New MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air Models Scheduled for Launch This Month?

A MacRumors forum poster points to a report (Google translation) from Taiwanese newspaper Apple Daily that appears to claim that new MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air models are due for launch sometime this month.

While the Google translation leaves much to be desired in the way of clarity, the report seems to indicate that new models were planned for introduction in March but shortages of Intel's new chips pushed the launch back to this month. The report also claims that Apple will be pushing all three sizes of the MacBook to a maximum of 640 GB hard drives with 8-hour battery performance across the board. The remainder of the report primarily focuses on suppliers, with Quanta and Hon Hai (Foxconn) targeted for assembly of the devices and Innolux and AU Optronics being tapped for LCD panels.

Updates to Apple's MacBook Pro line have been widely expected for several months, although reports of possible release plans have become less frequent in recent weeks as attention has shifted to the iPad. Apple's MacBook Air is similarly due for an update, as it was last refreshed in June alongside the new MacBook Pros. The MacBook was last updated in October and thus has not necessarily been viewed as ready for an update, but we are beginning to approach its typical refresh window as well.