The anticipation is already building for January's MacWorld Expo, when Apple watchers are predicting the introduction of both a new, even smaller iPod Shuffle and an Intel-ready iBook.
American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu has heard the new Shuffle will be smaller than a stick of gum and could come in multiple colors, including black. The price points would be $99 and $129 with storage capacities similar to current models.
"We believe this could help offset seasonal weakness in the March quarter similar to last year when iPod Shuffle was introduced," he wrote in a report dated Thursday. A new Shuffle is "a key reason why Apple is adding Hynix as a third NAND flash provider in addition to Samsung and Toshiba," he also wrote.
Meanwhile, Think Secret Senior Editor Ryan Katz wrote Thursday that Apple is planning to release its first entry-level iBook laptops with Intel processors at the San Francisco event.
The iPod is so hot it even got a plug at Sunday night's Academy Awards ceremony from comedian Robin Williams.
Don't worry if Pixar's "The Incredibles" doesn't nab an Oscar, Williams said before announcing the winner for best animated feature, because the producers own "iPod stock." He was referring to the connection between Pixar Animation Studios and iPod maker Apple Computer, the two companies run by Steve Jobs.
As it turned out, "The Incredibles" did win--a "two-fer." Jobs got a plug, too, during the acceptance speech. So it goes in "Sillywood," the convergence of Silicon Valley and Hollywood.
- prev
- 1
- next
