MacBooks May Launch Tuesday

Apple enthusiast site Think Secret reported Friday afternoon that sources expect the Cupertino company to release the highly anticipated MacBook on Tuesday. The laptop will be the Intel-based successor to the company's popular iBook line.

In related news, a coding glitch on the Apple Web site has all but confirmed the name change. Beginning late Thursday, and still appearing occasionally Friday, Apple's iPod page was replaced with a blank page with the hierarchy "Home > Hardware > MacBook" shown.

Think Secret reported early last month that the MacBook will be built with a 13.3-inch widescreen display, capable of supporting a 1280x720 resolution. Additionally, a Core Solo processor is expected in the low-end model, with the high-end version sporting a Core Duo.

Fellow enthusiast site AppleInsider has provided some additional details, although it should be mentioned that the site has had far less success in accurately reporting Apple's future moves. It says the new laptop will sport a magnetic latching system as well as a built in iSight camera, MagSafe power adapter, Front Row and PhotoBooth software.

The site also mentioned that the laptop would look much like the MacBook Pro, yet in the familiar white of the iBook line.

However, AppleInsider said Apple could provide color options at launch, harkening back to the "Bondi Blue," and Strawberry, Lime, Grape, Blueberry and Tangerine flavors of the first line of iMacs.

Sources say that the company will likely discontinue its 14-inch iBook model, however the 12-inch G4 based laptop will likely remain available for a short period of time.

According to a Think Secret report earlier this week, Apple officials expect the new MacBook to be one of its hottest selling products even though it won't appear until halfway into the quarter. Additionally, Apple's new "Get a Mac" campaign would likely also contribute to increased awareness of the platform.