Apple may launch Intel laptops: analyst

[Farid]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. (Nasdaq:AAPL - news) could introduce its first laptop computers based on Intel Corp. (Nasdaq:INTC - news) chips as early as January, which, together with robust sales of video iPods, should drive earnings higher, Citigroup said on Wednesday.

Citigroup analyst Richard Gardner raised his target on the computer maker's stock price to $71 from $51 and boosted his earnings forecasts for the next two years.

Apple shares were up 10 cents to $68.20 in active morning trading.

For the current quarter, Gardner raised his revenue estimate to $5.5 billion from $4.8 billion and his earnings-per share forecast to 60 cents from 47 cents.

He also raised his 2006 revenue forecast to $20.4 billion from $17.6 billion and his earnings estimate to $2.16 a share from $1.72.

"We are becoming more convinced that Apple will introduce its first Intel-based PowerBook at Macworld San Francisco," Gardner said in a note to clients. That conference runs from January 9 to 13.

Reuters/Yahoo

So, we can forget about the 970MP?

 

[zurich]

Um, I hate to be the one to do this to you, but that's been seriously old-hat news for about 6 or 7 months (that Apple was going x86/Intel). Moreover, the 970MP is currently shipping in PowerMacs now

What is news in that report is that its likely it'll happen in January, as opposed to the vague "1H '06" that Jobs was saying previously.

 

[ANova]

Apple will also be launching a media centered version of the Mac Mini using an Intel processor in January.

 

[pcchen]

Well, various Mac web sites already reported rumors of a early introduction of Intel based Mac in January for quite some time. Of course, it's different weight when come from Citigroup
Another site even said that the first Intel Mac will be a Mac mini with home media center functionailty.

 

[Mortimer]

If I were a betting man, I'd say february not january.