Rumor backs tablet release window

Yet another leak on Monday has Apple shipping its tablet device in March. Supporting the notion of a January event for the touchscreen hardware, those briefed by Apple have now been told the product will only reach stores two months later. Previous rumors had reflected this schedule.

Uniquely, the Wall Street Journal source adds that Apple has been developing a pair of "material finishes" for the tablet. It's not evident whether these would be different options when the tablet goes on sale or are just prototypes for the final device. In the past, Apple has been known to test multiple variants of what could be the final product, even late into development, before committing to a particular course. Such an instance was seen this past summer as an iPod touch with a camera was spotted and verified but was scrapped by the time of the official iPod touch update.

The insiders also appear to confirm some previously hinted-at details, such as a screen between 10 and 11 inches (10.6 has been mentioned) as well as Apple's belief that the tablet could have a major impact on the book industry as it would allow for full color, mixed media and Internet access. Even without official details from Apple, companies have been developing prototype magazine formats optimized for tablets like Apple's.

By Electronista Staff