Intel prototype Phone

People familiar with the matter tell AppleInsider that Apple will soon emerge as one of the largest supporters of Intel's "Menlow" Mobile Internet Device (MID) platform -- the same platform the Santa Clara-based chipmaker has been harping about for the past several months. More specifically, those same people say, Apple has taken a liking to the upcoming 45-nanometer (nm) "Silverthorne" chip, agreeing to use it in not one but multiple products currently situated on its 2008 calendar year product roadmap.

Apple is widely expected to issue a revamped iPhone next year that uses faster, 3G wireless technology. AppleInsider says Intel could be in that device, and would also be likely in a tablet computer Apple is developing. Recall that Hillsboro's TriQuint Semiconductor is also rumored to be contributing to the next-gen iPhone.