14 DAY TRIAL // Ongoing rumors of a new Apple device that could be released as the company’s first tablet PC have stirred up the industry, according to recent reports on the Internet. Apparently, leading PC vendors like ASUSTeK Computer, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Dell and Micro-Star International are set to launch new tablet PCs as early as the beginning of next year. The same reports indicate that the Cupertino, California-based company is expected to unveil its first tablet PC as early as November this year.
In a Digitimes news-report from last week, citing the ever-present industry sources, ASUS, HP, Dell and MSI are said to be preparing the launch of new tablet PCs that will follow the release of Apple’s much-hyped similar product. Taiwanese manufacturer MSI is said to be preparing the launch of a 10-inch tablet netbook for early 2010, while leading PC maker HP is also reported to be readying one for April or May 2010, which will be manufactured by Inventec.
These new netbooks from both HP and MSI are expected to adopt Intel’s next-generation Pine Trail-M platform for netbooks, which boasts a new 2-chip configuration, compared to the current 3-chip solution for Atom netbooks. There are no specific details related to said Dell tablet PC, but the Round Rock, Texas-based computer vendor isn’t likely to stand hands-crossed as other players in the industry are updating their product lines.
ASUSTeK has already unveiled its Atom-based Eee PC T91, a tablet PC that incorporates Intel’s low-power Atom platform. The company is, however, looking to update its lineup with a new 10-inch model that will adopt Microsoft’s much-anticipated Windows 7 operating system.
Powered by Intel’s next-generation Atom processor, these new tablet PCs could be introduced at some rather low price points, which isn’t likely to be the case with Apple’s much-rumored tablet device. In addition, the market is expected to expand to new form factors, featuring screen sizes from 4 inches to 10 inches or more.