For a while now, Apple has had a relationship with Taiwan-based computer manufacturer Quanta. Apple designs the PowerBooks, and Quanta produces them. In fact, Quanta even helped design the PowerBook 1400. Apple knows that they do not have the in house capability to produce the numbers of machines needed to be a real player in the corporate enterprise market. So we're seen the outsourcing of iMac production to LG Electronics, and only the "Yosemite" G3 PowerMac line is still produced in house.

One would think Apple would stick with Quanta to build P1, Apple's consumer portable machine. However, due to massive delays on the Lombard professional PowerBook production by Quanta, Apple has decided to seek other manufacturers for P1. It has been decided that Alpha Top Corp., another Taiwanese based enterprise, will be the manufacturer for P1. This AsiaBizTech article confirms this.

The article says that they will begin production in June, but somehow we think that is very optimistic. It also goes on to say colors will be offered with the consumer portable from the start, something that won't be very surprising. Overall, Alpha Top will not confirm any rumors, nor will Apple.

The choice of a manufacturer means that Apple is inching closer to being able to release P1. Sources say the development at Apple is coming along well, and we're still expecting a MACWORLD New York introduction of the machine.

Written/Edited/Published by Doug B. Landry
Logo by Jon Iverson
Apple, Mac, Macintosh, Mac OS,The Apple Store, and Powerbook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
©1998 Doug B. Landry. All rights reserved. All or part may not be reproduced or distributed without prior consent.
Coded on a Apple Macintosh Powerbook G3 Series from Baton Rouge, LA