Macworld 2006: The Final Last Minute Rumor List.

Macworld 2006 has more rumors flying than any two previous Macworld events.

The hype, the possibilities, the probabilities, and the impossibilities are endless.

There are a few “sure things” to expect from this year’s Stevenote, and plenty of rumors from Mac web sites to stock analysts to media and technology plundits.

Here’s the final Mac360 rumor list ready for you to compare to the real thing.

Mac360 Last Minute Top 10 Rumor List

There are so many possible, probable, and impossible rumors for new product announcements for Macworld that we developed three lists (choose any 10).

The “Probable” List
This is the list we’re sure will make a show at Macworld.

1 - New iPod shuffle
Apple needs a refreshment at the bottom of the line and we expect delivery of a new version of the diminutive shuffle; longer battery life, perhaps a screen.

2 - New iLife ‘06 Update
This is a no brainer, though we also expect a new application to be introduced to the suite.

3 - New .Mac Enhancements
Apple tripped up and let this one slip, though details are scarce. Look for a lower price for .Mac, more features, and perhaps an application called “iWeb.”

4 - New iWork ‘06 Update
Tera was first on the list expecting “Numbers” to be a spreadsheet component, though Pages cold get upgraded, too.

5 - iTunes Music Store Upgrade
This could come many ways, but it means more videos; music videos, TV shows, and movies. It’s possible that video will get it’s own store front and name.

Extra ‘For Sure’
Plenty of news about iPod sales in the last quarter, market share info, Mac market share increases, and more.

It doesn’t take much to agree on the Top 5, though expectations go well beyond that. What about Intel chips? What about the Mac mini?

The “Possible” List
These are the items that show up on many rumor lists; Mac sites and media outlets and stock analysts, but they’re not a sure thing.

6 - New iBook or PowerBook “nano” with Intel Inside
I’d be as surprised as anyone if there’s no mention of a Mac with an Intel chip inside. iBooks first.

7 - New Mac mini with Intel Inside
The big money says one or the other. A “nano” version of an iBook won’t compete with PowerBooks. A Mac mini could be sold alongside the current line of PPC Mac mini’s.

8 - Front Row 2.0 with Remote
Both work together already but require an iMac G5. The remote also works with the iPod universal dock. Look for something for the rest of us.

9 - Apple DVR/PVR
This is wanted and expected but may be an area that Apple avoids. For now. I use Elgato’s EyeTV, but it doesn’t play back to TV well or at a competitive price.

This is also the component Apple is missing in the so-called Media Center arena.

10 - Airport Express AV
For now, there’s no easy way to get Mac movies, TV shows, or downloaded movies from your Mac to your TV. An Airport Express with audio and video would be just the ticket. I’ll buy one.

Wait. There’s more. There’s also a bonus list of items that show up on various rumor lists but are not taken seriously.

Top 5 “Impossible” List
We’re gluttons for punishment at Mac360. There’s no way, shape, or form the following will ever see the light of day at Macworld. Maybe.

1 - New high end iPad
Bigger than iPod, touch screen, wireless, OS X, and built in camera. I’ll buy one.

2 - Licensing Deal for OS X for Intel
Don’t look for OS X to be boxed and sold on anything but Apple machines. No OS X for Dell, HP, Sony, Gateway, et al.

3 - Intel Inside PowerMacs, PowerBooks, iMacs
We want a dual core PowerMac but it’ll never happen at this Macworld.

4 - Any Deal With Adobe Or Microsoft
Won’t happen. Adobe is not happy with Apple. Microsoft, too. Don’t expect to see Adobe’s new Lightroom on stage. Or Office for Intel Macs.

5 - Return of the Newton
The perennial list maker didn’t make anyone’s list this year. Is the Newton dead?

Compare the above list with what really gets introduced at Macworld Tuesday. I don’t expect to see Apple selling Plasma TVs, either. Don’t look for a demonstration of Mac OS X for Intel running Windows, too.

That’s the good, bad, and ugly of the Mac360 Last Minute Top 10 Rumor List. How does it compare to your expectations?

We’ll do a recap and compare factual reality with our pre-show prognostications later in the week. In the meantime, Mac360’s lovely but less-than-diminutive Barbara Marie Hambi plans to fly into San Francisco from Las Vegas early Tuesday to attend the keynote.

Click Here for a Special Report Page to be updated during the keynote presentation.

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