14 DAY TRIAL // For the past few weeks, European Apple resellers have reported many difficulties in obtaining new stock of existing Core Duo-based models of the enhanced 13-inch notebooks. Considering this, some might understand why rumors related to the release dates for these notebooks literally exploded as they were fueled by these reports. Well, if the rumors already exploded, they have gone bezerk last week, when Play.com, an European Apple reseller, posted a listing on its site that it has began accepting pre-orders for several unannounced Core 2 Duo-based MacBook models through its online store.
Play.com posts a product listing for a Core 2 Duo MacBook duo for release on November 13th, 2006. The accompanying specs simply describe the current 2GHz Core Duo MacBook, however, so no additional details are available. A release date listing of November 13th is particularly specific and in line with circulating rumors of an updated MacBook before the holiday season. That being said, Apple resellers have never been given pre-release information for exactly this reason, which means that this information is far more likely to speculative than based on insider information,Macrumors reported.
Regarding this issue, AppleInsider and their "tipsters" brought to light other news. According to AppleInsider, three new Apple hardware products are en-route the U.S. this week, carrying previously unoccupied manufacturers part numbers MA699LL/A, MA700LL/A and MA701LL/A.
The AppleInsider report continues: Apple's existing line of MacBooks is similarly available in three standard retail configurations: two white-colored models (1.83GHz and 2.0GHz) and a single black model (also 2.0GHz). They range in price from (U.S.) $1099 to (U.S.) $1499.
While AppleInsider has been unable to positively confirm that the latest product rumblings pertain specifically to MacBooks, the reports are similar to those that appeared in the days and hours leading up to Apple's announcement of Core 2 Duo-based MacBook Pro models late last month. In September, AppleInsider reported that Mac maker had wrapped up development of revised MacBook and MacBook Pro models, each of which would sport Core 2 Duo chips from Intel. People familiar with the company's plans said both lines were tracking for a release prior to the holiday shopping season, which has historically seen its initial surge the day after Thanksgiving. On Oct. 24, Apple introduced 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models with Core 2 Duo processors, leaving only its 13-inch MacBook offerings with Core Duo chips.
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