Rumors

The MacBook & MacBook Pro are long overdue for an update, so rumors have been flying about updated models. Several images have surfaced, most of them showing a slim, more rounded design with a dark keyboard that looks a lot like the MacBook Air. Apple has scheduled a media event next month, where they're expected to introduce new iPods and iTunes 8, but it's possible they may also introduce the new MacBook Pro.

MacDailyNews reports that Apple's "secret product" mentioned in yesterday's financial results conference call may be a tablet-based Mac.

Apple Gazette points out that Adium's publicly visible stats page, which lists hardware & OS info from Adium's software updater, lists a machine identified as "MacbookAir".

MacWorld 2008 is just around the corner, and thousands of people are hoping for some great things from Apple. In this blog post I will talk about what I would like to happen from Apple coming up at the MacWorld 2008 Conference and Expo.Personally, I’d like to see a slimmer 12-inch MacBook, with a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a hard drive holding up to 250GB.

A little bird tweeted that the MacBook Nano will be announced next week. It will be half the size of a MacBook, 3/4 of an inch thick, SSD drive, no optical drive and will use a new thing called Beam Technology to transfer data faster than Bluetooth. The little bird also said something about watching TV on the iPhone. Could that be what's in the air?

Ars Technica posted a tantalizing image of Apple's first Macworld Expo banner, "There's something in the air". Could it be wireless movie rentals direct from the Apple TV? Any other ideas? Post your predictions here.

IDG News reports on comments by Taiwan's Asustek Computer that Intel was unable to keep up with the high demand on mobile CPUs. Laptop sales are expected to hit record highs this year, and so is demand on Intel's mobile CPUs.

As has been rumored, Orange announced today that they have signed an exclusive agreement with Apple to distribute the iPhone in France.

No details (price or plans) have yet been provided, and Apple has not yet announced the partnership. Apple Expo, however, takes place next week starting on September 25th in Paris, France.

Not enough new Apple rumors or news leaks? Apple Gazette has the cure with their Apple Rumor Generator. This fun tool will fill the gossip vacuum with the same reliability as your favorite rumor sites. Post your favorite rumors in the comments here.

According to several sources, Apple will make a special announcement in a commercial during the Super Bowl on Feb. 4, most likely about adding the Beatles to iTunes Store.

Since Steve Jobs' keynote, rumors have been buzzing about an impending deal with the Beatles that will bring their music to iTunes as an exclusive download distributor. During the keynote, Steve frequently used Beatles music to demonstrate features. The renaming of the company to Apple, Inc. may also signify closer ties with the Beatles Apple Corps.