Apple Computer, who is predicted to gain market share this year, is reportedly preparing a couple of new hardware projects along with a push to the USA retail network BestBuy.

According to reports from AppleInsider web-site, which is fully devoted to hardware and software from Apple Computer, Apple preps two projects code-named Q87 and M18, which are very likely to be new hardware products by the company. While the information from unofficial sources about Apple may not always be correct, as the company has very strict security policy, earlier such leaks predicted release of updated members of the iPod family as well as Mac mini computer.

The Q87 is supposed to be an update to an existing desktop computer that the company targets at both consumer and education markets, which may point towards eMac, iMac or even Mac mini products. The original Mac mini was code-named Q88.

The M18 project is claimed to be scheduled to debut alongside Q87 and may very well represent a new Apple peripheral or wireless device.

In addition to new products to be added into the lineup, Apple may also change its business approach, believes Merrill Lynch research firm.

“It appears that Best Buy is near ready to sell the Mac Mini. [...] Last week one Best Buy showed us Mac mini accessories; Mac minis are coming later,” said Steve Milunovich, an analyst with Merrill Lynch, in a research note released to clients. In case the analyst is correct in his predictions, this would mean a substantial business shift for the company who relied on its own sales network and received critics from its rare retail partners.

As a result of success of Apple’s iPod player and affordability of Mac Mini, Apple’s computers may soon control up to 5% of desktop market, believes investment corporation Morgan Stanley. The prediction reflects a trend towards Mac computers among users of PC.

Apple Computer officials did not comment on the news-story.