Apple iTablet component suppliers named

The clamor greeting the potential September debut of the as yet completely unannounced Apple tablet device has already gathered to a crescendo, and now a Taiwanese newspaper’s grabbing its share of attention by naming some of the component suppliers for the product.

Taiwan’s Apple Daily declares that Wintek will provide the tablet’s touch-sensitive display (didya Google "EE-1044-IN-W5C" yet?); Dynapack International Technology Corp. is providing the batteries; the whole device is to be manufactured by Foxconn. (Could the reason for all the recent cafuffle be that it was a prototype of this still non-existent device which went missing?  iPhone 2010 Prototypes aren’t due until Xmas).

The Financial Times this week confirmed Apple intends releasing this device, which is like a giant iPod touch. Equipped with a touch-sensitive screen, the new iBook is thought to be intended for use as a gaming machine, fully-functioning computer, eBook reader and media manager. Some speculate it will also offer all the features of an Apple TV, saying the latter product may even be retired.

“The talks come as Apple is separately racing to offer a portable, full-featured, tablet-sized computer in time for the Christmas shopping season, in what the entertainment industry hopes will be a new revolution,” wrote the FT.

With Verizon much discussed as a potential network carrier for the device, it’s interesting how the carrier recently inked a WiFI deal for its customers – is it preparing to match AT&T’s offering?

Meanwhile major book publisher Barnes & Noble appears to be slowly ramping up its digital push, following this year’s acquisition of a company which facilitates sale of electronic books via a range of devices, including the iPhone.