It has been several weeks since there was a fresh rumor about Apple's fabled tablet computer or a supposed netbook, so thank the maker that we now have new speculation about what Apple might be doing. According to a report from China Times (English translation), at least three companies connected to Apple's supply chain have received "direct orders" from Apple to build what is alternately referred to as either a netbook or a tablet.

The report seems to confirm an earlier rumor that Apple would be sourcing 9.7" touchscreens from Wintek for the device, giving further credence that the device will have a tablet form factor as opposed to a tiny laptop known as a netbook. However, it conflicts with that same report by naming Foxconn as the manufacturing partner as opposed to previously rumored Quanta, which manufactures MacBooks. Dynapack, known for its rechargeable batteries, is also said to have received an order from Apple related to the device.

China Times claims that its sources are reliable, and those sources indicate that the device will launch in October for the holiday shopping season for around $800. This is in contrast to netbooks, which generally sell for around $300-500; iPhones and iPod touches, which sell for around $200-300; and Apple's notebook line, which starts at $999.

The preponderance of evidence—several patents on related technology, rumors that point to specific technology partners, and COO Tim Cook's suggestion that Apple has "ideas" to compete with netbooks—seems to point to Apple readying something along the lines of a rumored tablet. But we still believe that introducing a third platform—a sort of not-quite-an-iPhone, not-quite-a-Mac no man's land for developers—doesn't present the best business case for Apple. And, frankly, $800 seems like a high price to pay for a portable device that doesn't really have the best benefits of either an iPhone (pocket-sized) or a laptop (full keyboard). For the time being, we remain skeptical of the reported details, as they just don't quite add up.