Report: Intel-based iBook due in June
updated 01:45 am EDT, Tue April 4, 2006
13.3\" Intel-based iBook
A new report from The Commercial Times appears to substantiate rumors of a 13.3-inch Intel-based iBook, which will reportedly ship in June 2006. As the fourth of five product lines to be transitioned to the Intel architecture, it will move Apple one step closer to completing the transition, which it said would happen by the end of 2006. AFX News Limited reports that Taiwan's Asustek Computer has secured a contract from Apple to produce the new Intel-based iBook. The contracted production run is for an estimated 1.2 million units initially. The Commercial Times said that the new consumer laptops will be powered by Intel's microprocessors and will be equipped with 13.3-inch liquid crystal display panels, confirming circulating rumors. "Apple Computer will start selling the notebook PCs from June, while contract suppliers of panels to start deliveries from April. The US firm will source the panels for the laptops from AU Optronics Corp and Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp as well as South Korea's LG Philips LCD." The report said that AU Optronics is expected to supply Apple with about 40,000-50,000 LCD panels a month.
