Synaptics may regain Apple iPod deal

Analysts at Cowen and Co are advising investors to buy Synaptics shares on claims Apple may soon use solutions from the company in its products.

The company makes touch-sensitive components for notebooks (including trackpads) and MP3 players.

Analyst Robert Stone believes Apple plans to use a touch-sensitive controller from the company within future iPods. He expects Synaptics could see its revenues climb 30 per cent, should that prediction emerge as fact.

However, Bear Sterns analyst Andrew Neff isn't so sure when any iPod-related impact will be felt. "Timing remains uncertain," he warns, on strength of some reports claiming Apple's future iPod upgrade has been delayed.