FORTUNE -- Although there is no shortage of iTV speculation -- thanks to rumor sites like Taipei-based DigiTimes -- and plenty of Apple (AAPL) analysts ready to calculate to the penny how much an Apple-branded TV set would add to the company's bottom line, some experts have started to back away from what was once seen as an inevitablity.
In December, Richard Gardner, formerly of Citigroup, warned that "Apple has not even defined specs yet." In February, Barclays' Ben Reitzes suggested that Apple was focused more on lining up TV content partnerships than on the production of a TV set.
Now Pacific Crest's Andy Hargreaves has poured what may be the coldest water yet on the idea. In a note to clients issued Monday, he makes two points: (I quote)
As it happens, I agree with Hargreaves (see here), although he goes on to say that Apple is more likely to be building an iPad mini. That one I'll believe when I see it.
Estimates from the analysts we polled range from 3.34 million to 3.87 million
Apple's (AAPL) computer line celebrated a unusually merry Christmas in its first fiscal quarter of 2011, selling more than 4 million Macs for the first time it its history.
In what was a difficult quarter for the rest of the PC industry, Mac unit sales were up 23% year over year.
None of the 43 analysts we polled -- MORE
Philip Elmer-DeWitt - Apr 9, 2011 11:56 AM ET