It’s a pretty safe bet Apple will eventually incorporate Intel’s latest processors into its MacBook lineup, though when that will happen is still unknown.
But on Wednesday, AppleInsider got its hands on an e-mail promotion sent to participants in the Intel Retail Edge Program (IREP)–a training program for Intel sales representatives–that hints something might be coming soon. The e-mail to participants includes this language: “January Prize Draw: Win a MacBook Pro. Pass this month’s trainings for 2 chances to win one of 2 MacBook Pro laptops with the accelerated response of an Intel Core i5 processor.”
Reached for comment, an Intel spokesman said, “There was an error on IREP and we are investigating.”
It could have been a mistake in the language in the e-mail, or–and this seems more likely–the mistake could have been that it was sent out too early. MacBook Pros with Arrandale architecture, which includes the Core i5 processor, have been anticipated for some time, as my colleague Brooke Crothers wrote on Monday. Check out his post for more about what to expect if Apple does indeed add Intel’s latest silicon to its notebook lineup.

Although this is one rumour that has been around before, it is a persistent one that sources close to Apple claim to be true: Apple is apparently planning to bring out a touchscreen netbook sometime in 2009.

According to CNNMoney.com, the sources told Dow Jones Newswires that the touchscreen netbook would have a monitor sized between 9.7 and 10-inches and will be brought to market in the second half of 2009.

While most other computer manufacturers, including Dell and Hewlett-Packard, are already in the netbook market, Apple remains one of the few yet to make a move.

Talking about a possible foray into the netbook market back in January, Apple COO Tim Cook said the company could do it better: “Right now, we think the products are inferior and will not provide the experience to customers that they’re happy with.

“The products in that market are principally based on hardware that’s much less powerful than we think customers want, and software technology that is not good, cramped keyboards, small displays etc,” he continued.

Is Apple too late to the game? Most definitely not, if its track record is anything to go by. It was late to market with both the iPod and the iPhone in comparison with competitors, yet the iPhone now owns 17.3pc of the smart-phone market.

by siliconrepublic