Apple tablet delayed to 2H 2010?

DigiTimes heard rumors that Apple decided to delay the launch of its tablet PC from March 2010 to the second half of 2010. Apple reportedly decided to switch some components and has plans now to introduce two models; one with a 10.6" LCD display and another one with a 9.7" OLED panel.

The sources estimate the tablet with the 9.7" OLED display may have a retail price of around $2,000, while the 10.6" LCD panel based tablet is expected to be priced in the $800 to $1,000 range.

The sources also indicated that in addition to Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), Quanta Computer and Pegatron Technology are expected to be manufacturing partners for Apple's two tablet PC models - one of which will have a 10.6-inch TFT LCD panel while the other will have a 9.7-inch OLED panel. However, the sources did not explain how production for the two models would be split between the three makers.

LG Display currently is making OLED panels using its 4.5G production line and LG Display's five-year US$500 million panel purchasing contract with Apple includes supply of OLED panels, the sources pointed out.