Apple: Tablet Delayed Until Second Half 2010?

Apple (AAPL) plans to postpone the launch of its tablet PC from March until the second half of 2010, DigiTimes reports, citing “sources from component makers.” The Taiwan-based news site reports that the delay reflects a decision to switch some components and to launch a model using a 9.7-inch OLED panel from LG Display (LPL).

The story says that Foxconn Electronics, Quanta Computer and Pegatron Technology will be manufacturing partners for two tablet PC models, one with a 10.6-inch LCD panel and the other using the OLED display.

Citing sources, the story asserts that the OLED model is likely to have a cost of about $1,500-$1,700, due in part to a $500 price tag on the OLED panel. But the piece also notes that OLED panel prices “are dropping rapidly,” and could bring the cost of the device down to $1,200-$1,500 by the second half of next year, with retail pricing of about $2,000. The story says the LCD model is expected to be priced in the $800-$1,000 range.

In a research note this morning commenting on the story, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster contends that the timing is “irrelevant,” since it is not yet in any Street models, and expectations for actual units in 2010 are low. He says investors are more focused on whether the tablet is a real product, rather than timing.

Munster does say that the price points mentioned in the story are higher than what he believes to be Apple’s strategy - which is to price the tablet someplace between the $199 iPod Touch and the $999 MacBook. He thinks the tablet will be priced in the $500-$700 range. Munster’s view is that the tablet will be similar to an iPod Touch, but larger, running a new version of the iPhone OS.

Meanwhile, Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves today writes that his checks find that the tablet in on track for a launch in March, and expects first year sales of 10 million units. He thinks the company will launch with 2 million units. He adds that the device could generate $300 in gross profit per unit at a retail price of $700-$800; selling 10 million units could boost EPS by $2 a share, he calculates.

AAPL today is down $4.72, or 2.3%, to $201.24.