A lot of hype has spread over the Mac community regarding what some think will be ground zero for the unveiling of a new sub-notebook line of Apple computers - MacWorld Expo '08. However, assessments of current computer components available in the market today suggest that building a sub-notebook powerful enough to meet Apple's demands is currently impossible. Likely not to settle for Celeron chips, similar to what Asus's mini-notebooks utilize, Apple may decide to hold out until more powerful chips come out in the first half of this year.
After all, the Asus EeePC's 900 MHz processor falls just slight of OS X Leopard's minimum suggested requirement of 867 MHz.
Enter the Silverthorne processor - a member of the Menlow family of CPUs based on the new 45 nanometer specification. With it's x86 architecture, low power consumption, and formidable speed, it may be the prime choice for Apple's rumored line of sub-notebook computers. Due to the fact that it is not yet in the market, Apple may choose to make a general announcement at MacWorld similar to the unveiling of the iPhone, leaving certain details for future Stevenotes and promising availability during the Summer or Spring.
There's also a small chance that Apple may opt to use the Moorestown platform, which will include still smaller 32 nanometer CPUs. However, with an expected release of early 2009, it isn't likely.
There's no doubt that 2008 will be touted as the year of the powerful sub-notebook. With new technologies at their disposal, Apple and many other companies may roll out new models that rival many competing full-scale notebooks. It's going to be an interesting year, and being a harbinger of innovation, we can only hope Apple will jump on the track.
Thanks to REVENGE for some technical corrections within this article.
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