Intel iBooks at MWSF in January 2006?

No way this would happen on its own. Think about it. A moderate improvement in the performance of the iBook would result in the iBook being faster than the PowerBook. Which means, they'd need to update the PowerBook line at the same time. I think the more likely scenario is that they kill the PPC iBooks and introduce some Intel PowerBooks whilst retaining a few PPC ones to run all the pro software that hasn't been converted to Intel.

Surely this could be a disaster... New 'switchers' coming across to a shiny new iBook with now native software and a potentially lousy emulation performance. What will they think of the new platform. Although I guess as long as iWorks, iLife and a handful of other games etc are bundled then Apple could be on for a winner. Does anyone think this will be the last major platform re-development? I've gone from 68k to PPC and then to OS X and even as one of the faithful it does start to wear me down. Casual home users don't have the company budget to order a new machine each year or two or to upgrade software packages all the time. I do actually think an iBook nano could well feature at the bottom for the line up with a 12" display and then standar iBooks with 13.3 and 15.4 wide screen on the top two. iSight would seem only logical for all models and I would love to think a Digital TV tuner/Front Row/Apple remote would make this an absolute must product of students etc etc who want an all-in one solution. If my 1GHz Ti broke today I would be seriously considering a Qosimo over any Apple offering - they are basically the same as my three year old Ti. I agree that the choice of black or white is likely and a two button plus scroll will be a must to encourage switchers.

Something big *must* happen to the iBook line considering that it is still in the same shape & form since May 1, 2001. My bet is on black iBook.

I agree it's probably gonna be a while before anything is forthcoming from MS for Macintels. But, Splashman, they've had 5 years of compiling OS X for Intel systems, so I doubt this will be a problem - the Apple apps have probably been running on Intel for almost as long as OS X has!

Geez, David, next you'll be wanting a high-resolution screen! It's almost like you want a useful laptop or something! Get over yourself! /sarcasm Are people going to buy a laptop that runs all 3rd-party software in emulation? Even forgetting the pro software, we're unlikely to see MS Office for Intel any time soon. And I'll bet not even all the included Apple apps (Calendar, Mail, etc.) won't be Intel-ready by January. Apple has only so many engineers.

Since Apple finally admitted that people have fingers (Mighty Mouse) and this is targetting PC users, could they please put two buttons under the touchpad?!?!?!

Since Apple finally admitted that people have fingers (Mighty Mouse) and this is targetting PC users, could they please put two buttons under the touchpad?!?!?!

Yeah, I uploaded the wrong image and the post went live before I realized the mistake. Thx for the headsup.

Well, there was anyway - it's quickly been changed to an iBook. :-)

I'd love to see this happen, but won't believe it until I see it. BTW, any reason why there's a 12" Powerbook pictured instead of a 12" iBook?