Rumored Apple Tablet Overshadows Consumer Show
Apple is planning to make a major product announcement Jan. 26, and many analysts are betting it's a touchscreen, handheld computer that looks something like an iPhone. Indeed, the speculation surrounding the Apple tablet is growing -- and it's sending Apple's stock up.
Investment analysts are getting into the speculation. In a Wednesday research note, Macquarie analyst Phil Cusick put his thoughts about the rumored tablet on paper, estimating the device will sell for about $800 and drive another five percent increase in Apple's profits in 2010. That would mean Apple selling between three million and five million tablets over the course of next year.
"As beautiful as an Apple tablet may be, the functionality will be driven or limited by the wireless connectivity," Cusick wrote. Apple would need to ink deals with wireless carriers to make the tablet a market success with $559 million in profits in its debut year.
