Apple tablet made by Foxconn, to ship early 2010?

Apple’s often-rumored tablet could ship early next year in relatively modest numbers, a contact said today. Foxconn has reportedly been picked by Apple to make the device and, contrary to rumors of a June ship date, would ship it in early 2010. About 300,000 to 400,000 units would be part of the initial wave.

The DigiTimes insider corroborates recent stories and claims the device would have an unusual 10.6-inch screen as well as a focus on Internet access and e-book reading that, in one rumor, would have Apple putting magazines, novels and other text on the iTunes Store. A very long battery life is also believed to be a centerpiece.

Significantly, the same source adds that Apple is no longer alone and that HP may be developing a similar touchscreen tablet due for spring 2010. HP has been one of the stronger proponents of touchscreens among Windows PC makers and often develops its own custom apps just for touch. Windows 7 will give it native multi-touch support at the OS level. – Electronista

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