Report claims iSlate delayed due to touch panel issues
Additional details on delays affecting Apple’s upcoming tablet computing device indicate the mothership changed component suppliers at the last minute due to reliability issues.
A report way, way back in May pegged Wintek as the touch panel supplier for the iSlate. However, DigiTimes claims that Innolux, Hon Hai’s panel-making subsidiary, is now the supplier of touch panels for Apple’s upcoming touch-based 10-inch tablet computer.
The write up states that Apple made the switch after realizing the Wintek solution wasn’t durable enough and that the change necessitated pushing back the launch until the first quarter of 2010. The final assembly now features glass hardened by Hon Hai’s G-Tech Optoelectronics and additional components by optical film maker Wah Hong Industrial.
Earlier this year, rumors swirled that the iSlate would be introduced as early as September. However, Apple’s annual pre-Christmas iPod and Mac refreshes passed without a hint of the tablet.
Another twist in this latest report is that Hon Hai will assemble the iSlate. Previously, rumor had it that Asustek would perform final assembly.
Recent iSlate posts:
— QuickTime trailer pages get new look, features
— Jobs ‘extremely happy’ with the tablet
— Apple pays Jobs a buck
— Video: One vision of the Mac tablet brought to life
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Filed under: Hardware, Mac, iPhone, iPod
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[...] Further, Reuters adds that TPK Solutions and Wintek will both supply touch components for Apple’s tablet, and not Hon Hai subsidiary Innolux. It had previously been rumored that Wintek had been bumped from the tablet’s supply chain by Innolux due to reliability issues. [...]