11.6-Inch MacBook Air, New iPod touch for 2010 - Report

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a revamped MacBook Air featuring an 11.6-inch display and the Intel Core i-series ultra-low voltage processor, as well as a new, video-capable iPod touch boasting a 3-megapixel camera and Apple’s new A4 processor.

Citing Mingchi Kuo, senior analyst at Digitimes Research, DigiTimes reports that Apple is on track to roll out the two products in the second half of 2010. Kuo declined to name his sources, but claimed that both devices will be manufactured by Quanta Computer.

Upstream component makers reportedly added that Apple’s new MacBook Air will feature an even slimmer and lighter design compared to the existing notebook. Apple’s other products will reportedly inherit the technologies used for the design and concept of the new Air, in order to make them more competitive. Shipments are not expected to exceed 400,000 units this year, Kuo outlined.

On the entertainment front, Apple’s alleged plans to equip the iPod touch with an A4 processor, a 3-megapixel camera, and the ability to take photos and shoot video seem fairly possible. The new iPod touch will reportedly ship this year, with sales expected to go through the roof - 17 to 18 million units in 2010.

The same source reported earlier this week that Apple plans the introduction of two new iPads, each boasting a smaller screen than the current model. According to DigiTimes, sources from component makers noted that “Apple has recently placed new iPad orders to Taiwan-based component makers for the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 with 9.7-inch, 5.6-inch and 7-inch models all included. Designed with a focus on e-reading, the two tablets are expected to be launched “as soon as in the fourth quarter of 2010 with Compal Electronics having a chance to receive the orders,” these sources reportedly said.