As Apple continues to receive criticism from U.S. lawmakers and iPhone owners over the iPhone 4 antenna issue, the company is also reportedly preparing a smaller MacBook Air and new iPod Touch devices.
Unconfirmed reports say Apple will release an 11.6-inch MacBook Air sometime during Q3 or Q4 this year. The new MacBook Air will have a slimmer, lighter design than the current model, and will include several important updates.
First, Apple will use the Intel Core i-series low-voltage CPU, giving consumers an energy-efficient alternative. Second, Apple wants to include a new 3-megapixel camera that can snap pictures and record video.
Quanta Computer is rumored to be the manufacturer responsible for making the new MacBook Air device. Exact pricing hasn't been unveiled, but early indications puts the price tag at well over $1,000 -- meaning the device will remain a niche product for tech savvy consumers and graphic designers.
Digitimes Research analyst Mingchi Kuo predicts only 400,000 units of the new device will ship in 2010.
The new iPod Touch device will reportedly be available next month or in September, and it should include a 5-megapixel camera. The gadget will also use the A4 processor that currently powers the iPhone 4, DigiTimes reports.
British retailer John Lewis' Rob Hennessy discussed the new device during a speech, and also said the newest iPod Touch will include the use of iPhone 4's FaceTime.
I already have a RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700 on AT&T and will switch back to Verizon Wireless in the future -- but an iPod Touch with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera and FaceTime looks extremely appealing.
Despite these rumors, Apple continues to face problems related to the iPhone 4. Customers still complain of antenna-reception problems that have plagued owners since the iPhone 4’s initial release last month. It is unlikely that Apple will issue a recall due to the reception issue.
