14 DAY TRIAL // There are quite a few MacBook rumors floating about, both regarding updates to current models and new models altogether. While such rumors are always attractive, reports from portable manufacturers paint a different picture.
Taiwan's Asustek Computer reports that it is having problems because of a shortage of processors from Intel. The CPUs specifically designed for laptops are not coming out in sufficient quantities, and while this is causing the company headaches, it is not expected to affect sales. Asustek is one of the companies reported to manufacture devices for Apple, specifically MacBooks. Since these use the very Intel processors that the company is referring to, it could mean that Apple might be having issues maintaining the large number of machines it has been selling recently.
The problem is not one related to Apple or any other company in particular, but the market in general. Very strong demand for portable computers is causing shortages of everything from small LCD screens and small hard disc drives and flash memory. Beside the general move away from desktop computers and towards portable ones, this time of the year also sees increased activity because of back-to-school sales and the upcoming holiday season. Considering other recent rumors that Apple is ready with new Mac Pro models as soon as Intel can start making enough processors to power them, it could very well be that further diversifying the model lineup is not the best move to make at this time.
Despite all this, computer manufacturers can avoid these issues by building up inventory and maintaining very close relationships with part makers, two things that Apple has been known to do when it comes to their best selling products, and they are not alone. "Our relationship with Intel is good so we don't have a big problem, but if it wasn't so good, our troubles might be worse," said Shen, of the CPU issue.
Supplies of certain laptop parts could become more plentiful once the peak season ends and demand slows down. In the meantime, laptop makers have had to keep up with suppliers by maintaining relationships and building inventory when they can. "Our relationship with Intel is good so we don't have a big problem, but if it wasn't so good, our troubles might be worse," said Jerry Shen, president of Asustek, answering questions at an investors conference in Beitou, Taiwan.