Apple preparing dual-core PowerMac G5, G5 Mac mini and new G4 PowerBooks?

Apple is believed to be preparing new dual-core IBM PowerPC 970 processor based PowerMac G5 systems, as well as a G5 Mac mini and faster G4 PowerBooks. They may be announced on September 20 at the Apple Expo 2005 in Paris, some product updates may even earlier.

"We believe that Apple is preparing new G5 PowerMacs based on IBM’s dual-core 970 PPC, G5 Mac Minis based on a new IBM low-power processor, and new G4 PowerBooks based on next generation processors from Freescale Semiconductors."

An analysts believes the G4 PowerBooks will be based on Freescale's 7448 processor, which possibly runs as fast as 2GHz. He also claims the dual-core PowerPC 970 processors may be used to create a 'dual dual system', which features two dual-core processors.

There are also indications some of the new PowerBooks might feature a HD screen with a 1920 x 1200 native resolution.

And finally, it's also expected an iPod with video capabilities will be released soon.

"Sony’s surprising success (even to itself) with video on the handheld PlayStation Portable combined with the earlier-than-expected decline in DVD sales has apparently made Hollywood much more receptive to new video formats," he wrote. "Second generation Portable Media Players like Creative Labs’ Zen Vision – which supports video, photo and music with a 30GB hard-drive – are also likely to accelerate Apple’s video iPod plans."

More details at MacObserver.