Piper details Sept. rumors

People should not expect to see a new ultraportable Mac in September, or possibly even during 2009, say analysts with Piper Jaffray. While some groups have predicted an announcement during September -- when Apple normally introduces new hardware -- and others have suggested a delay until early 2009, Piper argues that the release of a new ultraportable is "more likely a 2010 event." The firm in fact argues that the closest Apple may come to such a system in the near future is a revised version of the MacBook Air for 2009, designed to be even smaller than it is currently.

Piper concurs with other analysts in the area of touch technology, as it expects multi-touch to proliferate through Apple's notebooks, with the possibility of trackpads disappearing in favor of genuine touchscreens.

In terms of September, Piper once again affirms its prediction that the MacBook could drop in price to as low as $999, with redesigned features such as an aluminum body and an upgraded keyboard. The price of the iPod touch could slide to $199 in order to compete with the iPhone 3G, but it is unknown if capacity will change, or if the Touch will be redesigned to match the new iPhone.

Finally, Piper suggests that Shuffles and Nanos may see some sort of capacity upgrade, though they are otherwise unlikely to be changed.

by MacNN Staff