Netbook Rumors Swirl on the Applevine

Other than a cryptic comment about having some ideas, or remarks the market opportunity is still nascent, Apple (AAPL) has not said anything about making a netbook computer. Still, the frequency of rumors about the so far non-existent device rate second on the Applevine only to iPhone chatter.

In early March, the big gossip was Wintek being contracted to supply touchscreens. Now the latest? Monday, Digitimes reported on the potentially lucrative manufacturing contract.

Citing reports first printed by the Chinese language news source Commercial Times, the report says Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry) “is in the running” for the prize.

As is common for many of these Commercial Times reports that find their way into English on Digitimes, the article cites unnamed sources in the supply chain.

Gossip? Fact? Tech tabloid fodder?

Such vague sources leaking info from the manufacturing industry have been hit or miss in the past, and when on the scent, they have sometimes been way off on the finer details.

Like the saying “where there’s smoke there’s fire,” the frequency and volume of speculation surrounding a netbook does suggest a new product is in fact in the pipeline. The question is – what is it? Is Apple really pursuing the fabled netbook? Or is a long rumored tablet computer, as some sources (like Apple Insider) speculate, in the works? Or is it something else?

Apple’s earnings announcements later this week aren’t likely to divulge any secrets.

At this point, it’s anybody’s guess what product surprises Cupertino has in store for the remainder of this year…. and based on the news, there’s no shortage of those guesses out there.

Comments

[Timeline Strategy Consulting]

I prefer the saying "Where there's smoke, there's bullsh*t."

I think it captures it better.

2009 Apr 21 07:32 AM

[Robert DiAlberto]

I have had a tough time trading Apple (AAPL). I do not hold any positions in AAPL for right now, but I did make some money with it the past year.

2009 Apr 21 08:21 AM

[Roger Knights]

I believe some sort of Iwidget is coming. However, here's a nice "twist" on the smoke=fire saying that I like:

"Where there's smoke there's smoke."

2009 Apr 21 09:44 AM

[3 degrees of seperation]

A rumor I heard was an ITouch with an 8 inch screen, which could be dynamite with their new Kindle app. Also, an Itouch with large screen could compete with a netbook with a few upgrades and bigger memory. ITouch app developers could have a field day with an 8 inch screen to work with.

2009 Apr 21 02:31 PM