Foxconn to Manufacture Tablet for Q1 2010 Launch?

DigiTimes reports that Foxconn Electronics has been named as Apple's manufacturing partner for its much-anticipated tablet and that the device is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2010.

The device is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2010, with initial shipments from Foxconn being in the 300,000-400,000 range, the sources said.

The device will have a 10.6-inch display, and the sources speculated that perhaps Foxconn could secure panels from its subsidiary Innolux Display.

While a number of rumors have previously pegged the display on Apple's device in the 7-to-10 inch range, this report of a possibly slightly larger display than previously thought nearly matches recent claims of a 10.7" screen. Speculation that Innolux may provide screens for the new device conflicts, however, with earlier reports that Wintek had already been tabbed as the display provider.

Finally, the report notes that the device will place an emphasis on e-Book functionality, echoing claims that Apple is aiming to redefine print media with the device. Apple's extended-life battery technology such as that found in recent MacBook Pro revisions, Internet connectivity, and Apple's typical attention to user interface detail are all expected to be featured in the new device.