Rumors of an
Apple tablet – essentially a large
iPhone or iPod touch – have been swirling for over a year. Today the
Financial Times is adding credibility to the rumors, reporting that Apple is rushing to debut the device in time for the Christmas shopping season.
The article swings back and forth between the new device and a series of record label deals
Apple could launch simultaneously, but here are the points specifically related to the tablet:
Screen size: “may be up to 10 inches diagonally”, touch sensitive (of course)
Phone capability? Unlikely – it’s more like a large iPod Touch than an iPhone.
Wireless connectivity: Same as the iPod Touch, with the ability to download media through iTunes.
Kindle Rival? May provide the ability to read books, creating a rival to Amazon’s Kindle.
Launch date: By Christmas, possibly as early as September.