Apple's Notebook News: What's Myth, What's Truth

If there's one thing Apple knows how to do, it's build buzz. The company that brought us everything from the iPod to the iPhone is getting ready to reveal its latest innovation -- and, in typical fashion, it's shrouded in mystery and surrounded by speculation.

All Apple's saying so far is that it'll talk about notebook computers at the media-only event, set for next Tuesday at the company's California headquarters. "The spotlight turns to notebooks," its cryptic invitation reads.

Rumor Patrol

So what's the real deal? It seems everyone has an opinion. Rumors have been flying for days about the so-called "Brick" -- a new MacBook casing made from a single sheet of metal in an advanced manufacturing process. A fresh set of supposed photos leaked Thursday morning, following an initial image published online Wednesday night. But it doesn't stop there: Australian-based tech blog The Inquisitr quotes a "reliable" source as saying an $800 laptop is in the works (which may or may not be related to the "Brick"). If accurate, it would be Apple's most cheaply priced model to date.

A Lot on the Line

Whatever the truth is, there's no question that a lot's on the line for Apple right now. The company's stock has been falling fast, dropping 40 percent in the past month alone. And even with the iPhone's impressive success, some analysts are predicting it'll take a hit from the wave of new smartphone competitors due to hit the market in the coming months -- models such as the Android-powered G1 and the hotly anticipated BlackBerry Storm. Then there's the recent interview in which Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak suggests even the iPod's days may be numbered.

Promising Potential

It isn't all bad news, though, and there may very well be a shining light at the end of this tunnel. A survey just released Wednesday suggests 8 percent of teens own an iPhone, while another 22 percent plan to buy one and an additional 33 percent wish they had one. Some other research out this week shows the iPhone snagging the top spot of all smartphones, with 17 percent of the U.S. market.

The economy isn't making it easy for any company at the moment, and Apple's no exception -- but a little innovation and a lot of marketing could just give it the juice it needs to bulk back up.