Apple rumoured to be preparing iPod Touch tablet computer

by Stevie Smith - Dec 31 2008, 14:32

Seemingly not satisfied with rumours pertaining to the health of Steve Jobs and the possible emergence of an iPhone Nano handset, Apple watchers are now proclaiming that the Cupertino-based computer and gadget company is on the cusp of revealed a revised large-screen iPod Touch.

According to multiple sources cited by tech Web site TechCrunch, the latter half of 2009 will see Apple whipping the covers off a new-generation iPod Touch that will supposedly boast a 7- to 9-inch display screen.

Of the trio of unnamed sources referred to by TechCrunch, one claims to have already physically handled a prototype model of the device and has intimated that Apple is already engaged in talks with Asian manufacturing facilities regarding mass production.

Arriving immediately prior to the annual Macworld trade show in San Francisco, this latest rumour is sure to fire up fan interest ahead of the event in the hope that Apple will throw out a few tantalising scraps of related information – though that seems somewhat unlikely given the company’s persistent penchant for absolute secrecy.

That being said, whispers of an enlarged iPod Touch certainly lend a little credence to recurring speculation that Apple will, at some point, release a tablet-based computing device. And, an increased screen size of up to nine inches would undoubtedly push the iPod Touch into tablet territory.

Adding extra weight to that possibility, a U.S. patent application recently submitted by Apple was uncovered by various fan sites back in August of 2008. The application showcased a tablet-style electronic device that incorporated a number of features and functions already utilised through the iPhone, the telephonic stable mate of the iPod Touch.

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