In a note to clients — as reported by “MacRumors” (http://www.macrumors.com) — KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks Apple will discontinue its 17-inch MacBook Pro. He thinks this is part of a move to streamline the company’s laptop line-up.
“Apple’s Mac business in 2Q12 will be boosted by several factors,” writes Kuo. “Three of which are: (1) Mountain Lion, which integrates iOS features with Mac OS, Apple TV’s interaction function, will be launched in June; (2) upgrading to Ivy Bridge; and (3) back-to-school demand. We forecast Apple will sell 5.32mn units of the Mac series (up 28.5% QoQ and 35.2% YoY) in 2Q12, making it the main growth driver.
”We also predict Apple will roll out a fully new MacBook model in early 3Q12, boasting strong performance and easy carryability by combining the advantages of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. While adding new products, Apple is likely to stop making the 17” MacBook Pro this year due to falling shipments, in order to maintain a lean product line strategy.”