Apple's $800 Netbook Might be Out in Oct

Techtree News Staff, Jul 14, 2009 1559 hrs IST

Likely to have a gaming potential

The entire rumor buzz about Apple prepping a netbook seems to be turning into a reality soon. The most recent buzz over the web suggests that Apple will bring $800 (Rs. 38,400 approx.) netbook in October after Info Times, a Chinese Daily, reported about the same. As per the report, three Taiwanese companies -- Foxconn, Wintek and Dynapack -- received direct orders from Apple related to netbooks. In the past year, several Apple netbook or tablet rumors have taken place and even iPhone OS software was claimed to have details about the same.

The translation of the Chinese text was posted at MacRumors by a forum user. According to the report, Wintek will offer a 9.7-inch touch screen and Foxconn would be manufacturing Apple's netbook.

Regarding the design of the Apple netbook/tablet, Tech blog Venture Beat reported that Apple will be using PA Semiconductor chips inside it. Back in May, Gene Muster of Piper Jaffray's report had also stated that PA Semi was one of the significant investments pointing Apple's endeavors in mobile computing space.

Apple's netbook is likely to have a gaming potential as Apple has hired Richard Teversham, ex-senior vice president of Microsoft Xbox Strategy (Europe). Also, Bob Drebin, ex-CTO of ATI, was hired for an unnamed group. Keeping these two hires in mind and also the report by Info Times, we can anticipate an Apple tablet with powerful graphics support, say even HD. So, one thing is for sure, whether it's a tablet or netbook, it will have support for HD graphics. Expecting a 720p HD video playback support would be fine too.

In the past too, The Wall Street Journal has reported that Steve Jobs has personally been supervising the development of the tablet-like device. It's been a while since Apple introduced a revolutionary (we respect those who do not agree with this) device like the iPhone. Lately, Apple brought intrinsic updates and refinements in MacBook Pro line up and of course the MacBook Air. Let's wait till an official word or more substantial details come up.

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