MacWhispers :
Apple to Announce 970 Powered iPod
Our most reliable source inside the Wang Dang OEM/ODM manufacturing partner to Apple, that now produces the paint used to letter the front of the popular MP3 player has confirmed that his company is also supplying the paint for a new version of the product using IBM's 970 microprocessor.
While details are sketchy, at best, we have investigated the claim of such a powerful new iPod, and have found several tidbits of information that seem to verify the product actually is in production:
- The stated paint actually is precisely the same as is used to letter the words onto the face of the present iPod
- The Shongnuangpuang Electrosolvents Ltd. plant now supplying the glue used to affix the interior product data label inside the present iPod reports recently building "much larger" labels
- Oxnard Motor Freight reports having been requested to send "a fleet" of trucks to the San Diego docks this past week, by "some guy with an Apple t-shirt," to pick up "several containers" of "funny-looking little white and metal gadgets."
- A key source in the night housekeeping department at the plant building the IBM 970 chips has told us that "these engineering guys keep snickering and wandering around the plant floor, with all these iPods... talkin' and jabberin' like a bunch of monkeys..."
While we will refrain from speculation, it is clear from these and other whispers that there is indeed a new iPod in production, already being warehoused in the U.S., and it does indeed incorporate the latest IBM 970 processor.
We understand from sources deep within Apple's Infinite Loop headquarters catering supplier that the new UltraPod was originally intended for release today, April 1st, 2003.
MacWhispers Analysis
Apple is always full of surprises. With the whole Mac community fervently speculating about new 970-powered PowerMacs, Apple has chosen, instead, to shake up the market with the world's most powerful music player. Touche' Apple!
After a last minute delay, expect the 970 iPods to be released this coming Tuesday. Tune in here to MacWhispers as we maintain an all-night vigil, starting at 6:00PM CST Monday evening, awaiting the actual announcement from Cupertino.