Xephyer

There have been rumors about a Newton-like / Web Tablet coming out from Apple for a few years now - but with the today's news from Reuters that Apple is scheduled to take third-quarter delivery of newly developed 10-inch touchscreens from Taiwan, it seems that this time the rumors may be true.

Apple's leadership haven't been too high on the "netbook" computers, believing that they are underpowered with small displays and are not what the customers want.

While it could certainly be an Apple netbook, it would seem more likely that Apple tries to go a different direction - and bring a new type/style of product to market - so a reinvisioned Netwon type device / web tablet, makes sense. I can see apple taking advantage of the success of the iPhone and its app store. A touch screen web tablet could be just the thing to get iPhone users who still use the PC to begin their switch to Macs.

I would guess that Apple would want to include an accelerometer (like the iPhone). It would also be nice to have a built in GPS chip. A device like this, while not replacing a PC, could perform a lot of the tasks that people use a PC for in the home. With bluetooth connectivity, you could also maybe attach a wireless keyboard to make typing a bit easier. Although, having said that, I don't seem to have a problem typing on my iPhone - so a larger screen would make it even easier.

I think one issue, however, would be the price point. Apple has stated they cant make a $500 computer that isn't garbage. I think with some sort of Netwon-like device, they may be able to get into the $500 to $600 range - I'm just not sure how large a demand they will have if they can't come in below that.

Hope we hear more!