Intel Retail Edge Program promotion e-mail.

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Mac Pro Core i7 Coming February 2010?

Mac Pros Intel Core i7

Apple's iPad may not be the only product launch come March, if a recent rumor about new Mac Pros is to be believed.

MacRumors is reporting that "multiple sources" have relayed to Hardmac this week news that the Mac Pro may be getting a serious speed bump "in a matter of weeks," courtesy of Intelss latest and greatest, the Core i7-980X and Core i7-970 six-core processors. The latest partnership between Apple and Intel is expected to (ahem) bear fruit as early as March.

"So, if Apple and Intel are still engaged in a tight partnership," the Hardmac report reads, "Apple might have the exclusivity of such CPU *as the Nehalem Xeon) for a couple of days or weeks. So, if you are waiting for a new Mac Pro to change your current model or purchase your first Mac Pro, then get ready after the second half of February, it should come within the next three weeks."

Of course, such news is hardly a revelation -- the last two revisions of the Mac Pro were also the first to market with their respective Intel chips, as Macrumors notes. Hardmac also speculates that the new hardware will be based on the Mac-edition Radeon HD 5870 graphics cards as well.

Rumors have swirled for months about a Mac Pro based upon Intel's Core i7 980X, also known as the “Gulftown” architecture. With a 32nm processor and a clock speed of 3.33GHz, the chip is the first dual-socket, six-core processor from Intel, and has been widely expected to make a splash on the market in March 2010.

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Apple iPad - Complete features list.

iPad features


Today, Steve Jobs has finally unveiled the Apple's iPad, let's quickly list down the complete list of features that makes the iPad one of the most advanced tablet / eBook reader on the of face of this earth. If you ask me, I was expecting more out of yesterday’s keynotes. Anyways, looks like Apple is going to come back with a bang when the launch the OS 4.0 for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

• Height: 9.56 inches (242.8 mm)
• Width: 7.47 inches (189.7 mm)
• Depth: 0.5 inch (13.4 mm)
• Weight: 1.5 pounds (.68 kg) Wi-Fi model; 1.6 pounds (.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model

You can also check Apple for more on this. Here is the link.

• 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
• 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)
• Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
• Support for display of multiple languages and characters simultaneously
• Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n)
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology
• Wi-Fi + 3G model
• UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
• GSM/EDGE (850, 900,1800, 1900 MHz)
• Digital compass
• Assisted GPS (Wi-Fi + 3G model)
• 16GB, 32GB or 64GB flashdrive
• 1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip
• Accelerometer
• Ambient Light Sensor
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
• Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), AppleLossless, AIFF, and WAV
• User-configurable maximum volume limit
• Support for 1024 x 768 with Dock Connector to VGA adapter; 576p and 480p withApple Composite – A/V Cable, 576i and 480i with Apple Composite A/V Cable
• H.264 video up to 720p, 30 fps, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
• Viewable document types: .jpg, .tiff, .gif (images); .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word); .htm and .html (web pages); .key (Keynote); .numbers (Numbers); .pages (Pages); .pdf (Preview and Adobe Acrobat); .ppt and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint); .txt (text); .rtf (rich text format); .vcf (contact information); .xls and .xlsx (Microsoft Excel)
• Support for playback of closed-captioned content
• VoiceOver screen reader
• Full-screen zoom magnification
• White on black
• Mono audio
• Built-in 25Whr rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
• Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
• Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system
• Dock connector
• 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack
• Built-in speakers
• Microphone
• SIM card tray (Wi-Fi + 3G model only)

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iPad Fact: No Multitasking, Notifications, TV Subscriptions, Camera or Textbooks

Apple's iPad Fact List

iPad is surely a winner, but despite the accessories, wi-fi and 3G options, there were quite a few things that we do not get. Hopefully OS 4.0 brings a few more rich features. TiPB (The iPhone Blog) has an interesting post of list of things that Apple might have missed. Check it out:

- Camera. Back, front-facing, or otherwise. There was no camera shown off and none visible. While this fits the "big apps iPod touch" metaphor, and allows Apple to do the typical "start limited, add functionality over time" strategy, we still wanted one now.

- Multitasking systems. Apple only showed one iPhone app or iPad app running at once. We've heard it’s running iPhone OS 3.2, and multi-tasking might be an iPhone (and iPad) OS 4.0 feature, but again, we wanted to see it now.

- Notifications. Did Apple show any form of notifications for email, apps, or otherwise? (Badges aside)? Again, we're hoping a better version is coming with 4.0.

- Textbooks. We saw the New York Times app, we saw iBooks for novels, but we didn’t see the much-talked-about textbooks… yet. (We’re guessing they’re coming soon though.)

- Verizon Provider. Only GSM/HSPA networking was announced. No CDMA, which would be required for Verizon to support the models shown off so far.

- TV Subscriptions. While print media is jumping all over themselves to get on the Apple's iPad, TV continues to show nothing approaching forward thinking. Not surprised, but hope that changes.

- Complex multitouch gestures. So far, the multi-touch gestures look like the ones on the iPhone, no swipe 3 fingers and twist in a circle to launch a document. Phew.

- Tethering. No word on whether the Wi-Fi only version of the iPad will tether to your existing iPhone (which would be nice), or if the 3G iPad will allow you to tether another device (we won’t hold our breath).

- HDMI out. Where’s our big fat video out cable so we don't need an Apple TV?

- Cloud. No mention of enhanced cloud-based services. Apple didn’t even mention MobileMe, never mind the rumored iTunes.com streaming media.

Apple's iPad

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Macbook Pro 2010: Arrandale Core i5 Processors?

Macbook Pro 2010 Rumors: A video blog about the rumored Arrandale processor from intel, core i5 with benchmarks vs. the old core 2 duo at the same clock speed.

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Microsoft CEO signs MacBook Pro - running Windows, of course

While Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer visit to Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville this week, He put his John Hancok on a Macbook Pro, and the event was captured on video.

While Ballmer meeting with a group of students, one of them asked the multi-billionaire: "Mr. Ballmer, would you sign my laptop?" The inquiry earned laughs from the group, as well as as the Microsoft executive. "It's got Windows on it," the student said, "I promise."

"Oh yeah," Ballmer said sarcastically, before taking the MacBook Pro and signing it with a marker. The autograph came with a note: "Need a new one?"

"It's all yours," Ballmer said as he handed the Apple machine back to the student.

Ballmer was in town for the Nashville Technology Council's annual meeting. The one-day visit from the Microsoft executive was part of a multi-city tour intended to promote the company as one that can solve problems for specific industries, the university said.

During his trip, Ballmer met with students from local colleges and universities, which is where he encountered the MacBook Pro. The full video of the event is embedded below:

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Might Apple sell iPhone 4G via Verizon?

This is a big news coming to all those unhappy AT&T customers who are on iPhone. Its rumored that along with Apple Tablet (aka iSlate) big launch at next weeks media event, Apple might also announce plans to sell iPhone 4G via Verizon starting June. Peter Misek, analyst of Canaccord Adams has shared this interesting bit of news and Tech Trader Daily has shared this interesting scoop:

In a research note, Misek thinks there will actually be “two more things,” in addition to the tablet announcement.

1. He expects the unveiling of iPhone OS 4.0.

2. He thinks the company will announce plans to sell the iPhone 4G via Verizon starting in June 2010.

According to Misek, Apple’s supply chain is already prepping for mass production of a new iPhone to ship late in the calendar second quarter, operating on the Verizon network on the CDMA network, but with support as well for the European GSM and HSPA standards. He says and updated 4G phone – he calls it the 4G S – with LTE support will follow in June 2011. Misek says he has no info on pricing for the new phone.

Misek adds that the new iPhone 4.0 OS will support OS-wide multi-touch gestures and multi-tasking, simplify navigation and may offer a new way to sync contacts and calendar apps; he says the OS update likely will be available only for 3G and 3G S phones.

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Apple Tablet to be one device shared by the whole family

I got some fresh details last evening about Apple's Tablet, Apple sees its tablet as a device that will be shared by multiple falimy members - and it might even recognize their faces. AppleInsider shared this interesting piece on info: Reporters Ethan Smith cited numerous sources familiar with the tablet in revealing that Apple intends to focus its tablet on providing content from multiple "old media" business sources, including textbooks, newspapers and television. Apple has reportedly pitched the tablet as a device that can be shared amongst family members and used for reading news and checking e-mail.

“The person said that Apple has experimented with the ability to leave virtual sticky notes on the device and for the gadget to automatically recognize individuals via a built-in camera,” the report said. “It’s unclear whether these features will be included at launch.”

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iPhone OS 4.0 will include Multi-tasking and Revamped UI

Yesterday, I received some information form a source regarding iPhone OS 4.0, which is rumored to be introduced at next week's media event in San Francisco. According to the source, The iPhone OS 4.0 will be limited to the iPhone 3G and 3GS (presumably including at least more recent iPod Touch models and omitting the standard iPhone) and will incorporate solutions for multitasking by running applications in the background and a revamped user interface for easier navigation.

- There will be multitouch gestures OS-wide. (Would make sense for that as the rumored OS for the Apple Tablet is close if not the same as the iPhone)

- "A few new ways" to run applications in the background -- multitasking.

- Many graphical and User Interface changes to make navigating through the OS vervy easier and more efficient. We haven't had this broken down, but we can only hope for improved notifications, a refreshed homescreen, etc.

- The update will supposedly be available for only the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS(iPhone 2G not included), but will "put them ahead in the smartphone market because it will make them more like full-fledged computers" more than any other phone to date. Everyone is "really excited."

- The last piece of information is the most vague, but apparently there will be some brand new syncing ability for the contacts and calendar applications.

The ability to run iPhone applications in the background has been near the top of many users' wish lists, but Apple has yet to implement full backgrounding and multitasking due to its effect on performance and battery life, instead opting to deploy push notifications as a means for closed applications to serve data to users. The expansion of the ability to run applications in the background beyond those few specified by Apple has been a relatively common theme, with multiple reports suggesting that Apple has been working on ways to deploy the functionality in at least a limited sense, although many expected such developments to be included in iPhone OS 3.0 last year.

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iPhone 4.0 and Tablet will be launch on Jan 27 ?

Apple has just officially the rumored surprise event that is going to be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on Jan. 27. This special event is by invitation-only and Apple has already sent out the secret invitation card to selected media outlets this morning.

As read from the invitation card “Come to see our latest creation”, the theme of the secret event is about new innovation. Apple is very likely to announce the rumored iSlate (Apple Tablet). And, according to Clayton Morris from foxnews.com, on top of the table device, we’ll see other surprises from Apple: iPhone 4.0 and iLife 2010.

Quoted from foxnews.com by Clayton Morris,

I spoke to a source at Apple this morning, before the invite hit my inbox, who said the event would likely focus on three projects: The tablet device, iPhone 4, and a new round of iLife 2010 software. While we won’t see new iPhone hardware just yet, we will see the next-generation software.

I’m sure it’ll be a specials event and bet that Apple will show us an innovative tablet device. I’ll keep you update about the event and all the products announcement. Stay tuned and start saving money as well :)

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The next CEO of France Telecom Confirmed Forthcoming Release of Apple Tablet (iSlate)

Stéphane Richard next CEO of France Telecom and Orange has apparently confirmed in a radio interview that Apple will be launching Apple Tablet device as has been rumored for later this month. AppAdvice offers a translation of the exchange between Richard and Jean-Pierre Elkabbach of France's Europe 1:

Jean-Pierre Elkabbach (the interviewer) : According to Le Point (a french magazine), your partner Apple will be launching a tablet
Stéphane Richard: Yes.
Jean-Pierre Elkabbach: ... equipped with a webcam.
Stéphane Richard: Yes.
Jean-Pierre Elkabbach: Will Orange customers also be able to enjoy it?
Stéphane Richard: Of course!, they will actually particularly enjoy it because the webcam will allow live video streaming. It's a new take on mobile video-conferencing.




A video of the interview is also available, with the relevant comments beginning at approximately the 6:10 mark.

Richard has been tabbed as the next CEO of France Télécom, a position he will assume when current CEO Didier Lombard retires next year. As of January 1st, 2010, Richard assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer Delegate in preparation for taking the helm of the company.

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Apple iSlate Set for 2nd Quarter Launch With Aluminum Case?

Apple iSlate Set for 2nd Quarter Launch With Aluminum Case?

Reports from Reuters on information from Apple's supply chain indicating that touchscreens for the company's rumored tablet device are in manufacturing and that production of the device's case, which is reportedly aluminum, will begin next month. The beginning of mass production of components for the device suggests that it is likely to launch in the 2nd quarter of this year.



Suppliers for Apple's new tablet computer have begun shipping touchscreen panels and will start delivering aluminum case for it next month, sources said, implying a 2nd-quarter product launch.

AVY Precision Technology Inc, a Taiwanese manufacturer of covers for electronic products, will begin production of the cases in February 2010, two sources familiar with the situation said on Friday.

TPK Solutions, an unlisted touch screen panel maker also based in Taiwan will also supply panels for the product, a 3rd source said, on top of those already being manufactured by another Taiwan company, Wintek Corp.




The claims follow relatively recent reports that Apple will begin mass production of the tablet next month with availability planed for March or April. Another report just days ago from The Wall Street Journal pointed to a March launch for the tablet, with two different material casings reportedly under consideration. The latest report, however, suggests that Apple has settled on an aluminum case for the device.

Claims of touchscreen suppliers for the tablet have been muddled over the past few months, with early reports that Wintek had been awarded the contract called into question that Foxconn subsidiary Innolux could be tapped for the screens.

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Apple’s Tablet: iSlate Read Different?

To be taken with a grain of salt: Apple’s long-time-rumored Apple tablet (iSlate) will arrive at market early next month and will feature a 10.6 inchs panel designed with ebooks in mind. This according to the occasionally accurate DigiTimes.

“Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) will be the manufacturing partner for iSlate from Apple, according to market sources,” the publication claims.




“The sources indicated they believe the iSlate features will focus more on ebook functionality more than music, and that based on Apple’s marketing strategy, long battery life, fast Internet connectivity and an easy to use user interface will be key features of the device.”

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