on this rumor, citing "people familiar with the matter" who said employees at Apple operating units have been alerted to a big product launch they haven’t been filled in on. date as Feb. 24. 

Word is that Apple is readying the rollout of new MacBook Pro laptops powered by new .  However, the isn’t expected to affect the new Apple machines.

APPLE IPHONEYS:

that by running an ad about its latest processors before Apple had a chance to announce its laptops – and déjà vu, perhaps it has done the same again. The current line of MacBook Pros are powered by Intel’s Core i5 and i7 chips.

Speculation is that Apple watchers anticipate laptops that are thinner, lighter and maybe even less expensive than current models.