[Rumor] G4 production, where are we now ?

As we just told you about IBM and their production, here are some news from Motorola.
Motorola still have big difficulties with the lithographic mask of the 7457 CPU, which is engineered in Crolles plant [France]. This mask's failures account for the mistakes, which cause a subsequent flaw in G4s production.
As Motorola was contractually engaged to sell 7457 CPUs on a pre-defined price, they currently lose $ 125 per valid unit built.
Last week though things got better, and success rates improve.
Motorola managed to produce 30,000 1.25 GHz certified CPUs, and 20,000 1.3 GHz ones.
Apple's subcontractors in assembling iMacs and laptops have implemented "Just In Time" (ie real time) assembly lines. Between the day Apple instructs to initiate production, and shipping of the product from the plant, there are only 4 days.
As this delivered CPUs amount is quite enough to announce and launch a product, one could expect something new in one of those lines (iMacs and/or laptops) by the beginning of next week. Though the decision wasn't definitely made yesterday (Friday), the balance was obviously favorable.
"One more thing", not necessarily linked to that news, though it doesn't necessarily needs a separate one : G5 xServes are ready to be assembled, as could have been expected. Apple just expects the release of Panther server version to do so.