The much-rumored but still unconfirmed Apple tablet could be nearing completion. BusinessInsider states that a source told them a friend of his, who works in systems integration at Apple, has been taking trips over to Asia on company business with increased frequency. Foxconn, who assembles many Apple products, is based in China. If the tablet exists, Foxconn is likely the company that will put it together.

If Apple is indeed putting a tablet together, increased visits by Apple engineers could be a sign that it is nearing completion. AppleInsider states that these rumors are in line with the Q1 2010 launch rumors they've heard.

The word of one anonymous source that his 'friend' is taking more company trips over to China is hardly confirmation. As far as I'm concerned, there are still a lot of reasons to doubt the release of an Apple tablet. If such a product is in the offing, I find it hard to believe that a company as famed for its secrecy as Apple would have leaked out so much detailed information so quickly.

The tablet we've heard rumors of doesn't sound particularly special. A 10” iPod touch would be neat and all, but it doesn't really fill any particular niche or meet any new needs. I trust that Apple as a company has too much ingenuity to just shoot out a big iPod and call it a day. Has anyone ever looked down at their iPod touch and gone, 'This is cool, but I wish it was HUGE and cost $700.'?

I didn't think so.