Each new week seems to bring another Apple rumor. The newest comes courtesy of a research note from investment firm Piper Jaffray, when analyst Gene Munster hinted at an Apple tablet some time next year.

These rumors have persisted despite repeated denials by Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) executives, including CEO Steve Jobs -- who is on medical leave -- and interim CEO Tim Cook. Jobs has said, "We don't do cheap" more than once in response to the question of whether Apple might make its own foray into netbooks, the low-cost, low-powered notebook PC category now seeing a boom in demand.

But in his research note, Munster said he thinks the upcoming device is more of touchscreen tablet than a notebook, and he cites a number of sources.

"Between indications from our component contacts in Asia, recent patents relating to multi-touch sensitivity for more complex computing devices, comments from Tim Cook on the April 22nd conference call, and Apple's acquisition of P.A. Semi along with other recent chip-related hires, it is increasingly clear that Apple is investing more in its mobile computing franchise," he wrote.

Munster said he expects to see a touchscreen tablet with a seven- to 10-inch screen launch in the first have of 2010.

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