A couple factors may be delaying Apple's Core i5/i7 MacBook Pro. Given all of the observations below, if a mid-May 2010 release does not occur, the next window is WWDC in late June 2010. Or prove me wrong, Apple, and release it sooner..
* Mid-Jan 2010: Intel announces Core i Series for sale. Dell lead times about 4 weeks.
* Jan 27, 2010: iPad Announced. Teaser dates set. iPad hype starts.
* Feb 9-13, 2010: MacWorld Expo. Expect no major Apple product announcements during MacWorld Expo anymore. Apple wants to prove that MacWorld Expo is an unnecessary venue where they cannot control the message.
* Mar 5, 2010: iPad release date confirmed for April 3rd.
* Mar 16, 2010: Intel announces Xeon 5600 Series. Potential candidate for MacPro. Last time, Apple had an exclusive MacPro Xeon release about 3 weeks earlier than everyone else. Well, it did not happen this time.
* Mar 31, 2010: International 'Free iPod Touch w/Purchase' campaign ends. (See here.)
* Apr 3, 2010: iPad release party. Sorry, no Mac line will steal the spotlight.
Tentative:
* Apr 15, 2010: Potential XServe and/or WWDC dates announcement (2 months prior to WWDC). Will probably build anticipation for iPad developer sessions. An early April XServe announcement is critical for IT purchasers to plan their quarterly expenditures.
* May 4 or 11, 2010: Potential MacPro announcement date. Apple likes Tuesdays, and this marks two months from the Xeon 5600 announcement.
* May 25, 2010: Potential MacBook Pro announcement date. Apple likes Tuesdays, and this marks four months from the Core i7 announcement.
* Jun 27-Jul 2, 2010: WWDC rumored dates. Potential iPhone announcement.
The new product introduction of the iPad disrupted the typical MacBook release cycle. iPad introduction/sales start April 3rd. Apple wants everyone's focus on the iPad. Distraction due to a new MacBook might hurt iPad demand.
Internally and historically, Apple OS resources will likely be positioned and prioritized for the iPad release.
Speaking of MacBook demand, Apple's first quarter was strong, and MacBook sales were strong. This may be fueling a decision to continue selling the Core 2 Duo MacBooks, until the demand wanes, or Intel cuts off the Core 2 Duo supply.
The Intel Core i3/i5/i7 line was introduced mid-January 2010. Apple has set precedent to release speed bumps or new platforms (Core 2 Duo) four months from Intel's public release dates. Using this observation places a MacBook delivery around mid to late May. This hedges any weak demand for the iPad, because there is a significant amount of pent-up demand for a Core i series MacBook Pro. (e.g. Read the rumor forums.)
Competition-wise, Dell's Studio XPS 16 w/Core i7 and Alienware M17x both have 3.5-4.5 week lead times as of today (4/7/10 & 4/814/10 respectively). This has not improved much since the beginning of February. There is either significant demand for these processors, or the supply/yields are low.
Given the lead time, Apple may be waiting for Core i3/i5/i7 supply to be sufficient to satisfy the instant gratification crowd.
A rumor exists for a "Magic Trackpad". Rumor sites have said this is for an unreleased consumer product (like an iSlate, which I believe was a secondary, reserved name for the iPad), while it makes sense this is likely a reference to the trackpad on an upcoming MacBook model.
Have you noticed that WWDC's dates have not been announced? It is likely WWDC will be in late June, to coincide with the announcement of a new iPhone. Given the initial adopter's of the iPhone 2G will be expiring, this is Apple's prime time to introduce a next generation iPhone.
Watch for a WWDC date announcement shortly (1-2 weeks) after the iPad launch.
Apple does not have a history of overlapping product line announcements (e.g. MacBook Pro, iMac, and MacPro), except when there are significant platform changes (e.g. 680x0 to PPC; and PPC to Intel).
Just a view from my dartboard.
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