Briefly: HP iPods, Logic 7.0.1, PowerBooks...

In the wake of reports that Apple and HP have entered into a tiff over the price protection policy on the "iPod + HP" iPods, sources close to HPShopping.com claim the online reseller has received its first shipment of iPods in several weeks.

The random delivery reportedly contained about 500 20GB iPods and an unknown number of 40GB models (which unlike the 20GB were not out of stock). Representatives for HPShopping.com said the iPod proved very popular during the Christmas rush with 'thousands' of units sold.

Apple updates Logic audio apps

As predicted (though we were a little off with the version numbering), Apple late last night quietly posted updates to its high-end audio creation applications: Logic Pro 7.01 and Logic Express 7.01.

The updates, which were released over Software Update prior to being posted to the web this morning, deliver improvements in several areas, including compatibility with Audio Units and other formats, track automation, control surfaces, and various further improvements.

The updates are the first maintenance releases to Apple's audio applications since their release last October.

Apple PowerBooks now EOL

MacBidouille is reporting PowerBooks as well as eMac's with SuperDrives have been declared "End of Life" at the FNAC, Frances largest multimedia consumer shop in France. EOL status is a typical indicator of imminent product revisions.

Later this month Apple is expected to debut faster PowerBook G4 models boasting 1.5GHz and 1.67GHz processors and increased graphics memory.