I'll believe it when I see the press release and not a moment before.

I believe it. I can't see Apple keeping the plastic MacBook around forever. It was pretty clear they kept it because the initial price point for the new MacBooks was so high, comparatively.

So don't discount that Apple wouldn't just be bringing the 'low-end' down to 1199 or 1099, and then tossing the 'splinter book'.

Simple. Put firewire back into the MacBook and call it the new MacBook and price the plastic model at $849 (already at this price at many colleges; or even $799 at Cal Poly Pomona). Prices? Keep the one with FW the same and move the old stock down to $999.

Splinter-book problem is easily addressed by changing the bezel to a software material, number one; then extend the two 1.25" strips of 'spacer' to carry all around the bezel just like the way MacBook Air and unibody MacBook are right now.

Needs a lower priced Mac mini. The current entry-level product is more expensive than the original model was four years ago. If they can sell an iMac for under $900, they could easily make their usual healthy 40% margins on a $400 Mac mini.

... I just want Mac Pro prices to come down. I'll be looking to purchase later this year (after Snow Leopard and perhaps after the summer). I need a Pro because of an eSATA card I need to use (and I'll definitely use its power here and there--e.g., HD video editing). Come on, Apple, let's see more affordable Mac Pros while you're at it.

Don't worry. The current $2,499 Mac Pro will be priced at $1,499 with six months.

Apple is no longer apple computer Inc. and the last 24-36 months has been all about iphone, ipod, itunes and App. store. The last long overdue refreshes of all its computers left them spec'd below the norm. Old technology is cheaper than current, thus the higher profit margins. I love my macs and treat them kindly so they never break. But apple disrespects with overpriced upgrades and frighteningly complicated warranty voiding self upgrades. Working people know what value for money is. Apple seems to have forgotten. Now is the time to give!!!! I have to buy a Linux netbook because apple won't make one( unbelievable). Snow leopard is going to cost $79-129.

I'm a former Genii for several years and a Mac user since my original Apple IIe. What they need to do is get with the rest of the market and get more affordable. what they charge for and desktop systems, when compared to everyone else is insane. I can now buy a very well spec'd desktop for around $1500.00 in the PC format, but $2500 for a base model Mac Pro. Even though the spec's are still higher for the Mac pro, they still need to make a more economical model for people needing a true desktop system and the Mini does not count. Even the current Mini's spec's , which have been upgraded are still no comparison for a true desktop computer. They have serious cash flow, maybe they should start giving back a bit more. No company has their cash balance. As a former Genii, I know that the product isn't any better than anyone else's either. The repair shelves are always full in every store and the "Genius Bar" is just a disaster to deal with. Too much with way too little. Also, to the above post stating Mac pro will be $1499 in 6 months, you need to go all the way back through Apple's history. They will never drop their main desktop system to a price that low unless the bottom drops out of their market. I have never paid less than 2K for any of my Apple desktops and I always bought the low end models with base configs.