Apple tablet pegged for October release

Apple is said to be preparing a tablet netbook device for release late this year.

According to reports from Taiwanese news site InfoTimes, Apple has placed orders for components with several local hardware vendors.

The device will reportedly feature a 9.7 inch screen and function as a touch-screen tablet device.

Reports have described the new device as a cross between a traditional netbook and the company's current touch-screen iPhone and iPod Touch offerings, eschewing a built-in keyboard or trackpad for touch-screen input.

The device will reportedly launch as early as October and hold an introductory price tag of US$800.

Further reports also suggest that new device will make use of assets the company obtained in its 2008 acquisition of chipmaker PA Semi. Apple purchased the company with the intent of developing in-house chip designs for products such as the iPhone.

The news is the latest in what has been ongoing speculation over the development of both tablet and netbook models from Apple. The company has in the past declined to enter such low-cost markets, citing quality concerns.