AAPL Down on Soft Sales during Intel Transition


AAPL shares fell in overnight trading as an analyst warned that Mac sales might be soft this quarter as the Intel transition takes place, Macworld UK reports.

Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer has warned of softer Mac sales in the last 3 quarterly conference calls, although this has yet to eventuate. Nevertheless, Apple sudden update of its Mac Mini line last week to Core Solo and Core Duo specification suggests the company is increasing the pace of the Intel transition. The iBook switch to Intel is expected to take place shortly, particularly given Apple's dependence upon its consumer line of portable.

The story also notes a CBS Marketwatch report which indicates shortages of the MacBook Pro. Prior to its shipment, Apple executives noted significant demand for MacBook Pro.

Nevertheless, although the current quarter might show softer Mac sales, analysts do not expect the transition to have an impact upon the company's medium to longer-term growth prospects.