According to the information forwarded by analysts who track the proceedings at Apple, the much-rumored, long-anticipated, tablet-sized computing device from the iPhone maker would likely be launched in 2010 spring.

As per a Fortune post by Philip Elmer-DeWitt, detailed claims about the forthcoming Apple tablet computer have been made by Yair Reiner, an analyst with investment banker Oppenheimer. In a research note distributed to clients on Wednesday, Reiner said: "The manufacturing cogs for the tablet are creaking into action."

Reiner said that checks with computer supply-chain manufacturers have revealed that in case the Mac tablet's production process goes as per Apple plans, the device "could launch in late March or April."

Reiner also added that the tablet Mac will be fairly akin in size to most of the netbook PCs; and its 10.1-inch-diagonal touch-screen will be based on the iPhone's LCD technology. Reiner further said that to fuel demand for its soon-to-come tablet, Apple is currently involved in discussions with book publishers for the distribution of their titles on a new e-book platform.

In yet another note, ThinkEquity's Vijay Rakesh said his confirmation from manufacturers indicates that Apple is "on track" to undertake a shipment of between 1 million and 3 million Mac tablets during 2010 March quarter. Rakesh estimates that the initial tablet will come with as much as 64 gigabytes of storage.