Situation: Status Quo

The Apple Computer rumor mill was active again last week after the beleaguered company abruptly canceled its Feb. 3 shareholders meeting, prompting speculation that its seven-month search for a chief executive might be ending.

But the reports out of Cupertino, Calif., were confusing. Some cited sources saying that interim Chief Executive Steve Jobs was finding the job more manageable and considering accepting the role permanently.

The recruiter handling the CEO search--John Thompson of Heidrick & Struggles in Menlo Park--then told reporters that the search was continuing and that the field had been narrowed to a handful of candidates. Thompson has since stopped talking to the media.

Rhona Hamilton, a spokeswoman for Apple, said the shareholders meeting was canceled because of scheduling conflicts within the company and that it has been rescheduled for April 21.

“We’re still looking for a CEO,” Hamilton said, “someone to run the company and work with Steve.”

That may be the problem, analysts say. Jobs’ looming presence as a company co-founder and mercurial executive could be scaring off potential candidates.

Jobs also continues to serve as CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, a computer animation company that produced the hit Disney movie “Toy Story.” Lawrence Levy, chief financial officer at Pixar, said Jobs has given no indication that he is considering a permanent commitment to Apple.

“It’s pretty much status quo,” Levy said.