iPod Mini, Mac Mini, iBook Mini?

Ignoring threats of a lawsuit (or perhaps encouraging the publicity), an Apple Computer-focused Web site called PowerPage reported Tuesday that the maker of the iPod Mini and Mac Mini is prepping a diminutive laptop.

Saying it has received "details of a secret development team planning specifications for the release of a new mini laptop," PowerPage reports that the machine will run a skinny version of Mac OS X, which includes handwriting-recognition capability.

Such a product would not be out of step with Apple's direction. Not only has the company previously produced a similar product, the Apple eMate 300, but it seems to be on a mini kick as witnessed by the iPod Mini and the Mac Mini. (It's doubtful the company is considered a Mac or iBook Shuffle.)

Apple, as you may have a heard once or twice, does not comment on rumors or speculation. It does, however, have a habit of suing Web sites for distributing what it considers trade secrets dressed up as news items. So the next step in determining whether an iBook Mini is in your future is to watch for any lawsuits against PowerPage.