Apple Planning 22-Inch Touchscreen iMac for Later This Year?

In a brief note, DigiTimes points to a report [Google translation] from Taiwan's China Times claiming that Apple is preparing to launch a 22-inch touchscreen iMac in the second half of this year. Longtime manufacturing partner Quanta is among the companies expected to receive orders to build the new iMac.

The report notes that the popularity of "all-in-one" computers like the iMac is surging, with unit sales set to double in 2010 as other competitors such as Dell ramp up their offerings. In order to meet the challenge from these competitors, Apple will reportedly look to the touchscreen offering as continued means of differentiating itself.

Today's report also claims that Apple's highly-anticipated tablet will launch later this month, and will include a 9.7-inch screen.