Apple 17-Inch MBP may be getting the axe

So long, MacBook Pro, 17-inch version. The largest (and most expensive) member of the MacBook Pro family, which starts at $2,499 and can run up to $4,100 for a top-of-the-line model with a 512GB solid-state drive, may be headed for extinction due to lackluster sales.

That’s the word from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who predicted in a research note obtained by Apple blog MacRumors that “Apple is likely to stop making the 17-inch MacBook Pro this year due to falling shipments, in order to maintain a lean product line strategy.”

Kuo made some other predictions about the company, saying he thinks Apple’s Mac business in the second quarter of 2012 would be boosted by several factors. “Three of which are: (1) 'Mountain Lion,' which integrates iOS features with Mac OS, Apple TV’s interaction function, will be launched in June; (2) upgrading to Ivy Bridge [processors]; and (3) back-to-school demand,” the note said. “We forecast Apple will sell 5.32 [million] units of the Mac series (up 28.5 percent [quarter-over-quarter] and 35 percent [year-over-year) in 2Q12, making it the main growth driver.”