11- to 13-inch UMPC at MW?

Expectations for the widely-anticipated Mac sub-notebook have changed, say members of research firm Piper Jaffray. Analyst Gene Munster argues that where the firm previously expected an 8- to 11-inch system, they now believe that Apple's "thinnest and lightest" notebook ever will sit somewhere between 11 and 13 inches. It will also be fairly expensive for its size, coming between $1,099 and $1,999; this may be attributable to the option of a 64GB flash drive, or even the inclusion of touchscreen technology similar to that of the iPhone.

The existence of an ultra-portable is also supported by a UBS analyst, Ben Reitzes. Reitzes suggests that in any case the event will be Mac-focused, with new upgrades to current models; this belief is pushing UBS' stock target for Apple from $220 to $235. He also believes that some variety of iPhone announcement may be made, one which Munster proposes could be increased flash storage. Neither analyst anticipates a 3G iPhone at Macworld, with Munster in particular suggesting that it will not be seen until May or June.

In terms of non-hardware announcements, Munster estimates that there is a 50 percent chance iTunes video rentals will be revealed at Macworld. If even they are not, he says, this chance should grow to 90 percent by mid-2008.

by MacNN Staff