Tuesday at Macworld: clues point to Jobs announcing Xohm WiMax-capable iPods, mini MacBooks
Based on a number of clues I have been mashing up, I predict that during Monday's Tuesday's keynote address at Macworld, Apple CEO Steve Jobs will announce:
A new, small size MacBook with built-in, icon-accessible, Sprint Xohm WiMax capability, and:
A new iPod device, also with Sprint Xohm WiMax capability.
Why do I believe this?
Apple recognizes the need for a MacBook smaller than today's 13-inch versions, but larger than any of its current portable devices.
Then there's there's something in the air signs, which already have been popping up at Macworld and as Apple Insider shows us, can be seen from the exterior of Macworld-hosting Moscone Center in San Francisco:
"In the air," at least to me, sounds like a reference to signals traveling in the air, which one or more Apple devices could pick up. And since Macworld is often the introduction place for these new devices, we are looking at new devices and new transmission and reception platforms. And finally there's this titillating passage from the Xohm website:
Other services make you buy their devices to get access -- we want to leave you to your own devices. We’ll be offering our modems and PC cards to make it easy for you to get started -- but soon, wherever there’s Xohm coverage, you’ll be able to connect with any WiMAX-enabled product -- bought from anybody.
Our partners are preparing a huge and growing selection of top-brand Xohm-ready products:
- Laptop and Desktop Computers
- Ultra Mobile PCs
- Mobile Internet Tablets and devices
- Portable Media Players
Watch for these -- plus new kinds of WiMAX-enabled electronics that will open new kinds of Internet experiences.
Hmm, portable media players?
No mention of phones or PDAs, though. I'd suppose that even if Apple wanted to release a WiMax-capable iPhone, the fact that Sprint's Xohm is pretty much the only relatively market ready offering at that point would be too much a competitive bone of contention for AT&T, and their continuing iPhone exclusivity.