Predictions for Apple in 2006

Here are my predictions for the Apple 2006 Intel-based hardware lineup. All PowerPC Macs will be phased out, namely the PowerBook, Power Mac, and iBook. The following models are what we’ll see:

• Mac Pro - This will be the new tower enclosure, will be the most radically fast Macs ever made, with dual Duo CPUs (that’s 4 cores for you math wizards.) Perhaps a redesign is in order?
• MacBook Pro - Already exists. May receive Gestures update
• MacBook Mini - This “tablet Mac” will feature the Gestures interface, making it much more than just another tablet, as it will have no keyboard or trackpad. MacBook Mini will take the place of the iBook and oriented towards students/backpacks. Will come in White or Black, similar to iPods.
• Mac Mini - Same as it ever was, except Intel inside.
• iMac - Already exists. May receive Gestures update.
• Displays - May receive Gestures update.

My main justification here is that I’m guessing 2006 is going to be the “year of the Mac” much as 2005 was the “year of the iPod+iTunes market domination.” I surmise that Steve Jobs wants to put the word “Mac” in the name of every Mac, so that there’s no confusion. Hence, the name “iBook” doesn’t really fit in with the new strategy.