Apple to Release a Tablet Device in 2010

Better late than never, Apple sans Steve Jobs is breaking new ground with it’s plans to introduce tablet-based devices early next year. Apple is all set to bridge the gap between iPod touch and Macbook at a price of $500-$700. This was evident from an report by Gene Munster’s (Research analyst) in Piper Jaffray, who cleared the air over the release. A close look at Munster’s analysis reveal Apple’s move towards the new tablet device.

According to Munster’s note, Apple’s efforts were inherently pointing towards a New Mobile Device. He indicated that the recent patents relating to multi-touch sensitivity for more complex computing devices, Apple’s acquisition of P.A. Semi, comments from Tim Cook on the April 22nd conference call and with other recent chip-related hires provided a direct tip-off towards Apple’s mobile computing venture.

He precisely foresighted that new device as a large (7”-10”) touchscreen tablet that will launch in 1H CY10. Apple consistently declared that it is not interested in a “cheap” portable netbook. Apple revealed the desire to differentiate itself in a maturing market before its too late, as with iPod and iPhone. Further, with Apple vehemently using its multi-touch technology in all its core products, the new is expected to carry the feature.

Apple will leverage its multi-touch patents to differentiate its product from the typical notebook. This is anticipated to be a new category of product with an operating system better than iPhone’s, but optimized for multi-touch like Mac OS X. The device would feature an OS similar to Apple’s mobile OS and run the App Store apps. Development of such as OS might have be underway, but the sources suggest it will not be launched before CY10.

Although, a late entrant with most of its products, Apple designed its products differentially to gain a significant market share. For instance, iPhone was launched five years after BlackBerry with email and mobile phone capabilities. It may be assumed that Apple is looking at BlackBerry in the same way as the tablet that is expected to be a premium mobile computing device.

Munsters forecast seems convincing enough given the hands-on evidences. Despite the grapevine surrounding the impending launch of lower end device Apple continues to thrive in its business. We can always have our fingers crossed to see Apple bogged down to the pressure to offer some cheap netbook in the market. From Apple’s point of view it could be anticipated that the company is striving for a product smaller than laptop and larger than cellphone.