Here's an excerpt from MacOSrumors.com:
The Big One: Macworld SF 2002 Preview 1 - 8:22 PM 1/2 - Rumor/Speculation
Although we've been configured for silent running most of the past month, we've still been listening to the grapevine and a whole lot has turned up in the process. From among the most interesting points, we first present a quick bullet list summary of various predictions, rumors, speculation, and the like:
* Flat Panel iMac: Expect to see it at the show if insider reports are to be believed, but don't expect the much-hyped device Apple is hinting at to be one and the same -- we've been told through many different avenues that the new device may be tied into the new iMac, but they are two different things.
* New Digital Lifestyle device(s): It stands to reason that if the new Apple device is not an iMac, it is unlikely to be any other Mac, and therefore would fall under the heading of Apple's Digital Lifestyle iniative. Anything more is speculation, but we have numerous indications that the device will involve video-specific technology and, like the iPod, will include capabilities beyond that of merely a function-specific device. Wireless technology has also been widely mentioned.
* Mac OS X 10.2 10.2 is still months away from release, but it is likely that we will see some sort of preview of its new features, in particular the powerful AppleScript Studio development environment, new QuickTime and DVD/CD media functionality as well as the first hints at Apple's cross-platform iniatives.
* Gaming: One thing that we have heard loud and clear is that Apple is hard at work on improving the Mac OS X platform for game players. Although there is no firm evidence either way, a whole lot of quiet indications point to Apple either hyping or actually releasing new game hardware and/or software that will be major news. Almost certainly not the BIG news, but pretty significant nonetheless.
* Apple buying Avid? Along with the numerous hints that the big news at MWSF will be related to wireless video, we've heard from multiple sources that Apple may have already closed the deal on the acquisition of at least one major video hardware developer. Avid has widely been frequently mentioned as the strongest possibility, but since Avid sources are mum on the subject, confirmation is lacking.
* Cinema Display price drop: Widely rumored, we have tended to be skeptical of this one, as large-size flat panel prices have not dropped nearly as precipitously as smaller units. However, the sheer volume of speculation on this one hints that there may be some truth behind it....
On top of these rumors, there is also the following....
From: Scott Beyer
Subject: MacDirectory Ad
I received my MWSF 2002 badge today, and included in the envelope was a brochure ad from MacDirectory magazine. ÊIn addition to photos of glamorous people carrying Apple products, and some gratuitous cleavage, the front of the ad shows a picture of an LCD panel with an Apple logo in the graphite plastics and a stylus pen resting on top. ÊItÕs not an image of any released Appe product. ÊUsing the pen for scale, the screen seems to be considerably smaller than 12.1-inches, and adjacent to the screen is what looks like a hinged panel with a covered compartment, similar to the door that covers the controls on the front of a TV or monitor.
Whether this is a mock-up/artistÕs rendering or an image of a pre-release product, I donÕt know, but either way, I canÕt believe IÕm looking at it on the cover of this brochure. ÊIf you havenÕt seen one yet, see if you can get hold of one. ÊI have no means of sending the image.
