While I think you idea about a Powerbook Nano is really cool and could do wonders for Apple's product line, I doubt the company will implement such as idea until it can be built around an Intel-based architecture. I'm hoping Apple will come out with a Viiv version of the iBook. A Viiv-ized iBook Nano would be incredible!

One area I disagree on is giving up the optical drive, or allowing Apple to put it in an external FireWire enclosure. Next thing you know, Apple will offer external optical drives using USB 2.0 only. No thanks!

As for when the new Mactels will be making their debut, I think all the speculation is getting crazy. We have no idea. I hope we see at least an Mactel iBook announced at MacWorld SF in January. Don't be surprised if Apple announces more than one Mactel release, all dated 1-3 months down the road. Everyone will pre-order five minutes after the Stevenote and you won't see 'em 'till the snow's gone anyway.

The bigger question for me is software. How will Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, Roxio, Intuit and others handle the new Intel code? Will we see a new Office:Mac 2006 for both PowerPC and Intel? What will Adobe do with Creative Suite? (And when will we know the fate of Dreamweaver and GoLive?) What about printer drivers? Will GIMP drivers work on a Mactel?

Contributed by Walt Atwood