There are lot of reports out there with people scratching their heads and chins trying to figure out what exactly might want from AMD.  It seems unlikely that Apple would want to buy AMD.  Apple like businesses with lots of margin that they can dominate in, and sadly the PC chip business isn’t quite like that.  Others feel that Apple is at least open to the idea of switching completely from Intel to AMD chips in their computers.  This doesn’t seem very plausible as Intel spent a lot of time and money to make this switch for Apple when Apple decided that IBM/Motorola weren’t doing enough to innovate with PowerPC chips.  One scenario which I haven’t seem discussed seems the most valid to me:

Apple is bringing AMD in to power an 11.6″ subcompact computer or what is commonly called a netbook.

Apple has spoken down to netbooks calling them useless because they are mass produced and seldom look very good.  The worst offense is that they don’t make a bunch of money.  That’s the business Apple in is and Intel hasn’t done a great job at finding ways to make netbook manufacturers very rich and Apple has turned a blind eye until now.  AMD and their combination of MV-40 and L625 processors and ATI HD3200 chips has opened the door to a number of higher end netbooks.  Apple could easily use this technology and create a netbook and price it at $499 or even $549 and drive significant sales.

The next question, which is by far the most important question is why.  Why would Apple come out with a netbook after all of this time talking bad about them?

The answer isn’t just money.  Before the MacBook Air come out Apple wasn’t sure if they could provide a niche product like a really thin and light notebook at a premium price.  While the Air hasn’t been the fastest selling product Apple has ever offer it addresses a segment of the market that doesn’t have many good options and is priced well.

It’s been years since the 12 inch iBook and PowerBook came and went.  Since then, Mac enthusiasts has been craving a product like that and have been unhappy all of this time.

This summer Apple will be too focused on the fourth generation of their iPhone hardware and software to do much about this now but come this holiday season things should be much different.  I have no idea on what they’ll call it or what the final specs will be but it seems like the right time.  People will argue that Apple doesn’t need to come out with a netbook and that this story is more about me wishfully writing.  I’d argue that Apple didn’t need to come out with the Mac Mini, or Apple TV but that didn’t stop them from making those products.

1. Will AMD Ever Come Out With An Intel Atom Fighter?

2. Apple Turns To Google To Promote iPad Online

3. After AMD, Nvidia Next To Take Piece, Cash From Intel

4. Intel & Apple Join Forces To End Hackintosh Netbooks With N450 Processors

5. Intel: Atom Chips Sales Slow, But Not Worried About It