What to expect from Macworld in Jan 06

There are a lot of speculations about which product lines Apple will announce to use Intel chips. Some say the iMac, some say the PowerBook (Rich Gardner of Citi).

I don't think it will be either. Apple just refreshed its iMac, PowerMac and PowerBook in Oct. I definitely do not expect these product lines get shelved so quickly. Besides, it will take a while to fully migrate a lot of the applications that currently run on PowerMac and PowerBook to Intel-based systems.

I think iBook and miniMac will get refreshed with Intel-based systems. These two products were last refreshed in Jan 05. It is also less risky to start from the low-end with Intel. The Intel-based miniMac will probably use some elements of the Viiv platform of Intel's media PC. It will be great if Apple can put a dock for iPod on the miniMac. MiniMac will have FrontRow and work like an entertainment PC. IBook is long due for a refresh. I bet Apple will have an ultra-slim iBook that is going to be as hot as the iPod Nano, thanks to the power-efficiency of Intel's Yonna chip (Pentium M on 65nm).

More video content deals similar to the one announced today with NBC will also be possible. ESPN was rumored to be the next one in line. I really can't wait.

Apple is indeed starting a revolution in the media industry. Apple has created the type of applications that will drive more broadband demand and penetration.