Apple may launch new iPod shuffle, Intel-based Macs on Tuesday

It has been rumoured for a couple of weeks and now also Forbes claims Apple may launch its Intel-based Mac computers and a new iPod shuffle next week at Macworld 2006 in San Francisco.

Evidence of this is the fact that Apple.com indicates that 1gigabyte iPod shuffles are sold out and supply will not be replenished until mid-January. "We believe this is a sign that a new shuffle is coming at Macworld; otherwise Apple would likely have refilled the channel," the analyst noted in research note today.

It's believed the new iPod shuffle will have a new design, possibly a lot smaller, and it should also incorporate a small display.

Additionally, it's also believed Apple may launch a new consumer electronics device, continuing on the "trend towards being more of an entertainment/media technology company, not just a computer company."