Yonah-based iBooks in January

[ThreeOnTheTree]

http://www.thinksecret.com/news/0511intelibook.html

Apple is planning to release its first entry-level iBook laptops with Intel processors next January at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, highly reliable sources have confirmed to Think Secret.
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It is not known exactly what processors or price points the new models will debut at, but it is thought Apple will expand the iBook line with one additional model and will lower prices—in some cases possibly $200 or more—to entice current Windows users and prove to the market it will be more competitive with the likes of Dell, Gateway, HP and Sony.

While it won't be in time for the Christmas season, it looks like Apple is going to be quick to the market with Intel's new processor. I'm curious to see what the performance will be like, and if you could dual boot to windows (x86 developer Macs could do just this). If the lower price point is also true, the iBook's might sell pretty well.

[Hoyle]

IF the price is right. But Apple has never before depended on cost-competitiveness to sell their products.

[ThreeOnTheTree]

True, but there has been what analysts have called the "iPod Halo Effect" at Apple. Basically, people buy the iPod, love it, and consider Apple for their next PC. With the basic run of Office software, an iBook might make a very popular college machine for the non-programmer.

What I find the most interesting is that Apple looks to be getting first crack at Yonah if these models show up in early January. Apple also looks to be the first to launch a Yonah desktop when they revise the Mini. I wonder if this was part of the deal when Intel and Apple signed their CPU agreement?

[Hoyle]

Probably.