14 DAY TRIAL // A “source” the Mac Observer considers trustworthy has leaked the first picture of what looks like the front glass panel presumably employed by Apple’s forthcoming tablet PC. The hardware features a seam where the tablet’s speaker would be located, and two holes - a small one for a web cam, and a bigger one at the bottom, for a home button akin to that of the iPhone or iPod touch.
In the report in question, the Mac Observer says, “A source has sent us a photograph of what he claims to be the glass to be used in Apple's as-yet unannounced tablet device. In the photo below is just the glass, which looks a lot like a large iPod.” The source allegedly provided the site with measurements, saying that the glass measured 10 inches on the diagonal.
Earlier today, Softpedia reported that Asian suppliers were said to be experiencing 10.1-inch OLED, LED display shortages, based on information provided by a designer for a firm wishing to remain anonymous. The picture leaked by the Mac Observer’s source would corroborate such claims.
“We aren't positive about how this device would be presented, but we thought it made the most sense in a vertical alignment,” the site adds, probably referring to the positioning of the speaker. “We weren't able to double source the image, but we do trust the source that provided us with the image,” the Mac-focused site concludes.
Softpedia note
Currently, there is no information available to either confirm or dismiss the true nature of this image. However, Softpedia is reluctant to believe Apple has designed its tablet to look exactly like the iPod touch. Moreover, a speaker will most likely not be placed in the location this picture would have us think. After all, a 10-inch tablet is not a phone. We’d say two speakers are likely to be employed by Apple’s tablet, with the sides of the device featuring seams or holes for allowing the sound to escape.
Still, the fully assembled product may surprise us altogether. Knowing little to nothing about Apple’s much-hyped tablet can lead to erroneous assumptions, which Softpedia will own up to, if these predictions are wrong.