Rumor: Apple taps Taiwanese company for new netbook?

Last updated 3-12-09 at 2:09 p.m.

On March 9, Chinese-language Commercial Times reported that Taiwan-based Wintek will supply touch panels for Apple’s new netbook and that shipments will start in the third quarter this year.

According to the report, Wintek revealed that it is currently working with Apple to develop some new products, but it said it does not know what applications the new products are for.

Wintek added that no shipment schedule has been worked out yet.

Taiwan-based Quanta Computer will be the maker of Apple’s new netbook, the Commerical Times report said. Quanta is the largest manufacturer of notebook computers in the world. It is estimated that Quanta had 33 percent of the worldwide market share of notebook computers in 2005.

It is rumored that Apple has been developing a large-screen iPod Touch netbook, a 7- to 9-inch touch screen device with a virtual keyboard. (end)

BRIEFLY

• Last call for artists to celebrate APA month
• New international schools in Seattle
• Afraid of computers? Seattle Public Library can help
• Free classes: Goodwill's job training and education program begins soon