MacShrine

Apple previously trademarked the term “Mac Pro” in New Zealand in late 2005. On May 17th 2006, the same name was trademarked through the U.S. Patent Office under the following classifications:

computers; computer hardware; computer software; computer peripherals; notebook computers; laptop computers; tablet computers; computer servers; handheld computers; mobile computers; hard drives; audio speakers; speakers for computers; personal digital assistants; electronic organizers; electronic notepads; magnetic data carriers; computer gaming machines; microprocessors; memories boards; monitors; displays; keyboards; computer input devices; computer cables; modems; printers; parts and accessories for all the aforesaid goods.

Steve Jobs had indicated that Apple weas moving away from the “Power” name when the MacBook Pro was first announced saying “It’s a new name [MacBook Pro] because we’re kinda done with ‘Power’ and because we want ‘Mac’ in the name of our products.”

AppleInsider claims that according to “reliable sources”, Apple has contracted out the motherboard design for the next-generation PowerMac to Intel. According to the site, Apple has its current resources spread so far across the planned Intel iMacs, PowerBooks, iBooks and Mac minis that outsourcing the PowerMac motherboard design may help them keep a targeted ship date of the 3rd quarter of 2006 for the next-generation PowerMac. The design is expected to take place within the Intel Apple-Group which was quietly formed in November. Outsourcing PowerMac motherboard design to Intel may have some interesting consequences regarding control and exclusivity of the design. As well, it exposes the PowerMac designs outside of Apple, which could be a source of future leaks. Of course, the PowerMac case design will remain under Apple’s control.