Is Apple preparing to launch a new line of (possibly cheaper) Macs powered by AMD microprocessors? Apple Insider ^[1] certainly believes that this is a real possibility.

According to Apple Insider, representatives from Advanced Micro Devices have been spotted on Apple’s commuter coach buses. In addition, AMD executives have been spotted on their way out of meetings with senior Apple employees.

It is no secret that AMD has been struggling to compete with Intel’s offerings. This is just the kind of shot in the arms AMD desperately needs. In fact, a partnership with AMD would be good news for everybody. It would offer Apple some bargaining chips when dealing with Intel. Moreover, it would provide Apple, if they are interested, the opportunity to launch lower priced netbooks. AMD’s offerings can also come in handy in Mac Mini and lower end models of MacBook.