Intel iBooks in March? Media Center and Cell Phone Rumblings

ThinkSecret reports that the first Intel-based iBooks are now slated to appear in March.

The rumor site claims that the current 12" and 14" iBooks are to be End-of-Life'd at the end of March, making way for widescreen 13.3" iBooks. ThinkSecret notes that the Core Solo processor is due at near the same time, suggesting that it may power Apple's consumer notebook. Previous reports pointed to "Spring" or 2nd Quarter 2006 for the Intel iBook. A 13" widescreen form factor, however, has been a consistent theme for the iBook revision.

The new iBook is reported to use a significantly different enclosure. One earlier rumor claimed "light-weight stylish" designs for 2006.

Meanwhile, they echo reports from UBS analysts that Apple may replace the iPod shuffle with a new nano, and also expectations of an Apple media center and possibly an Apple Phone.