What's this a gun? In the dark?

All right, I know most of you don't actually care that Apple is switching to Intel chips. But, since Apple currently delivers the best (and cost-effective) non-linear editing solutions, I've got my ear to the ground on this one. If you weren't aware, they announced on Tuesday that they were updating their venerable iMac line to Intels, as of... now. They also upgraded their laptop selection to the Intel based MacBook Pro, replacing the aging PowerBook.

Here's where things get interesting: As is not terribly surprising, the rumor mill starts buzzing immediately after the keynote where these things were announced. First, there was an expectation that the Mac Mini (see Apple's website if you're unfamiliar with it) would be the first Intel machine, with the intention of becoming your new digital hub in your living room. Didn't happen. Second, and this is what really stoked the rumor fire, there is an anonymous source claiming that Steve didn't announce "really cool" products because of supply issues.

Well, let's assimilate some facts as we analyze this information. Steve said at the aforementioned keynote that Apple will transition its ENTIRE line to Intel in 2006, and that over the coming months we will hear announcements as each product line is transitioned. So, product lines that are to be transitioned include the Mac Mini, iBook (cheap laptop), PowerBook (pro laptop), and the true workhorse PowerMac (linked over there to the left).

The theory, fairly safe theory, holds that the PowerBook line is dead and the MacBook line will take its place. Again, the almighty Steve: "...we're kinda done with 'Power,' and because we want 'Mac' in the name of our products." But does that mean the PowerMac is the next victim of name change? Probably. Also worth noting is the theory on the web that the MacBook will assimilate the iBook as well (MacBook Cheap, anyone?)

So what about these "really, cool" products alluded to earlier. Allow me to posit a theory. Intel is pushing their "Core Duo" chips as laptop chips - they're part of the new Centrino system and effectively replace the Pentium M. What makes me say that? On Intel's website, where clicking on desktop processors leads to the Core Duo, on the right option is to "compare laptop processors." Huh? Didn't I click on desktop processors? So, what does this suggest to me? I'm going to hypothesize that Intel is sitting on another new processor. Now, either its an evolution of the Pentium D (their dual-core desktop processor), or a brand new dual-core processor. Or, in an effort to confuse us all everything is going to be called "Core," and Intel will simply roll out the desktop version.

But in all truth, I think the real announcement won't be processor related. See, a few months ago Apple jumped on board with Blu-ray (a high definition successor for DVD). I think they're holding back because the next generation of (Intel) PowerMacs will have new Blu-ray drives, which are in short supply because production has just started on them.

Remember you heard it here first, and I'm never wrong.