There's less than two weeks left before Steve Jobs formally introduces Apple's "P1" consumer portable, so get your bets in now-- before you know it, we'll have the real answers, and the guessing games, sadly, will be over. Given recent reports about how Apple's stepped up its "disinformation" campaign, we're not surprised that specifications and descriptions of the new laptop are now flooding in from all sides, and it's virtually impossible to know which sightings are legitimate and which are simply Apple's joyful attempt to befuddle the masses. Aren't we the lucky ones, then, since we care less about accuracy than about the sheer joy of rampant speculation?

Most of the latest details seem to come from people who've seen P1 photographs and specs during the preparation of Apple marketing materials. Apple Insider's done a nice job of consolidating most of the newest info, and what few "facts" we've received here at AtAT Studios do agree with what's in that report. So unless this is all some elaborate hoax (and we'd never rule out that possibility), it sounds like the P1 is going to be a powerhouse, and terrifically useful to the consumer on-the-go. The 333 MHz G3 processor, 32 MB of RAM standard, built-in CD-ROM drive, USB port, built-in 10/100 Ethernet, and built-in 56K modem should all sound familiar and reinforce the concept of a portable iMac, and the resemblance doesn't stop at the spec sheet. The P1's thin case will reportedly be a predictable combination of ice-white and the standard set of five fruit flavors. There's little question that Apple wants the P1 to be perceived as the iMac you can take to school with you.

And yes, it's got a handle, just like the eMate did, which means to some people it's going to bear a certain resemblance to a purse. Men who want to prove their confidence in their own masculinity should get one in Strawberry and tote it down to the local sports bar. For those who want a less Barbie-esque laptop, there's always the manly black PowerBook G3. (Hey, Apple had to make sure its "pro" laptops still sell well, too, right?) Personally, we'd be perfectly happy with a translucent pink purse-like thing as long as it gets the job done-- but we'll hold out for Grape if we can.