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Thu, 23 Feb 2006 iTunes Movie Store for Feb 28?

Jonny Evans

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Apple's plans to hold a special event next week have sent analysts into a flutter of prognostication, casting their cards for the future.

American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu expects Intel-related news from Apple's "fun"-focused event. He advises investors to build their holdings in the company.

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The analyst expects Apple will use the event to launch a world-first - a movie download service through iTunes. He said: "We believe there is a greater-than-50 per cent chance that Apple will announce its first, full-length feature films available for download on iTunes."

He doesn't yet believe the company will release the so-called 'true video iPod', a device that's mooted to have a 3.5-inch colour screen and digital controls.

However, he expects more news on the transition to Intel processors: "We believe Apple will take the opportunity to round out its Intel Mac portfolio six to nine months ahead of plan with a new widescreen consumer notebook (likely to be called 'MacBook') and entry-level Mac mini, both of which will now include a remote control and FrontRow software," he told clients yesterday.

"What will make this new consumer notebook unique and likely a top seller is its small size and widescreen cinema display. Pricing should be competitive in the $1,299-$1,499 range," he said.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster also hints the event will be focused on Intel-based Macs, according to CNN.

Wu warns that Apple will reveal that its professional software applications, primarily its video solutions, Final Cut Pro and Motion, are now Intel-native and will ship by the end of March.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs is famed for his penchant of delivering a little unexpected magic at such events. On this Wu states: "There is a chance that Steve Jobs will make an announcement that no one anticipated. We will not attempt to guess what it is and let Steve surprise us."

Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg warns against second-guessing the secretive firm: "We're talking about Apple, so it could be all of those things, none of those things, or something brand new," he told SFGate.com.

NPD Group analyst Ross Rubin warns that speculation concerning Apple's next move is a "fruitless guessing game".

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