Apple Tablet announced by October 31?

It's a rumor that just won't die -- Apple Inc. is working on a tablet computer, and the device will be released sooner rather than later.

The latest rumor comes via the Taiwan press, and claims that a device with a 9.7-inch touchscreen will be released in October for around $800. Parts manufacturers are reportedly the sources of the information.

Is the information credible? The Standard's Prediction Market has discussed such rumors for about a year but the tablet predictions surrounding the last Macworld and WWDC events did not pan out. 

Nevertheless, Apple is definitely feeling pricing pressure. The double whammy of a deep recession and the introduction of inexpensive Windows-based laptops and netbooks has impacted Mac desktop and MacBook sales, and Apple does not offer any product priced between the most expensive iPhone 3GS (currently $299 with carrier plan) or iPod Touch ($399) and cheapest new MacBook (listed retail price: $999). 

Prediction: Apple announces a tablet device on or before October 31, 2009. The following features are required:

* Larger screen than the current generation of iPod Touch and iPhone devices

* Touchscreen functionality

* Lower base price than the cheapest MacBooks sold in the Apple Store at the time of the announcement

* Different branding than MacBook or iPod product lines.

These features must be defined or clearly deduced in the announcement, product demo, or statements to press outlets for favorable judgment. However, the product does not need to be available for sale by that date, and the device does not need to be called a "tablet."