Apple tablet display parts surface in rumors

Apple may have triggered a shortage for netbook manufacturers in the run-up to its rumored tablet device, according to talk from the CES show floor passed along late Monday. An unnamed electronics designer claims to TG Daily that Apple has pre-ordered not only "all" 10-inch LCD panels from suppliers but similar-size OLEDs as well. For the designer, this meant being unable to produce a design for a client company.

It's not known how accurate the claim might be. Most rumors have posited a 10-inch screen, including one mentioning OLED, but the latter wouldn't have the tablet range only shipping in the second half of the year and would save companies from a display shortage at the present.

A shortage of 10-inch LCDs could additionally have more of a tangible impact on the netbook industry, which depends very heavily on that size for netbooks like the Dell Mini 10 or HP's Mini line. However, these are more likely to have secured orders of displays in the long term and are less subject to supply issues that those starting new projects.

However, a second rumor may provide support for this through what could be a tablet display leak. An anonymous TMO contact has provided a photo of what's purported to be the front glass around the display of the Apple tablet. What's shown appears to match descriptions of an oversized iPhone/iPod design, complete with a speaker grille and home button; the only clearly unusual design element is a small hole in one corner, though whether this is for the rumored webcam, a sensor or a simple attachment isn't clear.

The image has the possibility of being a fake and should be treated with caution but has enough realistic imperfections to remain plausible enough for Electronista and MacNN to post.

By Electronista Staff