Apple has offered a virtually unchanged consumer portable for more than a year, but that's expected to change tomorrow at Apple Expo where sources report Jobs will introduce a revised iBook during his keynote.
It's unclear at this point whether the revised iBook will consist of an update to the current model, or if an entirely new iBook will be unveiled.
Reliabe AppleInsider sources attending Apple Expo caught a glimpse of a Sage iBook behind a black curtain on the showfloor, and report that while iMacs, PowerMacs, Cubes and displays are set up at Apple's booth, that no iBooks or PowerBooks are to be seen. This has traditionally meant that new versions of the products will be introduced at the event.
Other sources confirmed this and noted that two new iBook and PowerBook configurations will be released at Apple Expo.
The "better" iBook configuration will carry a price tag of 13,490 FF (US$1,768) while the "best" iBook configuration, which may be referred to as the Special Edition model, will feature FireWire and possibly DVD while carrying a price of 15,990 FF (US$2,096), sources said. Both configurations are expected to sport faster G3 processors up to 400 or 450 MHz. [All prices include 19.6% French VAT.]
To prevent the cannibalism of PowerBook sales, sources expect Apple's Pro portable to receive either a speed bump or the introduction of the PowerBook G4. Details on the updated PowerBooks, if introduced, are scarce although one source said the new configurations will carry prices of 21,500 FF (US$2,826) and 29,980 FF ($3,941).
Stay tuned to MacNN/AppleInsider for complete coverage of AppleExpo tomorrow.
