MacBook Mini Photos Generate Speculation

[iSee]

Remember the 12 inch powerbook the keys went right to the edge and that wasn't a widescreen as well, so i doubt that it would be a full size keyboard on a 10inch netbook

At a 16:10 ratio, a 10.4" screen would be just about 8.8" x 5.5".
At 4:3, a 12.1" screen is about 9.7" x 7.25".

So this notebook would need about .6" more bezel on each side of the screen than 12" pb to accomodate the same sized keyboard (giving it about 0.15" more room on each side of the keyboard than the 12" pb had).

[mrblahh]

Unsubsidized price, seems about the same as sony, sony uses similar hardware and similar price point on the laptops/netbooks they sell

to all those saying an atom is not enough, I will beg to differ, I run a lenovo s10 netbook with single core atom, and a dual core D945GCLF2 desktop. The atom's both run osx very very well, it's much better than XP or windows 7 on the same hardware, everything is snappy, most apps are not cpu limited, they are drive speed limited.

I've even converted video with ilife on it, slow but it did the job just fine, I mirror my entire iphoto and itunes libraries onto it, works great for that.
I use mine for streaming bluetooth, at least until the iphone 3.0 update adds that, I also used for on the road photo & gps work, there's usb adapters for everything, osx 10.5.x works on most hardare now.

It's amazing how well the little atoms work in osx, really is, I had windows 7 on the lenovo s10 this past weekend, at it felt pretty slow compared to osx

[Lesser Evets]

Can you even fit a full-size keyboard on a 10" laptop? :S


Answer: NO.

That's why this is fake. The 10" screen needs to float in a HUGE frame. Using a small wireless keyboard, I can tell a screen would need to be 12" to fit that picture or the keyboard needs to be highly reduced to the point of being useful to midgets or small kids.

The screen on this fake is at least 12".

[Clive At Five]

Can you even fit a full-size keyboard on a 10" laptop? :S

At Terrador: Cutting corners isn't always the best option, but it's not as if they mass produce the laptops in the USA. Also, a lot of money is put into the building techniques and research. Even Dell tried making a small, high quality laptop which ended up being near the price of the MacBook Air.

One easy way Apple could "cut corners" is to make the iMac desktop-friendly... i.e. cheaper, FASTER desktop-grade components which don't cost twice as much as mobile components.

A thick iMac would be cheap AND powerful... and no one would care that it's thick because it's a desktop computer, for the love of pete.

It's not about Apple not wanting to cut too many corners, it's about Apple wanting to make expensive (translation: profitable) computers. It's also about Steve's stubbornness to accept the fact that prosumers (and other that people who appreciate function over form) exist by building a computer that has customizable hardware AND runs OS X.

-Clive

[hacksaw-C87]

I hope that it's a fake... FUGLY!

[yorkshire]

Nice, but that thing looks thinner than a MBA. So I don't see it happening.

[Macist]

$899 would be in line with small Sony laptops:

http://www.lambda-tek.com/componentshop/index.pl?origin=gbase26.4&prodID=B209561

I was told by an Apple store employee that the Air doesn't really sell as most people just get a standard MacBook when they compare specs.

Therefore a cheaper, smaller, lighter, ultra portable makes sense than the current Air.

[BTW]

I would no doubt believe that an Apple branded netbook would require Snow Leopard. Chiefly because of the main CPU being a low powered low performing solution that they would want to use OpenCL to take advantage of the GPU a bit more.

Secondly because of the smaller amount of solid state disk space Apple would want the OS to have a smaller more optimal footprint.

We won't see a Netbook until Snow Leopard is released.

[Shagrat]

Heres hoping that if they put this out, at this price point Apple won't have the same pricing snafu as sony are having with the Vaio P

It's $899, at the moment.. say.. £650, but it's UK RRP is £850

Sick huh?

Well, like always, when the Pound is weak against the dollar, the price goes up, and when the dollar is weak against the pound, the price doesn't go down.

Note the same thing happens with energy prices...oil goes to nearly $140 a barrel, petrol/gas shoots up in price...the price of oil slumps and does gas/petrol slump as well...?

Well?

[Clive At Five]

Well, like always, when the Pound is weak against the dollar, the price goes up, and when the dollar is weak against the pound, the price doesn't go down.

Note the same thing happens with energy prices...oil goes to nearly $140 a barrel, petrol/gas shoots up in price...the price of oil slumps and does gas/petrol slump as well...?

Well?

Welllllll I don't know the ratio of oil prices now versus 6 months ago, but I remember paying $4/gal and now I pay $2...

So to answer your question..... yes.

[Roessnakhan]

I hope that it's a fake... FUGLY!

Explain. To say its ugly is to say the current design of all Apple laptops is ugly. Or at least saying the current MBA is ugly.

[dewser35]

Paul Reed Smith guitars are among the best in the industry. For years they sold for $2000-$5000 and up to $150,000 for custom orders. They are like apple and don't compromise on parts or software, and they never made a truly "affordable" guitar. In 2000, they outsourced a project called "SE" to a guitar maker in Korea, and their new SE line of guitars, while still great instruments, now cost $500-600.

Now tell me, what is stopping Apple from cutting corners, finding cheaper means of making a computer, and putting a laptop on the market for $400?

Why would you miss out on that market? There is a whole mass of people out there that only want to surf the internet and REFUSE to drop $1000+ on a laptop. It doesn't take a lot of thought to make a decision on that one.

Just look at Nintendo. They discarded their attempts at "hardcore" gaming and released a system that the othere 70% of people under 30 would be interested in, along with many grandmas and 3 year olds. They DESTROY Microsoft and Sony in monthly revenue because they made a system that was made for the CASUAL gamer and made it cheap.

Apple needs to pull their wallets out of their butts and get to being intelligent again.

No offense... I'm sure you've got GREAT business sense, but until you start your own business and have 28 billion CASH in the bank, you might want to trot out your philosophies somewhere else. Anything apple sells will be expensive... and anyone who ever has or continues to buy an item based simply on price is not a market, regardless of size, that apple has an interest in dabbling in. Since Steve J's return, they have and continue to keep a very tight leash on their product offering. SKU's cost money.. period.

[acidfast7]

164765

that's the correct placement of the characters ... some people try too hard.

[thoshino]

Fake, apple wouldn't install AdiumX and World Of Warcraft on a promotional laptop.

Can you even run WoW on an Atom processor?

[DELLsFan]

"The machine would reportedly retail for approximately $899 in 2009..."

LOL! I think not ... at least not while the SSD Hard Drive manufacturers are still raping consumers with their prices!

:p

[BJWanlund]

Now tell me, what is stopping Apple from cutting corners, finding cheaper means of making a computer, and putting a laptop on the market for $400?

Why would you miss out on that market? There is a whole mass of people out there that only want to surf the internet and REFUSE to drop $1000+ on a laptop. It doesn't take a lot of thought to make a decision on that one.

Just look at Nintendo. They discarded their attempts at "hardcore" gaming and released a system that the othere 70% of people under 30 would be interested in, along with many grandmas and 3 year olds. They DESTROY Microsoft and Sony in monthly revenue because they made a system that was made for the CASUAL gamer and made it cheap.

Apple needs to pull their wallets out of their butts and get to being intelligent again.
AMEN brother.

Let's see here... Sony's PS3 is $399 low end... Microsoft's Xbox 360 is at $299 low end with the accessories they include (btw, I don't count the Arcade as a "true" 360 because it has no hard drive, headset, etc)... and Nintendo's Wii is... $249. I see your point.

Let's look at Apple's computer pricing once again:
Mac Mini starting at $599
iMac starting at $1199
Mac Pro starting at $2499

MacBook starting at $999 (if you count the white MB)
MacBook Air starting at $1799
MacBook Pro starting at $1999

Just about any of its competitor's products are cheaper than they are, except if they are Falcon Northwest or Alienware.

MacBook Mini = MBA 2.0, with more RAM, 3G & EDGE, and AT&T NOT screwing current iPhone customers.

BJ

[Shagrat]

Welllllll I don't know the ratio of oil prices now versus 6 months ago, but I remember paying $4/gal and now I pay $2...

So to answer your question..... yes.

Well, maybe over there, but, of course, not here...as of 15th March 2008...

"According to the AA, the average price of a litre of unleaded petrol is 106.2p, when oil"

when oil was around $100 a barrel.

Oil now about $43 a barrel, i.e. less than half, one litre of above around 90p

So, no.

But then t'was ever thus over here.

ANYWAY...

[gusterfan]

did anyone else notice the illuminated keyboard? i dont think apple would put an illuminated keyboard on their cheapest laptop available, considering they dont have it on the current two cheapest: white plastic and unibody cheaper version. i think thats the most convincing evidence that this is fake. good photoshop job though haha

[flir67]

the price is way to high, on ebay you can get the netbook with 3g gsm built in for 399.00

[finalcut]

I say fake also. Personally, I think Apple will never get into netbook market

[mkwilson68]

Fake, sadly, but I'd buy this in a heartbeat.

Seriously, Apple, build this thing, make it FAST (ie. not an ATOM thanks) and I would buy it tomorrow. In fact, I'd buy several of them tomorrow. I would literally *kill* for a machine this small and capable of doing real work on.

Apple... Pleeeeeaaasse... :)

[JayLenochiniMac]

Wouldn't they capitalize the first letter of "mini?" MacBook Mini rather than MacBook mini?

[PeterQC]

Answer: NO.

That's why this is fake. The 10" screen needs to float in a HUGE frame. Using a small wireless keyboard, I can tell a screen would need to be 12" to fit that picture or the keyboard needs to be highly reduced to the point of being useful to midgets or small kids.

The screen on this fake is at least 12".

The keyboard is smaller then the normal one, one row or more of letter keys smaller. The bezel also look bigger then the one on the Macbook too. :)

Wouldn't they capitalize the first letter of "mini?" MacBook Mini rather than MacBook mini?

They don't with the current Mac mini, iPod shuffle, nano, classic and touch.

[gkarris]

I say fake also. Personally, I think Apple will never get into netbook market

Yes, and if they do, they'll be able to do it for $599, giving Microsoft "another commercial".

This is Laura, she's looking for a NetBook for under $300. If you find it, you keep it.

"I just got out of the Apple Store and they have a NetBook for $600. I would have to double my budget. I'm just not cool enough to be a Mac Person..."

I got the Acer NetBook for $299! Congratulations, Laura, it's a PC...

:eek:

[sporadicMotion]

It'd be interesting if it was real...

[thoshino]

No offense... I'm sure you've got GREAT business sense, but until you start your own business and have 28 billion CASH in the bank, you might want to trot out your philosophies somewhere else.

Do you have 28 billion CASH in the bank?
With your philosophy none of us are qualified to say anything about Apple, much like people in countries with no freedom of speech are not "qualified" to say anything about their governments. Besides, some people controlling considerably money than 28 billion were so extremely good at their jobs that their companies are now begging the U.S. congress for restructuring.

Apple didn't get $ x billion by underpricing, but they didn't get it from pushing their price premiums to the limit either. They did it by delivering a really good OS and computers that sported fair specs at common-sense prices. (sure it was more expensive than a PC, but it WAS worth it)

I my mind Apple started going wrong last fall when they crippled the MB (no firewire), from there on it's a straight line, crippled low-end Mac Pro, Mac Pro prices through the roof, only "mirror"-monitors. iMac integrated graphics price just right for iMac with discrete graphics.

[Aegelward]

Seriously, it's obviously a fake/render, it often happens, the specs might be legible but that does not mean they can't speculate on it's design and create something to illustrate that. Renders are thrown up all the time to match with leaked information.

This isn't anything new, so can people stop whining if the picture is real or not.

[bobertoq]

Fake. Why would they put a 64 gig SSD and a backlit keyboard in a netbook? Aaaand netbooks are usually 400 bucks, not 900. 900 bucks is what you pay for a high end PC.

[Hattig]

Well, maybe over there, but, of course, not here...as of 15th March 2008...

"According to the AA, the average price of a litre of unleaded petrol is 106.2p, when oil"
when oil was around $100 a barrel.
Oil now about $43 a barrel, i.e. less than half, one litre of above around 90p


In the same time the pound has collapsed against the dollar, from $2/£1 to $1.45/£1. That's where all the difference has gone. Blame Gorden 'the gopher' Brown.

[vvebsta]

First think I said to myself was, "oh it doesn't have firewire, it must be true." but no it definately looks contrived.

[bobertoq]

Paul Reed Smith guitars are among the best in the industry. For years they sold for $2000-$5000 and up to $150,000 for custom orders. They are like apple and don't compromise on parts or software, and they never made a truly "affordable" guitar. In 2000, they outsourced a project called "SE" to a guitar maker in Korea, and their new SE line of guitars, while still great instruments, now cost $500-600.

Now tell me, what is stopping Apple from cutting corners, finding cheaper means of making a computer, and putting a laptop on the market for $400?

Why would you miss out on that market? There is a whole mass of people out there that only want to surf the internet and REFUSE to drop $1000+ on a laptop. It doesn't take a lot of thought to make a decision on that one.

Just look at Nintendo. They discarded their attempts at "hardcore" gaming and released a system that the othere 70% of people under 30 would be interested in, along with many grandmas and 3 year olds. They DESTROY Microsoft and Sony in monthly revenue because they made a system that was made for the CASUAL gamer and made it cheap.

Apple needs to pull their wallets out of their butts and get to being intelligent again.Great post, but Apple isn't Nintendo.

[stylinexpat]

Fake, apple wouldn't install AdiumX and World Of Warcraft on a promotional laptop. Also, if they would really utilize the Atom processor to create a netbook kind of device I somehow think it would be running the multitouch OS X on a tablet kind of device instead of regular OS X on a shrunken MacBook. But that's just a hunch of course :)

http://9to5mac.com/files/image/00000/attachment-2.jpg

Adium lol...

[leandromp]

It looks cute but too expensive!!
and besides, it looks fake.

[xhambonex]

Explain. To say its ugly is to say the current design of all Apple laptops is ugly. Or at least saying the current MBA is ugly.

I would say apple's new line isn't that great looking. I wouldn't call it ugly, because I know what other computers look like, but for Apple, I think they could have done way better. Changing the black keyboard is a start.

[briansolomon]

r u serious? the msi wind has 3! that would be ridiculous... :eek:


Yeah, and the Macbook has two. What's your point?

[Hattig]

Fake. Why would they put a 64 gig SSD and a backlit keyboard in a netbook? Aaaand netbooks are usually 400 bucks, not 900. 900 bucks is what you pay for a high end PC.

The netbook to compare against is the HP 2140 HD (the 1366x768 screen version, which is $25 more than the 1024x576 screen). That's under $600. Add on a slightly faster CPU, more RAM (?), and the SSD cost, and then the Apple tax :(

[xhambonex]

Great post, but Apple isn't Nintendo.

Yeah and considering Nintendo was on their way out in their market and this was more of their last effort, Apple isn't anything close to Nintendo. Nintendo acted in desperation and notice their strategy to keep supplies extremely limited to squeeze as much life out of this one product as possible. Apple changes their product every couple months. Different markets.

[Michael CM1]

This would be a major THUD as a netbook, which is why I'm leaning heavily toward fake.

Most of the netbooks I have seen have 16GB SSDs. Considering the main deal behind netbooks is price, why would Apple quadruple that and sit it only $100 less than a MacBook white?

Drop the SSD down, reduce the RAM to 1GB, forget the LED screen and you might get a $699 netbook. I also don't know that bluetooth or a Mini DisplayPort is necessary for such a contraption, but I haven't checked specs of other netbooks.

[briansolomon]

Wouldn't they capitalize the first letter of "mini?" MacBook Mini rather than MacBook mini?

Wouldn't they call it a Macbook nano? The Mac mini was named when the iPod mini was relevant.

[MatthewCobb]

Just noticed in the above pic - sorry if this has been pointed out before - that there's some poor 'shopping gone on here - the screen is slanting backwards, yet the words MacBook Mini are in perfect proportion as though the screen was horizontal... In other words, the specs might be true (unlikely IMHO), but the pic is a fake

[vvebsta]

Actually i hope this is true... if i have to suffer with no firewire, i'd rather it be with a small cheap machine, the 10 inch screen would make it very portable, and i know allot of people that still wish Apple had kept the 10 inch line from the powerbooks. Crossing my fingers! Either way nice photoshopping job, whoever.

edit:my bad the powerbook was 12 inch

[DharvaBinky]

Not buying it.

Jobs claimed they had very 'interesting' ideas if they were to jump into the netbook market. This seems very 'boring' for lack of a better description. Just a macbook... shrunk. I don't think there is enough of a market to buy up one of these puppies for $900....

macbook

QFE :D

[bananas]

I don't care if this is fake or not, but that's exactly how Apple netbook should look like. I have my 899 euros waiting for this baby!

[DharvaBinky]

For $100 less than a Macbook, I can have a device that isn't dinosaur sized.


Does anyone really think the MacBook is dinosaur sized? Is it really so heavy and burdensome to carry around that knocking a couple of inches off the sides, reducing the weight by 1.5 pounds, bounding the screen down to a funky rez that no app is accustomed to handling by default, and dropping in a retarded processor that would have only rocked in the mid 90s is worth the $100 price break? Even if they sold this for $600 it might be too much...

:p

[vvebsta]

http://joywire.com/Old%20Stuff/error.jpg

Looks like photoshop to me. That's a blending error, trying to combined pieces of multiple images.

[Wild-Bill]

I really want to see a smaller portable solution from Apple, one with a 10-12 inch screen, and it does not need to be widescreen. The MBA doesn't do it for me, and doesn't seem like a true 12" Powerbook replacement.

I'd really like to see something like this come to fruition. i don't know how much longer my 12" Powerbook is going to hold out! :eek:

[bananas]

Can you even run WoW on an Atom processor?

Yes you can, even with an Intel GPU if you turn off all the eye candy.

[Ol3s]

In former Soviet Russia, MacBook fools YOU! :D

In soviet russia, macbook spies on you, kgb kills you

[roberry82]

Just noticed in the above pic - sorry if this has been pointed out before - that there's some poor 'shopping gone on here - the screen is slanting backwards, yet the words MacBook Mini are in perfect proportion as though the screen was horizontal... In other words, the specs might be true (unlikely IMHO), but the pic is a fake

good catch. you're correct!

[dazed]

lets hope its fake because that is one ugly design

[cleric]

No way it would have an ssd or its not $899. Looks sweet though.

[DharvaBinky]

I asked around and a friend of mine lives in teh Russiaz and he said that it's all totally true and he sents me a pix of hims holding one hisself!!!11!1!!one!!

LookIt!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/dharvabinky/Random/teh_macbok_mini.jpg

[uk-guy]

Fake or not I wouldn't put it past Apple for selling something like this for atleast $799. The reason? It would lower the entry "laptop" price and then they'd discontinue the white MacBook so the £949 Unibody MacBook then becomes the REAL entry price point for a Mac laptop. Oh so sneeky! :mad:

Why does Apple think it's a good idea to play the exclusive game in a recession? :confused:

But of course this is all speculation so we shall see... :rolleyes:

[gmcalpin]

I would say apple's new line isn't that great looking. I wouldn't call it ugly, because I know what other computers look like, but for Apple, I think they could have done way better. Changing the black keyboard is a start.
I love the black keyboard on my 15" MBP. I think it looks far, far better than any of the previous MacBooks.
Why does Apple think it's a good idea to play the exclusive game in a recession? :confused:
Why do people always bring up this "in a recession" ********? Selling low-priced crap has never had anything to do with Apple's business strategy. The recession is irrelevant.

ALSO:

No **** it's "fake," people.

Even if it is an actual Apple-approved product photo, it would be run through Photoshop to punch up the colors — and both the screen and the reflection on it would be added in in retouching so that the colors looked as good as possible (and because — gee, there is probably photo studio equipment reflecting in the screen on the unretouched versions).

There are even reasons why a professional photo retoucher might even make (for instance) the keyboard farther away from the monitor in the reflection than on the actual product. Here's two:

1) If there's a weird tangent that makes it looks bad, they might move the reflection over, even if it's wrong. Product photos — like photos of lingerie models — aren't about reality; they're about hyperreality.

2) The product may have changed after it was initially shot and the retoucher corrected the distance on the product but not the reflection. Remember how the product rendering on the Mac mini box had the wrong number of fan vents? These things happen. Photoshoots take a lot of time and money, so for minor revisions, you have the retouchers fix it instead of shooting a new one.

Saying it looks fake doesn't mean the product is not real. So spare the rest of us your Photoshop Elements expertise, already. For Christ's sake.

I'm not saying this thing is definitely real; I don't know. I don't care. But for the love of God, you "Photoshop fake" shouters just sound like idiots.

[tobi-wan-kenobi]

Why would the first photos show a keyboard with cyrillic letters?
Nice fake though, would like to be that good myself ;-)

[tbrinkma]

It'd be interesting if it was real...

I agree it's likely a fake, but you've got an error as far as the lines you've drawn in that image.

1) Your 'reflection' line is at a noticeably different angle than the angle of the reflection of the screen's far edge.
2) You've drawn the line from the space between the E & Y keys, but the line you drew in the reflection goes to the *far* side of the E key.
3) As a result of your mind-map of locations on the reflected keyboard, the hash mark you're using as 'proof' is also in the wrong spot.

[Terrador]

While I like the cut of your jib, some of us around here have been saying this exact thing for the better part of a decade...

-Clive

*sigh* I know. I've been saying it since I got my first mac (iBook G4 in 2001). I just haven't given up on the "yelling it on internet forums" method of getting my point across.

[applecultvictim]

Very bad fake.

Apple should end them all, and they will in my opinion, by bringing out what we all need but by far the most don't even know they need it, a tablet larger than the iphone...you dont know how many times I have been bored to turn on the lappie and have used the iphone bookwise to surf before going to sleep, everyone is waiting for such a thing, everyone will need such a thing, and they are gonna get it, and apple will again write history for coming up with what everyone in the industry was dumb enough to not know how much people needed.

Ask yourself if you had the whole internet in bookform and didn't want to do much keyboard work just read wouldnt a led 10" tablet by a marvel or what? Exactly. That's the net step, you heard it here first (and in very few other places too, lol).

[jjahshik32]

I hope this is true!! 10" led screen, SSD drive, full sized keyboard!! Hell yea. This will go perfect with my mac mini combo.

[Tallest Skil]

...apple will again write history for coming up with what everyone in the industry was dumb enough to not know how much people needed.

Tablets exist already.:confused:

[xDYLANx]

Fake, but seems like it would be pretty close to an Apple design. But, it should be cheaper if that is the case. Also, I don't think that Apple would use the Atom

[Anonymous Freak]

The keyboard depicted is full-size layout. If indeed this product has a 10" screen, like the Asus netbook I'm typing on now, then those keys are going to be pretty tiny. Most netbooks use a combination of shrinking the physical key size down a bit as well as making some compromises with key layout to reduce wasted space.

$899 is pretty high, but sounds about right for Apple.

When the MacBook Air came out, I lamented it's "large" size. At the time, I calculated that to fit Apple's standard laptop keyboard, and have no 'side' bezel around the keyboard, it would need an 11.5" 16:10 screen.

So a 10" screen would be too small for a full-size keyboard. BUT, this shows thinner-than-average left and right columns of keys. So if this is a fake, it is a *VERY* well thought-out fake. On par with Danamania's mockups.

And this would be *exactly* what I want. Minus the processor. I'd rather have a "full" Core 2 Duo in it. (The miniature-packaging version like in the current MBA, of course.) Atom is great, but not so great in a 'full feature' notebook. Then again, I can't find *ANY* reference to an "Atom Z740", either. There is a Z540, which is a 32-bit-only, single-core proc. (Disclaimer time: I work at an Intel facility, but have nothing to do with Apple products, nor do I have anything to do with processor design. So my lack of knowledge should not be construed as proof of nonexistence, I get my processor news from Anandtech, Ars Technica, and the like.)

I also love how all the complaints on the first page of the linked article are "THE KEYBOARD IS FAKE! MINE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THAT!" followed by "Well, some of us out in the rest of the world don't use American keyboards," reprimands.

Holy crap is Google fast. Every single result for "Atom Z740" is in relation to this "MacBook Mini" rumor. Including results from page 4 of this thread.

[twoodcc]

i would love for this to be real! though i hope it's a little cheaper, like at least $799

[ryanlaing]

I'm not about to read 300 replys to see if this has already been posted, but in this picture (http://9to5mac.com/files/image/00000/attachment-3.jpg) comparing the macbook to the 'macbook mini', the scratches on the bottom left alt and cmd keys are the exact same on both. as well as a speck on the p key.

[xDYLANx]

When the MacBook Air came out, I lamented it's "large" size. At the time, I calculated that to fit Apple's standard laptop keyboard, and have no 'side' bezel around the keyboard, it would need an 11.5" 16:10 screen.

So a 10" screen would be too small for a full-size keyboard. BUT, this shows thinner-than-average left and right columns of keys. So if this is a fake, it is a *VERY* well thought-out fake. On par with Danamania's mockups.

And this would be *exactly* what I want. Minus the processor. I'd rather have a "full" Core 2 Duo in it. (The miniature-packaging version like in the current MBA, of course.) Atom is great, but not so great in a 'full feature' notebook. Then again, I can't find *ANY* reference to an "Atom Z740", either. There is a Z540, which is a 32-bit-only, single-core proc. (Disclaimer time: I work at an Intel facility, but have nothing to do with Apple products, nor do I have anything to do with processor design. So my lack of knowledge should not be construed as proof of nonexistence, I get my processor news from Anandtech, Ars Technica, and the like.)

I also love how all the complaints on the first page of the linked article are "THE KEYBOARD IS FAKE! MINE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THAT!" followed by "Well, some of us out in the rest of the world don't use American keyboards," reprimands.

Holy crap is Google fast. Every single result for "Atom Z740" is in relation to this "MacBook Mini" rumor. Including results from page 4 of this thread.


As soon as I read that you worked @ Intel, I was like "hell yeah, Oregon FTW" haha

[min_t]

People are confusing this rumor with the real rollout of the 10-inch iTouch Tablet this summer. Why do you think :apple: is introducing wireless networking and bluetooth tethering on the next iPhone update. Imagine carrying just a usb ac charger instead of a brick.:rolleyes:

[bananas]

I'm not about to read 300 replys to see if this has already been posted, but in this picture (http://9to5mac.com/files/image/00000/attachment-3.jpg) comparing the macbook to the 'macbook mini', the scratches on the bottom left alt and cmd keys are the exact same on both. as well as a speck on the p key.

You are correct. One more thing to proof it's a fake.
Still, that's the way it should look. I hope it becomes reality one of these days. :)

[jgbhardy]

In the same time the pound has collapsed against the dollar, from $2/£1 to $1.45/£1. That's where all the difference has gone. Blame Gorden 'the gopher' Brown.

We got a reduction of 16p in the cost of petrol, but just over a 50% decrease in the value of the £, and at the same time Oil lost just over 50% of its value.
Only crude and rough maths there but shouldn't the price of stayed the same, was it maybe the reduction in taxes that allowed for the 16p drop? Do you really still want to say it was the government that lost value in the £ rather then business and banks that were reckless, I know they should of be kept in line by the Government so part blame can be placed upon them. I would hope that you realise the Tory party, who had been calling for massive deregulation of the financial sector would of caused more harm than Labour! Liberal Democrats perhaps a better option come the general election.:p
Sorry for talking politics on here :o

[powers74]

I hope not. I was looking foreward to a slate type device that would be good for portable sketching. Besides, this doesn't look like any "Pretty interesting ideas" from Apple. This looks like an overpriced mini MBA, which is lame. Here's to hoping it's fake.

[Jamo12]

I can totally see this as being real. The whole 10" touch screens that Apple bought could be used, plus the decent specs and a 64 SSD (which would cost a small fortune itself) would pretty easily get up to $900. I could see a NEARLY full length keyboard too, at least bigger than most netbooks (besides, how many netbooks have a full length keyboard anyway?). Some netbook screens are nearly a 1:2 screen ratio (ultra wide screen) which wouild help with the wider keyboard (obviously this isn't exactly close to a 1:2 ratio, but my point remains the same). Now it is obvious that the photos were photoshopped. all photos of new things are usually made more pretty by photoshopping them anyway (And I blame the not amazingly great photoshop job on not completely skilled Photoshoppers/editors at the magazine).

To sum myself up, a $900 price isn't that bad considering the biggish SSD, the 10" touch screen(if it has it), and the decent specs (Oh! don't forget Apple tax;) ) And just because it's photoshopped doesn't mean its fake
( even though it probably is :(:(:( )


P.S. - vvvvvvvvvvvvvvv This post is the best EVER!!!vvvvvvvvvvvvvv

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v738/dharvabinky/Random/teh_macbok_mini.jpg

[months]

I have a question for you guys...

Is it the size of an Apple Netbook that people want so bad or the price? Because I have the new 13 inch macbook right now and it is suuuper portable, I don't see why you would need anything smaller than this, and, it is still very powerful at this size!

[ghettochris]

wtf is wrong with all you people, compared to the $699 for the 16gb iphone that's a deal. Sure would be nice to be subsidized with built in 3g though, but those saying I wish it was $799 or $699, does that much make or break a product? If something is sweet, I either want it or not. A few hundred doesn't matter, I can shave $1 or 2 off what I eat each day and make that much up in a couple months. And those saying for $100 more you get a white macbook miss the point, that thing is a tank to lug around.

As someone mentioned before, I also did a little mockup with my compact bluetooth keyboard and determined it would need a 11.5 inch screen, then noticed how the tab, shift, and caps lock keys were all cropped a little, as well as others tweaked and replaced. This could narrow the keyboard enough for a 10.4" screen without a stupid fat bezel.

Bring it, I'll buy for sure, even though I'm in debt. Quit bitching about the economy people, learn to write iphone apps to get rich if your current methods are failing, or don't give in to the media hype and want everything stupid cheap like the rest of the sheep out there. I hate how people talk about climate these days and aren't talking about the weather. For all the money you are all saving on gas these days that should leave more money for gadgets!

I walk around and see people blowing money at fast food places and buying the same needless crap at walmart and target every day. Simple lifestyle changes can save you far more money than skimping on your tech, which can facilitate the maximizing of the potential of the brain, the only thing that separates us from the rest of the animals, and that to me is priceless. Gadgets are my priority, as well as most who hang out here probably. If eating for entertainment is yours, more power to you.

I don't care how much apple stuff costs, as long as it's sweet :cool:

[ghettochris]

I do hope they also release a 7-10" screen ipod touch that runs on arm for cheaper too, keep in mind a dvd case is 9" diagonal, an ipod touch dvd case sized would be awesome.

[guzhogi]

Personally, I can't see the attraction with only a *reported* $100 difference in price between this and the low-end MB. If as the pic shows they made it in Aluminum it would be cool. But, are people so concerned with size that they'd got for this when for $100 more they could get a 13" screen?

$899? For $100 more you'd get a macbook with a bigger screen, faster processor, and other goodness? Ridiculous.

I don't agree. Look at the MacBook Air. For $800 LESS, you get a bigger screen, more USB ports, faster CPU, bigger hard drive, etc. So cost & performance aren't always the most important. Unlike you guys, who seem like you'd want a maxed out Mac Pro & 2 30" screens if money wasn't an issue, some people want small products. Me, I'm not one, but I know there are people out there.

[powers74]

I do hope they also release a 7-10" screen ipod touch that runs on arm for cheaper too, keep in mind a dvd case is 9" diagonal, an ipod touch dvd case sized would be awesome.

I don't think they could go smaller than 9. 10 would be the sweet spot. That would enable my dream setup; An MP for the office, the tablet for little ***** on the go, and an iPhone for instant surfing, texting and calls... I'm covered.

[polaris20]

Already having a MBP, I'd much rather have a mutant iTouch than a regular form factor netbook.

Oh and netbooks never cost $899, right?

http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/SonyStyleStorefrontAssetStore/img/vaioimage/static_images/p_series/style_section_bkg.jpg

[Jamo12]

Can people stop posting the Sony P series netbooks because they cost $899? We all know they cost $899 because it has been said at least 15 times already in this thread.:mad::mad::mad::mad:

[PlayRadioPlay]

i would REALLY like to be able to sync my bluetooth keyboard with the iphone! once they allow that, i'd be all over it! lol
Agreed. It would be amazing to take notes in class with an Apple blue tooth keyboard while my iPhone is in my pocket :) People around me would be so confused. I don't need to see the screen when taking notes, so this setup would be ideal for me.

[Tallest Skil]

Can people stop posting the Sony P series netbooks because they cost $899? We all know they cost $899 because it has been said at least 15 times already in this thread.:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Welcome to every thread ever. No one reads the content, and so 70% is rehash.

Cut to the Microsoft ad thread...:D

[PlayRadioPlay]

Welcome to every thread ever. No one reads the content, and so 70% is rehash.

Cut to the Microsoft ad thread...:D
Well, these particular forums are to comment on News, so do you expect people to go through 14 pages of comments to see what's been said before?

If anyone is reading 14 pages of comments about clearly fake Apple products, they need to get out more.

[Jamo12]

Welcome to every thread ever. No one reads the content, and so 70% is rehash.

Cut to the Microsoft ad thread...:D

Lol. I guess the world is just lazy now. your completely right though

[GratefulMed]

Way too expensive for such a unit. It's supposed to be an appliance. Make it inexpensive.

[BRLawyer]

Tablets exist already.:confused:

And music players "existed already", and smartphones "existed already"...until Apple reinvented them all and created a whole new demand for products...otherwise we'd still be praising our crappy Motorola RAZRs as leading edge phones until this very moment...:rolleyes:

[Tallest Skil]

Well, these particular forums are to comment on News, so do you expect people to go through 14 pages of comments to see what's been said before?

If anyone is reading 14 pages of comments about clearly fake Apple products, they need to get out more.

Or, if anyone is reading these posts so that they don't post duplicates, they should commend themselves because they're following the rules.

[Jayomat]

Agreed. It would be amazing to take notes in class with an Apple blue tooth keyboard while my iPhone is in my pocket :) People around me would be so confused. I don't need to see the screen when taking notes, so this setup would be ideal for me.

this sounds extremly useless to me, you must be kiddin', right?

taking notes on your iphone, which is in your pocket, while you're having a (fullsize-) keyboard on your desk? either you must be a perfect writer, or you haven't thought this through... how do you know you didn't made mistakes? how would you place notes into the right order? dude....

this is a stupid idea.... (no offense):rolleyes:

[applecultvictim]

Tablets exist already.:confused:

Hey buddy, I am wondering if you genuinely don't understand other people's points or if you are just very reactive. Did you read my post carefully? Tablets may exist but crossover ebook readers/tablets slim enough, booksized and practical enough in mass market prices do not. Do you understand what I am saying now? I would hate to start another food fight with you, so get over yourself, and don't insinuate that the other party is talking crap, as you so often do in a crude and rude way.

Apple will re-invent the netbook market by releasing a great small sized tablet we can all take to bed or on the sofa or lying on the mat or an a beach somewhere and wirelessly browse the net an check our mail. As the iphone users and ipod touch will tell you you don't have to lug around a keyboard if you are surfing the net.

Make it happen apple. And come June with Steve in the keynote we ll be making history again and all the others will be eating our dust.

And music players "existed already", and smartphones "existed already"...until Apple reinvented them all and created a whole new demand for products...otherwise we'd still be praising our crappy Motorola RAZRs as leading edge phones until this very moment...:rolleyes:

Exactly my friend, you said it so well. :)

[muxbox]

Apple would not enter the market with just another notebook.

The obvious choice is that its going to be an overgrown iphone type device with onscreen keyboard and i will be first in queue to get one.

[PlayRadioPlay]

Or, if anyone is reading these posts so that they don't post duplicates, they should commend themselves because they're following the rules.
These are news comments. Having a forum layout is entirely unnecessary since people are just commenting on stories. There's a reason why most websites just have a comments section, instead of an entire forum for a news story. Because most people just want to share their comments, not be involved in a 14 page discussion that they were expected to keep up with.

this sounds extremly useless to me, you must be kiddin', right?

taking notes on your iphone, which is in your pocket, while you're having a (fullsize-) keyboard on your desk? either you must be a perfect writer, or you haven't thought this through... how do you know you didn't made mistakes? how would you place notes into the right order? dude....

this is a stupid idea.... (no offense):rolleyes:
Even when I DO have a screen, I still go through all of my notes after class to format and organize them and correct inevitable mistakes. It's the best way to study, without knowing you're studying.

It's the same as hand writing notes. You're not going for perfect spelling and format, you're just trying to get the ideas down first, then you can organize them later.

Besides, what would be the point of having my iPhone out on my desk while I'm typing? It's not like the screen would be very helpful since it would be at such a difficult viewing angle. I've been typing almost as long as I've been writing. I'm part of that generation.

[BohoTrash]

Lol. This is about as real as I am now riding this horse-drawn fish. And in any case, with the iPhone I have all the "netbook" I'll ever need. ;)

[JohnnyLemonhead]

Assuming it's true, it is not a good move by Apple.

A. Too expensive for a netbook
B. Too feature packed for a netbook, probably resulting in the aforementioned excessive expense.

If it is true then Apple has once again failed. I say once again as a reference to the tone-deaf abject failure that is the MacBook Air.

[Anuba]

Fake, apple wouldn't install AdiumX and World Of Warcraft on a promotional laptop.
Furthermore they never release product shots with European keyboard layout (let alone a Russian one), if you go to Apple Sweden or Apple Denmark or whatever the product shots always have the U.S. keyboard layout.
Apple would not enter the market with just another notebook.

The obvious choice is that its going to be an overgrown iphone type device with onscreen keyboard
Yep. There'll probably also be a tiny desktop stand to dock with so you can turn it into a baby iMac with a real keyboard.

[ghettochris]

this sounds extremly useless to me, you must be kiddin', right?

taking notes on your iphone, which is in your pocket, while you're having a (fullsize-) keyboard on your desk? either you must be a perfect writer, or you haven't thought this through... how do you know you didn't made mistakes? how would you place notes into the right order? dude....

this is a stupid idea.... (no offense):rolleyes:

Maybe useless to you, but those of us with typing skills don't need to look at the result. I feel mistakes as I make them and can choose to fix them or just let it be, I'll know what I meant later. Know what order to place notes? how bout chronologically, with what is presented first on top, followed by what comes next. It's easy to keep them in order.

I think that is a great idea, just to have a keyboard on your desk and look at the presenter as you take notes, or look up at the overhead projector display or chalkboard to see what to type. I look at the source when I copy things typing, not back and forth to the result. That's for n00bs.

Sorry if you can't utilize such a setup. There are no stupid ideas, just stupid people :rolleyes:

[vvebsta]

Can people stop posting the Sony P series netbooks because they cost $899? We all know they cost $899 because it has been said at least 15 times already in this thread.:mad::mad::mad::mad:

I'd never seen the P series, and after checking it out on sony's website, I must say that ironically there is allot of wasted space. The screen could fill up more space for one. Apple still has superior products in my opinion. If they do make a netbook they will do it right. :cool:

[SnowLeopard2008]

LOL the very first $1000 netbook lol :) netbooks are supposed to be dirt cheap in price, just for checking email etc..


The Sony P also starts at around 900.

[nado]

Good specs for a 99$ machine!

[NXTMIKE]

Even though Apple's products are always/usually expensive, $899 for this MacBook Mini is not going to sell. Why? not only is it just too much, but if someone is considering purchasing the MacBook Mini because it is cheaper, then they might as well throw in the extra $100 for the white MacBook ($999). The price margin between the two is just too small, unless you really need the 10 inch screen, and no bigger.

Plus, I'm not agreeing that this is going to be exactly how the MacBook Mini will look like when/if it is released. When Apple was qouted with having 'interesting ideas' with the netbook model, I don't think that means making a netbook that looks almost exactly like the Aluminum MacBooks, but thiner.

But that's just my opinion. :apple: :confused:

[kzin]

Does anyone really think the MacBook is dinosaur sized?

Yes.

I have no desire, nor any need, to carry anything bigger than 10"-ish screen.
I have no need for my mobile device to have a full power CPU.

I do have a desire to keep my gadget bag small and light. I can easily carry a 8.9"/9" screen device in my smaller gadget bag. I can carry a 10" one in my larger gadget bag. I will not carry a bigger gadget bag, period. Nor will I carry a separate laptop bag. If Apple wants me to own a mobile Apple computer, it will have at least a 7"-ish screen (because smaller than that is too small) and no more than a 10"-ish screen. Nothing outside of that size range is acceptable for my dollars. (it also has to have a physical keyboard, at least as an external option; that's the other reason an iPhone/iPod-Touch aren't acceptable -- no current official (non-jailbroken) support for a physical keyboard)

What I want/care about is basically something for checking mail, reading RSS, light web surfing, and chatting while I'm on the bus/train or in a cafe. In a pinch, I might need to use SSH to reach my servers while I'm out and about, or manage their web interfaces. Maybe run a VNC viewer. Maybe read some PDFs/ebooks/documents. That's it.

All of that other stuff that a macbook as the power to do? _Worthless_ to me while I'm mobile. So, why pay extra for something that's too big and doesn't give me anything I want/need?

The thing that's really close to ideal for me ... I have a Samsung Q1 Ultra with Ubuntu-UMPC on it. The thumb keyboards are a little awkward ... more because they're 4 row instead of 5 row, and some of the keys are awkwardly placed. If it had OS X and an iPhone-like Front Row overlay UI, Apple aesthetics, better OS/hw integration (a linux shortcoming), usable screen rotation, usable portrait mode virtual keyboard*, a translucent split-thumb virtual keyboard for landscape mode, some form of WWAN support, and otherwise had similar peripheral support and size as the Q1 Ultra (requiring a dock or not) ... it would be great. Bonus points for an attachable keyboard (like the Touch Book).

If it was a 10" screen, with no keypads/mouse-stick/dpad, instead of the Q1 Ultra's 7" screen ... then I'd probably be ok with that. 10" screen, very wide aspect ratio (more than 16x9), iPhone type styling, attachable keyboard, and the above features ... that'd be hard for me to pass up. Even if it was more than $900.

(* a usable app in the top half of the screen, a usable virtual thumb keyboard in the bottom half; so, full 80x24 SSH + keyboard for example)

[vvebsta]

The obvious choice is that its going to be an overgrown iphone type device with onscreen keyboardYep. There'll probably also be a tiny desktop stand to dock with so you can turn it into a baby iMac with a real keyboard.

Uuuggh who would buy such a thing!! I know Apple is all gesture happy over there but when I want to write emails and word documents, nothing will beat the comfort of a physical keyboard. Touch screen keyboard is fabulous for on the go and you can type and hold the device with one hand. But, I vote no on an over grown iphone, unless it was strictly for games and movies.

[ox4dboy]

Fake or not, this is the "netbook" that Apple would make (if they made one).

But hopefully not the price. $899 is too much when you consider the $999 MacBook. If it's a NetBook/MacBook Mini, it better come with a mini price, not $100 less than the white MacBook - which is far superior for $100 more.

[MrCrowbar]

At least people are not calling it the Macbook "nano". Nano is for things that fit in the coin pocket. I don't think you'd enjoy typing on a device that fits in the coin pocket.
:p

[Jeffrosproto]

I don't know if it's been mentioned before (I don't want to read the entire thread), but the keyboard is missing the eject key, so it was a pretty clever photoshop if it was created from a macbook air, macbook, or pro (they all have eject buttons..)

[macabouttobe]

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionary

[Jamo12]

But hopefully not the price. $899 is too much when you consider the $999 MacBook. If it's a NetBook/MacBook Mini, it better come with a mini price, not $100 less than the white MacBook - which is far superior for $100 more.

The macbook is also superior to the Macbook Air, which is $800 more...

[iMacmatician]

I don't know if it's been mentioned before (I don't want to read the entire thread), but the keyboard is missing the eject key, so it was a pretty clever photoshop if it was created from a macbook air, macbook, or pro (they all have eject buttons..)A point supporting "real."

[vvebsta]

I don't know if it's been mentioned before (I don't want to read the entire thread), but the keyboard is missing the eject key, so it was a pretty clever photoshop if it was created from a macbook air, macbook, or pro (they all have eject buttons..)

Well there is no actual evidence seen that it even has a superdrive, which makes it closer to a MBA mini.

[Jayomat]

Even when I DO have a screen, I still go through all of my notes after class to format and organize them and correct inevitable mistakes. It's the best way to study, without knowing you're studying.

It's the same as hand writing notes. You're not going for perfect spelling and format, you're just trying to get the ideas down first, then you can organize them later.

Besides, what would be the point of having my iPhone out on my desk while I'm typing? It's not like the screen would be very helpful since it would be at such a difficult viewing angle. I've been typing almost as long as I've been writing. I'm part of that generation.

Maybe useless to you, but those of us with typing skills don't need to look at the result. I feel mistakes as I make them and can choose to fix them or just let it be, I'll know what I meant later. Know what order to place notes? how bout chronologically, with what is presented first on top, followed by what comes next. It's easy to keep them in order.

I think that is a great idea, just to have a keyboard on your desk and look at the presenter as you take notes, or look up at the overhead projector display or chalkboard to see what to type. I look at the source when I copy things typing, not back and forth to the result. That's for n00bs.

Sorry if you can't utilize such a setup. There are no stupid ideas, just stupid people :rolleyes:

Ok i admit, after thinking it over again, it doesn't seem too bad, but when in go to university, ill take my notebook with me. i'll type (if i want to) while hearing what the prof is saying... but it happens more that occasionally that "he" loses track about what he's saying... that gives me time to look over what i just wrote... and besides, OUR profs don't always go through the topic in a reasonable way, by far not. five minutes on topic, 10 minutes off topic.
as i already stated, that gives me time to look over my notes, arrange my ideas and so on. that is not possible with your setup. that's what a NOTEBOOK is made for. i can use the time much more efficiently. and if i have a timegap between two lectures, i can work on other things, complete my notes etc. etc.... all of which is not possible on your iphone (yea, not right now) ....
why did you buy a laptop if you don't take it with to in order to use its advantages?

and finally, i would feel really stupid just carrying a keyboard with me, i'd feel like a uber nerd ;)

PS: i got the typing skills, don't worry ;)

concerning the "netbook" topic... it's fake, of course.

[xhambonex]

Well I don't see why we bother debating these things anymore, the leaked photos will come soon enough as far as this as a possibility, sure it fits the new design and form of all of apple's stuff. Fake or not its a possibility, the specs and price, well I'm sure we'll complain, we always do.

[kzin]

At least people are not calling it the Macbook "nano". Nano is for things that fit in the coin pocket. I don't think you'd enjoy typing on a device that fits in the coin pocket.
:p

Maybe it would have a direct-neural interface (DNI), so you wouldn't need a screen (touch, multi-touch, or not), a keyboard, a trackpad/mouse, etc. You'd visualize it all in your head, and direct its user interface with thoughts. And this "Macbook Nano" would fit inside your wallet, just a few credit cards thick, and powered by 1 or 2 quarter sized nicad batteries.

Yeah. Like that'll happen by 3Q2009.

[notsofatjames]

this is definitely a fake... I saw the exact same image about 4 days ago, but with a button at the bottom of the trackpad. Now its been removed. I've got a copy in my time machine somewhere but i cant find it....

[vvebsta]

this is definitely a fake... I saw the exact same image about 4 days ago, but with a button at the bottom of the trackpad. Now its been removed. I've got a copy in my time machine somewhere but i cant find it....

i hope you find it! that would be hillarious. :)

[jimmy176]

I love my MacBook Pro, my iMac, and my Mac Mini. I also love my Dell Mini9 Hackintosh. I'd buy this in a second for $500, but $899 for a netbook is just too much. $299 Dell + $129 Leopard + 2 hours work = $429 Mac Netbook. Worth every penny.

[MrCrowbar]

On the picure where you see it from the side, the F7 key is right above the "8" key. The other picture where you see the keyboard from the top, it's also righ on top of the "8" key. On the display reflection of the first picture, it's clearly not aligned the same way.

But even Apple have really badly photoshopped pictures of their own Macbook pro all over the website so that's not saying anything.

I think the device in the pictures looks pretty sweet. And the price is typically Apple, just a little bit above the perfect pricing. Consider there's a 1.83 GHz CPU in there, most Netbooks only have 1.6.

I doubt the keyboard is fill size though. The 12" powerbook had a full size keyboard and there was virtually no space on the left and right of the keys. The thing on the pictures supposedly has a 4:3 10" screen yet the keyboard is still full size... I just measured out the diagonal of my aluminum bluetooth keyboard: it's a bit more than 12", and that's just the keyboard. There would be a huge bezel around the display if it was a 10" LCD, I'm talking huge bezel like early eeePCs.

[kookacoola]

if this is true i would so buy it! (sarcasm)

honestly the macbook line doesn't make sense to me anymore. there's a low end macbook called mac book, then there's a paper weight on the go macbook called macbook air in the middle:eek:, and there's a really super all in one top mac called the macbook pro.:confused:

what would mac sense is macbook (mini), macbook (air), macbook, then macbook pro.:D

there! perfect!:D:D:D what apple should do is mac this spec the ($500) model make the macbook air the ($900) model and i would love it!

but in all seriousness this sucks on a mac scale:mad::apple:

[NT1440]

I know ive publicly stated on here that Id never buy a netbook, ever. I still stand by that statement, but ill make one observation, that rendering is sexy hands down.

Still not worth owning a netbook to me tho.

[MrCrowbar]

Maybe it would have a direct-neural interface (DNI), so you wouldn't need a screen (touch, multi-touch, or not), a keyboard, a trackpad/mouse, etc. You'd visualize it all in your head, and direct its user interface with thoughts. And this "Macbook Nano" would fit inside your wallet, just a few credit cards thick, and powered by 1 or 2 quarter sized nicad batteries.

Yeah. Like that'll happen by 3Q2009.

The current iPod shuffle already talks to you and you control everything without looking. The next one will probably be in the earbud itself and comes in pack of two, one for each ear. Then people will complain that there's 2 of them and they're so small you always lose one. So the next one will be like a tight fitting ear plug with some sort of needle directly stimulating your eardrum... THEN you get DNI! :D

[apersianboyCOM]

Full size keyboard with a 10" screen would be awesome!

Probably fake, but I'd want one.

Me too, looks great. Can just see myself taking it out in a lecture hall!

[eastercat]

I really hope this is a fake, mainly so I don't have to hear people cry about how netbooks don't cost $899 (imo, they do if they're from :apple:). Also, I want it to be fake, because I don't want a netbook. I'd rather see a 10" touchscreen tablet.

[Stately]

Tablets exist already.:confused:

Yes, they do. The Modbook is huge and gross though and the iphone doesn't have enough serious computing power among other things it lacks, including being bigger. Even so, it fits where it's supposed to perfectly. If they made a larger tablet with heavy computing power, so many people would buy it. I think it could really work. They could include a small stylus and include highly impressive responsiveness to it for extreme accuracy. If any one can do it it's certainly Apple. I would love it to have a form factor such as this.

[gettingmy1stmac]

if you think nvidia isn't already making chipsets with the 9400m that are compatible with the intel atom, you must not have heard of the ion platform...

Funny, that battery capacity is higher than a MacBook's, and nearly as high as the 15" MBPs. :rolleyes:


And is Nvidia making a board that would fit an Intel Atom and a 9400M just for Apple?? I don't believe such a thing exists for anyone else right now.

[typ356]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

April Fools!!!

[Freyqq]

Do you have 28 billion CASH in the bank?
With your philosophy none of us are qualified to say anything about Apple, much like people in countries with no freedom of speech are not "qualified" to say anything about their governments. Besides, some people controlling considerably money than 28 billion were so extremely good at their jobs that their companies are now begging the U.S. congress for restructuring.


I think many would argue that 28 billion in the bank is BAD business sense..many would argue it should be invested somewhere to increase profits beyond bank interest

[coolchris101]

Why would they only put one USB port??? especially after they just put five on the mac mini... Just because it has mini in the name doesn't mean "bare bone" I mean come on, its still an apple product... Lets face it, this is just an early April Fools Joke.... Ha Ha

[ghettochris]

Ok i admit, after thinking it over again, it doesn't seem too bad, but when in go to university, ill take my notebook with me. i'll type (if i want to) while hearing what the prof is saying... but it happens more that occasionally that "he" loses track about what he's saying... that gives me time to look over what i just wrote... and besides, OUR profs don't always go through the topic in a reasonable way, by far not. five minutes on topic, 10 minutes off topic.
as i already stated, that gives me time to look over my notes, arrange my ideas and so on. that is not possible with your setup. that's what a NOTEBOOK is made for. i can use the time much more efficiently. and if i have a timegap between two lectures, i can work on other things, complete my notes etc. etc.... all of which is not possible on your iphone (yea, not right now) ....
why did you buy a laptop if you don't take it with to in order to use its advantages?

and finally, i would feel really stupid just carrying a keyboard with me, i'd feel like a uber nerd ;)

PS: i got the typing skills, don't worry ;)

concerning the "netbook" topic... it's fake, of course.

The whole just whipping a keyboard out of my bag as opposed to a laptop will not go unnoticed, and when the ladies ask or give a funny look you can say you're just inputting it directly into your brain, as long as you're not the uber nerd to go along with such a move you could get laid from it.

[yizzle0912]

Probably not real, but I really want it be... My old 12" Powerbook is getting slower and slower, I want a new tiny MacBook:D

[manhattanboy]

Probably not real, but I really want it be... My old 12" Powerbook is getting slower and slower, I want a new tiny MacBook:D

There's always the Air.
But if apple releases this thing I have a feeling that both the Air and the regular macbook would end up as none existent products

[AppleOrb]

I don't know why apple would want to create a small 10 inch notebook when they already have the macbook air. Apple said they would never want to compromise on keyboard size and screen size in a light weight notebook when they created the air. I can see a market for a sub $1000 netbook like device with a touch screen being attractive though.

[Michael CM1]

I really hope this is a fake, mainly so I don't have to hear people cry about how netbooks don't cost $899 (imo, they do if they're from :apple:). Also, I want it to be fake, because I don't want a netbook. I'd rather see a 10" touchscreen tablet.

Sorry, but an $899 netbook totally negates the point of one. They're made to be low-cost computers for people who basically want basic Internet usability, e-mail and office suite stuff. In other words, probably not most people who are on here. Now some on here might buy a similar product as an additional computer to travel with, but I don't forsee many people on a Mac forum buying bare bones notebooks. Also, the $100 price difference for an entry-level model just isn't enticing enough.

[NT1440]

I would love it to have a form factor such as this.

Good luck typing on the onscreen keyboard with your 5 inch thumbs:p

[kzin]

I don't know why apple would want to create a small 10 inch notebook when they already have the macbook air.

If you actually read this thread, you'll understand that the Air doesn't qualify for the product niche of a netbook. It's too big and overkill for the use profile and size of a netbook. It's also way too expensive.

The MacBook Air isn't an ultra-mobile (as someone else suggested), it's just a thin version of a dinosaur-book.

[kzin]

Good luck typing on the onscreen keyboard with your 5 inch thumbs:p

http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/samsung-q1-2.jpg

That's how you handle a virtual keyboard on a 7" - 10" tablet. Just re-imagine it in an Apple style. And a bit more translucent.

[yizzle0912]

The air IS nice... But I like the small footprint of a 12" PB, audio in, multiple USB ports, ethernet, firewire, and optical drive. I just think that the MBA is not full-featured enough and isn't small enough. So if my PB died, I'd pick up a new MacBook.

[leonstafford]

If this is real, it will make me feel a lot better for deciding to buy an MSI Wind U100 to use as a Hackintosh.

I can pick one up for $300 used in Japan with 2GB Ram, 160GB HDD and often with decent memory, overclocked to about 1.8Ghz.

With native support for all it's hardware in OS X including wifi and web camera, Apple would really have to offer something in the same universe (price-wise) to get any netbook marketshare.

I love Apple, have invested heavily in their previous models, but funked if I will buy another one until they lower their prices.

Hackintosh rules!　

[gcmexico]

I see no point for this... unless it's a touch table why would able make another laptop?

[jamesryanbell]

I see no point for this... unless it's a touch table why would able make another laptop?

My thoughts exactly.

[AppleOrb]

If you actually read this thread, you'll understand that the Air doesn't qualify for the product niche of a netbook. It's too big and overkill for the use profile and size of a netbook. It's also way too expensive.

The MacBook Air isn't an ultra-mobile (as someone else suggested), it's just a thin version of a dinosaur-book.

I never said the air was a netbook. This product wouldn't qualify in my opinion as an ultra-mobile netbook either though. A 10 inch notebook with a full size keyboard is still way too big.

I see something more like the Sony P-Series as an ultra-mobile netbook. It's really small and fits in your coat pocket. Although one could argue that why would you need such a device when you already have the iPhone?

I just don't understand why people really need netbooks? An iPhone is way smaller and does pretty much everything a netbook does and more.

[dawnraid]

Im calling fake on the macbook mini, The keys have the same shadows on them, sorry its not the greatest of comparisons in terms of the contrast being the same, but you can see the similarities especially the white dots on the "P" keys aswell as the vertical shadows on the "Y" Keys.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7640/59449806.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/my.php?image=59449806.jpg)

[NT1440]

http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/samsung-q1-2.jpg

That's how you handle a virtual keyboard on a 7" - 10" tablet. Just re-imagine it in an Apple style. And a bit more translucent.

Not very user friendly, unless apple dreams up something thatll really knock your socks off ease of use wise, thats not going to be implemented in any form.

[vvebsta]

If this is real, it will make me feel a lot better for deciding to buy an MSI Wind U100 to use as a Hackintosh.

I can pick one up for $300 used in Japan with 2GB Ram, 160GB HDD and often with decent memory, overclocked to about 1.8Ghz.

With native support for all it's hardware in OS X including wifi and web camera, Apple would really have to offer something in the same universe (price-wise) to get any netbook marketshare.

I love Apple, have invested heavily in their previous models, but funked if I will buy another one until they lower their prices.

Hackintosh rules!　

Is this really possible? I'd be all over this! :D

[tosui]

I don't know why apple would want to create a small 10 inch notebook when they already have the macbook air. Apple said they would never want to compromise on keyboard size and screen size in a light weight notebook when they created the air. I can see a market for a sub $1000 netbook like device with a touch screen being attractive though.

Yeah, isn't it funny how this MBA-knockoff is exactly what Jobs & co. said they *didn't* want to do, for a number of reasons.

A watered-down laptop that also manages to be a lamea$$ netbook?

Yeah, that sounds exactly like the "ideas" that Apple has said they're working on. Highly doubtful.

[xraydoc]

I agree - fake. But, without reading all 16 pages of posts, I'll chime in and say I'd love a MacOS-based netbook. I've got a $300 Asus netbook (running XP) and it comes in very handy some times. I'd even pay ~$600 for an Apple, but not $899. No thanks.

[freshbread]

This little blurb is poorly written.

I really enjoy how well composed the macrumors site is. It really elevates to the level of a journalistic venue with even handed, thoughtful items.

This bit, though, was not up to par.

[jmccullough108]

What a joke.

[eastercat]

Sorry, but an $899 netbook totally negates the point of one. They're made to be low-cost computers for people who basically want basic Internet usability, e-mail and office suite stuff. In other words, probably not most people who are on here. Now some on here might buy a similar product as an additional computer to travel with, but I don't forsee many people on a Mac forum buying bare bones notebooks. Also, the $100 price difference for an entry-level model just isn't enticing enough.
When it comes to netbook pricing, Apple is all about "think different". :D

Seriously, I'd love to see Apple release a sub-$500 netbook. I'd even buy one eventually. However, expecting Apple to release a low profit margin/loss leader computer is unrealistic.
That's why I think it's more realistic to expect a tablet, because there won't be price expectations from certain people--who will most likely be disappointed.

[vuille]

Apple will make a new line of netbooks and release them by mid to late summer. The reason? There are several existing netbooks that can seamlessly run OSX, and even a commercial website offering such netbooks, for a cost of between $500-600. Apple could easily produce a netbook slightly more powerful and better designed than these that would sell for under $800. In the first year they could sell a million units easily, so why wouldn't they? It would look like a miniature macbook air, have a ten inch LED screen, and probably a speeded-up atom processor and a solid state drive. Apple quality at that price point would jump off the shelves.

[MagnusVonMagnum]

$899 = not entering the netbook market

again, no such device could fit into the product line. Nope. Sorry. Not happening.

You've pretty much convinced me it WILL be happening. Sorry, but that's the definition of Apple since Steve came back. Overpriced and underpowered...but they're 'pretty' so it's OK. :rolleyes:

[chstr]

Apple will make a new line of netbooks and release them by mid to late summer. The reason? There are several existing netbooks that can seamlessly run OSX, and even a commercial website offering such netbooks, for a cost of between $500-600. Apple could easily produce a netbook slightly more powerful and better designed than these that would sell for under $800. In the first year they could sell a million units easily, so why wouldn't they? It would look like a miniature macbook air, have a ten inch LED screen, and probably a speeded-up atom processor and a solid state drive. Apple quality at that price point would jump off the shelves.

what website is offering a netbook with osx?

[kzin]

what website is offering a netbook with osx?

He didn't say that. He said there are netbooks that seamlessly run OS X, not that anyone is selling them that way.

The Dell Mini 9, for example, is apparently a perfect hackintosh platform (I wouldn't know, haven't tried it).

The HP Mini 1000 is apparently almost able to do it ... and apparently looks rather pretty when doing so. (again, I haven't tried it)

[chstr]

There are several existing netbooks that can seamlessly run OSX, and even a commercial website offering such netbooks,

He didn't say that. He said there are netbooks that seamlessly run OS X, not that anyone is selling them that way.

:confused:

[podiki]

Personally, I can't see the attraction with only a *reported* $100 difference in price between this and the low-end MB. If as the pic shows they made it in Aluminum it would be cool. But, are people so concerned with size that they'd got for this when for $100 more they could get a 13" screen?

Well, I would choose the good 10" over a ***** 13" screen... Interesting machine though, sounds great for travelling. If only it wasn't fake.

[bloodycape]

Just as a note the HP Mini 2140 comes with a 80gb ssd option and can run OSX reasonably well with a few driver adjustments and now comes with an HD screen option all for under $550 or so. Also of note, people are having trouble install OSX on devices running the Atom Z line of chips, mainly because of the GMA500 as OSX doesn't support it, and to a lesser extent the Z chip is also not being properly supported in OSX(or so the Viao P guys mention).

[4np]

....duplicate....

[4np]

http://i44.tinypic.com/2l9k1ax.jpg
:D

Haha, you're right about that ;) Hmm..... I wonder who draws up those pattent images and if they still got their job? ;)

[iMaggot]

Lol this is so fake :p

[Shagrat]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

April Fools!!!

er, it's 31st March...:confused:

[Patcoola]

i'd stay with the asus eee thank you

[steve31]

I also think that these pics are fake. But I would say that Apple must come out with a netbook soon. There is a huge market that they are missing out on. I would guess that we will see a netbook from Apple before the end of summer. Its my guess that it would be sold for 700-1000 range like the Sony P. I will be the first in line for one....I have wanted a ultraportable from Apple that is smaller than the 13inch MBA for web and email. I have the Sony P and love it but it would be better with OSX.

[Adrien24]

This is 100% APRIL FOOLS BY MACRUMORS + ORIGIN!
:D

[bloodycape]

I just don't understand why people really need netbooks? An iPhone is way smaller and does pretty much everything a netbook does and more.

For many people they need the use of multi-tasking like having a pdf or powerpoint open while using word or openoffice to take notes.

BTW for those who say 10in netbooks are a little large the Lenovo S10 and the HP mini series are both 10in devices and are closer to size of many 9in netbooks.

[iSamurai]

haha, this would really be great if it hadn't been april fools...

I'd so want to get this! i only have 1 computer now, a plastic macbook, which is maxed out in RAM, but i am thinking of splitting the job up to desktop and laptop, coz an imac would be nice to have everything on and have the capacity to run the apps while a netbook would be light enough to carry it to uni or wherever... coz the current macbook is too large and heavy to carry it around to get some work done -- then you have to carry the charger as well... not to mention the books -- and there's no place to put them in uni besides my own bag :P

the only problem is that if apple were to sell this at 899, it would defeat the purpose of a "netbook" in the first place.

[leonstafford]

Is this really possible? I'd be all over this! :D

Totally!

I and now most of my friends run Hackintoshes as our main machines.

You have to be sure to have compatible hardware, but nice examples are the netbooks like Dell Mini 9 and MSI Wind U100.

A good resource is insanelymac.com forums and Google:)

[scottness]

My wife would kill me if i get one of those for over $500. I want one, though.

[kzin]

:confused:

You're right, I should have read that other person's post more closely.

No one is selling them with OS X _legally_ pre-installed. I suspect that as soon as the lawsuit against that one company (pystar? something like that) finishes, that anyone selling non-apple netbooks with OS X on them will quickly exit that market. But, that wont mean that the DIY hackintosh netbooks will go away.

And, that's really the reason Apple SHOULD enter the netbook market. There are Apple customers who want netbooks. They want them badly enough that they'll go the hackintosh route. That means some hardware vendor other than Apple is getting the hardware money in that sale (even if it is very low margin, it's still there). It also means one more reported sale for Windows and/or Ubuntu, altering the marketshare stats away from Apple even though these are OS X users. And all Apple has to do to capture those sales numbers is release a product in that market segment, because the "OS X netbook" customers already exist.

[obiwan]

Is it only me who thinks that the width of the number '1' key is way too thin?

Why would the other number keys be standard width? - This does not make any sense. - If it is photoshopped - the photoshopper should have made the backspace key a bit thinner, and shifted all the other keys along. Making enough room for the correct width key.

Looks like he/she couldn't be bothered.

http://9to5mac.com/files/image/00000/attachment-3.jpg

[iCantwait]

wouldnt you just call it MacBook Air? just like the two MBPs?

[kzin]

wouldnt you just call it MacBook Air? just like the two MBPs?

Except that the MacBook Air already exists, and is way too big (and expensive) to be a viable candidate for the netbook market.

[jouster]

A watered-down laptop that also manages to be a lamea$$ netbook?

Yeah, that sounds exactly like the "ideas" that Apple has said they're working on. Highly doubtful.

What "ideas" have Apple said they're working on?

[Bubba Satori]

What "ideas" have Apple said they're working on?


Thin and stylish ?

[cswiger1]

What "ideas" have Apple said they're working on?

As far as I know, Apple hasn't said much about specific "ideas." They just said they had some, and that they are working on them. I think the original poster was just saying that this thing is too lame to be Apples "next big thing."

I'm sure someone else on here could give you the exact quote about the "ideas," and then be able to extrapolate on any allusions anyone has made to the specifics of said "idea."

[Sehnsucht]

Fake or not, this is the "netbook" that Apple would make (if they made one).

Blehhh...that's why I hope they don't. 1 USB port + no optical drive + no FireWire + Atom = blehhh. ;)

[Sehnsucht]

I also think that these pics are fake. But I would say that Apple must come out with a netbook soon. There is a huge market that they are missing out on. I would guess that we will see a netbook from Apple before the end of summer. Its my guess that it would be sold for 700-1000 range like the Sony P. I will be the first in line for one....I have wanted a ultraportable from Apple that is smaller than the 13inch MBA for web and email. I have the Sony P and love it but it would be better with OSX.

Sorry, I don't get it. :confused: Why do people even buy computers "for web and email" anymore? I hear this at work from customers all the time--- "Is this a good computer? All I'm going to be doing is checking my email." If that's really, truly all you're going to be using it for, you should just get an iPhone or a BlackBerry instead...or hell even an iPod touch...instead of an underpowered little netbook with an Atom processor that renders it pretty much useless. 1.x GHz anything is 5 years ago. :cool:

[vuille]

http://osx86clones.com/

Check out the above website. Fantastic stuff--they don't support piracy, you have to buy a copy of leopard or attest to owning a legit copy. They're asking for a call from Apple's attorneys, but all the same, the best defense for apple is to come out with their own netbook, competitively priced. (For Apple, that means not more than about twice what everybody else is charging.)

[dazzer21]

I'm not going to trawl though the whole thread, but has anyone else noticed the the word 'mini' is in a different/smaller typeface than 'MacBook'?

[cswiger1]

Sorry, I don't get it. :confused: Why do people even buy computers "for web and email" anymore? I hear this at work from customers all the time--- "Is this a good computer? All I'm going to be doing is checking my email." If that's really, truly all you're going to be using it for, you should just get an iPhone or a BlackBerry instead...or hell even an iPod touch...instead of an underpowered little netbook with an Atom processor that renders it pretty much useless. 1.x GHz anything is 5 years ago. :cool:

I understand why you and others wouldn't have a use for a small underspeced computer, thats only for the internet because I don't want one either, and I already have a Macbook; but I also understand why someone else would want one. I can't really imagine only owning an ipod touch for portable internet when I could have a full keyboard and a screen that I can actually read. I think this is where those rumored 10" itouch whatevers will help fill in some gaps: portable internet on a compact device. and hopefully a bluetooth keyboard. Of course it's all speculation; But I see it as a much more practical option if its affordable to those who can't buy a notebook, but still want to do a little mobile computing/web surfing.

[iSee]

My wife would kill me if i get one of those for over $500. I want one, though.

Yes, but would she bury you with it? Worth it. :D

[kzin]

Sorry, I don't get it. :confused: Why do people even buy computers "for web and email" anymore? I hear this at work from customers all the time--- "Is this a good computer? All I'm going to be doing is checking my email." If that's really, truly all you're going to be using it for, you should just get an iPhone or a BlackBerry instead...or hell even an iPod touch...instead of an underpowered little netbook with an Atom processor that renders it pretty much useless. 1.x GHz anything is 5 years ago. :cool:

I don't get why people keep suggesting that someone who wants a 7"-10" screen device for web and email should instead get a 2"-3" screen device. It's like the person making that suggestion isn't even paying attention.


I know what I want, from experience. 2"-4" is too small for all of my email/web/rss/notes/IM needs. Sure, for the very basics, my G1 is fine for that, and I use it for that (and for those who don't need a physical keyboard, I'm sure the iPhone is an acceptable substitute for the G1). But there are definitely things where I need to pull out something bigger. I need more screen, I need to type more/faster than thumb typing allows, etc..

(also, from interacting with people who use their iPhone or iPod Touch for IM, the IM options for that platform are pretty abysmal)

But, I don't need a laptop for it. A laptop is definitely overkill for what I want/need. From experience, a 7"-10" screen device is just about perfect for what I need to be doing when I'm not at my desk, but also need more than my phone. An iPhone, iPod Touch, or Blackberry (or even my G1) is not going to fulfill this need. Their input is too limited, and their display is too small.

The one exception would be that I will soon be able to use the Redfly device with my G1. That would give me a bigger screen and keyboard to use with my G1. But that doesn't really fulfill the role of "I'd like an Apple product in this space". When the Refly software becomes available, I will hopefully be able to use any linux netbook with my G1, in this manner.

What I REALLY want to see from Apple is:

1) a 7" - 10" ultra-mobile device (tablet, convertible/swivel screen netbook, netbook; USB+DisplayPort and/or docking port for attaching KVM; SSD and/or HDD options; Wifi; SDHC card slot; some sort of 3G option; runs Mac OS X (full or iPhone))
2) ability to use Redfly (device or software) with the iPhone and/or iPod Touch
3) Refly software for full Mac OS X, and for the 7"-10" ultra-mobile device (regardless of whether that device runs full OS X, or iPhone OS X), so that I can use it to control any redfly compatible phone (including the iPhone, if #2 is fulfilled).

[Sehnsucht]

Why would they only put one USB port??? especially after they just put five on the mac mini... Just because it has mini in the name doesn't mean "bare bone" I mean come on, its still an apple product... Lets face it, this is just an early April Fools Joke.... Ha Ha

Well, Apple is running out of USB ports...after adding an extra on the mini and one more on the iMacs, supply is getting a bit low. :D :D :D :D

[chequepoint]

I love my macs.. but own an Asus 1000HE running ubuntu configured to act reasonably like OSX. I do this not because I wish it were running OSX, but because I like continuity in my workflow, so the Minimize/Maximize/Close buttons are on the left hand side, I'm using dock launcher, etc.

That said, I bought the Asus because as the economy is getting worse, crime is going up, and I don't need to be carrying around a $1500 machine with a big white glowing "Mug this guy" light on the back of it everywhere I go.
Especially on a college campus...

The $350-375 price point is key. At $899, I'd rather just have my macbook. At $350, if someone steals it, I'll be sad, but not devastated.

The 1000HE is an amazing machine for typing, email, spreadsheets, powerpoint, and web surfing. Those activities account for 99% of my my "Day" work. Ubuntu lets me do those with the elegance of OSX, without violating an EULA and dealing with the general instability of most hackintosh situations.

I don't think apple can win in the netbook market... If they offer it too close to the macbook price points, it will cannibalize macbook sales. If its priced too close to the high end ipod touch, it will hurt the perceived value of that product.. Like the macbook air, there isn't a neat little price point for it to fill in the product line. Its like porsche trying to come out with a model to compete with the ford focus.. All it will do is devalue the brand. Sure they'll sell some units, but at the expense of other sales..

[iPhoneNYC]

I'd vote fake.

[teme]

I really doubt that Apple will enter to the netbook segment... it doesn't fit to their "overprice everything" logic. Surely some people would buy Apple's netbook with 899 dollar price tag, but it wouldn't be competitive against 399 dollar netbooks. The success of netbooks is based on their affordable low prices.

[McDughf]

Have we already forgotten about the hundreds if not thousands of post calling the new Mac Mini fake :rolleyes: no one here has any creditability at all!

Yeah, And Said Photo "Experts" who analysed and even drew lines and stuff on the shots just to prove they were "fake".... CSI WannaBees.

[jouster]

I don't get why people keep suggesting that someone who wants a 7"-10" screen device for web and email should instead get a 2"-3" screen device. It's like the person making that suggestion isn't even paying attention.

[...]

But, I don't need a laptop for it. A laptop is definitely overkill for what I want/need. From experience, a 7"-10" screen device is just about perfect for what I need to be doing when I'm not at my desk, but also need more than my phone. An iPhone, iPod Touch, or Blackberry (or even my G1) is not going to fulfill this need. Their input is too limited, and their display is too small.



++

However, it seems that the entire MID industry is making a poor fist of getting people to pay attention to its products.

I want what kzin wants because:

1. My computing needs are, like those of many people, modest. I can accomplish them with a modest device.

2. I want it to be a Mac so I can retain compatibility with my AppleTV, iPhone and existing software.

3. I want it to be 7" so I can put it in my pocket. Portability to me means that you can use the device while standing on the subway or even walking on the street, at least to an extent. Laptops don't allow this. It also means that you don't have to use a bag or briefcase if you don't want to. Right now, when I travel on business, my MacBook is virtually the only thing in my case. I don't use printed paper. I'd love to have one less thing to worry about carrying around or dropping or forgetting.

4. I believe Apple's announcements for iPhone OS 3.0 open the door for hardware peripherals, potentially allowing me to plug a small device into a screen and keyboard when I need to, but then use it as a standalone when I don't have access to a desk. My computing experience thus becomes seamless, requiring no syncs except for whatever backup solution I choose.

[Anonymous Freak]

Well, Apple is running out of USB ports...after adding an extra on the mini and one more on the iMacs, supply is getting a bit low. :D :D :D :D

Heck, they could (and I hope they *DO* soon) ship with Wireless USB. Wipe the USB port completely off the Air. Combined with the already-existing Wireless HDMI, and Bluetooth A2DP for audio, and we don't need *ANY* ports behind that little door. Wipe the door off the Air completely.

Then add in the inductive 'wireless power' charging, and we have a completely cable-free laptop. While we're at it, seal the puppy up. Make it a 100% sealed, waterproof unit.

In all seriousness, I do hope Apple adopts Wireless USB soon. The Air is nice and all, but I would like to just plop it down, plug in power, and wirelessly connect to my peripherals. There are already "Certified Wireless USB" hubs, that you plug in to power, so it could power your USB devices; just set your computer down near it, and voila, all connected up. Would work just fine for an iPod or iPhone, or any other 'requires power, can't be networked' USB device. Obviously, things like the AirPort base station allow the network-ization of storage and printers; but the hard drives connected this way still don't count as 'local' for things like iMovie. Wireless USB is full-speed, so you could use a W-USB-connected drive for iMovie, no problem.

[butterfly0fdoom]

I think the picture is fake, but I think it's close to what Apple would make. Now, I do think Apple should use the blockier design of the normal MB/MBP instead of the MBA since that would allow for more ports, but in terms of the width and depth, that probably would be what a MBm would be like. Probably something about the width of the 12" PowerBook since with a thick bezel, you'd get a 10" screen, give or take). Which would be about the width of the keyboard.

[rdowty]

It would probably be smart of them to make one. I'd probably snag one for $800 or less. I don't know I'd be in the market for one for more than that though. If they made them cheap they might be able to use it like they did the iPhone as a way to convert more PC users. If the battery life was really good I could see more people having a netbook on the go and a desktop at home instead of having one machine doing both tasks.

[Fraghax]

"I love my macs.. but own an Asus 1000HE running ubuntu configured to act reasonably like OSX. I do this not because I wish it were running OSX, but because I like continuity in my workflow, so the Minimize/Maximize/Close buttons are on the left hand side, I'm using dock launcher, etc.

That said, I bought the Asus because as the economy is getting worse, crime is going up, and I don't need to be carrying around a $1500 machine with a big white glowing "Mug this guy" light on the back of it everywhere I go.
Especially on a college campus...

The $350-375 price point is key. At $899, I'd rather just have my macbook. At $350, if someone steals it, I'll be sad, but not devastated.

The 1000HE is an amazing machine for typing, email, spreadsheets, powerpoint, and web surfing. Those activities account for 99% of my my "Day" work. Ubuntu lets me do those with the elegance of OSX, without violating an EULA and dealing with the general instability of most hackintosh situations.

I don't think apple can win in the netbook market... If they offer it too close to the macbook price points, it will cannibalize macbook sales. If its priced too close to the high end ipod touch, it will hurt the perceived value of that product.. Like the macbook air, there isn't a neat little price point for it to fill in the product line. Its like porsche trying to come out with a model to compete with the ford focus.. All it will do is devalue the brand. Sure they'll sell some units, but at the expense of other sales.."

Paranoid much? I dont think I would base my computer decision on crime rate. :confused::D

[scottness]

Heck, they could (and I hope they *DO* soon) ship with Wireless USB. Wipe the USB port completely off the Air. Combined with the already-existing Wireless HDMI, and Bluetooth A2DP for audio, and we don't need *ANY* ports behind that little door. Wipe the door off the Air completely.


That would be an excellent move. I hate wires.

[Minimoose 360]

We don't need anyone else to tell us it's a fake...

What's up with all this netbook hype anyway?

[A La Fizzykil]

We don't need anyone else to tell us it's a fake...

What's up with all this netbook hype anyway?

Most people buy a netbook as something to keep under the couch to look up something on tv, stuff like that :)

[scottness]

Most people buy a netbook as something to keep under the couch to look up something on tv, stuff like that :)

I would use it for work. Most of which is communications.

[polaris20]

"I love my macs.. but own an Asus 1000HE running ubuntu configured to act reasonably like OSX. I do this not because I wish it were running OSX, but because I like continuity in my workflow, so the Minimize/Maximize/Close buttons are on the left hand side, I'm using dock launcher, etc.

That said, I bought the Asus because as the economy is getting worse, crime is going up, and I don't need to be carrying around a $1500 machine with a big white glowing "Mug this guy" light on the back of it everywhere I go.
Especially on a college campus...

The $350-375 price point is key. At $899, I'd rather just have my macbook. At $350, if someone steals it, I'll be sad, but not devastated.

The 1000HE is an amazing machine for typing, email, spreadsheets, powerpoint, and web surfing. Those activities account for 99% of my my "Day" work. Ubuntu lets me do those with the elegance of OSX, without violating an EULA and dealing with the general instability of most hackintosh situations.

I don't think apple can win in the netbook market... If they offer it too close to the macbook price points, it will cannibalize macbook sales. If its priced too close to the high end ipod touch, it will hurt the perceived value of that product.. Like the macbook air, there isn't a neat little price point for it to fill in the product line. Its like porsche trying to come out with a model to compete with the ford focus.. All it will do is devalue the brand. Sure they'll sell some units, but at the expense of other sales.."

Paranoid much? I dont think I would base my computer decision on crime rate. :confused::D

How's the keyboard? My boss has the 1000HD, and the whole friggin' keyboard flexes when you type; really irritating.

Otherwise it plays video just fine, does the Office thing just fine, does the admin stuff he needs it for while traveling, etc.

[A La Fizzykil]

I would use it for work. Most of which is communications.

A netbook would be ideal to present clients with design concepts as well, to take notes in a meeting, etc. Real basic stuff, but with a netbook that is much more handy.

[scottness]

A netbook would be ideal to present clients with design concepts as well, to take notes in a meeting, etc. Real basic stuff, but with a netbook that is much more handy.

Absolutely. There's a huge value in portability for lower end apps that don't require much processing power. I would like to see a lower price tag, though.

[A La Fizzykil]

Absolutely. There's a huge value in portability for lower end apps that don't require much processing power. I would like to see a lower price tag, though.

I agree, a lower price tag would be amazing, but that's just not Apple's market and/or style. Honestly, I am not sure that a $700-800 netbook can be justified, though I know Apple can get away with it. Macs are expensive because they work, and mainly because of the OS. But I just cannot see the OS being worth that much.

It would be interesting to see if Apple puts up a sorta App store for the netbook.

[garylapointe]

It's gotta be fake.

They need a few hundred cheaper model if they want the market. Less SSD but a way to (internally) insert in more memory, and he world will go mac...

I haven't noticed a weight on it.

To clarify, I'll take one if it's real.

Gary

[scottness]

It would be interesting to see if Apple puts up a sorta App store for the netbook.

I'm not sure I'm up for that... That's fine if I can still install my own apps, but I wouldn't want the OS crippled to the point I can't add my own stuff without the app store. It's fine for the iPhone, but I would like a fully functioning OS. Not sure if that's what you were thinking.

[Firefly2002]

Atom? ********.

[mag2001]

I would buy one.!!!!!:D

[pr5owner]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220386

Asus N10
Comes with either Vista Or XP (Or whatever linux distro you want OR OSX)
Intel atom 1.6GHz
10.2” WVGA Screen
nVidia 9300 with 256MB DETICATED NOT SHARED (whats funny is the 9300 is slightly underclocked compared to the 9400 but with nvidia’s OWN driver/software you can just reclock it back to 9400 specs)
2GB of ram
320GB 5400RPM HDD
3.5LBS
1.3MP web Camera
Gigabit LAN
Wireless N
Express Card slot (im assuming 34 express card)
3x USB Ports
1x VGA Port
1x HDMI (YES HDMI ON A NETBOOK!)
Altec Lansing speakers (doesn’t mean much, all notebook speakers blow)
1 year accidental warranty (if you break it, they still replace it)
2 Years parts and labor warranty (apple has never offered 2 years out of the box no strings)
30 day zero bright dot


Looks like apple is a little late on this, this netbook came out August of 2008 and has multiple refreshes (new HW more ram, hdd, ect)

also i noticed, DDR3 at 800MHz? WHAT IS THE POINT? DDR3 is near useless without the memory controller on the CPU (IE, AMD 64 and beyond and Core i7s)

EDIT: im posting this netbook becuase people are saying a netbook with a deticated card doesnt exist (well it does, and it did last year too)

[ecoons]

That would be an excellent move. I hate wires.

What about charging it? Induction charging?

[pr5owner]

What about charging it? Induction charging?

tesla coil charging, charges you up too!

[abriwin]

Probably a fake but seeing as it's already possibly to run MacOSX on the MSI Wind and Dell Mini 9 with almost no problems and on an Acer Aspire one with some patching I see no reason why Mac couldn't pull a rabbit out of the hat for spring.
My wife has a 13" iBook and my daughter has an Aspire one running Ubuntu 8.10 and to be honest the Aspire is built as well as if not better than the iBook. It's a solid little machine with no problems. So if those 3 machines can run MacOSX with hardly any problems on the Atom processor theres no reason why Mac couldn't bring out a similar machine and at a competitive price.
I have to add that if it were just a matter of buying a copy of OSX to make it legal on the Aspire one and Mac dont bring out their own version of a netbook soon, I'd be very happy running OSX on an Aspire one. Three usb ports, 2 memory chip ports and ethernet, fantastic machine for the price, maybe Mac just can't match the price or just can't be bothered?

[scottness]

It's gotta be a fake... but you know we all want one.

Give me lower price points and I'll buy this fake!

[pr5owner]

It's a solid little machine with no problems. So if those 3 machines can run MacOSX with hardly any problems on the Atom processor theres no reason why Mac couldn't bring out a similar machine and at a competitive price.


Apple cannot bring out a cheap machine, its because they are a "Luxury brand" and dont want to be associated with "Cheap"

[OrangeSVTguy]

April Fools... well kinda early though.

Mac MiniBook FTW.

Would be cool to finally have OSX on a finally supported hardware on a platform of this size. Still has a large ass bezel around it though... :confused:. But I guess that only makes the laptop with larger footprint for a better sized keyboard?

[Drag'nGT]

We called the Mini pics fake a while back and tried to show that the photos were choped only to find out it was real.

[maxvamp]

I know it is a very far reach, but with the recent rumor that Snow Leopard may indeed have PowerPC support, AND the following snippet I found in an article about HP's interest in the Android OS ( due to Vista's size and price ) I really have to wonder.

Android is used on smartphones like HTC Corp's G1. Chipmaker Freescale, which recently began making chips for netbooks, plans to expand its offering to include chipsets for Android.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20090401/tc_nm/us_google_hp_1


I know Intel and Apple are in bed together, and I would lay money that this project, if it comes to light, would use the Atom, but I have to ponder the thought that if FreeScale is making inroads on the NetBook, there must be some advantage over the Atom, and as such may make it nessesary for Apple to adopt the same path...

Just WILD Speculation...

Max.

[iMacmatician]

with the recent rumor that Snow Leopard may indeed have PowerPC supportI can't seem to find that rumor, where is it?

[maxvamp]

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=495801

Max. :D

[iMacmatician]

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=495801

Max. :DThat was from last year.

[maxvamp]

Sorry about that. Someone recently revived the thread, and I did not notice that it was a very old thread.

Max.

[niblum10]

I certain it's fake (well, almost certain). Would the rumored 10 inch touch screens work well on something like this?

[frjonah]

I can only say that I hope it, or a similar product, will come on the market. If apple can get their price-points low enough to get more osx users, I believe their market share would grow even more (forgive the obviousness of this statement - I mean that former PC users would likely become long term converts to Macism...) Even the iTouch had that effect on me when I got the 1st gen. last year... Eight months from my first purchase and I now own the iTouch 2G, Mac Mini and recently upgraded to the Unibody MBP (typing on it now)... absolutely no regrets. There's something to be said for apple design, and a lot to be said for the awesomeness of OSX! I rarely even turn my PCs on any more.

With the exception of my recent airport extreme setup issues (I still can't access the AEBS from any of my networked PCs), my Mac experience has been near perfect :apple:

And, even though it's a far cry from a 17" laptop for $1K (or whatever...), the timing would be great to counter that lame PC add.

I'm a Mac (and, rarely/regrettably, a PC) ...

O.jonah.campbell

[scottness]

What about charging it? Induction charging?

lol. can't have everything, but I do hate a cluttered desktop.

[iMacmatician]

searhYou could try looking at the posts right above you. ;)

[HWM-ITC-Obs]

Fake, apple wouldn't install AdiumX and World Of Warcraft on a promotional laptop. Also, if they would really utilize the Atom processor to create a netbook kind of device I somehow think it would be running the multitouch OS X on a tablet kind of device instead of regular OS X on a shrunken MacBook. But that's just a hunch of course :)

http://9to5mac.com/files/image/00000/attachment-2.jpg

There are seveal logical reasons related to Marketing or/and TechSpecs that lead to think that this is fake.

But there are also reasons within the pic-"proofs".

The most apparent for me is, through the re-layout of the keyboard, the brackets-key left from "1", first key second row from above left.

Even in this high-res pic you can notice a grey gradient break left from the brackets, due to unproper Photoshop-work while narrowing some keys from the MacBook keyboard-pic. Just look precisely... ;-)

[PaperMacWriter]

This is absolutely fake, and if Apple were to make a netbook, this would be far from it. First off, the screen would be bigger. Apple will not make a netbook with a cramped keyboard, eliminating this right off the bat. To have a full-size keyboard, the screen would need to be 11.46". The Air is their "ultra-thin" notebook, costing more to make, and something smaller, lighter, and cheaper than it would either replace it, or never happen. This would look more like a Poly-Carbonate MacBook was shrunk in the dryer(DON"T TRY THAT AT HOME). Second, Apple would not put an aluminum unibody in something intended to be a cheaper solution. I would expect a poly-carbonate case, and replacing their cheapest MacBook with their netbook (the netbook would be a lower price, obviously). Third, this is underpowered. I think Apple wants more than the Intel Atom has to offer. I would expect an Intel Core 2 Solo processor(confusing name, I know) an 1.6GHz. And it would cost about $749. This will probably never happen of course, but its fun to fantasize...
SG :apple:

[nutritious]

looks interesting, but it looks too thin to have any USB ports.

[iphonerain]

Not for that price - although the battery capacity is attractive in this 'rendering.' This can't be real.