NetbookTech

The rumors of an Apple tablet/netbook-like device (the above rendition courtesy of Gizmodo) have intensified recently thanks to an article over at Barrons. According to a “veteran analyst” who claims to have “seen and touched” the Apple “slate-style” device, the upcoming tablet will be announced in September and delivered in November with a price of around $699 to $799.

The device, which many have dubbed a “jumbo iPod touch” apparently impressed the analyst – “The machine impresses with its display of hi-def video content. It’s better than the average movie experience, when you hold this thing in your hands."

What makes the article particularly interesting is the claim that the PC industry is supposedly waiting with abated breath for this new Apple device – so much so that many PC makers have “paused production” of next generation netbooks until they see what Apple’s up to.

That last note seems somewhat dubious to us simply because of the time of the year. We’re already in the back-to-school season and we’re quickly approaching the holiday season which means many manufacturers should already be pumping out units for current and upcoming sales. If anything, whatever Apple does in September will affect product development for 2010 and beyond. 2009 is pretty much set in stone if you ask us – which also means any next generation netbook about to hit the shelf will more than likely continue to do so.

However, the one great thing about this rumor – if it turns out to be true, the pricing is true, and Apple delivers – this is all great news ultimately for netbook vendors because it gives these vendors a new target/goal to achieve. There’s nothing like a product that you can emulate from.

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