Apple May Use Touch Screens For Netbook Mac

Apple May Use Touch Screens For Netbook Mac

Analysts predict that Apple's mini-laptop will offer unique features and command a much higher price than the inexpensive netbooks that are flooding the market.

Apple is reportedly working on a 10-inch touch-screen PC, but, despite speculation that the company is getting ready to enter the netbook market, it's more likely Apple is planning a unique device that will command a much higher price.

The latest report on Apple's moves came Wednesday from the Reuters news agency, which quoted an anonymous source saying Apple would take third-quarter delivery of a 10-inch touch screen from display specialist Wintek of Taiwan. Similar media reports in that country this week also said Taiwan-based Quanta Computer would make the actual PCs for Apple.

It's no secret that Apple executives have been watching the booming netbook market closely. The mini-laptops, which have screen sizes of 10 inches or less and cost less than $500, have lately been the hottest-selling PCs. Shipments of the devices reached 10 million units last year, with half of the units sold in the fourth quarter, according to IDC. Shipments of the low-cost PCs, which accounted for 7% of overall mobile PC shipments last year, are expected to double this year.