Ultra-thin and Ultra-light Mac Notebook in 2007

[Black Belt]

Don't forget Palm just came out with an ultra-light notebook, the Folio, mainly a keyboard, small screen, and easy sync with the Treo cellphone. But that was almost universally ridiculed. I was surprised by that, since Microsoft has been pushing the idea of tablets and of those little computers for a long time, why when Palm does it everybody thinks it's dopey. I wonder how an Apple product would be different, or if it would get the same sort of criticism. Would it also be a revolutionary product? Or has the Apple reality distortion field now extended over the entire surface of the planet.

The problem with Palm's Foleo is that their priorities are out of whack. They've needed to upgrade their software for ages and release a fullscreen phone and so they decide to come out with NOT A REVOLUTIONARY PDA, but a weird add-on hardware piece, which may prove useful, maybe - a cheap instant-on device with wifi & bluetooth - could be useful. But they need to get their regular stuff under control first. I though they were going to come out with something wild - a PDA/Phone with a foldable screen was patented. Imagine a screen that would fold up and fit in your pocket and unfold to a decent viewing size. That would be cool! But heck, I'd settle for a big software upgrade. But no, we got the Foleo as Jeff's hyped announcement. That was a dud.

[MikeTheC]

Having worked for Sony and having had to deal with their super-thin/ultra portable notebooks which had external optical drives, all I can say is that experience teaches it's simply a bad idea not to build an optical drive into the computer.

[verniesgarden]

Having worked for Sony and having had to deal with their super-thin/ultra portable notebooks which had external optical drives, all I can say is that experience teaches it's simply a bad idea not to build an optical drive into the computer.

i seriously agree, as soon as you take the optical drive out of a portable it, generally, automatically makes it non-portable

[mpw]

i seriously agree, as soon as you take the optical drive out of a portable it, generally, automatically makes it non-portable
How does making it lighter and less voluminous make it less portable:confused:

[Catonow]

How does making it lighter and less voluminous make it less portable:confused:

I think that's for people who want their ultraportable to do everything including the dishes. I suppose the optical-drive defenders who use their CD/DVD drives every day would argue that it would be useless without one, or too awkward to bring an exterior one everywhere.

Most people, however, hardly ever use their optical drives -- maybe somewhere between once a week to once a month. Maybe you'd use it a lot in the beginning, to rip your favorite CDs and DVDs and to load software. But after the first week or so, you'd hardly ever use it. These folk (who I'm guessing are in the vast majority) would prefer the advantages in less weight and bulk to having a built-in optical drive. I think those who must have one should be satisfied with a current MBP or MB. The UP should be for those of us who want real portability.

There is always a trade off between portability and capability. Everyone draws the line somewhere different. I hope Mac is bold enough to make an UP without an optical drive, because I hardly ever use mine and I'd like my UP to be as light as possible. However, I would be upset if it didn't have a full-sized keyboard and decent graphics capability. I'd rather have dedicated graphics (or at the very least, the most advanced integrated system available) than a CD drive. And I probably wouldn't settle for a smaller than 12" screen. But that's where I draw the line. Your mileage may vary.

[mirffy]

How does making it lighter and less voluminous make it less portable:confused:

well, seeing as you need to take an external cd drive with you every time you want to use a cd.
actually you have to "always" take an external drive with you, seeing as you never know if you might need it, and I know I'm annoyed when I can't use a cd, just because I forgot my external drive.

"suddenly" doesn't seem to make it more portable to me...

[mpw]

well, seeing as you need to take an external cd drive with you every time you want to use a cd.
actually you have to "always" take an external drive with you, seeing as you never know if you might need it, and I know I'm annoyed when I can't use a cd, just because I forgot my external drive.

"suddenly" doesn't seem to make it more portable to me...
What about a printer?
seeing as you need to take a printer with you every time you want to print a document.
actually you have to "always" take a printer with you , seeing as you never know if you might need it, and I know I'm annoyed when I can't print a document, just because I forgot my printer.

"suddenly" doesn't seem to make any of Apple's 'portable' range portable to me...

[Catonow]

well, seeing as you need to take an external cd drive with you every time you want to use a cd.
actually you have to "always" take an external drive with you, seeing as you never know if you might need it, and I know I'm annoyed when I can't use a cd, just because I forgot my external drive.

"suddenly" doesn't seem to make it more portable to me...

That's your experience. For most of us, the lack of a CD drive will be a minor inconvenience, offset by increased portability. Once again, if the new UP turns out not to have an optical drive, and you're still in the market for an Apple laptop, I'd encourage you to consider the six different models of MBs and MBPs that all have optical drives.

[ankh]

>Cd drive

Say, has anyone offered a CD drive that would just grip the hub and a 90 degree slice of the CD, letting the rest rotate in free air? Just fit it into a corner of the computer, say.

I remember some suggestion, one of the very last vinyl turntable ideas, that had the record mostly unsupported, rotating just a wedge of it through the record player (maybe one of the ones that used a laser to read the physical groove, but I don't think so). Always liked the idea for saving footprint.

[MikeyTree]

That's your experience. For most of us, the lack of a CD drive will be a minor inconvenience, offset by increased portability. Once again, if the new UP turns out not to have an optical drive, and you're still in the market for an Apple laptop, I'd encourage you to consider the six different models of MBs and MBPs that all have optical drives.
That's been my experience as well. I have had a laptop for 5 years, and take it everywhere (school, work, the library, friends' houses). I use the optical drive at most 3 or 4 times a month, and haven't used it away from home in years.

I hope that Apple creates a Mac tablet, or convertable tablet ultralight laptop, and makes it without an optical drive.

[faithfulFrank]

This rumor is interesting. I'll admit, much of these 11 pages is beyond me, (I love my mac, but I use it more then understand the insides of it).

I do know this......I've been trying to buy a 12" powerbook on ebay for a few weeks now, and the prices of those are quite high....higher then the 15" powerbooks that are more powerful. I was outbid on one today that went for $1200.........so it seems that there IS a loyal following for the smaller powerbooks....the 12" ones have a much higher resale value then the 15" ones. Ebay proves it.

So perhaps there is a market for a smaller apple laptop. I know I would rather have a 12" G4 then a macbook.......I don't like the keyboard of the macbooks, and I don't like the glossy screens....also the scrolling keypad on the new macbooks seem not as easy to use then on the 1.5 GHz 12" powerbooks. You have to press down more on these macbooks....

I was bummed the day they dropped the 12", and will still soon buy one..(both my boys have one, now I want one). I'd buy a used 12" powerbook before I'd buy a mac book.......so if apple has some new small laptop coming out...I'd be interested.

Frank D.

[verniesgarden]

well i have come to the conclusion that anything over a PDA sized (iphone) is not an ultraportable. if while not in use you can't just stick it in your pocket its no more portable than a laptop that goes into a case.

lack of optical drive would probably be a rather pain more than people think, it's something you take for granted

[Adamo]

The majority of the programmes I use on the laptop I'm using now are simply downloadable ones, if they're not, I have to download them (torrents) as it has no disc drive.

Putting music and programmes onto a computer via the optical drive really helps - not having one would be extremely short-sighted by Apple, the 12" PowerBook is tiny, the MacBook itself is already pretty small, so making it smaller wouldn't be too much of a task, but the loss of optical isn't one I'd want when buying such a product.

[Apple JAFO]

Saw this idea on another board. a 12"/15"/etc. true tablet computer using OSX/iphone touchscreen technology upgraded to full computer capabilities. doesn't seem it would be that hard to do. i'd buy one or three.

[Spades]

well i have come to the conclusion that anything over a PDA sized (iphone) is not an ultraportable. if while not in use you can't just stick it in your pocket its no more portable than a laptop that goes into a case.

That's funny. I think anything larger than a thin notebook (paper) or an iPod shuffle is too big for pockets. PDAs are too large to comfortably keep in a pocket for me. If I'm going to carry anything larger than the notebook or shuffle I'm going to use a bag anyways.

[MikeyTree]

Saw this idea on another board. a 12"/15"/etc. true tablet computer using OSX/iphone touchscreen technology upgraded to full computer capabilities. doesn't seem it would be that hard to do. i'd buy one or three.
That's what I'm hoping for. I wouldn't be able to get one for a couple years yet, and wouldn't want a version 1 version anyway, but otherwise it would be perfect. I have to do a lot of reading for my profession (soon to be lawyer), and it would be nice to just pick up a light weight Mac tablet and read it like a book while sitting on my couch or on a comfy chair.

The tricky part of any true tablet is how to make it usable as a notebook as well as a tablet. The keyboard part is easy enough, since Apple could just make a compact bluetooth keyboard, like the MB's or MBP's with a back. But it would be nice if there could be some way to make the tablet stand up, like a laptop screen, without a danger of falling over. I have no doubt that Apple or one the various peripheral manufacturers could do it elegantly.

[winterspan]

I don't really see this as a true PowerBook replacement based on the size, weight and speculated specs that were given. The PowerBook 12 inch had a dedicated GPU.
This though by the sounds of it is going to be a smaller factor maybe under powered MacBook but with better battery life and fancy casing.
A true replacement would be a smaller factor MBP with a dedicated GPU maybe with something like the 8400GS.

WTF is up with all these people on here screaming about a dedicated GPU on an ultra-portable?? So you can play Counterstrike on the subway? If you want to play games or use 3dsMAX on a sub-notebook, I think you're obviously missing the point of the device...

[gamerz]

Since this thread was started, anybody have any idea of what the specs will be of this ultra-thin ultra-light notebook? Because it is thin, then there wont be much room for a good graphics, or a fast processor. Any ideas?

[winterspan]

Since when are words outdated? Burning witches is outdated (at least in most places) but words? Is there a list somewhere with the politically incorrect words on the net? African-Americans use the N-word all the time... I feel discriminated because I can't say it. :p


Words most certainly can be antiquated or made obsolete. Especially insolent labels like "deaf mute" which were born out of ignorance and prejudice. It's no different than saying "china-men" or "oriental" to a Chinese person, or any other example of offensive labels, racial slurs and false stereotypes. You may not think much of it, but that's only because you probably haven't ever been included in a group (there are many) that has historically been discriminated against or grossly mis-understood.

Not speaking like an obtuse cretin has little to do with political correctness, it's about being considerate and showing a little respect for fellow human beings, especially when an individual asks politely.

[winterspan]

Hey this is my first ever post so dont dont shoot me down lol.

Couple of points.... If they go away with the dvd drive an stuff, how are they goign to provide osx reinstall software and the bootable hardware tests?

Another thing i noticed is on that intel prototype the usb port looks to fit most of the height of the machine... well, how would this effect the mini-DVI port currently used on iMacs and Macbooks is almost a 3rd as chunky again..

Anyway id buy one in a flash

I believe the Mini-DVI port isn't much bigger than USB, but depending on the time this thing comes out there may be(a bit of a stretch) a move to the DisplayPort standard if they also move to that with their new Cinema displays... either way, after using a MB Pro and holding an iPhone, I'm sure apple will be able cram just about anything into a subnotebook...

[winterspan]

Now typing on my 12" PB, which is dying a slow death, longing for a decent replacement. See, I'm a novelist and take my laptop around the world, so it has to be light, but I never do much more than word processing and internet--but lots and lots of typing. An ultraportable with a full keyboard would be ideal. I don't care about optical drive (my backup is firewire anyway). But if the keyboard is small, or worse touch-sensitive--well you can't write novels on that.

I'm thinking I shouldn't depend on rumor and should just get a MacBook now. What do you think? I figure even if these come out, it won't be for a while and they'll be too costly.

a couple pages back I posted a list of unique Japanese/Korean laptops from dynamism.com - you should check these out.

Heres the link for the Toshiba RX1:
http://www.dynamism.com/rx1/specs.shtml
it has a 12.1" WXGA screen, Intel ULV Core 2 DUO, weighs 1.88 lbs, and gets 10+ hours of REAL-WORLD use with a 19mm pitch keyboard (full-size)...

reformat the SSD and load up OSX...

[mpw]

...Especially insolent labels like "deaf mute" which were born out of ignorance and prejudice. It's no different than saying "china-men" or "oriental" to a Chinese person, or any other example of offensive labels, racial slurs and false stereotypes. You may not think much of it, but that's only because you probably haven't ever been included in a group (there are many) that has historically been discriminated against or grossly mis-understood.

Not speaking like an obtuse cretin has little to do with political correctness, it's about being considerate and showing a little respect for fellow human beings, especially when an individual asks politely.
What do I call a deaf mute if not a deaf mute? and why is chinaman or oriental considered offensive?

I know I'm not the most politically correct person about, but I don't understand who gets to decide what words become offensive. If somebody is a deaf mute there's little point in calling them anything different surely? If somebody is a man from China, Chinaman seems acceptable to me, yes Chinese man works too, but why use two words where one would do?

[gamerz]

Aren't the macbooks and macbook pro's already portable enough to lug around?

[meagain]

No. The Pros are huge and both are fairly heavy compared to what one can get. It would be wonderful to have a 3.? pound petite option.

Heavy/big depends on one's situation. The more you lug it around, the more you want it light. Airplanes, etc.

[mpw]

Aren't the macbooks and macbook pro's already portable enough to lug around?
If you travel a lot, say business trips where you're away for just a night or two, and you're only allowed 6kg of hand luggage a 1kg Asus would be much better than a 2.3kg MacBook (with the exception of the OS). It saves carrying two bags and have to check one in, which can save 20mins+ at the departure end and up to 50mins at arrival. For me that's an hour and 10mins. saved from a journey time for a 35min. flight.

[dcv]

If you travel a lot, say business trips where you're away for just a night or two, and you're only allowed 6kg of hand luggage a 1kg Asus would be much better than a 2.3kg MacBook (with the exception of the OS). It saves carrying two bags and have to check one in, which can save 20mins+ at the departure end and up to 50mins at arrival. For me that's an hour and 10mins. saved from a journey time for a 35min. flight.

I hear ya!

Gonna have fun trying to squish clothes, toiletries and a 2.5kg MBP into my 7kg carry-on allowance this weekend...

[mpw]

...Gonna have fun trying to squish clothes, toiletries and a 2.5kg MBP into my 7kg carry-on allowance this weekend...
Sorted :D

[RZetlin]

Waiting for solid news on the ultra-light Mac Notebook coming for October is like having no sex for over two months.

I don't think I can hold it for so long.

[janstett]

Aren't the macbooks and macbook pro's already portable enough to lug around?

Have you ever held a 2.7 pound Thinkpad X?

Carry a Macbook pro on an airplane for 18 hours, and then for a few hours on your back from Narita Airport to Tokyo at the luggage pickup, through customs, on the "Limousine" (aka bus), on a cab, and checking in at the hotel about 4 hours later.

Doing that with a 17" HP laptop made me get a Thinkpad X40. Something so small and light is a godsend!

My 15" MBP isn't that bad, but the ultraportable niche is AWESOME and it's a shame Apple hasn't been playing there (yet).

[mathwhiz90601]

I'm a big fan of the 12" ibook form factor; so big that I can live without the performance boost of the macbook. I don't care about the widescreen either (although I guess I'm in the minority there); I have no desire to watch movies on it (other than maybe twice a year on a plane). This is the best rumor to come down the pike in a long, long time. I hope that they keep the optical drive, and that it runs really cool.

I don't think rumors usually come out of fish.

[gonyr]

Since this thread was started, anybody have any idea of what the specs will be of this ultra-thin ultra-light notebook? Because it is thin, then there wont be much room for a good graphics, or a fast processor. Any ideas?

No idea what they will be, but I know what I'd like to see: something roughly equivalent to the Asus eee, that will run OSX. I'd love to have something significantly smaller than a macbook, maybe a 10" widescreen, even if it means a compact keyboard. No optical drive. Integrated graphics is fine, even an outdated processor is fine. What's important to me is battery life, and the ability to run an office suite, along with itunes and web browser. Of course it should have usb, video out, and the like. In an ideal world, if the Asus machine comes in at $200-250 as rumored, I'd pay $500 or so for a mac version.

[uv23]

Here's a review of the latest Sony ultralight, which sports an incredible feature set (2xusb, firewire, express card, optical) considering the size.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/notebooks/review/2007/07/23/Sony-VAIO-VGN-TZ12VN/p1

[emotion]

No idea what they will be, but I know what I'd like to see: something roughly equivalent to the Asus eee, that will run OSX. I'd love to have something significantly smaller than a macbook, maybe a 10" widescreen, even if it means a compact keyboard. No optical drive. Integrated graphics is fine, even an outdated processor is fine. What's important to me is battery life, and the ability to run an office suite, along with itunes and web browser. Of course it should have usb, video out, and the like. In an ideal world, if the Asus machine comes in at $200-250 as rumored, I'd pay $500 or so for a mac version.

Cheaper than an iphone? I think you're dreaming.

It depends on what form factor but if it's a ultrathin and 13" and a more traditional mbp form factor it could sport a full power c2d chip or possibly the LV version (L7500, or perhaps the newer version due soon...i think i mention this earlier in the thread).

A smaller notebook (similar to above Sony) might also sport the LV c2d chip or maybe the ULV in the sony.

I'd like to see a discrete GPU in the first machine and would expect x3100 in the smaller machine.

Personally speaking I'd consider either machine but I suspect the first might be what we're getting next with the smaller one maybe when SSDs become cheaper.

We're looking at around £1300-1500 (like the 15") levels for the first machine and maybe £1700 for the thin and light. Those are minimum prices. It's rare to have small and light machines be budget machines.

[alexm13]

No idea what they will be, but I know what I'd like to see: something roughly equivalent to the Asus eee, that will run OSX. I'd love to have something significantly smaller than a macbook, maybe a 10" widescreen, even if it means a compact keyboard. No optical drive. Integrated graphics is fine, even an outdated processor is fine. What's important to me is battery life, and the ability to run an office suite, along with itunes and web browser. Of course it should have usb, video out, and the like. In an ideal world, if the Asus machine comes in at $200-250 as rumored, I'd pay $500 or so for a mac version.

and how much does the iphone coast? :D

[mpw]

I don't think rumors usually come out of fish.
Soothsayers used to read fish innards to predict the future in much the same way as some read tea leaves, the stars, tarots.
and how much does the iphone coast? :D
If you check the AppleStore you'll sea it's from $499.

[gonyr]

Cheaper than an iphone? I think you're dreaming.

Why can't it at least be in that ballpark?

Basically, what I'm thinking of is an iPhone without the phone or the touchscreen interface. Just increase the screen size a little bit, add a small keyboard and make it fold like a laptop.

I have no interest in carrying around a full powered gaming computer with a high end video card and all the latest bells and whistles. What I'm looking for is the ability to work on office documents and surf the web, in the smallest package possible with decent battery life? Maybe the equivalent in computing power to an iBook G4, but at about 1/3 to 1/2 the physical size.

[emotion]

I have no interest in carrying around a full powered gaming computer with a high end video card and all the latest bells and whistles. What I'm looking for is the ability to work on office documents and surf the web, in the smallest package possible with decent battery life? Maybe the equivalent in computing power to an iBook G4, but at about 1/3 to 1/2 the physical size.

These machines exist. The Sony above is a (large) example. They cost roughly twice what a similar spec 15" bog-standard laptop would cost.

That's just a fact of life.

Personally I'd like as much power as possible but still keeping the small size. An approach similar to the 12" powerbook when it was a current machine. I play music in a live situation with my laptop and require a machine with a moderate amount of computing resource but small enough to fit in a typical DJ booth. This is in addition to the uses you list above.

In essence though I'd just be happy for Apple to release a moderately interesting computer of any type at this point in time.

[aswitcher]

So, no more rumours then for the ulltralight MacBook pro equivalent?

[ecks618]

So, no more rumours then for the ulltralight MacBook pro equivalent?

I am wishing for it to be released. I am just about to buy a laptop because I am giving my brother my MBP, and buying a macbook would be such as step down.

PLEASE APPLE, need ultralight MBP.

[k2k koos]

I don't know if this will work out.

An ultra thin, ultra portable Macbook Pro will have some serious challenges.
There are several things in an MBP, that can be taken out to save space, ( remove optical drive and perhaps even hard drive (Replace with Flash based RAM or equivalent like iPod Nano etc). But what about performance, it still has to out perform the Macbooks to be called PRO in my view. So how to cool the processors, and then there are the connectors, they themselves have a physical height / width etc, so how to get a FW800 port on an ultra thin portable for instance, or an Ethernet (RJ 45) port. We would need to use new types of connectors, and adapters and if there is one thing I hate, it's adapter cables and a bundle of wires. Then another thing, MBP's also all have the PC card slot, that would probably have to go to, another reason not to call it an MBP. So what would it be, and how to market the thing, because besides being ultra thin and ultra portable, it can hardly compete with anything, it wont have the performance, it wont have the physical connectivity, it wont have the expandability, etc etc... I don't think the time is right for a device like that, except perhaps in docking station form, that have all the above, then the only item remaining is performance, I don't see how to put a top performing processor in such a small box, AND keeping it cool and sturdy at the same time....

Perhaps Cupertino has the answers :-) :apple:

[Sesshi]

I'm in!

I've always wanted a 2lb battery powered grill plate!

[aswitcher]

I don't know if this will work out.

An ultra thin, ultra portable Macbook Pro will have some serious challenges.
There are several things in an MBP, that can be taken out to save space, ( remove optical drive and perhaps even hard drive (Replace with Flash based RAM or equivalent like iPod Nano etc). But what about performance, it still has to out perform the Macbooks to be called PRO in my view. So how to cool the processors, and then there are the connectors, they themselves have a physical height / width etc, so how to get a FW800 port on an ultra thin portable for instance, or an Ethernet (RJ 45) port. We would need to use new types of connectors, and adapters and if there is one thing I hate, it's adapter cables and a bundle of wires. Then another thing, MBP's also all have the PC card slot, that would probably have to go to, another reason not to call it an MBP. So what would it be, and how to market the thing, because besides being ultra thin and ultra portable, it can hardly compete with anything, it wont have the performance, it wont have the physical connectivity, it wont have the expandability, etc etc... I don't think the time is right for a device like that, except perhaps in docking station form, that have all the above, then the only item remaining is performance, I don't see how to put a top performing processor in such a small box, AND keeping it cool and sturdy at the same time....

Perhaps Cupertino has the answers :-) :apple:

Always remember the beloved PowerBook 12". It had many reduced features but was still good.

AppleInsider have been really good a their calls this year.

I can see an Ultraportable, especially if its a touchsceen that can flip over like tablet.

Through in at least an HDMI or Mini DVI and you have a nice machine that can be plugged into a bigger screen when your back to the office/home.

As for performance, sure it wont be running the hottest chips and may have a pretty average graphics card, but for the portability to do iWorks anywhere, good battery life since flash not HDD, and maybe something new like the longer touchpad, I think it could be very popular.

[RonJ83]

right now its just pure speculation, as much as i would love apple to give us even the tiniest hint so i dont go blow money on a 15in mbp, its all guess work right now. but i really want this to drop asap.

[DHagan4755]

I think Apple doing a laptop of this type is totally doable. But I think it will wait for Leopard. A lot of things I think are waiting for Leopard. The only thing I will say about this potential notebook is that it better not only come with a glossy display. Please, Apple, make matte the standard with glossy optional!

[TurboSC]

I'm sitting here waiting for a 12 inch macbookpro... it doesn't even have to be thin, I just want a nice portable apple laptop that has enough kick to do my photoshop work / video editing...

[JesterJJZ]

I'm sitting here waiting for a 12 inch macbookpro... it doesn't even have to be thin, I just want a nice portable apple laptop that has enough kick to do my photoshop work / video editing...

Ugh...that would be like pulling teeth. I need my 23" for that stuff.

[Macinposh]

Ugh...that would be like pulling teeth. I need my 23" for that stuff.


Bollocks.

Using iBook 12" (1.2ghz) on the road for photoediting,shopping and sending.
Works fine,albeit a bit slowly. All comes down do one reason why I personally dont use a larger and more powerfull MB or MBP.

Size.

I can cram the computer+2 SLR bodies,3 Flashes,3 lenses and accessories in a Cabin Sized camerabag.

ANY bigger,and the whole package would have to go in the cargohold.
Not an option.
I have no problems putting extra lights and gear there,but the camera.
No fkuking way.

So, as long as there is not a replacement for the beloved 12" Power/iBooks, I will sit here and bitch about it. :D


Ps. I know singlehandedly 5 other photograhers that still use 12" Power/iBooks for the on-the-road assignments.

Pss. For videographers,it is a another story...they would be exhilarated about the 20" MBP,thay have so much to carry around anyhow...

[mpw]

...Pss. For videographers,it is a another story...they would be exhilarated about the 20" MBP,thay have so much to carry around anyhow...

Totally agree.

PS A 20" notebook would be scary expensive in europe as there's a 14% import tax on LCDs over 19"!

PPS it's post-post-scriptum not post-scriptum-scriptum :)

[Macinposh]

PPS it's post-post-scriptum not post-scriptum-scriptum :)



Well, since We have nucular weapons, We are right.
You are wrong.


You can go and throw your potatoes somewhere else.


Pss. I know, I was in a hurry...

[Sesshi]

Well, since We have nucular weapons, We are right.
You are wrong.


You can go and throw your potatoes somewhere else.


Pss. I know, I was in a hurry...

Don't have much hope that they'll go off if you can't even spell nuclear. :p

[emotion]

I don't know if this will work out.

An ultra thin, ultra portable Macbook Pro will have some serious challenges.
There are several things in an MBP, that can be taken out to save space, ( remove optical drive and perhaps even hard drive (Replace with Flash based RAM or equivalent like iPod Nano etc). But what about performance, it still has to out perform the Macbooks to be called PRO in my view. So how to cool the processors, and then there are the connectors, they themselves have a physical height / width etc, so how to get a FW800 port on an ultra thin portable for instance, or an Ethernet (RJ 45) port. We would need to use new types of connectors, and adapters and if there is one thing I hate, it's adapter cables and a bundle of wires. Then another thing, MBP's also all have the PC card slot, that would probably have to go to, another reason not to call it an MBP. So what would it be, and how to market the thing, because besides being ultra thin and ultra portable, it can hardly compete with anything, it wont have the performance, it wont have the physical connectivity, it wont have the expandability, etc etc... I don't think the time is right for a device like that, except perhaps in docking station form, that have all the above, then the only item remaining is performance, I don't see how to put a top performing processor in such a small box, AND keeping it cool and sturdy at the same time....

Perhaps Cupertino has the answers :-) :apple:

Just look to the rest of the PC world. Ultraportables that don't run OSX have all those features with the possible exception of a full power CPU (I'm in favour of LV rather than ULV. 2x 1.6GHz in a small package is good enough). Failing that a thinner more compact 13" mbp in the style of the mb would suffice. The MB has room for thinning out, particularly in the size of the bezel around the screen.

[Sesshi]

Perhaps Cupertino has the answers :-) :apple:

They do :confused: Do you own a current-generation machine?

I would like an ultraportable OSX machine for portable media-handling use, but I just don't think they have their priorities right. Unlike the old Sony (and even now with the VAIO division), Apple can't push the 'smallest' envelope without serious engineering compromises becoming evident. I'd rather they concentrated on style, weight, runtime, usability and reliability for a portable machine without it needing to be absolutely the thinnest machine out there. But the reality is that I don't think they have the ability to do this - they certainly haven't shown it so far.

Apple will most likely have to poach more people from Sony before this can happen.

Take the MBP - if you took the looks and vertical dimension out of the equation, give it to any PC magazine to review it as a Windows laptop and I doubt it'd get more than a 'decent' to 'good' mark.

[emotion]

They do :confused: Do you own a current-generation machine?

Apple will most likely have to poach more people from Sony before this can happen without problems or noticeable compromises compared to Windows machines from other makers.


Are you saying current generation apple machines have trouble? My Macbook (from November) is flawless.

btw. It's Intel that we should be looking to, not Sony. Apple need to do something different to the ultraportables out there. I can't see Apple going for the crippled ULV approach unless the device is something other than a laptop.

[mpw]

Tried an Asus U1F yesterday, really amazing package, I wish apple would just build something like it.

[emotion]

Tried an Asus U1F yesterday, really amazing package, I wish apple would just build something like it.

Quite nice but all the bolt on bits (battery and DVD) aren't really Apple's style.

[BioChron]

Hmm, how much power and funtion would they have to sacrifice is my question...

- Daniel

[emotion]

Well - Apple seem to have much more cooperation with Intel than other manufacturers, yet they can't produce better machines in terms of heat management.


I don't think Apple is any worse than any other PC manufacturer.

Honestly, I'm no fanboi.


However I dare say that Apple has access to the latest iteration of the ULV Core Duos. I've asked a friend of mine to being back a Sony TZ from the US but that is said to have a fairly respectable level of performance from the existing Core Duo ULV. And you can't knock that battery life, which you'll only get from a ULV.

Don't forget Intel roadmaps are available. The next LV processors available are the L7700 which are due in September. 2x1.8GHz with full size 4MiB cache. It's that kind of processor I think Apple will be drawn to. Especially if this is branded 'pro'.

[Sesshi]

Are you saying current generation apple machines have trouble? My Macbook (from November) is flawless.

btw. It's Intel that we should be looking to, not Sony. Apple need to do something different to the ultraportables out there. I can't see Apple going for the crippled ULV approach unless the device is something other than a laptop.

Flawless in what context I wonder. I've owned a range of GMA950'd Core 2 Duo laptops (a GMA'd Latitude D620, D520, Samsung Q35, etc) and I was not impressed. Once again "decent" or "good", but not impressive given its performance once you take away the skin.

Well - Apple seem to have much more cooperation with Intel than other manufacturers, yet they can't produce better machines in terms of heat management. However I dare say that Apple has access to the latest iteration of the ULV Core Duos. I've asked a friend of mine to bring back a Sony TZ from the US but that is said to have a fairly respectable level of performance from the existing Core Duo ULV. And you can't knock that battery life, which you'll only get from a ULV.

The established Core Solo ULV is definitely on the slow side - you won't be iLifeing on them out of choice. I've got a Sony G11 and several UX390N's, and their size / screen res limits what I can usefully do on them which is just as well. However even if Apple were to go for CD ULV's, just because they're ULV's doesn't guarantee that Apple can successfully engineer them into a laptop. They still throw out quite a lot of heat.

EDIT: Ooops, sorry about that. It was becoming edits upon edits so I decided to delete and repost. :p

[emotion]

Flawless in what context I wonder. I've owned a range of GMA950'd Core 2 Duo laptops (a GMA'd Latitude D620, D520, Samsung Q35, etc) and I was not impressed. Once again "decent" or "good", but not impressive given its performance once you take away the skin.


In the context that this is the most solid laptop I've ever had. I've had a few too. There's very little excessive heat and even when the fans kick in they're effective.

I'm not denying that the early CD machines were junk but the later revisions are very good indeed.

[Sesshi]

I'll take your word for it on the Macbook - although of course, no other manufacturer has anywhere like the same problems on first releases.

[/B]I don't think Apple is any worse than any other PC manufacturer.

Honestly, I'm no fanboi.

Owning truly equivalent hardware in the case of the (laughably) 'Pro' range, I know they're notably inferior in everything but what Apple excels at - style and attention to detail in look & feel. But that's an argument best saved for another thread.

[emotion]

I'll take your word for it on the Macbook - although of course, no other manufacturer has anywhere like the same problems on first releases.

Avoid Rev A, unless you're tolerant of wrinkles.


Owning truly equivalent hardware in the case of the (laughably) 'Pro' range, I know they're notably inferior in everything but what Apple excels at - style and attention to detail in look & feel. But that's an argument best saved for another thread.

Maybe but I'd say you were wrong about pro machines. For one there's nothing laughable about the specs. These are true laptops not clunky dektop replacements.

We have a lot of Apple laptops here where I work (a large UK university, I'm in computing) and they are hands down the best laptops in terms of quality and longevity.....and of course style.

Most PC manufacturers steer clear of the T7400 chips opting for lesser, possibly cooler, chips. It's good that apple don't do this, particularly as the enclosure is so svelt.

I think people think the pro machines are hot when in fact it's because they are metal casings that makes then seem worse.

[Sesshi]

I see you're not very familiar with higher-end laptops of an equivalent price point to Apples. If you compared undersized, discounted Oranges to Apples, obviously it will be in favour of the Apples.

[emotion]

I see you're not very familiar with higher-end laptops of an equivalent price point to Apples. If you compared undersized, discounted Oranges to Apples, obviously it will be in favour of the Apples.

I'm fairly familiar with what's out there. I think Apple laptops, particularly for academics like me, are a bargain. Yes even the pro machines (15% off and include the 3 year warranty).

I have some respect for Lenovo/IBM but even their quality has slipped.

Please list the machines that offer a better deal (I don't necessarily mean on cost either).

[Ubuntu]

I don't know how it can be expected to redefine ultra-portable if it is only 12 inches. My sister's samsung is 10 inches, etc.

Unless it has countless more features than the other portables.

[MikeyTree]

Just look to the rest of the PC world. Ultraportables that don't run OSX have all those features with the possible exception of a full power CPU (I'm in favour of LV rather than ULV. 2x 1.6GHz in a small package is good enough). Failing that a thinner more compact 13" mbp in the style of the mb would suffice. The MB has room for thinning out, particularly in the size of the bezel around the screen.
Using aluminium instead of plastic would also save some weight and space.

I'm hoping that if they do make an ultraportable, they'll make it a true tablet, and ship it with an external optical drive and the new compact bluetooth keyboard. Essentially, make it a large iphone that is a full mac. That way it's extremely functional as a document reader and media player to carry on the plane and to meetings, while having full mac functionality when you need it.

[1dterbeest]

yes, 8" tablet-style multitouch with ULV processor
32gb flash hard drive, integrated graphics, N-wifi card,
bluetooth, 2 or 3 usb ports, video out, no optical
drive, no firewire, no microphone, and a battery
that lasts a long time when wi-fi is off.
aluminum case. call it a mac nano.

Simple and VERY portable. Not a pro machine.
also, not cheap. multi-touch is going to be expensive
for awhile.

[techlover828]

yes, 8" tablet-style multitouch with ULV processor
32gb flash hard drive, integrated graphics, N-wifi card,
bluetooth, 2 or 3 usb ports, video out, no optical
drive, no firewire, no microphone, and a battery
that lasts a long time when wi-fi is off.
aluminum case. call it a mac nano.

Simple and VERY portable. Not a pro machine.
also, not cheap. multi-touch is going to be expensive
for awhile.

Shh! don't tell steve that

[emotion]

yes, 8" tablet-style multitouch with ULV processor
32gb flash hard drive, integrated graphics, N-wifi card,
bluetooth, 2 or 3 usb ports, video out, no optical
drive, no firewire, no microphone, and a battery
that lasts a long time when wi-fi is off.
aluminum case. call it a mac nano.

Simple and VERY portable. Not a pro machine.
also, not cheap. multi-touch is going to be expensive
for awhile.

I'd like to see this kind of device as well as a more traditional (but ultra-thin and ultra-lite, like the thread topic hints at) laptop similar in size and concept to the 12" powerbook.

I expect neither to be cheap. People who do should just buy a macbook ;)

[Fairly]

If all it takes is a "trusted source" to get on the front page of MacRumors, I'm going to start spreading rumors from a "trusted source" that Apple is building a rocket ship and flying me to the moon.
I heard they have a notebook in the works that's lighter than air. You don't have to carry it - it follows you along wherever you go. I heard that from the same trusted source.

[MikeyTree]

yes, 8" tablet-style multitouch with ULV processor
32gb flash hard drive, integrated graphics, N-wifi card,
bluetooth, 2 or 3 usb ports, video out, no optical
drive, no firewire, no microphone, and a battery
that lasts a long time when wi-fi is off.
aluminum case. call it a mac nano.
That would be nice. Only I'd prefer it to be at least 10-12", and to have one firewire 800 port to quickly synch with a desktop without going though the USB bottleneck. I'd even be happy with one made with a HDD, especially if it's a compact one like they use in ipods. That would allow some serious storage. 32 gigs is a bit small, and that much flash would be extremely expensive.

[koobcamuk]

Tried an Asus U1F yesterday, really amazing package, I wish apple would just build something like it.

I love that laptop. If it ran OSX - I might get it.

[koobcamuk]

I'll take your word for it on the Macbook - although of course, no other manufacturer has anywhere like the same problems on first releases.

[/B]

Owning truly equivalent hardware in the case of the (laughably) 'Pro' range, I know they're notably inferior in everything but what Apple excels at - style and attention to detail in look & feel. But that's an argument best saved for another thread.

I'm not a fanboi either - and more to the point, I have a Rev A macbook that has given me no problems at all. Lucky I guess.

[mpw]

I love that laptop. If it ran OSX - I might get it...

...I have a Rev A macbook that has given me no problems at all. Lucky I guess.
Yeah, I'd get that Asus in a second if it ran MacOSX, and as I have an earlier MacBook than you I'd hazard a guess that quality from Asus would be at least as good as Apple's, it can't be much worse.

[bruno.redaelli]

I have been eagerly waiting for this ultra thin 12,1" widescreen and ultralight Notebook. Is it reasonable to expect its presentation at the Macworld Conference & Expo 2008 (January 14th 2008) ???

[blargle]

Now if Apple would update Airport to allow one to access an external CD/DVD wirelessly...

Wouldn't it be outstanding to have an Airport center with all your peripherals attached so you could scan, read/burn CDs, DVDs, print, backup to HD, etc. without plugging in any cables?

Or perhaps Apple is thinking about incorporating wireless USB?

Hmmm...

[Play Ultimate]

Now if Apple would update Airport to allow one to access an external CD/DVD wirelessly...


The new Airport Base Station can. Unfortunately, it only has a USB port and not Firewire.

[ankh]

> The new Airport Base Station can. Unfortunately, it only has a USB port and not Firewire.

Hmmm. If I have a USB II bus machine, and some USB 1 peripherals, does that pull the whole bus down to the slow speed? OR can the bus handle both and be fast where
the peripheral can handle it and slow for the older USB 1 devices?

Throttle? Or handshake?

[chriswantsmbp12]

Just recently (well....today) I set up a polling website to collect votes from people who are interested in a MacBookPro with smaller screensize.
The goal is to collect as many votes as possible, and submit a petition to Apple Inc. try to make them build such a device.
Maybe a dream, but I had to do it...

Hopefully Mr. or Mrs. Admin doesn´t delete this post immediately.....

So if you think like me, that there is no real successor for the PowerBook 12 inch, please visit the site and vote.
Also please spread the news to anybody you think might be interested.

Voting is possible without having to register, I´m no spammer and there is no adsense or anything similar on that site, there´s no hidden financial interest!

Let´s do it, this is just the beginning!

Cheers!

Chris

Ooops, I should have added the URL...

http://www.waclik.com/mbp12inch/

[ABM]

anyone else seen the mockups by Isamu Sanada on www.apple-style.com?

http://www.apple-style.com/laboratory/img/pict07_macbooklite_070822c.jpg

http://www.apple-style.com/laboratory/img/pict07_macbooklite_070822a.jpg

http://www.apple-style.com/laboratory/img/pict07_macbooklite_070822b.jpg

[emotion]

Not bad but I prefer the thin Intel prototype that was shown by Intel earlier this year.

[elcid]

I think it would be hard to sell people on that keyboard. It looks a lot like my razor phone, and I cant imagine typing on that. I need feedback if I am not going to watch what I am typing. Call me old school.

[plumbingandtech]

Not bad but I prefer the thin Intel prototype that was shown by Intel earlier this year.

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2007/tc20070523_272039.htm


Seeing as how I think this is what apple is going to ship (with apple design changes) I am now thinking 15" just because a flash notebook would not have enough storage for my personal notebook needs.

[vicious7]

That's a nice concept. But maybe the keyboard should leverage that newfangled gesture tech that Apple is playing with.

[BennyK]

This will probably still happen this year. Man maybe Apple is going to have a monthly meeting from Aug (iMac), Sept (iPod), Oct (Lepord), Nov (new Macbook), Dec = $$$$ from Christmas shopping

[jmacbeliever]

I bought my first mac, a 12" PowerBook, back in 2002... and I've told myself that I won't buy another one until they come out with something with an equally small footprint. Mine still works great... but I wouldn't mind getting a more up-to-date version... even if it didn't have an optical drive, etc.

Here's hoping for a pre-Christmas release!

[Prof.]

That's great and all, but how much do you want to make a bet that it will have an extremely small hard drive (80GB) and a slower processor (1.83GHz) than the current MacBooks. People these days want power and performance.

Prof. :apple:

[emotion]

That's great and all, but how much do you want to make a bet that it will have an extremely small hard drive (80GB) and a slower processor (1.83GHz) than the current MacBooks. People these days want power and performance.


You don't fully understand what an ultraportable is about.

There's nothing wrong with say a L7700 merom chip at 1.8GHz in small package.

No-one's complaining about the iphone being underpowered are they?

..and 80GB small? Not if it's flash it isn't.

[Macinposh]

That's great and all, but how much do you want to make a bet that it will have an extremely small hard drive (80GB) and a slower processor (1.83GHz) than the current MacBooks. People these days want power and performance.:


Wow. You know what people want? You know what I want??!

How about reading the bloody thread, realizing that people might have different needs than you,Your Highness?

With your logic,people would be dragging their MP octos in a sled everywhere, because..you know.. people want power and performance theese days!

[Prof.]

Sorry if I upset you:( I wasn't trying to talk for everyone.

No hard feelings???

Prof. :apple:

[ecks618]

I have been dying for a updated version of the 12" powerbook. I think that it was a great seller for apple before and will be again if they release it. I doubt highly that it will cut into the profits of the current macbook, though I think that it will fall in price if they are released.

I am eagerly awaiting the release or any word about this laptop.

[janstett]

That's great and all, but how much do you want to make a bet that it will have an extremely small hard drive (80GB) and a slower processor (1.83GHz) than the current MacBooks. People these days want power and performance.

Prof. :apple:

Thus explaining the runaway success of 19" laptops with desktop processors like the HP Pavillion DV8000 or the Toshiba Qosimo G35 (which had a removable keyboard).

17" laptops can weigh up to 10 pounds. I carried a 17" HP with a desktop Pentium IV on a business trip to Tokyo. Immediately upon return I ordered a 2.7 pound IBM Thinkpad X40. Yeah, you get a slightly slower processor (for power consuption savings) and small hard drives (my X40 had a special proprietary tiny hard disk; now they use standard SATA laptop drives and are still just as small and light). But you get 95% of a regular laptop's power and features in something weighing 3 pounds. That's what ultraportables are all about.

[LizKat]

... I'd buy a used 12" powerbook before I'd buy a mac book.......so if apple has some new small laptop coming out...I'd be interested.

Frank D.

I bought two Apple-refurb 12" G4 powerbooks during the spring, one as a spare for myself and the other for an extended family member. Who knew it would be such a project?! I had to get onto Apple's refurb area at 8am sharp every day for a couple of weeks each time I was trying to make the purchase. Tried for one more, no more 12" refurbs at Apple any more, finally did manage to get a used one from a reseller back in May or June.

The 12" G4s are apparently like certain cars, most people don't trade them in but just drive 'em into the ground. That's what I plan to do with mine unless a 12" intel-based book shows up. The 12" G4 is the best machine I've ever owned, for reliability, portability and features.

By now Apple knows the missing 12" machine is a big deal to its user base, no? Would I settle for an ultraportable? Maybe, although I'm not keen on paying the ton of money it takes to get lots of flash storage. I can maybe see getting one if it has somewhat less storage and a FW port and an optical drive. Then we're back to how ultralight can that be. Not very. What I really want is "just" a 12 inch MacBookPro. Heat management is the engineering obstacle there, I am beginning to suspect.

[twoodcc]

I bought two Apple-refurb 12" G4 powerbooks during the spring, one as a spare for myself and the other for an extended family member. Who knew it would be such a project?! I had to get onto Apple's refurb area at 8am sharp every day for a couple of weeks each time I was trying to make the purchase. Tried for one more, no more 12" refurbs at Apple any more, finally did manage to get a used one from a reseller back in May or June.

The 12" G4s are apparently like certain cars, most people don't trade them in but just drive 'em into the ground. That's what I plan to do with mine unless a 12" intel-based book shows up. The 12" G4 is the best machine I've ever owned, for reliability, portability and features.

By now Apple knows the missing 12" machine is a big deal to its user base, no? Would I settle for an ultraportable? Maybe, although I'm not keen on paying the ton of money it takes to get lots of flash storage. I can maybe see getting one if it has somewhat less storage and a FW port and an optical drive. Then we're back to how ultralight can that be. Not very. What I really want is "just" a 12 inch MacBookPro. Heat management is the engineering obstacle there, I am beginning to suspect.

i'm actually thinking of picking up a 12" G4, just for portability (nothing big, mainly internet use)

the prices on ebay is still $800-900, which in my mind is still a little too steep.

[ivc]

Apple Macbook mini:

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4462/macbookminilx6.jpg

[meagain]

Beautiful, stunning. I'd buy that in a heartbeat. Yes - in white!

[psychofreak]

If they could make that mini, they would have to take the big border off the regular Macbook...

[TurboSC]

I just recently sold my ASUS laptop on ebay so I'm eagerly waiting for the arrival of this ultraportable / macbookpro refresh. I hope I won't be disappointed.

[cohibadad]

The 12" G4s are apparently like certain cars, most people don't trade them in but just drive 'em into the ground. That's what I plan to do with mine unless a 12" intel-based book shows up. The 12" G4 is the best machine I've ever owned, for reliability, portability and features.


Love mine. 1GHz runs Leopard very well. I was using it the other night and forget how long the battery lasts. Quiet, small, cool, long-lasting.

[Cybergypsy]

Love the concept :)

[Taylor C]

First of all, the 12" PowerBook was introduced in 2003, not 2002. I think Apple will introduce something at MacWorld. They certainly aren't going to hold an event before the holidays.

[dannyar]

been saving for this hopefully sooner rather than later

[bruno.redaelli]

Any news about the 12" ultra thin and ultra light tablet ?

[PCMacUser]

Any news about the 12" ultra thin and ultra light tablet ?

Nope, nothing, zip, nada, rien.

[Cloudsurfer]

I'm getting more excited about this new MacBook every day. If the new machine has the following specs, I'd sell my MacBook in a heartbeat:

- fast processor. At least 2Ghz. I hope they don't sacrifice speed for slimness.
- metal enclosure. I think this is a no-brainer. That Appleinsider mockup looks delicious.
- dedicated graphics. If it falls under the Pro line, I would love to see a dedicated Nvidia or Ati chip.
- 13" screen. I really don't need anything smaller, even if it keeps the 1280x800 resolution. The MacBook screen is perfect, only the bezel is too thick.
- hard drive. to be honest, I hope SSD is a BTO and not a standard feature.
- LCD screen. Not only for energy saving, but for brightness as well.
- external dvd burner. I don't mind the omission of an internal drive, as long as they include one that plugs into a USB or FireWire port.

[emotion]

Penryn T8100 based (29w, due out in january 08) I'm hoping with machine specs similar to above.

So thin and light, but not a true ultraportable. That would suit me.

[AidenShaw]

- fast processor. At least 2Ghz. I hope they don't sacrifice speed for slimness.

If this is a 13" replacement for the 12" PowerBook, you may be happy.

If this is truly an ultra-portable, expect a much less power-hungry CPU.


- 13" screen. I really don't need anything smaller, even if it keeps the 1280x800 resolution. The MacBook screen is perfect, only the bezel is too thick.

13" is reasonable for a 12" PB replacement, but too large for an ultra-portable.


- LCD screen. Not only for energy saving, but for brightness as well.

Typo - I assume you meant "LED backlight for the LCD". All the MacBooks have LCD screens, some of the MBPs have LED backlights for the LCDs.


- external dvd burner. I don't mind the omission of an internal drive, as long as they include one that plugs into a USB or FireWire port.

A matching external optical drive is usually standard or optional for ultra-portables. Most of these, however, have a special connector because one USB port doesn't provide enough power for most optical drives.

[emotion]

Oh, if the machine is more like the Sony 11.1" form factor I'd like to see use of the Merom LV L7700 (17w, 1.8GHz C2D 4 MB cache). That was out in September.

[Cloudsurfer]

Typo - I assume you meant "LED backlight for the LCD". All the MacBooks have LCD screens, some of the MBPs have LED backlights for the LCDs.

Yeah, my bad. I meant LED, not LCD. I also hope this will be the true replacement for the 12" PB, not a true ultra-portable.

[Coconutsport]

What do you think of this picture?

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49293967,00.htm

Yeah, my bad. I meant LED, not LCD. I also hope this will be the true replacement for the 12" PB, not a true ultra-portable.

[emotion]

What do you think of this picture?

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49293967,00.htm

Meh. That's not a "tweaked version of Leopard" for a start.

I'm not convinced by tablets. I have an iPhone too so I'm not averse to that kind of approach either.

[headfuzz]

I also hope this will be the true replacement for the 12" PB, not a true ultra-portable.

+1

I love my 12" Powerbook dearly, but something portable with some more oomph for Ableton's effects and numerous VSTs would be most welcome :)

[koobcamuk]

+1

I love my 12" Powerbook dearly, but something portable with some more oomph for Ableton's effects and numerous VSTs would be most welcome :)

-1

I just upgraded my 'new' 12" PowerBook to 1.25GB RAM and 250GB HDD - the battery is 4 hours (and I have two) so I am thrilled with it! :D

But then...

+1 because it would be so amazing...

[headfuzz]

Hehe I never said I wasn't happy with my G4, simply that a new 12" MBP would be very welcome :p

I've only got 768Mb of memory, which isn't so much of a hassle as Ableton isn't too much of a memory hog, but that cpu meter does sometimes get a little high... Do you you use Ableton?

[diamond.g]

What is really meant by ultrathin and ultralight?

[emotion]

+1

I love my 12" Powerbook dearly, but something portable with some more oomph for Ableton's effects and numerous VSTs would be most welcome :)

Exact same app and thoughts.

[koobcamuk]

you you use Ableton?

I don't, but I know someone that does. I think 1.25GB will help a lot! It's a just from 768MB - I did it this evening (and the HDD upgrade).

I want a small MBP in current form factor - but I don't quite see it happening right now... we'll see I guess.

[Sesshi]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

MacScoop claims (http://macscoop.com/articles/2007/07/10/ultra-thin-and-ulra-light-notebook-coming-end-year-sources) that according to "trusted sources" Apple is planning on releasing "a notebook that is so small and light that it could redefine the standards of ultra-portable computing."

The upcoming Apple notebook is said to feature a 12" display, 0.6-0.7 inches thick, and weigh less than 3 pounds. MacScoop's sources are unclear if an optical drive will accompany this ultra-portable notebook, but do feel it is likely to come by year's end (2007).

More Apple hype for the MacZombies :rolleyes:

My 12" LED-screened Sony G11 weighs 1.1kgs - WITH an optical drive. I bought it early this year.
My TZ's also weighs less than 3lbs - with HSDPA and optical drive.

[emotion]

Hehe I never said I wasn't happy with my G4, simply that a new 12" MBP would be very welcome :p

I've only got 768Mb of memory, which isn't so much of a hassle as Ableton isn't too much of a memory hog, but that cpu meter does sometimes get a little high... Do you you use Ableton?

I do...used to use it, quite adequately, on my 1.33GHz 12" pbook (768MB) but when 6 came out with multiprocessor support I bought a macbook. Live flies on the macbook but it's no powerbook (in terms of feel and portability).

[emotion]

More Apple hype for the MacZombies :rolleyes:

My 12" LED-screened Sony G11 weighs 1.1kgs - WITH an optical drive. I bought it early this year.
My TZ's also weighs less than 3lbs - with HSDPA and optical drive.

What OS does that use again? Exactly.

[headfuzz]

I do...used to use it, quite adequately, on my 1.33GHz 12" pbook (768MB) but when 6 came out with multiprocessor support I bought a macbook. Live flies on the macbook but it's no powerbook (in terms of feel and portability).

Yeah I have 6 too and want to use the multiprocessor support on the lappy front.

Have been tempted by a Macbook now they've been bumped to the Santa Rosa platform but as it's not a necessity I'd like to sit out the wait and see if Apple come up with another 12" - lest we forget they fit into a record bag! :D

[emotion]

Yeah I have 6 too and want to use the multiprocessor support on the lappy front.

Have been tempted by a Macbook now they've been bumped to the Santa Rosa platform but as it's not a necessity I'd like to sit out the wait and see if Apple come up with another 12" - lest we forget they fit into a record bag! :D

Yup. The Macbook is nice enough and my work Macbook Pro (SR 2.2) is also ok but they seem massive compared to the 12" Powerbook.

[mpw]

What OS does that use again? Exactly.
XP or Vista I guess, as Apple know if they sold OSX for use on others hardware their own MacBook and MacBook Pro range sales would go through the floor.

[emotion]

XP or Vista I guess,


Rhetorical.


as Apple know if they sold OSX for use on others hardware their own MacBook and MacBook Pro range sales would go through the floor.

I don't buy that argument. PC laptops are mostly crappier than you always think. Sony, IBM, Toshiba, Dell, Samsung I've got experience of them all.

Apple's quality control needs a little shove (I had 2 LED-lit screens for my MBP before they fixed it) but by and large the machine's design (functionally mainly, and aesthetically too) is pretty nice.

[mpw]

...I don't buy that argument. PC laptops are mostly crappier than you always think...
Apple have nothing to realistically compete with the Sony TZ or Asus U1F etc. though do they, and what in their range competes with Sesshi's machine for the traveller?
...Apple's quality control needs a little shove...
ROTFFLMFWHAO!!:D

Oh that's funny, for a second I thought you were being serious.

[Martin C]

What do you think of this picture?

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49293967,00.htm
That's a picture of the ModBook:
http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

[diamond.g]

What OS does that use again? Exactly.

Is that always going to be a viable excuse when the ultra light/portable really isn't ultra light? I mean less than 2 lbs is attainable (toshiba did it). So why should Apple users settle for less?

[koobcamuk]

So why should Apple fans users settle for less?

Fixed this for you :rolleyes:

[emotion]

Apple have nothing to realistically compete with the Sony TZ or Asus U1F etc. though do they, and what in their range competes with Sesshi's machine for the traveller?


Indeed. This is why this thread is so long. We all want something a little like those machines but with an OS that works for us. OSX is nicer for some people than Windows. We both have our opinion. There's nowt wrong with that.


ROTFFLMFWHAO!!:D

Oh that's funny, for a second I thought you were being serious.

Dude, you have no idea how to read the British sense of humour have you?

Did you read my experience? Do you think I'm happy to get a new laptop repaired twice?

I'd still buy Apple hardware though, as I've a lot more trouble from (work bought) PC laptops.

[OdduWon]

An :apple:Ultra Light would now doubt be based on the iPhone. The thinning of the iPod line in the recent years, and the thermal science practiced in the PowerPc generations, have provide Apple with ideal growth in execution of function and concept, relative to the ultra portable market. They will now doubt bring something to market between their two test intervals @ iPhone and MB, and will be a combination of the two "compromises" of size and function.
iPod<iPhone<:apple:Ultra Light<MB<MBP~<iMac ;)

[diamond.g]

Fixed this for you :rolleyes:

Didn't mean it in a condescending way. Generally speaking the people posting here are most likely fans as well as users of Apple equipment. But thank you for the correction. I will edit my post accordingly.

[emotion]

Is that always going to be a viable excuse when the ultra light/portable really isn't ultra light? I mean less than 2 lbs is attainable (toshiba did it). So why should Apple fans settle for less?

Until I don't need to reboot the the laptop to get it to recognize my USB based midi controller and firewire audio interface, such a machine is useless to me.

OSX I turn up at a gig, flip the lid, plug two plugs in while the app fires up (!) and I'm ready to go.

Now that is a very specific example but Windows cannot cope with serious use like that.

Another area crucial to a laptop is networking. Network config on XP is a joke. OSX is really good. All the network engineers at our place love OSX laptops.

Seriously if XP could do the job (and it is mostly ok, despite what apple 'fans' will tell you) then I'd be all over those ultraportables that you mention. Despite the top of the range 15" MBP price tags that they sport.

[koobcamuk]

Didn't mean it in a condescending way. Generally speaking the people posting here are most likely fans as well as users of Apple equipment. But thank you for the correction. I will edit my post accordingly.

Hey man, don't get me wrong! :) Just a friendly comment (hence the smiley). It's true, on here, we pretty much are fans... but at the same time, it's the OS that keeps me here. If something better came along, I wouldn't stay with Apple for fanboism...

[mpw]

...Dude, you have no idea how to read the British sense of humour have you?

Did you read my experience? Do you think I'm happy to get a new laptop repaired twice?

I'd still buy Apple hardware though, as I've a lot more trouble from (work bought) PC laptops.
Actually that WAS British humour old chap, I'm sat, down south of you right now with my little finger 90º to my tea cup, typing on a MacBook that has had soooooooo many problems that Apple can't figure out. I've had three Apple notebook (G3 iBook, G4 iBook, MacBook and my sexy, gorgeous girlfriend went through 4 MacBook Pros before getting a problem free one) that all had problems, while I've never had a problem with the three VAIOs and an old Dell.

[emotion]

Actually that WAS British humour old chap, I'm sat, down south of you right now with my little finger 90º to my tea cup, typing on a MacBook that has had soooooooo many problems that Apple can't figure out.


aha, a southerner then? :)

I don't doubt that too. The CD macbook was a disaster. This C2D is perfect. I was hoping maybe Apple would have learned. I think they might have done a little (though the LED-lit SR MBP does have a screen issue, but that's it).


I've had three Apple notebook (G3 iBook, G4 iBook, MacBook and my sexy, gorgeous girlfriend went through 4 MacBook Pros before getting a problem free one) that all had problems, while I've never had a problem with the three VAIOs and an old Dell.

I've had two ropey Dells, Toshiba, Fujitsu laptops too.

I've had two powerbooks and a MB all trouble free. Both experiences are valid but I'd rather take my chances with a laptop that has a decent OS (OSX). Your choice is different.

We don't live in a black or white world where PC = bad and Apple = good (or vice versa). It's deciding what's the best of a bad bunch for you.

[koobcamuk]

Actually that WAS British humour old chap, I'm sat, down south of you right now with my little finger 90º to my tea cup, typing on a MacBook that has had soooooooo many problems that Apple can't figure out. I've had three Apple notebook (G3 iBook, G4 iBook, MacBook and my sexy, gorgeous girlfriend went through 4 MacBook Pros before getting a problem free one) that all had problems, while I've never had a problem with the three VAIOs and an old Dell.

Photos? :rolleyes: I like proof to these things. I wonder if she's as hot as mine :D

I haven't had an Apple machine with problems, and I have had a few Rev A's. The iMac the spat out CDs like a ninja throwing a star was funny actually. :)

The MacBook is my least favourite. I will go pro from now on :)

[wacahill]

How is this better than all the Mac Books?