Macworld forecast roundup: Mac Mini, Apple TV, MB Pro
updated 12:35 am EST, Mon January 5, 2009
Macworld forecast roundup
Despite the rumors of an iPhone "nano" and a tablet sized iPod touch, Apple is more likely to use the Macworld expo to announce updated versions of several existing products, according to a variety of sources. Analysts' forecasts have focused on a new line of iMacs and a refreshed 17-inch MacBook Pro utilizing aluminum unibody construction. The company could also be prepared to launch a new Mac mini and Apple TV, along with the latest versions of Time Capsule and iWork.
Several predictions for new iMacs suggest the approaching release of a 28-inch model, a set of 24-inch devices, and two 20-inch variants. The company could be transitioning to NVIDIA-based integrated graphics with the 20-inch refreshes, while the 28-inch iMac is said to feature an Intel i7 Core processor.
A new 17-inch MacBook Pro is claimed to feature an aluminum housing, similar to the MacBooks announced in October, although the design allegedly switches to a fixed-in-place battery. Although the potential change will be viewed as inconvenient, the adjustment could indicate the inclusion of a higher-capacity battery.
Sources indicate that an updated Mac mini should include dual display connectors, an additional USB port and a FireWire 800 connection. The device is also likely to include a NVIDIA-based chipset.
Times Online also points to a revamped Apple TV, in addition to several software updates including Time Capsule and iWork. The report claims that the company has embraced cloud-computing architecture for its suite of programs for word processing, presentations and spreadsheets, which will be offered as web-based applications.
The exact details of Apple's Macworld announcements will remain unknown until the keynote address. The company has made a concerted effort to conceal its banners with black and white cloth.












Fixed battery?
01/05, 06:59am reply
After having my Macbook Pro battery go into a kind of slow motion explosion... if it had been fixed in place it would have wrecked the laptop... that would be nuts. Non-replacable batteries are criminally stupid.
resuna
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
Desktops!
01/05, 09:59am reply
New desktops, dammit!
Monstermind
Junior Member
Joined: May 2000
right!
01/05, 12:45pm reply
Apple can come determine there's some mythical market for a 28" iMac (really?), but not a mini tower with limited (but some) expansion capability and NO built-in monitor doesn't?
And more integrated graphics? I thought integrated graphics were considered a "bad thing".
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001