Rumors fly that Apple's (still non-existent) Mac tablet is delayed

Before we get started, let's get one thing clear right off the bat: Despite all the buzz, there is still no "iTablet" yet—and even if it does, in fact, exist, good luck getting a confirmation from Apple.

Given that, it seems a bit crazy to discuss whether the mythical Mac tablet (which Apple has reportedly been tinkering with for years) has been delayed from next March to the second half of 2010. But that's the word today, courtesy of a report from Taiwanese Web site DigiNews, an oft-erratic purveyor of hot Apple rumors.

Basing its report on "sources from component makers," DigiNews claims that Apple's rumored Mac tablet will be delayed because it wants to "switch out some components" and add a second, 9.7-inch OLED model to its supposed tablet lineup. (OLED—or organic light-emitting diode—displays are similar to standard LCD or LED displays except for one crucial factor: they don't require backlighting to work, resulting in a brighter, less power-hungry screen.)

Since OLED displays are (for now, anyway) prohibitively expensive, DigiNews speculates that Apple is delaying its (rumored!) tablet launch until OLED prices get cheaper. Still, though, the article says that an OLED-based Mac tablet might come with a whopping price tag: think $2,000 or so.

That's big news ... if you believe it, and that's a big if. As AppleInsider points out, the analysts at Piper Jaffrey (no strangers to rumormongering themselves) don't think Apple would be crazy enough to release a touchscreen tablet for two grand; instead, they're still thinking the hotly anticipated device will fall somewhere in the $500-$700 range.

Meanwhile, seems the suits at Condé Nast aren't waiting around to find out if the Mac tablet is real or not. AllThingsDigital reports that the publishing giant is already prepping a digital version of "Wired" magazine that should be ready by the middle of next year ... in time for the Mac tablet, if it exists. But even as Condé execs are keeping Apple abreast of its plans, Apple itself refuses to tip its hand, according to AllThingsDigital.

So, where does that leave us? Right where we started, unfortunately: Apple might have a Mac tablet for us next year, or it might not. Anyone who tells you anything different (barring someone with a tap on Steve Jobs' iPhone) is just guessing.

[Image credit: Axiotron, maker of the third-party ModBook]

Related:
Apple tablet PC reportedly delayed until 2H10, with OLED model now included [DigiTimes]