New and Noteworthy: Intel-based PowerBooks, Mac minis possible in January '06; more

Intel-based PowerBooks, Mac minis possible in January '06 Forbes reports on speculation from analysts that Apple could begin shipping Intel-based Macs as early as January 2006, with the PowerBook and Mac mini likely first candidates. "The analyst said Apple would introduce more video content and digital entertainment offerings at Macworld in January, helping to drive shares. Checks also indicate that the company may be ready to launch lower-end Intel-based Macs earlier than its original June 2006 target, with the possibility of an Intel-based Mac Mini at Macworld." More.

WP: Apple's Front Row Comes Closer to Couch-Driven Computing Writing for the Washington Post, Rob Pegoraro says that Apple's latest iMac G5s (with built-in iSight and Front Row remote capabilities) take a step closer to a viable living room computing experience. "Where Media Center comes with a long list of features and options, Front Row does only four things: You can play music, you can look at your photos, cue up a DVD or watch video files stored on your hard drive or online. It doesn't lump in irrelevant commands (for example, Media Center's bizarre inclusion of photo-editing tools), it has no preferences screen for you to mull over, and its remote control consists of just six buttons. That's what you'd expect of Apple's products. Where most of the computer industry trudges on under a banner of 'more' -- more processor speed, more expansion ports, more stickers on the front of the computer -- Apple's mission statement amounts to 'less.' It is one of the few companies in the business that understands editing -- how the discipline imposed by having to remove yet another button, menu and toolbar can yield simpler, easier and more useful products." More.

Avid to develop simultaneously for PowerPC and Intel Avid has announced firm plans to synchronize development for both Mac OS X processor platforms -- PowerPC and Intel. A press release states "By synchronizing development for both Apple platforms, Avid's initial Mac HD release is now targeted for mid-2006 for Avid Xpress Pro and Media Composer Adrenaline systems running on PowerPC Macs. Following the arrival of Apple's Intel-based systems, Avid plans to deliver the same HD capabilities offered on PowerPC-based systems to Avid products running on the new Mac-Intel architecture. This development coincides with the company's plans to achieve overall synchronization between Mac and Windows platforms by mid-2006." More.

Previously on MacFixIt

• AirPort Extreme 2005-001 (#2): Greater than 1 GB of RAM AirPort connection drop issue fixed for some
• Mac OS X 10.4.3 (#5): More on excessive fan activity; Command-Tab application switching may swell log files; more
• QuickTime 7.0.3 (#6): Security refinements in this release

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