Speculation sprang up across Macintosh enthusiast Web sites late during the week of May 1 that Apple Computer would soon introduce a new computer model, possibly dubbed the MacBook.
This MacBook would replace the consumer laptop iBook G4 model and be the lower-cost sibling of the recently introduced MacBook Pro, based on processors from Intel, rumors said.
There was little direct evidence, however. Anonymous sources told the MacRumors Web site that Apple retail stores have received signage that should not go up before Tuesday, May 9.
Other sites, such as ThinkSecret and AppleInsider also posted stories putting forward May 9 as the MacBook’s announcement date.
Particularly intriguing was that, for a brief time, there was a blank page on the Apple Web site displaying the name “MacBook” in a navigation thread. A screen grab of the short-lived page is available at ThinkSecret.
Many of the rumors said the MacBook will feature a 13.3-inch screen, different from the typical 12- or 14-inch screens on the iBook. Ideas differed as to whether the MacBooks would use Intel’s Core Solo or Core Duo.
Read the full story on eWEEK.com: Apple to Replace iBook with Intel-Based MacBook?
