I think that with the High Definition video upgrades to their software suites, Apple is readying themselves to release units with the HD DVD burners.
Inorder to obviate any legal implications; I have no specific, nor Apple insider information. This is speculation on my part based on info publicly released by Apple.
Also, if they follow their previous patterns ( a big "if"), OSX Tiger should be released in May/June, and new towers and Powerbooks in October. Would the blue laser HD DVD's be ready for that? If Pioneer (a very aptly named company IMHO) releases these units say within the next three months, then I'd say, yeah, probably.
Opinions?
Mutant_Pie
These drives have already been released, the only factor is that Apple has pledged support for the Blu-Ray spec and they don't have integrated backwards compatability with CDs and DVDs. Combo BRDVD-RW/DVD+-RW/CD-R drives were demoed at CES, I believe. And your October date.. more like July.
Your statements seem contradictory. At least, I don't understand; if they aren't backwardly compatible with CD's and DVD's then how can there be combo BRDVD-RW/DVD+-/CD-R drives?
Anyway, this is another interesting year of hardware releases from Apple.
Mutant_Pie
The Blu-Ray format itself isn't compatable with CDs and DVDs inherently. The drives themselves pretty much all have multiple lasers, however, thus making them CD/DVD/BRDVD combo drives.