Apple Touchscreen Netbook to Launch in October at $800?

[JohnnyLemonhead]

More ridiculous than people with Bluetooth headsets?

No one should wear a BT headset unless they are at home or in the car. They should never, ever be worn in public unless you are seated comfortably inside your car. Ever.

[MikeDTyke]

iBook Touch implies that it has a cover and opens like a book.

Why not just iTouch or inTouch?

Because Saturday Night Live will rip them to shreds if they use the name iTouch. :D

Who's to say that it won't have a cover and open like a book. Glass screen of that size you might appreciate a cover.

[Tallest Skil]

Unless you have ACTUALLY spent time with a netbook I would refrain from commenting as it is pointless.

I agree.

Why spout-off about your dislike for netbooks and spew completely false and ignorant comments about the current status of netbooks? Does it make you feel better? Were you somehow 'wronged' by netbooks and vowed to get back at them at all cost?

I have used them, they are worthless for any real work. Please refrain from insulting me, attacking me, or claiming falsehoods about me when you haven't a clue. Thanks.

[polaris20]

Have you USED a netbook? Do you OWN one? I have one that dual-boots both OS X and Windows 7 and they BOTH run extremely well on my Acer Atom n271 processor, 1.5GB RAM and 160GB HD with 6-cell battery. What are you talking about - it only works for internet work? Unless you have ACTUALLY spent time with a netbook I would refrain from commenting as it is pointless.

I run CS3 on Windows and CS2 on OS X with great results. Is it fast like a MacBook or MBA? Not at all - is it silly slow to the point of un-usability? Not at all. It is a fine notebook for the price and compared to my 17" PowerBook G4 1.33GHz with 1GB RAM and 100GB HD - it is similar in performance. Why knock it when you must not have tried it...Office and Photo Shop do well on a netbook and would most likely work well on the new TouchBook - provided it runs a version of OS X or SL other than the iPhone OS 3.x or the version that is available at the time of release.

If you have used a netbook it was not a current generation netbook as the new(er) netbooks with Atom CPU and at least a gigabyte of memory run very well. Compared to the Asus EeePC the new netbooks run circles around them - as you would expect. I say the new netbook line runs just as well as a 4-5-year old iBook or PB G4 of 1GHz or even slightly faster with like RAM and HD specifications.

Why spout-off about your dislike for netbooks and spew completely false and ignorant comments about the current status of netbooks? Does it make you feel better? Were you somehow 'wronged' by netbooks and vowed to get back at them at all cost? Please refrain from commenting with totally false and uninformed postings as it does not further the discourse but simply shows how arrogant many Apple users are and perpetuates the air that Mac users are stuck in the clouds with the noses so high it misses the rain!

No offense intended - of course...

D

Adding "no offense intended" at the end of your post doesn't negate you attacking him or being extraordinarily rude and presumptuous.

Your internet courage is impressive, sir.

[stainlessliquid]

$800 for a 1.6ghz atom processor is unrealistic as hell.

[Evangelion]

A netbook has to be CHEAP. Very very CHEAP. £300 is expensive for a netbook.

Which is why Apple is not going to be making a netbook.

Apple will be charging 50%+ over the top

Are you saying that the Apple product will be overpriced? What makes you draw that conclusion? The fact that netbook costs about 399 bucks, and Apple will charge about 800 bucks? By that logic we could say that Toyota is overpriced at 20.000 euros because you can get a Lada for 11.000 euros....

Point is that Apple products often cost more than other hardware does, but that does not mean that they are "overpriced". Usually you get something for that extra money. Take MacBook pro for example. Sure, it costs more than some PC-laptop does, but it also feels like more expensive piece of hardware. as opposed to creaky piece of plastic crap. PC hardware often is very, very cheap, but they also look, feel and behave like cheap hardware.

Sure, Apple could make a $399 netbook. And at that price, it would look and feel like any other netbook does. Rock-bottom prices don't really allow you to really make the device good. A price that low means that you have to design everything on the machine to be as cheap as possible, and that fact will be visible everywhere.

I do not think that making quality-hardware that costs more is "overpriced". And no, you can't determine the quality of the device just by staring at a bunch of paper-specs. Or can you determine the quality of a car by staring at a piece of paper that lists it specifications?

[strike1555]

I agree.



I have used them, they are worthless for any real work. Please refrain from insulting me, attacking me, or claiming falsehoods about me when you haven't a clue. Thanks.

Maybe you just don't know how to work a computer. The problem isn't the netbook - it's you.

[iJeep]

My heart has been breaking for years waiting for these rumors of an Apple Tablet to come true. Here's hoping that this one sticks!

In the mean time take a look at my Apple Tablet Concept:
http://macslate.blogspot.com/

Enjoy :apple:

Well done! Those are just awesome demos. Hope Apple will hire you soon and copy as much as possible. That's the way to go ...

[Ubele]

I'm putting my bets on this being an entirely new category of project, manybe something like iJeep described earlier in this thread. I understand Apple's reasons for not creating a standard netbook (low margins and poor user experience). As for how much demand there would be for an Apple netbook, I've read some stories that say Windows netbooks sell like crazy, and other stories that say they represent a small and declining market, so I don't know which stories to believe. There are still people who maintain that there's a huge, unserved market for an entry-level Mac tower, but obviously Apple doesn't think so. I was one those people who was waiting for such a tower to replace my G4 Sawtooth, but eventually I gave up and bought a MBP, and I have no regrets.

When Apple announced they were coming out with their own phone, I thought "Cool," but I had no interest in buying one, because I was content with my low-end Nokia; I only used it to keep in touch with my wife and kids, and I had no interest in custom ringtones, Web access on a tiny screen (at least not for the monthly AT&T cost), a low-res camera, and so on. Once apps came on the scene, though, and I got the chance to play with friends' iPhones, my opinion changed. Now it was a device that did many, many things, of which making phone calls was only one. I got an iPhone in January, and I now I can't imagine being without one.

So when talk began of an Apple netbook, I wasn't interested, because between my MBP and my iPhone, I have most of the bases I need covered. Similarly, talk of a Web tablet didn't interest me, either. My wife will soon need a new computer to replace her aging single-pocessor Mac Mini, and she wants a laptop, and the $1,000 white MB has more than enough power and capabilities for her. It's portable enough, and I can't see paying $200 less to buy a netbook or tablet, and to give up screen size, keyboard size, and presumably some features.

On another front, the Kindle intrigues me, but I find it too expensive for a single-purpose device that doesn't have a color screen. I understand that e-Ink looks like print on paper, but I've been reading from LCD computer monitors for so long that they don't cause me any more or less eyestrain than reading print on paper.

So I can see being interested in a touch-screen device of about 10" that, in addition to being an e-book reader, does most of the other things a laptop can. Apple usually manages to create devices that do things I never dreamed about, but that I can't (or at least don't want to) live without, once I start using them (Mac, iPod, iPhone).

[zami]

$800 for a 1.6ghz atom processor is unrealistic as hell.

Tell me about it.

My Dell Mini 9 cost £150.00 and runs OS X 10.5.7 beautifully!:D

[surferfromuk]

I won't buy one if it's got a keyboard and looks like a laptop - absolutely pointless - I've already got an MBP and an MB.

If it's not a big Ipod Touch it's going to have no purpose. 10" gaming Touch then yes...

[stainlessliquid]

Which is why Apple is not going to be making a netbook.



Are you saying that the Apple product will be overpriced? What makes you draw that conclusion? The fact that netbook costs about 399 bucks, and Apple will charge about 800 bucks? By that logic we could say that Toyota is overpriced at 20.000 euros because you can get a Lada for 11.000 euros....

Point is that Apple products often cost more than other hardware does, but that does not mean that they are "overpriced". Usually you get something for that extra money. Take MacBook pro for example. Sure, it costs more than some PC-laptop does, but it also feels like more expensive piece of hardware. as opposed to creaky piece of plastic crap. PC hardware often is very, very cheap, but they also look, feel and behave like cheap hardware.

Sure, Apple could make a $399 netbook. And at that price, it would look and feel like any other netbook does. Rock-bottom prices don't really allow you to really make the device good. A price that low means that you have to design everything on the machine to be as cheap as possible, and that fact will be visible everywhere.

I do not think that making quality-hardware that costs more is "overpriced". And no, you can't determine the quality of the device just by staring at a bunch of paper-specs. Or can you determine the quality of a car by staring at a piece of paper that lists it specifications?

Netbooks arent laptops, they are cheap because they use Atom processors and other low powered cheap parts, not because theyre low quality and poorly made. Theyre glorified PDA's, you can only charge so much for something that uses a processor that costs a few dollars.

[Peace]

Netbooks arent laptops, they are cheap because they use Atom processors and other low powered cheap parts, not because theyre low quality and poorly made. Theyre glorified PDA's.

They're cheap underpowered tiny laptops. If windows people like it then use it.

Personally I'd love to have a multi-touch Macbook.

Apple will NOT make a "Netbook" for these reasons.

[dicklacara]

I believe its going to be a tablet branded under macbook tablet

macmini
macbook
macbook tablet (new)
macbook air
macbook pro

It will be a flat touch screen with no physical keyboard, and no removable battery and no firewire.
It will have a mini DVI, 2 USB ports, built-in wifi, bluetooth, compass, accelerometer.
It will use either SSD or 1.8" hard drive.

They'll be introducing a new operating system called Tablet OS that is a hybrid of Mac OS X and iPhone OS where new applications written for the tablet OS will feature better functionality with the touchscreen. They're be expanding on the user interface introduced in iphone OS for more complex applications that will run on this Tablet OS.

And its backwards compatible with iPhone OS applications meaning that all those games and applications that came out for iphone OS will work with the tablet OS. For applications the rows and columns are longer and for games the graphics is just bigger on the tablet OS.

I just don't see them making a netbook and loading Snow Leopard on it and have people use a virtual keyboard or a physical keyboard with existing Mac OS X applications.

That's the approach they did with netbooks on the PC side.

It think they're going to create the next generation of API's for tablet OS interface that will revolutionize your experience. Just like how they did it with iPhone OS.

That's my guess!!!


Mmmm... The new device could use a GPU plus a dual core intel, multi-core ARM (when available), or multiple single-core ARMs.

I wonder, though, if they will introduce another OS-- they already have:

Mac OSX (Leopard)-- Intel & PPC
Mac OSX (SNL)-- Intel (but is it Intel Only?)
AppleTV OSX-- Intel
Mobile OSX-- ARM
Other iPod (non-touch) OS-- ARM

I am under the impression that the code exchange between Mobile OSX and Mac OSX (especially SNL) is a two-way street, where things like Location Services (and maybe UITouch) developed for Mobile OSX will migrate to Mac OSX.

In fact, most of Mobile OSX (and many apps) already run on Intel through the iPhone Simulator. That capability could certainly be exploited under SNL.

At some point in time I think Apple will incorporate custom chips (from PA Semi?) into all their hardware and software to prevent running any OSX on a competitive device.

[cocamouthwash]

Everyone said I should wait for the Apple netbook that was coming "inevitably", instead of buying a Windows based netbook. I'm glad I didn't. Even if it's true, there's no way I'd pay $800 for one, much less be able to afford it.

I don't see an $800 netbook selling too well.

Exactly! That price tag defeats the purpose of a Netbook. Plus Leopard runs acceptably on a Hacked netbook if you're willing.

[Peace]

Exactly! That price tag defeats the purpose of a Netbook. Plus Leopard runs acceptably on a Hacked netbook if you're willing.

Apple will NOT. I repeat. NOT make a netbook. Period. They are too cheap.Too hard to use. And underpowered.

Apple WILL make a Macbook.

Haven't you seen the glaring omission of a Macbook line in the store ?

1+1=2

[Evangelion]

Netbooks arent laptops, they are cheap because they use Atom processors and other low powered cheap parts, not because theyre low quality and poorly made. Theyre glorified PDA's.

They are cheap because they are built to be cheap. And that includes the desigh and general look and feel. Just because they use Atom as opposed to some other low-end CPU is not the reason why they are cheap.

And yes, you CAN make a product that uses Atom, yet costs more. The Sony Vaio P (http://gizmodo.com/5125930/sony-vaio-p-super-dont+call+it+a+netbook-hands-on) costs around 800 bucks and it uses 1.33Ghz Atom. So why is it so expensive when compared to normal netbooks? Because it's so small that it literally fits in your pocket. Because it's actually designed to look and feel good, as opposed to looking like cheap toy. Because it has a screen that has a resolution of 1600x768 (as opposed to the normal 1024x600). Because it weights about 800g as opposed to 1.2-1.5Kg normal netbooks weight. All those features and extra design cost money to implement.

You can't simply stare at the CPU and say "it uses Atom, therefore it needs to be cheap".

[Evangelion]

Apple will NOT. I repeat. NOT make a netbook. Period. They are too cheap.Too hard to use. And underpowered.

Apple WILL make a Macbook.

Haven't you seen the glaring omission of a Macbook line in the store ?

1+1=2

Precisely. I bet that this new product will be called "MacBook". There really isn't that much space below MacBook pro anymore, so they will take the MacBook to a whole new direction.

OK, they might call it "MacBook mini" or something like that. But they will NOT refer to it as a "netbook".

[channon]

My guess:
Oversized iPod Touch-like device with 3G and Bluetooth, and support for Apple's existing BT keyboard and Mighty Mouse.
~c

[dicklacara]

Because Saturday Night Live will rip them to shreds if they use the name iTouch. :D

Who's to say that it won't have a cover and open like a book. Glass screen of that size you might appreciate a cover.

1) Gee... free advertising on SNL for an iTouch (possibly running OSX SNL). How is that a negative?

2) If it does have a cover and opens like a book:

-- will there be one touch surface for the display and another for the keyless keyboard?
-- will the keyless keyboard also be a customizable keyboard (display) or just an enlarged touch pad with the outline of keys?

A dual-display implementation would offer some interesting possibilities, where:

--the software keyless keyboard pops up, when needed, on the flat (horizontal) surface.
--the keyless keyboard disappears when not needed and provided an extended display surface (like dual displays on a Mac).

[Cassie]

"Netbooks are underpowered"

Sure, if you expect them to do tasks larger notebooks do. But they aren't meant for that stuff. My netbook runs Firefox, iTunes, Pidgin and MSN without issues. Even a few freeware games out there run without a hitch.

There's no reason Apple couldn't do a netbook. If they're worried about building something that will be perceived as "cheap" and ruin their image...they need to get out of the "We build premium products only" mindset.

[ptsube]

It's probably going to be a tablet with an optional keyboard, an ARM proc, and the OS will probably be app based like the iPhone.

[BillyBobBongo]

Despite the outlandish price tag that would lead you to believe that this rumour is true...I believe it to be false. I can't see why Apple would feel the need to create any sort of netbook with the iPod Touch and iPhone on the current market.

If you want a cheap computer to surf the net and check your email get yourself a MacBook, they're perfect for the job, weigh bugger all....and cost even less these days!

[dicklacara]

Despite the outlandish price tag that would lead you to believe that this rumour is true...I believe it to be false. I can't see why Apple would feel the need to create any sort of netbook with the iPod Touch and iPhone on the current market.

If you want a cheap computer to surf the net and check your email get yourself a MacBook, they're perfect for the job, weigh bugger all....and cost even less these days!

Apple has yet to exploit its MultiTouch capability on a full-size device... It needs to do this, soon.

The application possibilities are mind boggling-- from light tables, games, equalizer & control keyboards, medical...

[Shake 'n' Bake]

I won't buy one if it's got a keyboard and looks like a laptop - absolutely pointless - I've already got an MBP and an MB.

If it's not a big Ipod Touch it's going to have no purpose. 10" gaming Touch then yes...

If it a scaled up iPT, it will only be able to run Apple-approved apps, you won't be able to run MS Office or iWork, you won't be able to print anything, you won't be able to do presentations, you won't be able to share files with real computers and the thing won't be powerful enough (or have the right OS) to run PS or anything a tablet would be useful for.

Apple will NOT. I repeat. NOT make a netbook. Period. They are too cheap.Too hard to use. And underpowered.

Apple WILL make a Macbook.

Haven't you seen the glaring omission of a Macbook line in the store ?

1+1=2

Nothing can be too cheap for the consumer.

Hard to use? As long as it has a nearly full-size keyboard, it is plenty easy.

Underpowered depends on what OS and software you've got. A netbook typically runs Windows XP, which has low requirements, so it is faster than you'd expect. You're not running PS on it. You're using a web browser and maybe doing some document editing. A netbook is plenty powerful for that.

At my Apple store, there a couple MacBooks out on display.

[sterlingindigo]

9" MBA :cool:

[dicklacara]

No offense intended here, but the ad has already been created for a device named: iTouch or inTouch...


http://web.me.com/dicklacara/inTouch.jpg

[duncyboy]

I'm torn between which seems more likely (not what seems plausible, but in the context of this thread/rumour- which is more likely?)

A) A big iPod Touch running iPhone OS and, of course, ready for the App Store.

B) A clamshell netbook with teeny screen and keyboard (imagine the Wireless Keyboard shrunked a bit- if the rumoured screens are 9 to 10 inches diagonal then the Wireless Keyboard's no big stretch when you factor in a small bezel etc) and no touchpad- the touch-screen replaces the touchpad/mouse. You type using the keyboard and navigate/highlight/select using the screen. A single Displayport would allow you to connect it to a display and bluetooth keyboard/mouse would be nifty.

Will it have 3G?

Are Apple ever going to make Apps from the App Store available for anything else apart from the iPhone/iPod Touch?

A small, ultra-portable, touchscreen device would beg the question.

[JohnnyLemonhead]

9" MacBook Mini 1.6GHz C2D 9400M 802.11n BT 2Gb 32GB SSD $599.99
9" MacBook Mini 1.83GHz C2D 9400M 802.11n BT 4GB 64GB SSD $799.99

Done.

[almond]

I really hope this device is less a glorified iPod Touch and more a subset of a Macbook. My Touch is great but until I can stick my own files onto it, sync painlessly with third-party apps, and attach to external devices (like displays or keyboards), I can't compare it to a netbook.

If Apple comes out with something that is essentially a MBA with a tablet form factor (with UI tweaks as necessary), I am sold. Even for $800 - $1000.

I really think were looking at an eBook reader here, apple revolutionized mp3 players with the market. The amazon kindle is good but its not "quite there yet". I really think apple making an eBook reader and starting an eBook store inside iTunes is the way to go. This touchscreen actually fits that profile.

I don't see Apple investing in a single-purpose device like that anymore. Look at the iPod - it started out as a simple music player but now even the Nanos can view photos and videos, and of course we have the Touch with its internet browsing and apps. It would take about 10 seconds for someone to come up with an eBook app for an Apple tablet and fill that niche. The small percentage of users who need an eBook reader with a long battery life would stick with their Kindles; everyone else would be happy they have a device that can do a lot more than just display books.

[deconstruct60]

Haven't you seen the glaring omission of a Macbook line in the store ?

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook?mco=MTE4MTY

If look at the Apple Store's "Top Seller Macs" the Macbook is sitting there in second place. (right behind the iMac) and four places ahead of the MacBook Air.

You could be refering to a wider range of offerings. However, even if just build-to-order options it is still the primary laptop in terms of volume.


If anything the MacBook Air is what looks out of place right now (versus the overall marketplace.) A smaller, less expensive solution would wipe out a good chunk of its appeal in a Mac line up. ( If want a "second' computer it should cost less than your 'primary' one. ) Even more so when pitted against a 13 MBP on the upper end of the "smaller/lighter" scale. Nobody slips laptops into interoffice envelopes in real life usage.

[dicklacara]

Well done! Those are just awesome demos. Hope Apple will hire you soon and copy as much as possible. That's the way to go ...

Wow! Really nice stuff here!

Now I'll share one with you. There is an app on the app store (free and pay versions) that lets you enter text on an iPhone using a “random walk” algorithm on a touch surface-- you enter text by dragging over some letters instead typing individual keys. The software recognizes the shape of the pattern you traced and determines the word based on the pattern. The iPhone app, as it currently exists, requires you to spell out [most of] the word by dragging over keys on a virtual keyboard.

But the capability could be enhanced to:

--enter shorthand instead of entire words
--eliminate the virtual kb and use any flat surface (or even gestures in the air)

See:

http://www.shapewriter.com/

[Shake 'n' Bake]

9" MacBook Mini 1.6GHz C2D 9400M 802.11n BT 2Gb 32GB SSD $599.99
9" MacBook Mini 1.83GHz C2D 9400M 802.11n BT 4GB 64GB SSD $799.99

Done.

Perfect, except with a 10'' screen and optional 3G. Or like this:

9''/10'' model: MacBook mini - 1.6 GHz C2D, option to 1.86|Intel integrated graphics, option to 9400M|802.11n|1 GB, option up to 6 GB|80 GB HDD, option 32 GB or 64 GB SSD|Optional BT and 3G on Verizon|starting at $449, tablet version starting at $899

10''/13'' model: MacBook - 1.86 GHz C2D, option to 2.0 GHz, 2.13 GHz|Intel integrated graphics, option to 9400M|802.11n|2 GB, option up to 6 GB|80 GB HDD, option 120 GB HDD, 64 GB SSD, 128 GB SSD|BT|Optional 3G on Verizon|starting at $549, tablet version starting at $999

[puffnstuff]

I just have to see this thing because I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around it. The close we get to september the more we will know maybe Mr.Blurrycam will leak a photo soon.

I have a hard time imagining something under 12" running SL. It seems like something with a 9-10" screen will be running a beefier version of iPhone OS. Yet all signs point SL being tablet compatible.

[Quad 2.5 G5 =)]

I realise that this most likely true, but I feel that this is like the people at Airliners.net, discussing when Northwest will retire their Douglas DC-9s. (Never ending, and a new discussion every week) :rolleyes:

That aside, any more details on this touchscreen notebook?
I would like to see this:
Processor: Matching MacBook Air (1.86 & 2.13), or 1.6 Intel Core 2 Duo.
Ram: 2GB standard- user customizable to 4GB. (1 1066Mhz PC3-8500 slot.)
Graphics: nVidia 9400M w/ 256MB of shared memory, or top-end 9400M & 9600M w/256MB of memory.
Removable Battery
No Optical drive, 2x USB.
Will this netbook be screen-only (iPhone style) or screen and keyboard?

[mrblahh]

I agree.



I have used them, they are worthless for any real work. Please refrain from insulting me, attacking me, or claiming falsehoods about me when you haven't a clue. Thanks.

I really doubt this, I use a hackintosh lenovo s10, I do everything on it that I do on my macbook and my desktop, EVERYTHING, and it works flawlessly

hulu plays fine on it, in fact I just finished watching a show on hulu, and I'm typing on the lenovo to make this post. I use iphoto and imovie most of the time, it's great for downloading and editing pictures & movies on the road, I'm in a hotel right now in fact.

[Shake 'n' Bake]

I realise that this most likely true, but I feel that this is like the people at Airliners.net, discussing when Northwest will retire their Douglas DC-9s. (Never ending, and a new discussion every week) :rolleyes:

That aside, any more details on this touchscreen notebook?
I would like to see this:
Processor: Matching MacBook Air (1.86 & 2.13), or 1.6 Intel Core 2 Duo.
Ram: 2GB standard- user customizable to 4GB. (1 1066Mhz PC3-8500 slot.)
Graphics: nVidia 9400M w/ 256MB of shared memory, or top-end 9400M & 9600M w/256MB of memory.
Removable Battery
No Optical drive, 2x USB.
Will this netbook be screen-only (iPhone style) or screen and keyboard?



So basically a MacBook with the 9400M+9600M and no ODD. I'd say that this would cost $1100, more than most people want to spend on a netbook.

[hashholly]

I realise that this most likely true, but I feel that this is like the people at Airliners.net, discussing when Northwest will retire their Douglas DC-9s. (Never ending, and a new discussion every week) :rolleyes:

That aside, any more details on this touchscreen notebook?
I would like to see this:
Processor: Matching MacBook Air (1.86 & 2.13), or 1.6 Intel Core 2 Duo.
Ram: 2GB standard- user customizable to 4GB. (1 1066Mhz PC3-8500 slot.)
Graphics: nVidia 9400M w/ 256MB of shared memory, or top-end 9400M & 9600M w/256MB of memory.
Removable Battery
No Optical drive, 2x USB.
Will this netbook be screen-only (iPhone style) or screen and keyboard?

More realistic is:

Processor: 1.6 or 1.8hz
Ram: 2ghz (no 4gb option)
Graphics: 9400M
Non User Replaceable Battery
No Optical Drive, 1 USB, 1 Mini-Displayport, Optical in/out port, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G option
No Keyboard

Hell its possible we may not see an Intel/Nvidia combo at all: http://www.9to5mac.com/cortex-a9-motherboard

[Peace]

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook?mco=MTE4MTY

If look at the Apple Store's "Top Seller Macs" the Macbook is sitting there in second place. (right behind the iMac) and four places ahead of the MacBook Air.

You could be refering to a wider range of offerings. However, even if just build-to-order options it is still the primary laptop in terms of volume.


If anything the MacBook Air is what looks out of place right now (versus the overall marketplace.) A smaller, less expensive solution would wipe out a good chunk of its appeal in a Mac line up. ( If want a "second' computer it should cost less than your 'primary' one. ) Even more so when pitted against a 13 MBP on the upper end of the "smaller/lighter" scale. Nobody slips laptops into interoffice envelopes in real life usage.

One plastic Macbook with options is NOT a Macbook line.

[Quad 2.5 G5 =)]

So basically a MacBook with the 9400M+9600M and no ODD. I'd say that this would cost $1100, more than most people want to spend on a netbook.

Maybe no 9600M, but I was saying no optical drive because of space, would there be any room for a SuperDrive in a 9 or 10" netbook?

[Justinf79]

Eh, if this is coming with a touch screen, it won't have a keyboard. Also, rumors of the OS being a hybrid between OS X and the iPhone OS are sounding more probable now.

[Shake 'n' Bake]

More realistic is:

Processor: 1.6 or 1.8hz
Ram: 2ghz (no 4gb option)
Graphics: 9400M
Non User Replaceable Battery
No Optical Drive, 1 USB, 1 Mini-Displayport, Optical in/out port, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G option
No Keyboard

Hell its possible we may not see an Intel/Nvidia combo at all: http://www.9to5mac.com/cortex-a9-motherboard

That's some fast RAM!

One plastic Macbook with options is NOT a Macbook line.

Neither is a white and black MacBook, if the white has options that make it equal the black. :rolleyes:

[Shake 'n' Bake]

Maybe no 9600M, but I was saying no optical drive because of space, would there be any room for a SuperDrive in a 9 or 10" netbook?

I've seen a few with an ODD and the 12'' PB had one.

[zedsdead]

I've seen a few with an ODD and the 12'' PB had one.

There is no way any Macbook Touch / Tablet is going to have an optical drive or removable battery.

The most ports it will have will be in line with the Macbook Air, plus maybe an SD card (maybe, but I doubt it).

Or, if it is just one gigantic iPod, it may just have an ipod dock connector with headphones.

As for the price, at $800, it will sell (and I will buy one of them).

[longterm]

800 dollars for a netbook is lame. not surprising at all

People said stuff like that when the rumor was about an iPhone. Here we are 2 years later, and they're selling tons of them.

I was in the Apple Store Sunday morning; got there 15 minutes before it opened, and by noon when it opened, there were about 20 people there. By 5 after, there were 50.

Amazing.

If Apple builds a netbook, I'll buy one; I'd love something like this for the couch, and as a far better ebook reader than the butt-ugly Kindle.

[Peace]

That's some fast RAM!



Neither is a white and black MacBook, if the white has options that make it equal the black. :rolleyes:

You DO remember a few months ago Apple introduced the first unibody MacBook right ?
:rolleyes:

[important]

Per CNET and VentureBlog, PA Semi is allegedly making the chips for this:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10285523-37.html

by way of

http://deals.venturebeat.com/2009/07/13/look-for-pa-semis-chip-designs-in-upcoming-apple-tablet/

Reports surfaced today that Apple will launch an $800 tablet computer in October. But we’ve dug out something interesting ourselves: the processor chip for the tablet is being designed by Apple’s own internal chip team.

Apple acquired PA Semi in April, 2008 for $278 million. It never said what it planned to do with the chip design firm, which featured star chip designers including Dan Dobberpuhl and Jim Keller. But we’ve learned that PA Semi’s team was split into two parts, one designing portable ARM-based processors for iPhones and iPods, and another designing a processor for the tablet device.

Our source noted that Apple acquired some incredible design talent with the PA Semi team, which was behind the original Digital Equipment Corp. Alpha processor and the StrongArm processor, which was a speedy low-power processor family that was acquired by Intel and then sold to Marvell. The Wall Street Journal confirmed recently that Apple has a substantial chip design effort under way.

But no one really knew what the chip team was doing. It makes sense that Apple would divide the multi-talented team into an effort focused on the mobile space and something else focused on more substantial designs for tablet computers or netbooks. There’s a lot we don’t know about this project. But given the rumors floating into us and to others, it definitely seems like there is something going on. It seems fairly early for PA Semi’s team to be finishing a chip for launch in a product debuting in the fall.

The stories surfacing today from the China Times and MacRumors say that Apple will debut this tablet, which is its first netbook (smaller than laptop web-browsing device), in time for the holiday shopping season. It says three companies — Foxconn, Wintek, and Dynapack — have received orders from Apple related to the tablet.

Apple’s tablets are said to be using touch screens. Apple is apparently shooting for high-end users and is thus staying out of the price war in the low end of the market, where companies such as Acer and Asus are fighting it out. (Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook has said the company isn’t interested in making traditional netbooks.) If Apple’s chip designers are indeed creating their own ARM-based chip for the tablet, that would help Apple reduce its costs. It won’t, for instance, have to pay a markup to other chip design companies such as Samsung or Intel.

[iMacmatician]

Eh, if this is coming with a touch screen, it won't have a keyboard. Also, rumors of the OS being a hybrid between OS X and the iPhone OS are sounding more probable now.Definitely. The other question is what parts of each OS are being put in the hybrid?

Per CNET and VentureBlog, PA Semi is allegedly making the chips for this:
…
… If Apple’s chip designers are indeed creating their own ARM-based chip for the tablet, …So if the tablet runs ARM, does this mean it will use iPhone OS or a hybrid? Or is there a secret ARM version of Mac OS X (unlikely)?

[ddTaylor]

I agree.



I have used them, they are worthless for any real work. Please refrain from insulting me, attacking me, or claiming falsehoods about me when you haven't a clue. Thanks.

How was that an attack? You and just a few who are complaining about netbooks. If I say your posts are ignorant - that means UNINFORMED - and not the watered-down version adopted by the popular culture. Do take things so personally, especially if you are not sure of the context. Do you OWN a netbook or have you just 'used' one? If you have owned one - you are welcome to your opinion - even if you have not owned one you are still welcome to your opinion but understand many will dismiss that point because you have no firsthand knowledge of the use of a netbook.

Are you saying a G4 PowerBook is good for only internet work and WP?

D

[zedsdead]

How was that an attack? You and just a few who are complaining about netbooks. If I say your posts are ignorant - that means UNINFORMED - and not the watered-down version adopted by the popular culture. Do take things so personally, especially if you are not sure of the context. Do you OWN a netbook or have you just 'used' one? If you have owned one - you are welcome to your opinion - even if you have not owned one you are still welcome to your opinion but understand many will dismiss that point because you have no firsthand knowledge of the use of a netbook.

Are you saying a G4 PowerBook is good for only internet work and WP?

D

The 12" G4 Powerbook was not a netbook.

[ddTaylor]

Adding "no offense intended" at the end of your post doesn't negate you attacking him or being extraordinarily rude and presumptuous.

Your internet courage is impressive, sir.

It is not rude nor an attack. Since when can you NOT call someone ignorant for making a comment that is, well, ignorant? Do you know what the real definition of that is? It means uninformed. I would say that to you in person or the person I replied to - do I now have that right? The post was silly and uninformed based on the fact that he may have used a netbook. I explained my points and defended them - I did not post a two sentence comment about a netbook being crap and good for on-line work only. He did not stand behind his comment and chose to suck and cover. I stood-up for my opinion and called it like I saw it. The no offense was satire and I realized there would be people like you who could not see the intent of the comments I made. Take it for what it is worth - I claim not to be presumptuous or attacking. I made a statement and stood behind it - period. Nothing more to it...regardless of your thoughts.

D

[Peace]

Definitely. The other question is what parts of each OS are being put in the hybrid?

So if the tablet runs ARM, does this mean it will use iPhone OS or a hybrid? Or is there a secret ARM version of Mac OS X (unlikely)?

Yes.It's called Snow Leopard.;)

[blackmondo]

Actually i'm really hoping this device could double as an input device for your mac, immagine a touch screen device, that when close to your computer becomes a very evolved trackpad with screen and multitouch (i'd love to be able to have some of finalcut or photoshop tools on it), then when far from "real" computer it's a cool internet device with some working capabilities.

Yes! I love this idea, and this is one market I didn't think of :)

As a web developer, I've often thought that I would love a custom keyboard for both TextMate, and Photoshop. This is credible, since developers could EXTEND their existing OS X apps to support this wonderful functionality. Think of some of the potential here:

* iPhoto / Aperture, the pad becomes a the tool palette of editing / enhancement tools.

* Garageband - the pad becomes a virtual instrument. We've seen plenty of these work really well on the iPhone.

* World of Warcraft (and any other game) - the pad becomes like a z-board. suddenly you don't have to remember cryptic key commands...

* IM Apps - the pad becomes your contact list

* iTunes - the pad becomes your video screen, or an equalizer.

* Any other time the pad could become "Dashboard".

Man, I would buy something that could do that in a SECOND. Of course, that wouldn't be all the device could do. Again, I think an eReader that redefines that market, but it would be a sensational device to access the web on.

[Hugh]

Wow! Really nice stuff here!

Now I'll share one with you. There is an app on the app store (free and pay versions) that lets you enter text on an iPhone using a “random walk” algorithm on a touch surface-- you enter text by dragging over some letters instead typing individual keys. The software recognizes the shape of the pattern you traced and determines the word based on the pattern. The iPhone app, as it currently exists, requires you to spell out [most of] the word by dragging over keys on a virtual keyboard.

But the capability could be enhanced to:

--enter shorthand instead of entire words
--eliminate the virtual kb and use any flat surface (or even gestures in the air)

See:

http://www.shapewriter.com/

Apple already had something like this out. It was call the Newton, they even had a netbook like device called the eMate (I have one).

Doesn't Mac OS X 'inkwell' do this function too?

Hugh

[DELLsFan]

Uh, no, that's MY worst fear.

They start thinking that people don't want Mac Pros, they'll stop making them. Then the pros will stop using Macs, software will stop being written, and the company will flounder.

Interesting theory. Now here's mine:

Encourage a few more pros to use the Mac by (oh, I dunno ... ) lowering the Mac Pro price(s), maybe? :eek: More pros using Macs means more software is being updated, written, or maintained, and the company gains more market share and prospers.

[Shake 'n' Bake]

People said stuff like that when the rumor was about an iPhone. Here we are 2 years later, and they're selling tons of them.

I was in the Apple Store Sunday morning; got there 15 minutes before it opened, and by noon when it opened, there were about 20 people there. By 5 after, there were 50.

Amazing.

If Apple builds a netbook, I'll buy one; I'd love something like this for the couch, and as a far better ebook reader than the butt-ugly Kindle.

But the iPhone costs $99 now.

You DO remember a few months ago Apple introduced the first unibody MacBook right ?
:rolleyes:

Yes, I remember that. What's your point other than there used to be more than one MacBook?

[pubjoe]

I sincerely hope that this will be a tablet with a multi-touch AND pressure sensitive screen. ALA a more able Wacom "Cintique" except with the computer built in, so that you haven't got a load of wires tying you down.

A truly portable artists tablet. This is something I am surprised has not been invented yet. Imo, it is just a matter of time (just like the iPhone concept) until such a device is created. I hope it's apple that does it though, a sleek, slim lightweight virtual sketchbook with intuitive software and touch control? Oh yes.

Also, a multi touch, pressure-sensitive tool with a full OS could do so much for musicians too. Virtual Drumkits or keyboards (etc etc)?

I've been close to tearing apart my macbook, flipping the screen and sticking an intuos behind it. Why has no hardware manufacturer done this yet!??

I think something like this would completely change the way we look at computers for many more everyday activities. It would be a sketchbook, a portfolio, an instrument, a diary, an organiser, a book, a magazine, everything a laptop wants to be, except without the fiddly barrier of pointing and clicking and typing. In fact calling it a "computer" would be misleading. It would be a tool with infinite use that EVERYONE could use.

Yes tablets have been around before, but they have had unintuitive interfaces, clunky touch-screens and, most importantly, they look like a mini block computer case with a little screen stuck at the top. They've hardly been inspirational.

Think virtual notebook in your hands. Not a blocky bit of plastic with a screen in the middle, but a whole large screen covering the entire slim device's front. Think scrollable, zoomable magazine or book (where all this control is given by simply touching the pages like you should be) with instantly downloadable content, except this time it actually looks like a magazine (with crisp full colour pages), NOT like a strange oversized gameboy. Basically, think overgrown iphone ...but multiply it.

Keyboard? What the fook for? That's just sooo 20th century.

I'd be happy with a stripped down OS if it meant making it as simple to use as it should be. In fact, if I had no other choice, I'd buy a £1,000, "Brushes" app if it was on a bigger screen.

We get on fine with pencil and paper without function and shortcut keys. The most unintuitive thing about this should be pressing the "on" button. Slide the page/canvas with four fingers, erase with your thumb, smudge with your knuckle, flick with the outside of your little finger and actually blow charcoal specs with your mouth (maybe!).

Mobile technology is ready and so am I. I'm waiting for this device.

[puffnstuff]

hmm another thing I am thinking about is the keyboard. A tablet is great for quick browsing but what about word processing?

Maybe it could have a dock connector on the bottom allowing you to attach a keyboard which will turn it into a mini macbook. I doubt apple will go that route.

Speech recognition? That may be good if your in your home but who would want to talk to type while in a cafe?

Shake to type?

Some sort of new tapping system very different from iPhone/iPod Touch?

hmmm... has anyone seen a new type of way to enter things on a tablet?

[Shake 'n' Bake]

hmm another thing I am thinking about is the keyboard. A tablet is great for quick browsing but what about word processing?

Maybe it could have a dock connector on the bottom allowing you to attach a keyboard which will turn it into a mini macbook. I doubt apple will go that route.

Speech recognition? That may be good if your in your home but who would want to talk to type while in a cafe?

Shake to type?

Some sort of new tapping system very different from iPhone/iPod Touch?

hmmm... has anyone seen a new type of way to enter things on a tablet?

My dad has a tablet for work and rather than using Word all the time, he uses a tablet-only program and he just writes on the "paper." To delete a word, he draws a line over it.

[taio84]

I have used them, they are worthless for any real work. Please refrain from insulting me, attacking me, or claiming falsehoods about me when you haven't a clue. Thanks.

I totally agree!
Actually a few months ago I was a few meters from buying a "netBook", I was assuming that if my old iBook G4 was still fast enough for basic tasks (battery completely dead and screen as some problems do...) a new "shiny" netbook would do what i needed from a portable. (didn't expected to run Photoshop or "heavy softwares on it)
I tried a Acer Aspire something with windows Xp and the result were so terrible that I had to keep myself from tossing it out of the window.
Then I tried a Asus (don't remember which model but quite new in april) with Ubuntu that a friend of mine was saying great things about, only reaction was a big laugh and wouldn't suggest it even to a 5 years old children.
My solution was work on iPhone when out for 2 months more, save money and get an awesome and not so much bigger MBP 13".

But don't now if OSX can do miracles on this machines as it seems by some of the posts, never tried a "hackintosh", maybe it's just Windows the problem.

What i want to say is that, many of us "hating" netbooks have tried and seen what they can do, and simply that is not what I mean for working! Or at least if you can work with such delays and wait time in wich the computer hangs and you have to cross your fingers, it simply means that you can afford working much less then me, and especially are way more patient...

We are here beacouse we use Macs, and we have been spoiled by a great study around user experience, so those slow and crappy typewriters (AKA netbooks) aren't good enough. Apple would NEVER release something with such a terrible experience as the netbooks I tried gave, and if they where to, it would mean that Jobs and all the good people at apple aren't there anymore. (only exception to this was my Performa 6200 wich was total crap.... Jobs wasn't there then do...)

Ps. sorry for the english...

[mrblahh]

I totally agree!
Actually a few months ago I was a few meters from buying a "netBook", I was assuming that if my old iBook G4 was still fast enough for basic tasks (battery completely dead and screen as some problems do...) a new "shiny" netbook would do what i needed from a portable. (didn't expected to run Photoshop or "heavy softwares on it)
I tried a Acer Aspire something with windows Xp and the result were so terrible that I had to keep myself from tossing it out of the window.
Then I tried a Asus (don't remember which model but quite new in april) with Ubuntu that a friend of mine was saying great things about, only reaction was a big laugh and wouldn't suggest it even to a 5 years old children.
My solution was work on iPhone when out for 2 months more, save money and get an awesome and not so much bigger MBP 13".

But don't now if OSX can do miracles on this machines as it seems by some of the posts, never tried a "hackintosh", maybe it's just Windows the problem.

What i want to say is that, many of us "hating" netbooks have tried and seen what they can do, and simply that is not what I mean for working! Or at least if you can work with such delays and wait time in wich the computer hangs and you have to cross your fingers, it simply means that you can afford working much less then me, and especially are way more patient...

We are here beacouse we use Macs, and we have been spoiled by a great study around user experience, so those slow and crappy typewriters (AKA netbooks) aren't good enough. Apple would NEVER release something with such a terrible experience as the netbooks I tried gave, and if they where to, it would mean that Jobs and all the good people at apple aren't there anymore. (only exception to this was my Performa 6200 wich was total crap.... Jobs wasn't there then do...)

Ps. sorry for the english...


I completely disagree, try osx 10.5.6 on one, it's a completely different experience, and .6 adds better atom support and battery life

[taio84]

I completely disagree, try osx 10.5.6 on one, it's a completely different experience, and .6 adds better atom support and battery life

as I said, haven't ever tried one of those, and would really be proud of OSX if it makes those things work decently, meaning that Windows it's worst than I ever thought...... But the discussion was about netbooks in general, and none ships with Osx.
If Apple is going to make something with an Atom processor that works fine, it's not going to be a netbook, is going to be a different product as it would work well out of the box. (plus the price wouldn't let it be called netbook)

[blackmondo]

I just remembered one little piece of technology in Snow Leopard that could be telling:

EASY PDF TEXT SELECTION

"Mac OS X Snow Leopard applies sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms to fix the problem. It analyzes the layout of each page in the PDF to identify columns of text."

I remember thinking at the time that this tech is pretty crazy for something that would be handy, but not exactly killer... Apple describes it as "an enhancement that exemplifies the pursuit of perfection..." which even sort of acknowledges that they have gone to extraordinary lengths for something that people probably weren't exactly DYING for.

What I'm thinking though is that it's not a stretch to imagine this technology being used to identify columns of text in a PDF NEWSPAPER or PDF MAGAZINE? Think about how mobile safari works right now - double tap on a block of text to zoom in on that text. I assume it can do that on the web because these pages are marked up in HTML, so Safari knows a bit more about them. This AI technology could do the same for PDF documents where there's no markup ;)

Apple then opens up the "Book Store" or "Print Store" to change the game again. They could partner with media companies to deliver electronic versions of newspapers to these devices (think Kindle / NYT). They partner with publishing companies to deliver electronic magazines and books. Think of how awesome a design / photography mag would be if you could touch a photo in a layout about a famous designer which launches a slideshow of their work.

I see that as a game changer. People certainly still like to read newspapers, magazines, books in the age of digital. A device like this could be killer for those people. Media / Publishing companies probably wouldn't be a tough sell since they could keep the ads intact in the layouts as well.

I also see it having a VERY high resolution screen - already the iPhone is rather nice to read text on, but higher resolution again would be approaching the comfort of e-ink devices.

[EDIT] Oh yeah, I don't exactly think that Steve Jobs saying "People don't read any more" is to be taken as gospel either. Didn't Jobs also say something like "we don't think people want to watch videos on thumbnail sized screens" about 6 months before Apple released the first video capable iPod? Nothing like a curve ball to strike out your competition right?

[Shake 'n' Bake]

I just remembered one little piece of technology in Snow Leopard that could be telling:

EASY PDF TEXT SELECTION

"Mac OS X Snow Leopard applies sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms to fix the problem. It analyzes the layout of each page in the PDF to identify columns of text."

I remember thinking at the time that this tech is pretty crazy for something that would be handy, but not exactly killer... Apple describes it as "an enhancement that exemplifies the pursuit of perfection..." which even sort of acknowledges that they have gone to extraordinary lengths for something that people probably weren't exactly DYING for.

What I'm thinking though is that it's not a stretch to imagine this technology being used to identify columns of text in a PDF NEWSPAPER or PDF MAGAZINE? Think about how mobile safari works right now - double tap on a block of text to zoom in on that text. I assume it can do that on the web because these pages are marked up in HTML, so Safari knows a bit more about them. This AI technology could do the same for PDF documents where there's no markup ;)

Apple then opens up the "Book Store" or "Print Store" to change the game again. They could partner with media companies to deliver electronic versions of newspapers to these devices (think Kindle / NYT). They partner with publishing companies to deliver electronic magazines and books. Think of how awesome a design / photography mag would be if you could touch a photo in a layout about a famous designer which launches a slideshow of their work.

I see that as a game changer. People certainly still like to read newspapers, magazines, books in the age of digital. A device like this could be killer for those people. Media / Publishing companies probably wouldn't be a tough sell since they could keep the ads intact in the layouts as well.

I also see it having a VERY high resolution screen - already the iPhone is rather nice to read text on, but higher resolution again would be approaching the comfort of e-ink devices.

I'd buy one as long as it doesn't cost $300, but knowing Apple, it will cost $300. Or more.

[mariov]

too expensive for a netbook... even for a tablet one.

[mrblahh]

as I said, haven't ever tried one of those, and would really be proud of OSX if it makes those things work decently, meaning that Windows it's worst than I ever thought...... But the discussion was about netbooks in general, and none ships with Osx.
If Apple is going to make something with an Atom processor that works fine, it's not going to be a netbook, is going to be a different product as it would work well out of the box. (plus the price wouldn't let it be called netbook)

why wouldn't they? The atom cpu is plenty fast for everything I use it for, except with windows, it sucked for that. They are what they are, either you like them or you dont, I have a dual core atom desktop running 10.5.6 too, it's a testbed I play with.

apple did make significant improvements for the atom in 10.5.6, because of that I would not be surprised if they were up to something with the chip

the netbooks are slower than a modern macbook, no doubt about that, but I dont treat my macbook like this little beater netbook that cost 300 $ either. I love my 10.5.6 netbook, it's perfect for what I use it for, mobile photo/video edit/uploading, and moderate email/word work, I have everything on here that i use on my desktop and macbook, it's just a smaller and slower package but it works brilliantly.

there's a new class of netbook with the ion chipset that'll blow away the current ones for video, trying to play video's on a windows netbook sucks, the ion fixes that. I dont have trouble with video on mine with 10.5.6, osx really is a great operating system.

[XRunner]

To me, the most sensible design in this size would be nothing but a blown-up iPhone. No physical keyboard, just a thin black tablet with a silver rim.

Give this thing some graphical power and a decent battery and you'll have a great hardware platform.

I would buy such a device, unlike a small '10" MacBook with a keyboard'. Thin and hardy, you could just slide it in your bag wherever you go.

Apple would after all need to introduce something in-between the iPhone and the MacBook, and, being Apple, be revolutionary at it.

[Peace]

But the iPhone costs $99 now.



Yes, I remember that. What's your point other than there used to be more than one MacBook?

My point is just that. There "used" to be a Macbook "line". Now there really isn't. The reason I believe is because Apple plans on coming out with the new Macbook line that is all multi-touch.

Maybe even an iMac touch.

[Shake 'n' Bake]

To me, the most sensible design in this size would be nothing but a blown-up iPhone. No physical keyboard, just a thin black tablet with a silver rim.

Give this thing some graphical power and a decent battery and you'll have a great hardware platform.

I would buy such a device, unlike a small '10" MacBook with a keyboard'. Thin and hardy, you could just slide it in your bag wherever you go.

Apple would after all need to introduce something in-between the iPhone and the MacBook, and, being Apple, be revolutionary at it.

This has been mentioned somewhere before but...

How about two screens; one for the main display, and another one for the keyboard/trackpad?

My point is just that. There "used" to be a Macbook "line". Now there really isn't. The reason I believe is because Apple plans on coming out with the new Macbook line that is all multi-touch.

Maybe even an iMac touch.

iMac touch. Hmmm... Sounds like something (http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/desktop-studio-one-19?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs) Dell has. Apple would get blasted for that. We're not talking about Microsoft here :rolleyes:.

[puffnstuff]

My dad has a tablet for work and rather than using Word all the time, he uses a tablet-only program and he just writes on the "paper." To delete a word, he draws a line over it.

That would be cool! I don't think it will come with a stylus but maybe they will tweak the software so someone can buy a 3rd party stylus and use it instead of the virtual keyboard.


Another thought I had was using iSight and some handgestures to type things out

[Shake 'n' Bake]

That would be cool! I don't think it will come with a stylus but maybe they will tweak the software so someone can buy a 3rd party stylus and use it instead of the virtual keyboard.


Another thought I had was using iSight and some handgestures to type things out

The program is standard with XP tablet.

That iSight thing sounds cool, but it would probably turn out to be as reliable as the Newton's handwriting recognition.

[michael.lauden]

hand gestures for typing.. that would suck - unless you know sign language. not to mention how ridiculously complicated that software would have to be, and how precise your hands must work

[chaosconan]

You guys are silly. Think logically. Apple is not going to use Snow Leopard on a touchscreen. With touchscreen the buttons, menus, icons, and all those controls on a window is just too small. The only thing on the desktop that would work is the Dock. The rest would just not work out. Trying to manage the current existing application with touchscreen would be cumbersome. Come on be realistic!

They are going to create a new set of API's all around touchscreen. Most likely running on top of Mac OS X. So, basically a new window management and interface system for touchscreen will be created.

All new set of applications and games will be written for the tablet and can be purchased through the app store. And why would they want to distribute all software through the app store? To tightly control it and make sure no software is illegally distributed to the macbook tablet.

[puffnstuff]

hand gestures for typing.. that would suck - unless you know sign language. not to mention how ridiculously complicated that software would have to be, and how precise your hands must work

I don't mean like sign language. What I mean is the a strip of letters pops up rather than a keyboard so you move your finger to the left the key to the left is highlighted then you do a tap motion to select that key. I think doing it that way would be easier then trying to physically type on it.

[MorphingDragon]

The Direct Quote says, "Taiwan science and technology supply chain manufacturer disclosure, The apple small pen electricity will be taken to the threshing ground in October". (Direct Translation)

Taken to the thesaurus factory...

Taiwan science and technology supply chain manufacturer disclosure; The Apple Tablet will begin production in October.

Foxconn is the only Technology Chain Supplier I know of so...

Foxconn Disclosure; The Apple Tablet will begin production in October.

(Note I am not Chinese so the translation will not be 100% ACCURATE)

[chaosconan]

I see a future coming where you won't be able to buy apple software for the Macbook or iMac through your local store or through the vendors website. You will have to buy it all ONLINE through the app store. I believe google is working on it as well.

So, through the app store you will be forced to buy Mac OS X, Mobile OS, and to be soon Tablet OS software. What will go away is the ability to buy software at your local bestbuy. This will be the death of CD's not DVD or blueray. You still need those to watch movies :)

[Shake 'n' Bake]

I see a future coming where you won't be able to buy apple software for the Macbook or iMac through your local store or through the vendors website. You will have to buy it all ONLINE through the app store. I believe google is working on it as well.

So, through the app store you will be forced to buy Mac OS X, Mobile OS, and to be soon Tablet OS software. What will go away is the ability to buy software at your local bestbuy. This will be the death of CD's not DVD or blueray. You still need those to watch movies :)

So we'll only be able to get a limited selection of Apple-approved apps?

I don't know about you, but I like being able to install whatever I want on my Mac. And I also like a tangible copy.

[Quad 2.5 G5 =)]

This has been mentioned somewhere before but...

How about two screens; one for the main display, and another one for the keyboard/trackpad?



iMac touch. Hmmm... Sounds like something (http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/desktop-studio-one-19?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs) Dell has. Apple would get blasted for that. We're not talking about Microsoft here :rolleyes:.

Nintendo DS style?
I would like that :)

[NXTMIKE]

IF they do release an Apple-like netbook, they aren't going to market it as a "netbook". IMO

[ibjoshua]

"aaaw! the keyboard would be too small"

Tablets usually don't have keyboards.

I use my iBook for reading in bed and email/photos/web when I'm away from home. A tablet would be so superior for reading e-books/articles/blogs etc. and lighter for travelling.

I love having a reasonably powerful desktop for the kinds of things I do and a small Apple tablet would suit my mobile device needs to a T.

800 dollars for a netbook is lame. not surprising at all
An iPhone 3G S is 1,179 NZD (equal to 747.014 USD) without contract here in New Zealand. That's not a lot less than US$900. It is alway possible that Apple are building 3G/4G/Wimax (or whatever) into these units, which would almost make them giant iPhones.

ibjoshua

[windywoo]

Razor-thin margins that are eaten up by support costs for an underpowered device that ultimately hurts your brand image with consumers?

Apple has no reason to compete with vendors who are cutting each others' throats over nickels and dimes.

Bollocks. Apple already uses the same components as other manufacturers. If they use superior parts as someone else has already commented here then they won't be eating up margins with support costs. And if you read my post I did say that they could sell it for more than the average netbook and still people would buy it for the Apple label. There is nothing underpowered about a netbook unless you misunderstand what its for. Unless you think the iPhone is underpowered because it won't run Photoshop?

[MorphingDragon]

"aaaw! the keyboard would be too small"

Tablets usually don't have keyboards.

I use my iBook for reading in bed and email/photos/web when I'm away from home. A tablet would be so superior for reading e-books/articles/blogs etc. and lighter for travelling.

I love having a reasonably powerful desktop for the kinds of things I do and a small Apple tablet would suit my mobile device needs to a T.


An iPhone 3G S is 1,179 NZD (equal to 747.014 USD) without contract here in New Zealand. That's not a lot less than US$900. It is alway possible that Apple are building 3G/4G/Wimax (or whatever) into these units, which would almost make them giant iPhones.

ibjoshua

Crosses Fingers for 2degrees support for iPhone and MacTablet.

[TroyBoy30]

I'll stick with my hp 2140 thanks

[Goona]

I'm all for a netbook as long as it has a full size keyboard and doesn't perform like crap, i.e. it'll run intensive iMovie renderings in a reasonable time.

Apple won't make anything without a full size keyboard (except the iPhone). It's been a selling point of Apple notebooks for years.

I won't buy it if it has a single core Atom or a dual core Atom. I want a Core 2 Duo or better.

And I don't want to pay a premium for it. These days Apple uses the same parts as everyone else so I don't see why It can't be ~$400. But someone, can't remember who, said Apple doesn't know how to make a sub-$500 computer that isn't a piece of crap.
The iPod touch is 400 dollars, no way Apple is selling a computer at that price.

[mrblahh]

posting from my netbook..

Netbook sales are predicted to double from 16 million in 2008 to 33 million in 2009

it wouldnt be smart to ignore this market, maybe a smaller plastic macbook with a 10" touchscreen and a dual core atom and ion chipset

[Shake 'n' Bake]

"aaaw! the keyboard would be too small"

Tablets usually don't have keyboards.

I use my iBook for reading in bed and email/photos/web when I'm away from home. A tablet would be so superior for reading e-books/articles/blogs etc. and lighter for travelling.

I love having a reasonably powerful desktop for the kinds of things I do and a small Apple tablet would suit my mobile device needs to a T.


An iPhone 3G S is 1,179 NZD (equal to 747.014 USD) without contract here in New Zealand. That's not a lot less than US$900. It is alway possible that Apple are building 3G/4G/Wimax (or whatever) into these units, which would almost make them giant iPhones.

ibjoshua

What tablet doesn't have a keyboard? All the tablets that I've ever seen have had a keyboard.

[Shake 'n' Bake]

(Didn't see that bit)

An iPhone 3G S is 1,179 NZD (equal to 747.014 USD) without contract here in New Zealand. That's not a lot less than US$900. It is alway possible that Apple are building 3G/4G/Wimax (or whatever) into these units, which would almost make them giant iPhones.

ibjoshua

Apple is an American company. They only care if the price makes sense in USD.

The iPod touch is 400 dollars, no way Apple is selling a computer at that price.

So the 8 GB iPT is dropped and the 16 GB and 32 GB models are lowered in price by $100. The 160 GB Classic is brought back as the base model at $250 and a 180 GB version is added for $350. Each Classic has a Product Red version for $25 more.

Or just sell the cheap computer for what I said because it is a full-featured computer whereas the iPT isn't.

[Hugh]

This has been mentioned somewhere before but...

How about two screens; one for the main display, and another one for the keyboard/trackpad?



iMac touch. Hmmm... Sounds like something (http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/desktop-studio-one-19?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs) Dell has. Apple would get blasted for that. We're not talking about Microsoft here :rolleyes:.


HP also has a touch computer as well, but I don't knonw their price. Maybe around $1000-1500 US


Hugh

[dicklacara]

I just remembered one little piece of technology in Snow Leopard that could be telling:

EASY PDF TEXT SELECTION

...

What I'm thinking though is that it's not a stretch to imagine this technology being used to identify columns of text in a PDF NEWSPAPER or PDF MAGAZINE? Think about how mobile safari works right now - double tap on a block of text to zoom in on that text. I assume it can do that on the web because these pages are marked up in HTML, so Safari knows a bit more about them. This AI technology could do the same for PDF documents where there's no markup ;)




PostScript is a markup language... quite different from HTML, but a markup language, nonetheless.

At one time NeXt, then Apple used Display Postscript instead of Quartz for display/printer presentation, so this should not be a real stretch, if they want to pay Adobe for licensing.

[Shake 'n' Bake]

HP also has a touch computer as well, but I don't knonw their price. Maybe around $1000-1500 US


Hugh

Starts at $999. But this is HP. HP doesn't have the groundbreaking ideas all the time like Apple does.

[Gregintosh]

I seriously doubt they would write a 3rd OS for this new computer. It sounds like they'd be headed the path of Microsoft with a separate platform for each device. Before you know it OS X turns into OS X Home Edition, Tablet Edition, iPhone Edition, Media Center TV Edition, etc.

Apple makes fun of Microsoft for making multiple editions of a similar product, so I don't see them headed down the same path.

I see them keeping the iPhone OS for mobile devices (iPhone and iPod Touch only) and OS X for all other computing devices. This way there is no need to recreate iWork or iLife or other apps over and over again so they can run on different devices, creating incompatibilities and confusion.

That doesn't mean they won't create a separate interface for a Tablet device (like HP's program that runs on their Touchsmart computers) but it will just be an application and not a whole new OS.

Keeping it simple is the best thing they can do.

So my guess:

- It will be the new "MacBook" line replacing the single white model of today
- It will be available in 9", 11", and 13" models ($799, $899, and $999)***
- It will run OS X Snow Leopard
- May have a cool application running on top to make it easier to use touchscreen
- No optical drive built in, but a 7 or 8 hour battery
- All other tech specs similar to the MacBook Air or regular MacBook


*** I think 9" is too small for a laptop though, so if this is indeed a netbook/notebook device it will probably be at 10 or 11 inches minimum to allow a good keyboard which Apple always stresses.

If indeed it will be an oversized iPod Touch, then all bets are off but I think this would be a stupid device as it wouldn't be able to do more than the iPhone already does (just bigger) and no physical keyboard would render it useless for writing reports or doing serious document editing, which would make it even WORSE than a netbook.

[anti-microsoft]

My predicted specs:

-10.2" Multi-touch Screen with proximity sensors built-in

-Built-in iSight

-Full Mac OS X Snow Leopard (If you pay attention, you can now see that it's grabbing more and more UI bits from the iPhone)

-MagSafe charging, 1 USB Port, 1 SD Card Slot, Audio-in Jack, Mini Display Port.

-Unibody (Glass and Aluminium design)

-1.66GHz Intel Processor, 2GB RAM, Nvidia Graphics.

-Price ranges from $700-$900

Ams.

[ddTaylor]

The 12" G4 Powerbook was not a netbook.

Where did I say it was? I NEVER SAID THAT! I was simply comparing the performance (the post I initially responded to - please read my posts) of the older G4 1.25GHz PowerBook or iBook or even Mac Mini (different category but still based on a portable computer) versus a NEW Atom N271 netbook. Can you please let me know WHERE I stated the 12" PS was a NETBOOK? I am SURE I did not say it was - not once.

It was CLOSE to a netbook by today's standard on size and performance - but again - that was NOT a comment I EVER MADE.

Thank you - D

[tabasco70]

A high end netbook.
I really hope they've done something new, so we dont just get an oversized iphone.

[DaBrain]

If it looks anything like the slick CrunchPad prototype, but with a custom OS X operating system then I'm sold.
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/03/crunchpad-the-launch-prototype/

Now that's pretty Sweet! ;)

[twoodcc]

i would be very happy to see this happen

[CyberBob859]

First off, those that don't care for the Atom line of processors may have another option.

Acer has shown off a new netbook using the Intel "ULV" processor. Here (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10282121-1.html?tag=mncol) is the Acer netbook, and here (http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=37133) is probably the processor they're referring to. These processors provide a little more oomph than the Atom, while still not drawing too much power. Plus, they are 64 bit, so very Snow Leopard friendly.

Just speculating, but couple one of these with an Nvidia 9400 GPU and you have the best performing netbook on the market. Especially if SL can utilize the 9400 for OpenCL, etc.

Second, the screen size has been steadily increasing, making netbooks seem more like "sub-notebooks" now. First they were 7", then around 9", and now 10", 11" or even 12". Prices have been creeping up, and $400-$500 for the larger screens is not uncommon.

Third, as Intel has done with Moblin, HP with the "Mobile Internet Experience" (MIE), and Ubuntu with the Netbook Remix, you can modify the user interface to look better on smaller screens.

So, I think an Apple "MacBook Mini" with a 9.7" HD screen, maybe having some touchscreen gee-wiz features and a special interface on top of SL, using a newer, differentiating processor and costing $599-$699 is within the realm of possibility.

[montom]

It's a tablet with virtual keyboard, but bluetooth and USB for physical keyboard. Also it wirelessly interfaces with your other Mac(s) like the MBA does for CD/DVD drive and video streaming.

Further, it can function as a wireless 2nd monitor, but one that you can set flat on your desk and use like one of those pressure-sensitive graphic design tablets, or for displaying menus and things like the mixer panel in Logic with sliders and knobs you can move by touch.

So its main selling point is as a new peripheral for your Mac, but one you can use by itself too. Has great handwriting recognition, will ship with Snow Leopard, 8-12 hour integrated battery. That's my prediction.

[Gregintosh]

It's a tablet with virtual keyboard, but bluetooth and USB for physical keyboard.

So is it going to have some sort of stand built in or something? Otherwise you'll need a stand AND a separate keyboard because I don't think an oversized iPhone is going to balance itself well on a table unless you want to get neck cramps from looking straight down at the screen while typing. Sounds like a lot of hassle. So if you want to use this on the go, you'll have a backpack full of accessories.

I can see the PC fanboys now saying "haha if you want to use a mac netbook for any useful purpose you have to carry like a bazillion cables and accessories versus just ONE item, the netbook itself."

Reminds me of people who in the early 2000's would buy the HP iPaq PocketPC and buy extravagant hardware accessories to try to get a keyboard and such to work so that it would actually be useful beyond a fancy calculator and calendar.

Unless this has some sort of features we're not seeing or some sort of amazing utility that we aren't yet aware of, a simply larger version of an iPhone is COMPLETELY STUPID.

Makes me wonder if they release this as an accessory, what will they do with the macbook line? I doubt they will have one single macbook model with an outdated design forever, which as of now looks like its just holding them over until they get ready to release a whole new line (and calling all their laptops pro makes the pro moniker meaningless).

And this certainly will be no replacement for a macbook given the lack of keyboard (so people buying macbooks as their only computers for college will not see this as a viable alternative).

Makes me wonder...

[mac jones]

Ooh this one has legs.

Like the energizer bunny........... :)

[MaCdUdE909]

i think it will be pretty cool.

[macerroneous]

Not that anyone will read this after 400 comments, but I pretty much gave up on my tablet speculation 6 months ago, and now I can't resist. Although it looks like Apple may come out with a line of lower-priced macbooks, I don't think they'll be touchscreen and I don't think that's where all the excitement will arise. I do think all macbooks will run Mac OSX. I'm sure they'll sell, but that's not why Steve came back from death.

Steve came back to drop the big one! I believe the mystery product will be a tablet. It will run a version of iPhone OSX and will not be much different from a big ipod Touch. EXCEPT- it will have a dockable keyboard, using a standard iPhone dock. (Do you think Apple disabled this obvious feature from iPhone out of spite?) It will have an SD slot. Probably not 3G since Steve will want you to tether your iPhone. Definitely wifi and bluetooth. AND it will have 16:8 proportions. Curiously, an 8.5" wide screen at 16:8 is 9.75" diagonal. So, when I take it to my desk and dock it in landscape mode I will see the full width of my word processing project. When I take it to the TV room to surf while watching the bigscreen, I'll use the touchscreen keyboard. When I'm traveling, (or sitting on the back deck on a summer night) I'll be watching movies in HD. Or playing games.

edit: The iPhone doesn't allow external keyboard connection via dock or bluetooth because, in my opinion, they've been saving this feature for the tablet!

Steve doesn't want this to replace your laptop. He wants this to be an augmentation that fills the gap between your iPhone and your Mac. Of course, you'll want mobile me so you can stay synced with everything else.

I humbly request to be iCal'd on this.

[Drag'nGT]

Price is speculative. I'm in for one if I like the interface and it runs OS X. Nothing was said if it ran a C2D. Could it run on an Atom like the rumors that started after the hackintosh netbooks got a battery bump with 10.5.7? Possibly.

I'm in to hear what it has to offer. Personally, if it could run the games and such off the phone and touch then it's a done deal. Otherwise my next laptop is a MacBook Air. I love them. :cool:

[dicklacara]

Not that anyone will read this after 400 comments, but I pretty much gave up on my tablet speculation 6 months ago, and now I can't resist. Although it looks like Apple may come out with a line of lower-priced macbooks, I don't think they'll be touchscreen and I don't think that's where all the excitement will arise. I do think all macbooks will run Mac OSX. I'm sure they'll sell, but that's not why Steve came back from death.

Steve came back to drop the big one! I believe the mystery product will be a tablet. It will run a version of iPhone OSX and will not be much different from a big ipod Touch. EXCEPT- it will have a dockable keyboard, using a standard iPhone dock. (Do you think Apple disabled this obvious feature from iPhone out of spite?) It will have an SD slot. Probably not 3G since Steve will want you to tether your iPhone. Definitely wifi and bluetooth. AND it will have 16:8 proportions. Curiously, an 8.5" wide screen at 16:8 is 9.75" diagonal. So, when I take it to my desk and dock it in landscape mode I will see the full width of my word processing project. When I take it to the TV room to surf while watching the bigscreen, I'll use the touchscreen keyboard. When I'm traveling, (or sitting on the back deck on a summer night) I'll be watching movies in HD. Or playing games.

edit: The iPhone doesn't allow external keyboard connection via dock or bluetooth because, in my opinion, they've been saving this feature for the tablet!

Steve doesn't want this to replace your laptop. He wants this to be an augmentation that fills the gap between your iPhone and your Mac. Of course, you'll want mobile me so you can stay synced with everything else.

I humbly request to be iCal'd on this.

You done broke the code...

[Bubba Satori]

I showed our Apple rep this rumor tonight. He thought it would be way cool and so do I. I could sell a ton of them and Apple would do an end run around all the cr*p netbooks, if they can hit the $799 price point. Come on Apple, go for it. :apple:

[Hugh]

Starts at $999. But this is HP. HP doesn't have the groundbreaking ideas all the time like Apple does.

I actually by looking what they were doing in the commercial, I couldn't see a real function for it. Other then moving pictures around like it showed.

Hugh

[Gregintosh]

Steve doesn't want this to replace your laptop. He wants this to be an augmentation that fills the gap between your iPhone and your Mac.

And when exactly will you find time to use it? You got your iMac at home, your iPhone for the really on the go situations, and since it doesnt replace a laptop you have your macbook or MBP for when you are in the library or in school.

And so if you have an iPhone and laptop and potentially an iMac/MacPro, when are you going to find the time or place to use this $800 gadget? Is it going to be something you buy so you can use it for 45 minutes a week while you're taking a crap or something?

I guess to phrase it another way.. what exactly is the UTILITY gap between an iPhone and a Macbook IF YOU OWN BOTH? In what instance is neither device really good to use and, therefore, a 3rd device worth paying nearly a grand for could come in handy?

[Foxglove9]

Just give me a 10" MacBook (like the old 10" iBook) and I'll be more than happy.

[firewood]

Instead of a netbook, perhaps something that exceeds the raw specs of a Viao P. A keyboard doesn't need to be attached and sold with the device. Some folding Bluetooth keyboard options would give users the choice of how big a keyboard they want to carry with their giant iTouch. Apple has a team that can design ARM CPUs that will run OS X faster than any current Intel Atom. It's looking like full Snow Leopard might run just fine on a multi-core ARM system. Desktop apps would have to be re-compiled to run on something like this. A portion of a book-sized multi-touch display could be used for a virtual touchpad for apps with the old legacy UI. Crazy ideas, but since when does Apple follow the lead of Acer and Dell in styling and packaging?

[AppleZwei]

A 9.7 inch screen suggests a SMALL keyboard. I know they mention touchscreen, but one of the biggest complaints I've read on netbooks is their small, non-standard-sized keyboards. If Apple wants to introduce a netbook I was hoping for something with an 11" or 12" display and a standard sized keyboard (or one that is very close to standard size). Sure, they could use a small screen and have a big bezel surrounding it, but that would just be stupid (IMO).

Powerbook G4 12". According to you they came out with a Netbook years ago.

[consoleboi]

And when exactly will you find time to use it? You got your iMac at home, your iPhone for the really on the go situations, and since it doesnt replace a laptop you have your macbook or MBP for when you are in the library or in school.

And so if you have an iPhone and laptop and potentially an iMac/MacPro, when are you going to find the time or place to use this $800 gadget? Is it going to be something you buy so you can use it for 45 minutes a week while you're taking a crap or something?

I guess to phrase it another way.. what exactly is the UTILITY gap between an iPhone and a Macbook IF YOU OWN BOTH? In what instance is neither device really good to use and, therefore, a 3rd device worth paying nearly a grand for could come in handy?

I totally see a tablet or UMPC fitting a lot of people's needs. NOT everyone wants or needs an Iphone. I have a macbook (old one) for my desktop usage at home. A SE phone (Iphone is too expensive where I am and I don't feel like charging it every night). I just placed an order for viliv x70 with 3G; a tablet like that suits my needs to a T. Sometimes I am on call for support and I need VPN..yes it has windows but I don't care..for me it's just a tool to connect to the office for emergency purposes and it doesn't hurt my shoulders weighing at 1.45 lbs.

Sorry but I can't see myself surfing for a long time even at a coffee shop on a tiny little screen like the Iphone and eating away at my battery life when I want to make an important call.

Nor do I want to lug around my now SUPER heavy macbook who's battery does not last more than 10 minutes when not plugged in.

A tablet will certainly serve that growing niche market and being that it's from Apple a lot of macsheeps will buy one regardless if they need it or not.

[sammy2066]

I'm really hoping they release a tablet. However, even after they release it, we folks on MR will start discussing product defects, screen numbers and temperatures as opposed to enjoying the product. (Me included) :p

[talkingfuture]

Not that anyone will read this after 400 comments, but I pretty much gave up on my tablet speculation 6 months ago, and now I can't resist. Although it looks like Apple may come out with a line of lower-priced macbooks, I don't think they'll be touchscreen and I don't think that's where all the excitement will arise. I do think all macbooks will run Mac OSX. I'm sure they'll sell, but that's not why Steve came back from death.

Steve came back to drop the big one! I believe the mystery product will be a tablet. It will run a version of iPhone OSX and will not be much different from a big ipod Touch. EXCEPT- it will have a dockable keyboard, using a standard iPhone dock. (Do you think Apple disabled this obvious feature from iPhone out of spite?) It will have an SD slot. Probably not 3G since Steve will want you to tether your iPhone. Definitely wifi and bluetooth. AND it will have 16:8 proportions. Curiously, an 8.5" wide screen at 16:8 is 9.75" diagonal. So, when I take it to my desk and dock it in landscape mode I will see the full width of my word processing project. When I take it to the TV room to surf while watching the bigscreen, I'll use the touchscreen keyboard. When I'm traveling, (or sitting on the back deck on a summer night) I'll be watching movies in HD. Or playing games.

edit: The iPhone doesn't allow external keyboard connection via dock or bluetooth because, in my opinion, they've been saving this feature for the tablet!

Steve doesn't want this to replace your laptop. He wants this to be an augmentation that fills the gap between your iPhone and your Mac. Of course, you'll want mobile me so you can stay synced with everything else.

I humbly request to be iCal'd on this.

Please could I order two of these for immediate delivery? Thats almost exactly what I want and what I believe we will see in the not too distant future.

[CyberBob859]

And when exactly will you find time to use it? You got your iMac at home, your iPhone for the really on the go situations, and since it doesnt replace a laptop you have your macbook or MBP for when you are in the library or in school.

And so if you have an iPhone and laptop and potentially an iMac/MacPro, when are you going to find the time or place to use this $800 gadget? Is it going to be something you buy so you can use it for 45 minutes a week while you're taking a crap or something?

I guess to phrase it another way.. what exactly is the UTILITY gap between an iPhone and a Macbook IF YOU OWN BOTH? In what instance is neither device really good to use and, therefore, a 3rd device worth paying nearly a grand for could come in handy?

Mobile Internet Devices (MID) and other small tablets and PDA's have been coming and going for many years now. All one has to do is browse Engadget.com for a few days and you see these things announced almost daily with different OS's. None has gained traction, I think because of the reasons stated above. Who has $500 (or in the Apple rumor case - $800) for an extremely niche gadget? It will not replace either a phone or a laptop which for many people are products that meet very specific needs for business or personal use.

If you look at Apple's current consumer laptop product line, they have only ONE offering - the white Macbook which starts at $999. It needs a refresh.

So, I think they build up their consumer laptop products with a redone 13", and (to satisfy the rumor) a 9.7" "netbook" which I think has a new interface on top of SL including some touchscreen features to help differentiate it from the competition and justify a higher price.

[zenjabba]

Not that anyone will read this after 400 comments, but I pretty much gave up on my tablet speculation 6 months ago, and now I can't resist. Although it looks like Apple may come out with a line of lower-priced macbooks, I don't think they'll be touchscreen and I don't think that's where all the excitement will arise. I do think all macbooks will run Mac OSX. I'm sure they'll sell, but that's not why Steve came back from death.

Steve came back to drop the big one! I believe the mystery product will be a tablet. It will run a version of iPhone OSX and will not be much different from a big ipod Touch. EXCEPT- it will have a dockable keyboard, using a standard iPhone dock. (Do you think Apple disabled this obvious feature from iPhone out of spite?) It will have an SD slot. Probably not 3G since Steve will want you to tether your iPhone. Definitely wifi and bluetooth. AND it will have 16:8 proportions. Curiously, an 8.5" wide screen at 16:8 is 9.75" diagonal. So, when I take it to my desk and dock it in landscape mode I will see the full width of my word processing project. When I take it to the TV room to surf while watching the bigscreen, I'll use the touchscreen keyboard. When I'm traveling, (or sitting on the back deck on a summer night) I'll be watching movies in HD. Or playing games.

edit: The iPhone doesn't allow external keyboard connection via dock or bluetooth because, in my opinion, they've been saving this feature for the tablet!

Steve doesn't want this to replace your laptop. He wants this to be an augmentation that fills the gap between your iPhone and your Mac. Of course, you'll want mobile me so you can stay synced with everything else.

I humbly request to be iCal'd on this.


If this is what is coming, Credit Card at the ready for the extra protection.. and FIRE AT WILL, MR WORF!

[janstett]

A 9.7 inch screen suggests a SMALL keyboard. I know they mention touchscreen, but one of the biggest complaints I've read on netbooks is their small, non-standard-sized keyboards. If Apple wants to introduce a netbook I was hoping for something with an 11" or 12" display and a standard sized keyboard (or one that is very close to standard size). Sure, they could use a small screen and have a big bezel surrounding it, but that would just be stupid (IMO).

Time to bring back the "Butterfly" keyboard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTlQxHFCaDo

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/02/0215_laptop_history/image/ibm_thinkpad_701.jpg

Apple isn't the only one who can innovate ;)

[iMacmatician]

EXCEPT- it will have a dockable keyboard, using a standard iPhone dock. (Do you think Apple disabled this obvious feature from iPhone out of spite?)This wouldn't surprise me, similar to how screen spanning was disabled on the iBooks.

I guess to phrase it another way.. what exactly is the UTILITY gap between an iPhone and a Macbook IF YOU OWN BOTH?What if you don't own both?

Please could I order two of these for immediate delivery? Thats almost exactly what I want and what I believe we will see in the not too distant future.I would like this too…

[Ragnar]

Powerbook G4 12". According to you they came out with a Netbook years ago.

A G4 is way better than a netbook! Give me a Unibody Intel G4 with a matte screen, barring that I'll stick with my original G4......maybe forever!

C'mon apple, one of your best products ever is five years old!

[mygoldens]

Apple, we are waiting and waiting, what is the problem!

Multitasking in the Iphone, updated graphics in the Macbook Pros (1gig VRAM), netbook, TABLET!

Let's get going!:eek:

[MrCrowbar]

I actually got the parts to build a 22" touchscreen from eBay and intend to use it for music production on the Mac. Didn't want a bunch of motorized faders because they're not really versatile and you easily lose track of which fader is assigned to what channel. And since Logic still does not support undo for the track mixer or any plugin (WTF, APPLE!?), this can be annoying.

So I got one motorfader (Presonus Faderport), a jogwheel (Tascam FireOne), a 25-key keyboard (M-Adio Oxygen 8 v2) with some knobs and all the keys mapped to useful shortcuts (knobs for zooming, EQ, compressor and drawbars). The only thing I missed is the ability to instantly mute or solo a track, do rough adjustments while recording, etc.

After watching this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-59BxTuHFio and doing some research, I got the necessary parts off eBay to build the same thing, but a lot larger. If I can get OSX to work nicely with multiple touch screens, I intend to build a slanted console with two (or more) touch screens built into it (as flush as possible), support for the near-field monitors and mount for all the other audio gear. I might even go for the geeky star trek look. ;-)

If you wanna try out OSX with a touchscreen, you can get those 15" ELO screens for 100 bucks on eBay. They're capacitive (same tech as the iPhone, i.e. no pressure required) and work well with Macs.

[macerroneous]

Apple, we are waiting and waiting, what is the problem!

Multitasking in the Iphone, updated graphics in the Macbook Pros (1gig VRAM), netbook, TABLET!

Let's get going!:eek:


I forgot to say: I also believe multitasking was omitted from OS 3 because they want to limit this feature to the tablet, which really would need it. That'll be another reason for you to buy the tablet even if you have the iPhone already.

And another thing: surely you guys are bumping up against the 5 computer limit in iTunes? Well, there's no limit to the number of iPods you can sync. Therefore, this can't be called a Mac or Macbook. It must not run Mac OSX!

[wolfpackfan]

I am very excited about this new device and if half the rumors are true I will be buying one even at the $800 price. I would love to see a device similar to the Touch but with a 9-10" screen. I would prefer OS X running on it, but if some variant of the iPhone OS is installed I hope it has multi-tasking and full blown Safari with Flash. I hope it is very thin and has fantastic battery life. In addition to WiFi, I hope you can tether it to your iPhone. It would also be great if it had USB ports and the ability to connect an external keyboard. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I hope we're not setting ourselves up for a big disappointment.

[iMusicalMommy]

And when exactly will you find time to use it? You got your iMac at home, your iPhone for the really on the go situations, and since it doesnt replace a laptop you have your macbook or MBP for when you are in the library or in school.

And so if you have an iPhone and laptop and potentially an iMac/MacPro, when are you going to find the time or place to use this $800 gadget? Is it going to be something you buy so you can use it for 45 minutes a week while you're taking a crap or something?

I guess to phrase it another way.. what exactly is the UTILITY gap between an iPhone and a Macbook IF YOU OWN BOTH? In what instance is neither device really good to use and, therefore, a 3rd device worth paying nearly a grand for could come in handy?

Sorry to barge in here, but I know what "utility" gap I'M waiting for! I own a iMac, a MBP, and a ipod touch. I NEVER thought I would ever read a book/novel on a computer screen. Thus, I never even gave Kindle a "thought". Through the Kindle for iphone app on my ipod touch, I've been introduced to the world of ebooks and discovered:

-Amazon always has a couple of ENTIRE ebooks for FREE every day. First 5 pages of all books are free to preview.
-Google has a zillion books for "free" (copyright free ones)
-there are too many online "repositories", digital libraries to name here. But, they all offer free books.
-you can find .pdf (and other formats) of pretty much every "Classic" that's out there for FREE because the copyright has expired
-Ebooks are priced quite a chunk cheaper than "real" books. $9.99 for all New York Times Sellers. Flat price.
-Other online books sellers are entering the ebook game and giving pressure to Amazon to lower the prices even more...


I used to love reading but haven't read any novels for a long time. I guess reading the internet satisfies my desire to read. With this Kindle for iphone app, I've "rediscovered" the enjoyment of reading novels and I'm shocked by how much free and nearly free content (fiction and non-fiction) is out there.

Money talks and its been convincing to me that I will put up with the computer screen now in order to read books.

It's hard on the eyes to read on a touch/iphone. I'm a convert now to ebooks now but am NOT going to buy the kindle. Why? I have this gut feeling that Apple is going to come in and try to elbow Kindle out of the way. AND, I know that if Apple does, they will blow Amazon/Kindle out of the water with the type of device. I can't wait to see what they come up with!

and when am I going to use it? When I'm commuting on the subway and have no wireless access and am hungry to read something, when I go to the beach and want access to a number of books, without having to lug them. When I want to read at night in bed, when I'm standing in line waiting for something, when I want to read laying down on the coach.

I'm thinking an ipod touch the size of a paperback book (that does everything the touch does now, including allowing me to listen to music while reading (it's possible!) and also a bigger screen for playing the app games. Plus, allow you to handwrite notes on the screen like a tablet.

University students could consider using this "tablet" or whatever you want to call it to hold their textbooks and their handwritten study notes. Schoolboards are now experimenting with Kindle to hold textbooks. It's happening and it's coming... This tablet would be particularly appealing to people who write in Chinese, or any other non-keyboard language. (By the way, the Chinese are also voracious readers of books!) Imagine how much money Apple would make if it sold a "tablet" to every person who writes in Chinese script in the world --not even counting the other script languages. There is no need for a keyboard if the device can read your handwriting.

Just as Apple took digital music and made it "mainstream" and "every man's" commodity, I see Apple taking digital books/texts/magazines/newspapers and making it "every man's" commodity. I know Mr. Jobs has said that reading is dying but isn't he known to throw in red herrings to throw people off? and Mr. Jobs is very supportive of anything "educational". Perhaps he wants to revive book reading again. You might not be much of a book reader now--but such a device might change that. Newspapers and magazines are now selling digital subscriptions. You might not read fiction, but I bet you read magazines and newspapers. Imagine having it delivered to you wirelessly and you can read it standing on the bus when you wouldn't be able to open up a laptop?

When Apple first introduced the ipod, people didn't "get it". What "gap" was this little square box supposed to fill? Sometimes you don't know there is a "gap" until something comes in to fill it.

Most of you don't realize this, but Google and Amazon and Apple are jostling for control of this emerging form of media If you don't believe me, follow this blog: http://ireaderreview.com/ This new "tablet" is the same size as the original Kindle. Hmm. I also don't believe the rumors that it's going to be $800 (that's another red herring). I think it will be priced to compete directly with the Kindle $300-$500. Apple wants everyone to have THEIR device and not a Kindle in their hand when this new form of media becomes common place. They would be stupid to pass up this opportunity. Especially when they've been through this already with the ipod and digital music. Digital music existed before the ipod (Sony?) but it took Apple to make it mainstream.

Kindle was ONLY launched in Nov 2007 and it's only available in the USA now. How about the rest of the world? It's too early in the game to say there is no market for ebooks and it's a tiny niche.

It wouldn't make sense for Apple to make a smaller "macbook" and undercut purchases of the more expensive macbooks etc. So, I don't believe this will be a macbook replacement at all. More like an e-reader, tablet, notetaking, music playing, gaming device. It will create a new "niche" and not compete with the old.

In the end, it may be that Amazon allows their books to be read on ANY device and focusses on selling content while Apple produces the most popular device. Or Apple supports Google's format as Google sells advertising and provides free/cheap books. Or Apple works with book publishers or even directly with AUTHORS skipping over the heads of Amazon and Google and sells through itunes. We're all waiting to see. (I'm hoping the latter, because I've seen what a fantastic job its done with music in itunes.) Whichever way it goes, I already know that Apple will produce the slickest, best working, most popular device--whether this October or at another future date. I'm impatiently waiting for it and am willing to refuse a Kindle purchase as I wait because I love Apple so much and I know I won't regret the wait (and don't want to waste the money on an inferior, overpriced for the few features it offers --Kindle). Sorry Kindle! In the meantime, I'm enjoying reading the "shopaholic" series on my ipod touch. :D and I'd better hurry and finish writing up that digital novel of mine I started ;D

[polaris20]

It is not rude nor an attack. Since when can you NOT call someone ignorant for making a comment that is, well, ignorant? Do you know what the real definition of that is? It means uninformed. I would say that to you in person or the person I replied to - do I now have that right? The post was silly and uninformed based on the fact that he may have used a netbook. I explained my points and defended them - I did not post a two sentence comment about a netbook being crap and good for on-line work only. He did not stand behind his comment and chose to suck and cover. I stood-up for my opinion and called it like I saw it. The no offense was satire and I realized there would be people like you who could not see the intent of the comments I made. Take it for what it is worth - I claim not to be presumptuous or attacking. I made a statement and stood behind it - period. Nothing more to it...regardless of your thoughts.

D

The problem is you haven't a clue as to what his background is to be making claims of his ignorance, and yes, you are rude doing it.

Sorry you lack the social skills to realize that.

[flybynite]

No keyboard. Two 9.7" screens. Hold it like a book... a real book.

Wrap in it cloth or leather while your at it.

Among other things, this would blow away kindle and the rest as the ultimate ebook reader and textbook replacement, and satisfy all of us book designers who design by the 2-page SPREAD, not a single page at a time.

I hope Apple offers two touch screens as the standard, or as the not-too-much-more-expensive version of its tablet. When not reading a book or magazine, the added screen could be at times be a keyboard, or other apps, or just an extension of the desktop.

[Jelite]

I've no interest in this now with the 13" MBP.

[Tallest Skil]

It is not rude nor an attack. Since when can you NOT call someone ignorant for making a comment that is, well, ignorant? Do you know what the real definition of that is? It means uninformed. I would say that to you in person or the person I replied to - do I now have that right? The post was silly and uninformed based on the fact that he may have used a netbook. I explained my points and defended them - I did not post a two sentence comment about a netbook being crap and good for on-line work only. He did not stand behind his comment and chose to suck and cover. I stood-up for my opinion and called it like I saw it. The no offense was satire and I realized there would be people like you who could not see the intent of the comments I made. Take it for what it is worth - I claim not to be presumptuous or attacking. I made a statement and stood behind it - period. Nothing more to it...regardless of your thoughts.

D

The problem is you haven't a clue as to what his background is to be making claims of his ignorance, and yes, you are rude doing it.

Sorry you lack the social skills to realize that.

I'll say what I said several pages ago to set things straight.

I've used one. I find them worthless for all but the most mundane of tasks. I have not used a Hackintosh one. I would not purchase one, but if I were given one, it would be made into a Hackintosh. Perhaps running OS X is good for crap hardware, as it runs better; I don't know. I also have not used one running Windows Seven, which I have heard is also good for slow hardware.

Now, you can't do any real work on a netbook. You can word process, surf, put a presentation together, listen to music and probably sort photos and watch video content that is less than 1920x1080.

But you can't render, you can't design, you can't post-produce, you can't mix; you can't do anything on a professional level.

They don't exist to do that, and rightly so; they cannot. They are perfect for everything above that I said they could do, which is what they were designed to do.

As a pro, they can't be your main computer, and it's almost nonsensical to justify having one for your work as a pro; even as a client computer.

[Gregintosh]

What if you don't own both?

Well then what Utility gap would it bridge there?

Usually, when a device bridges the gap between two it gives up minor features of both in order to provide the major functionality, thus replacing for many users the need for two devices.

I can see how it can build in phone connection and 3G internet, replacing the iPhone, but how about replacing the mac? Without a keyboard it cannot provide a BASIC computer function of writing papers/typing stuff in a comfortable way.

Sure you can have an on-screen keyboard or buy a bunch of accessories to create some way of typing semi-comfortably.

At this point, I think even a cramped netbook keyboard would be more comfortable and convenient than an on-screen only keyboard for typing longer things. And having to carry around another keyboard and stand for the computer to simulate a proper experience would be way too inconvenient for most people.

Through the Kindle for iphone app on my ipod touch, I've been introduced to the world of ebooks and discovered:

What you want is an eBook reader if you want to read eBooks. That means an e-Ink display which minimizes eye strain and preserves battery (to the point where even during regular use you only need to charge once a week).

It is possible to browse the net on an eBook device, if it had a proper web browser. It would not be the same convenience or features as a computer but with a well engineered solution it could be acceptable for reading forums, news sites, etc.

I seriously don't think Apple will be releasing an $800 device whose primary purpose is to read eBooks and compete with Amazon. I mean sure if it is a giant iPod Touch then having a cool eBook app would be useful, but as a selling point for the device it is not.

If you personally are interested in reading eBooks a lot, I recommend either the kindle or the Sony reader (I owned the prs-505). It is a much BETTER experience than any LCD-screen based solution with lots of benefits. Give it a couple more years and the e-Inks will rock your world.

The future of eBooks is e-Ink (and coming soon, Color e-Ink), not LCD.

[jouster]

Now, you can't do any real work on a netbook. You can word process, surf, put a presentation together [...]
How are those not "real" work?

[iMacmatician]

I forgot to say: I also believe multitasking was omitted from OS 3 because they want to limit this feature to the tablet, which really would need it. That'll be another reason for you to buy the tablet even if you have the iPhone already.Another good point. No dock, no multitasking on the iPhone. Hmmmm...

Just as Apple took digital music and made it "mainstream" and "every man's" commodity, I see Apple taking digital books/texts/magazines/newspapers and making it "every man's" commodity. I know Mr. Jobs has said that reading is dying but isn't he known to throw in red herrings to throw people off? and Mr. Jobs is very supportive of anything "educational". Perhaps he wants to revive book reading again. You might not be much of a book reader now--but such a device might change that. Newspapers and magazines are now selling digital subscriptions. You might not read fiction, but I bet you read magazines and newspapers. Imagine having it delivered to you wirelessly and you can read it standing on the bus when you wouldn't be able to open up a laptop?There's been significant speculation about eBooks in this new device and basically I agree here. PDF reading would also be good (I don't know if the iPhone can already do that, but a larger display will help) since many documents that aren't books are on PDF.

Also, I'd like iWork support on the device because I would like to edit documents on the go (and on a good sized display) without carrying around a notebook and its case. More editing features for iTunes/iLife would be good too, and the bigger display would really help for web browsing. It would definitely serve as a complement to my MacBook Pro and would mean that I don't have to take my laptop around as much.

[niuniu]

How times change..

It was just two months ago when I was on here saying that I can't see any room for a netbook as I have an iPhone to check emails when I'm out. But now that my business has been taking off, I'm finding it more and more painful to be away from my laptop. I can't even go to the gym the past couple of weeks w/o calling my partner to check up on orders and emails for me - the iPhone is great, it's just not fast enough to navigate the net and my website CMS without eating up a lot of time.

What I really need is something bigger than my phone, but small and DURABLE enough to stick in a jacket pocket or backpack. It has to have nice battery life as I'd be keeping it on hibernate or another setting for fast startup when I'm out.

[MrCrowbar]

No keyboard. Two 9.7" screens. Hold it like a book... a real book.

Wrap in it cloth or leather while your at it.

Among other things, this would blow away kindle and the rest as the ultimate ebook reader and textbook replacement, and satisfy all of us book designers who design by the 2-page SPREAD, not a single page at a time.

I hope Apple offers two touch screens as the standard, or as the not-too-much-more-expensive version of its tablet. When not reading a book or magazine, the added screen could be at times be a keyboard, or other apps, or just an extension of the desktop.

I love it! I've seen some mockups of this kind of thing and 9.7" is perfect. I read a few graphic novels and mangas on the computer (fan made translations of mangas are so much better...) back in the day. Double-tab to zoom into one frame (like Safari on iPhone) would be great for comics. One display could show the whole page and the other one the zoomed in frame. I generally like the idea of zooming in to enlarge small print or to make ridiculously large print more readable. :-)

I also like the leather idea. Or at least some system how 3rd party vendors could firmly attach leather covers.

[andiwm2003]

.....................................................Now, you can't do any real work on a netbook. You can word process, surf, put a presentation together, listen to music and probably sort photos and watch video content that is less than 1920x1080.

But you can't render, you can't design, you can't post-produce, you can't mix; you can't do anything on a professional level.

.................................................................

now at that point it becomes a discussion what "pro-work" is.

anyway, i agree with your point because even powerpoint presentations are a pain to do on a netbook. and even sorting pictures is a pain because it's slow and not enough space for a decent picture library. and forget about image editing being fun.

i would use a netbook as an email/wordprocessing/websurfing machine at best.

apples netbook would have to be fantastic at that and in addition would also have to allow MS office programs to run smoothly to be interesting to me. that means it would need some sort of dual core cpu and a fantastic screen. then we talk about $1000. at that point i'm going to buy a 13"MBP.

it will be really interesting if apple can position such a device in the market to make me buy it. i know I want to.:o

[Master Chief]

But the iPhone costs $99 now.
Yes, I remember that. What's your point other than there used to be more than one MacBook?
Only with a new two year contract "Requires new two-year AT&T wireless service contract"

Source: http://www.apple.com/iphone/buy/

[deconstruct60]

now at that point it becomes a discussion what "pro-work" is.


What? No. The discussion goes surreal if that is limitation on what professional work is. Professional work is what you get paid to do.
Any other attempt to narrow down "pro-work" to just a handful of niche professions is ignorant. Professional means what the dictionary says it means. Turning that into a "codeword" with implicit connotations is only going to inhibit communication. There are tons more paid communicators/writers/etc. using computer-like devices as critical work tools than there are folks doing audio/video work.

Is a netbook going to be useful for all professions? No.
Does it have to be universally applicable in order to be a significant commercial offering? No.



anyway, i agree with your point because even powerpoint presentations are a pain to do on a netbook. and even sorting pictures is a pain because it's slow and not enough space for a decent picture library. and forget about image editing being fun.


These are some questionable assertions since.

1. 5-7 years ago folks were doing powerpoint on portable computers with similar RAM, persistant storage space and CPU horsepower. There is a limitation of screen real estate but that is even more substantially true of smartphones. If talking alleviating the problems on those you have gone from impossible/impractical to painful but can be done.


Trying to assert that netbooks are not desktop replacements is to create a misdirected discussion.

2. With older machine people didn't run 2-3 1GB applications at the same time and expect great performance. Run one app at time (or tolerate switching time between them along with no background tasks ) and the performance will most likely meet expectations.

The original Mac did just fine where you could run just one app at time. iPhone OS is doing just fine running primarily one app at a time. One problem folks run into with netbooks is that they try to crush them with running apps. Any computer can be crushed if just run a high enough workload on it.



Match the rumors that there is a ARM processor here what you have is a tablet that gets around several of the limitations of the iPhone/Touch which are associated with cramped screen real estate that is required for doing basic classic communication that is done with computers.




i would use a netbook as an email/wordprocessing/websurfing machine at best.


Like those.



apples netbook would have to be fantastic at that and in addition would also have to allow MS office programs to run smoothly to be interesting to me.


Given there will be a variation of Office 2010 is going to run on the web, even could do this on 9.7" screen iPhone OS system running Safari probably.
Could you create a super-disco, 50 slide powerpoint presentation? Probably not. Could you view and put feedback commentary (or do last minute touch ups after left the office, but before the presentation.... latest breaking sales estimates. ) somewhat likely. If can store docs locally and securely use with web Office 2010 (no storage of document on remote site) even more likely true.



that means it would need some sort of dual core cpu and a fantastic screen. then we talk about $1000. at that point i'm going to buy a 13"MBP.


1. What in Office needs a dual core CPU? What were people doing in Office for the 15 years that predates the widespread distribution of dual core CPUs?

[ Perhaps a dual core ARM.... but a dual core Intel chip with largely unmodified MacOS X? Not as likely. ]


2. This very likely is positioned against the iPhone/Touch (and other 3" screen, or less, smartphones , PDA, Newtons ) than against the MacBook or MBP 13".

Put a Gobi (or equivalent multi cell service compatible ) card into it:

http://www.qctconnect.com/products/gobi.html

http://www.gobianywhere.com/index.html
http://www.gobianywhere.com/gobi2000_overview.pdf

And not hooked to just one Cell Service vendor (expect to get the associated firmware/software update to match specific service protocols/identification. )


The relatively big 9.7" iPhone device gives them a chance to work out bleeding edge stuff before consolidating it into a smaller number of chip packages and rolling it out on the 3" devices. (like the Mac Pro vs. the iMac technology "hand-me-down" relationship. )

[Shake 'n' Bake]

Only with a new two year contract "Requires new two-year AT&T wireless service contract"

Source: http://www.apple.com/iphone/buy/

You know, most people don't even think about buying an iPhone without contract. Most people have no idea what an unlocked phone is. So it is $99 to most people.

[Master Chief]

No Netbook. No Tablet. No Macbook Mini.

You want a new rumor... so here's one: "Apple will introduce a revolutionary new game device (with a touch screen running OS 4.0) later this year – a small number of games will be available from day one, from a refreshed iTunes App store..."

Adding a netbook, tablet or MacBook Mini don't make sense. At least to me. The iGame however could quickly become Apple's next money machine – they could even make it (partially) backward compatible with the iPod Touch/iPhone (to let current developers help expand sales and give it a flying start) :D

I would most likely purchase four of them for the kids. Heck maybe even five and keep one for myself.

The main problem for Apple night become the price, which has to be reasonable. Very reasonable even for most non-apple customers, and that might look impossible for Apple right now... but they could easily change strategy and cash in a little later, with help of the game store.

[deconstruct60]

No Netbook. No Tablet. No Macbook Mini.

You want a new rumor... so here's one: "Apple will introduce a revolutionary new game device (with a touch screen running OS 4.0) later this year – a small number of games will be available from day one, from a refreshed iTunes Game store..."
... Mini don't make sense. The iGame however could quickly become Apple's next money machine – they could even make it backward compatible with the iPod Touch/iPhone

What? You have simply substituted new words for what already exists to a large extent.

iTunes Apps store == ITunes Games store
iPodTouch == iGame

If talking about the hand held gaming market... Apple is already in it with the Touch. ( That isn't its sole purpose, but way out there if think this isn't competing with many folk's limited budgets for DS and PSP like devices. )

Of course the iPod Touch is remarkably compatible with the iPod Touch already. ;)

Not sure a 9.7" screen is going to do much for hand held gaming. In fact having to deal with multiple screen sizes will probably through many games for a loop. More than a few are probably hard coded to the Phone/Touch screen sizes.

If talking some kind of stationary game machine. Very minuscule chance. Apple already has a "hobby" machine for their limited attention span: AppleTV. Between Sony, Microsoft , and Nintendo no way they want to get that bloodbath battle for gaming console.

What may happen to some extent is that some vendors may take some iPhone games to Mac OS X ( if the UI controls have some reasonable mapping.) That may bring more games to Mac OS X longer term.


If the rumor (really "I wish Apple would build this for me" ) is at its core about Apple bringing desktop/laptop gamer oriented personal computer (bleeding edge graphics, etc. ) to market ..... don't hold your breath.

[Master Chief]

What? You have simply substituted new words for what already exists to a large extent.

iTunes Apps store == ITunes Games store
iPodTouch == iGame
The first one was just a typo (fixed/thanks). And no the iPod Touch – another great Apple product – is not a real game device. These people simply have no other choice than to use a small screen device.

If talking about the hand held gaming market... Apple is already in it with the Touch. ( That isn't its sole purpose, but way out there if think this isn't competing with many folk's limited budgets for DS and PSP like devices.)
The other companies are not sitting still, and one cannot compare the iPhone or iPod Touch with let's say the Sony PSP. And Apple knows this, and they told major stock holders (or someone is lying) that they are looking into it.

Not sure a 9.7" screen is going to do much for hand held gaming. In fact having to deal with multiple screen sizes will probably through many games for a loop. More than a few are probably hard coded to the Phone/Touch screen sizes.
I'm not saying that there won't be some device with a 9.7" (touch) screen in the near future, but WinTek employees told me that they aren't working on anything close to 9.7" for Apple.

If talking some kind of stationary game machine. Very minuscule chance. Apple already has a "hobby" machine for their limited attention span: AppleTV. Between Sony, Microsoft , and Nintendo no way they want to get that bloodbath battle for gaming console.
You mean like Apple entered the mobile phone war? Which of course Apple did, simply because they revolutionized their product. And AppleTV... don't get me started.

If the rumor (really "I wish Apple would build this for me" ) is at its core about Apple bringing desktop/laptop gamer oriented personal computer (bleeding edge graphics, etc. ) to market ..... don't hold your breath.
I don't play games, ever, and the kids are happy with their Sony PSP's so that's not it. Nope.

And of course this was just another rumor :D

[manhattanboy]

I don't see an $800 netbook selling too well.

Remember these are the same folks who stood in line for days to drop $600 on a phone!

Mac users are crazy. period.
And also apparently crazy wealthy.

[manhattanboy]

Now, you can't do any real work on a netbook. You can word process, surf, put a presentation together, listen to music and probably sort photos and watch video content that is less than 1920x1080.

But you can't render, you can't design, you can't post-produce, you can't mix; you can't do anything on a professional level.


Umm, most "professionals" use the computer to "word process, surf, put a presentation together, listen to music and probably sort photos and watch video content"

I think its the opposite, the minority of people, who need a more advanced machine.

[zedsdead]

Remember these are the same folks who stood in line for days to drop $600 on a phone!

Mac users are crazy. period.
And also apparently crazy wealthy.

I am one of these nuts! #16 in line at the Roosevelt Field Mall. Not wealthy though...Apple is the greatest cult with the best tasting Cool Aid;)

[Ragnar]

I've no interest in this now with the 13" MBP.

I've tried to take this attitude too, it's a beautiful machine, but it's also practically a 15" computer, nearly 2 inches wider than a 12" G4.

Still, I doubt I'll be interested in this product either. When traveling I like to buy DVD's and watch them on my region-free internal drive, or burn some pictures to disc and pass them to a fellow traveler. Either a tablet or netbook isn't enough, we need a real computer with drive, just smaller than the 13.

[deconstruct60]

The first one was just a typo (fixed/thanks). And no the iPod Touch – another great Apple product – is not a real game device. These people simply have no other choice than to use a small screen device.


Hard core gaming no, but casual gaming isn't one of the driving factors. I think the single primary use distinction is going to blur as more horsepower is put into these handhelds. They become more flexible usage computers than dedicated devices.



The other companies are not sitting still, and one cannot compare the iPhone or iPod Touch with let's say the Sony PSP. And Apple knows this, and they told major stock holders (or someone is lying) that they are looking into it.


Don't think Apple is going to block any games from going to the App Store in the meantime either though. ;)

Apple shouldn't want to be pigeoned holed into just a gamer category. Additionally don't want to be blinksided by the established game vendors wondering into iPod/internet-handheld space either.



I'm not saying that there won't be some device with a 9.7" (touch) screen in the near future, but WinTek employees told me that they aren't working on anything close to 9.7" for Apple.


Maybe they don't want to get shot by the Apple firing squad for releasing secrets. However, yes. Looked at there LCD panels currently offer when this rumor came out :

http://www.wintek.com.tw/products_tft_lcd.asp

They currently don't manufacture anything in the 9" size range (or anything 1/2 that size) Maybe someone just injected Kindle DX dimensions into the rumor at previous stage.

Not impossible but that appears to be a new big jump for them.



You mean like Apple entered the mobile phone war? Which of course Apple did, simply because they revolutionized their product. And AppleTV... don't get me started.


Apple is/was only shooting for 10% of the phone market. As a gaming platform what kind of developer buying going to get when shooting for just 10%. Second, the "Cadillac" console gaming platform in the latest round, PS3, has done the worse.

Apple came into but didn't quite revolutionize the space. Apple came into the very high end of the phone space that was doing OK. Sure some aspects were new but there already were smartphones playing music with apps. Apple's refinement has unique aspects but it is more evolutionary. Not even the first touch screen.

The high end of the console/game space isn't ( unless counting gamer PC rigs... which also isn't as much of a growth as folks wanted it to be. ) doing so hot.


AppleTV is Apple's self stated hobby machine. If they give it up then Pippin has been followed by AppleTV..... which again why is the game console so much different ? [ IMHO not sure why Apple wouldn't buy Tivo and make that what they want AppleTV to be. but that is likely a whole another long discussion thread. ]


For a handheld game... similar as console game in terms of price point to come in at. iPod nano are closer in price to PSP/DS prices. ( the Go is high, but we'll see how well it does. Repeat of the PS3 in term of momentum build or breaks out. )

[MorphingDragon]

Remember these are the same folks who stood in line for days to drop $600 on a phone!

Mac users are crazy. period.
And also apparently crazy wealthy.

You have to be crazy to be able to make large amounts of money.

[fun173]

Because tying your customers to a telecom is the most intelligent thing you can do. :rolleyes:

Keep the 3G card off, please, Apple.

yes!

and they should call it the newton 2200!!!!!!!!

[AidenShaw]

Because tying your customers to a telecom is the most intelligent thing you can do. :rolleyes:

Keep the 3G card off, please, Apple.

yes!


Apple, please include a 3G card so that your customers can choose whether they want their Apple netbook to be a netbook - that is, always on the net.

A silicon chip and antenna cost very little. If the customer doesn't want to be always connected, and prefers to wander about hunting for 802.11 hotspots - then fine, they don't activate a 3G plan.

And please, Apple, be like Dell and use a Gobi chipset that not only works with all carriers (CDMA+GSM), but includes a GPS receiver at no extra cost.

[Tallest Skil]

Apple, please include a 3G card so that your customers can choose whether they want their Apple netbook to be a netbook - that is, always on the net.

Okay, certainly.

But only as long as we HAVE that choice as opposed to it being sold ONLY subsidized on a telecom.

[AidenShaw]

Okay, certainly.

But only as long as we HAVE that choice as opposed to it being sold ONLY subsidized on a telecom.

That's right, you need to worry about Apple offering a choice.

We expect a choice on our side of the fence, sometimes we forget that others are less fortunate. ;)

[tetravus]

I'm thinking it could be a full sized Macbook with a detachable screen that can serve as a tablet. It could have a dual mainboard setup. An ARM based one in the screen side and a core2duo in the keyboard side. Imagine a lightweight tablet you can dock and sync into a full Macbook. Not sure if the technology exists to power both ARM and Core2duo simultaneously, or even PowerVR and 9400M running in parallel; but I think given all the uncertainty, anything is possible here.

[kenlee620425]

I use a 11.1" (768x1388) PC Lenovo Ideapad (1.1KG) at work, and 10.1" (576x1024) PC BenQ netbook (1.2KG) & a 13.3" (800x1280) MBA (1.3KG) at home. As a Mac fans, who would like to compromise at a 576x1024 10.1" screen?

Ken

[sishaw]

I have used them, they are worthless for any real work. ...

It depends on what your real work is, and what value you place on portability. Blanket statements based on personal experience are rarely valid for everyone. If you use netbooks for writing when travelling, they can be a nice compromise--light, small, and quite usable once your hands adjust to the smaller keyboard. I happen to have an MSI Wind, but of course if Apple had an offering in that price/size space, I would have looked there first. Also, FYI, the Wind runs iTunes just fine (although the sound is poor, you need headphones).

As far as Apple products go, I have an iBook, iPhone, and ATV. Is the MSI Wind of the same build quality? No. Is it convenient and useful? Yes. Would I love to see Apple produce something like it, with better build quality and nicer design? YES! But that's just me, and I won't make the error of transforming it into a blanket statement.

As for the larger question of how much market such a product would have, that would require more market research and knowledge than I have access to. I can only observe that the relatively low-quality netbooks that are out there are selling quite well, according to press accounts.

[Ktulu]

I know this thread is already long but I have yet to hear anyone talk about this product the way it could best be used. imagine this, a tablet that was WiFi for basic internet/email/chat. However it also is used as a remote device for your desktop. Imagine using your desktop as the power and the tablet as the display sort of thing. This would be a nice bridge for the people who need the power of a desktop but, at times also need that power to be portable. This type of product would be extremely useful to me and I think it would be to others as well. This model would get 2 sales from 1 person. Many desktop consumers could be interested in this type of additional product/purchase.

Just my 2 cents and like I said, I haven't seen/heard anyone make mention or view a product like this as of yet.:D

[AidenShaw]

imagine this, a tablet that was WiFi + 3G for basic internet/email/chat

Fixed it.... ;)

The Internet should be ubiquitous, and WiFi is very, very spotty.

[Ktulu]

Fixed it.... ;)

The Internet should be ubiquitous, and WiFi is very, very spotty.

Nice catch. Yes, you are right, 3/4G should also be an option. Would not be for me, however I think I am in the minority on that one. :-)

[olternaut]

It will be a tablet, with a touchscreen, like a bigger iPod touch. It will use iPhone software. It won't cost $800, because you will have it subsidized by AT&T with their monthly data plan.

I'll gladly pay $800.00 bucks for it so that I wouldn't have to sign some damn contract for it.
That should be an OPTION for those who want it. But, I might be tempted to do so IF and only IF Apple is able to impress the hell outta me with the product.
I suppose that too is a possibility knowing Jobs and Apple.

[no.1 Apple Fan]

This is what I think will happen: Apple will hold a special event in October and say that this is the successor to the Air, and it will be light and thin. The Air will be discontinued and this MacBook Touch, or whatever it's called, will have handwriting recognition and learn how you write, sort of like how the iPhone learns how you type.

I will buy this right away if this rumor is true, if it is at a good price, if it has good specs, if there is no contract for AT&T, and if it has handwriting recognition.:)

[anthonymoody]

one thing i'd be interested in at this size (though not at $800...) is a digital photo frame that SEAMLESSLY runs slideshows from iPhoto. there are photo frames which can be made to work with iPhoto, but not nearly as easily and elegantly as Apple could do (actually there's one brand that's great, forget the name, but they are horrifically expensive as in $1000).

of course apple would add all sorts of additional functionality, to increase the feature set. probably app store capabilities, etc. so maybe while you dock it to charge it acts like a frame.

i'd buy one for my mom just for that. have it set to subscribe to a me.com photo library so she automatically sees the new pix of the kids you upload...

[Pigumon]

wow

" produces an inferior user experience as current products do"

Says WHO Macrumors? :mad:

I say the current iPod Touch produces an inferior user experience to my 5 year old ipod because I can't put all of my songs on it. (hopefully that will change soon)

The current netbooks are great, I'm just sorry I missed out on the dell that ran OSX without problems.

[condorman333]

I would very much welcome such a tablet based device. It would help me to prevent having to buy a kindle and could be used for some casual surfing on my porch... I can't wait.

[hard-case]

I for one, would love to see this come about. I've been looking for a decently powered, thin slate tablet....and considering the minimum entry point currently for that is about $1800 bucks, $800 (even $1k) for a decently powered Apple tablet with touchscreen running a flavor of OSX would practically be a steal!

wow

" produces an inferior user experience as current products do"

Says WHO Macrumors? :mad:

Um...if you follow the post chain that can be attributed to Tim Cook, IIRC Chief Operating Officer of Apple.

[andiwm2003]

just now i'm sitting in the backyard and surf the web and do email and stuff. the iphone is too small for good surfing so i had to lug out my 15"mbp.

i so wish there was a 10" tablet.

[onehoop]

I'd seen this years ago, it would use a small laser (or "micro-projector") to project a keyboard onto a table-top (or flat surface) and interpret your movement into keystrokes. I'm pretty sure there was a video element to the detection, but there may have been audio only?

I didn't read the entire 11+ pages of this thread or the 6+ pages of the micro-projectors on iphone/itouch thread, but I did search them enough to know that no one over here has mentioned keyboards and at least one person over there has mentioned keyboards:

Just a thought. But has anyone ever seen those projected keyboards that work with a sensor to allow one to type on them? They do exist as I've used one a few years back. Could this be the answer to those who hate the small keyboard on the iPhone? The projection quality and power could be low and still achieve this goal.

So, this could be the "solution" to keep your fingers off the screen and pick up speed for typing. The technology would not necessarily be limited to a standard keyboard, but could work with different gel-pads and different keyboard configurations (numerical input, for example... or specialized to applications like Ableton Live?).

Sounds pretty exciting if they have it ready to release at least at beta stage (it seems much can be done through later firmware updates).


M@

[macintoshtoffy]

Why not just a 10 inch oversized iPod Touch with some slight enhancements? it would be bring in the app store, it would be crippled enough not to compete with laptops, and enough features to suit the target audience for netbooks.

[bbotte]

Why not just a 10 inch oversized iPod Touch with some slight enhancements? it would be bring in the app store, it would be crippled enough not to compete with laptops, and enough features to suit the target audience for netbooks.

That's exactly what it will be in my opinion.

[iMacmatician]

That's exactly what it will be in my opinion.Same here… I am very interested in what enhancements it will have… anything from a few new features for a larger display to a "hybrid" OS…

One reason why I think a larger and enhanced iPod touch is likely is because:

http://deals.venturebeat.com/2009/07/13/look-for-pa-semis-chip-designs-in-upcoming-apple-tablet/

Reports surfaced today that Apple will launch an $800 tablet computer in October. But we’ve dug out something interesting ourselves: the processor chip for the tablet is being designed by Apple’s own internal chip team.
…
If Apple’s chip designers are indeed creating their own ARM-based chip for the tablet, that would help Apple reduce its costs. It won’t, for instance, have to pay a markup to other chip design companies such as Samsung or Intel.

[ddTaylor]

The problem is you haven't a clue as to what his background is to be making claims of his ignorance, and yes, you are rude doing it.

Sorry you lack the social skills to realize that.

Wow! Nice post! I called HIS POST IGNORANT - that means UNINFORMED. I DID NOT REFER TO HIM AS IGNORANT - but his post.

He claims that a netbook is good for mundane internet tasks yet the netbooks are FASTER than a recent G4 - are the people who use a G4 for REAL work wrong? That is IGNORANT and I called him on it. That is my point. IGNORANT means UNIFORMED and yes, I DO have facts to base that on in the form of his many posts - many of which I find the same. How do I lack social skills, exactly? I called the way I saw it - he made a silly statement without any facts to back it up beyond his non-empirical use.

Nothing in my post was personal - it was in the scope of the post. He bashed the netbook market and backed-up nothing but his experience that by his own posts were very brief. How can you pigeonhole something without proper information? That is the problem with our entire society.

Netbooks are fine computers and work as a substitute for many people when compared to much more expensive set-ups. Why knock 'em when by his own admission he has very little experience with real-world use?

Also - by your logic you have no right to question my social skills when you no nothing about me and obviously spent no time reading my other posts.

See - irony at its best. You proced my point.

D

[dbowlin17]

there are 17" PCs that fit that definition ;)

all pcs fit that definition. :-)

[AidenShaw]

... UNIFORMED ...

I love men in uniforms ...

... or did you mean UNINFORMED ? :D

[aswitcher]

This would be Apple's style, can't make a decent laptop/netbook for $500. So do a big brother for the touch, make it full OSX, give it better battery life and lighter than the rivals, and charge more for a far better product.

[yliu]

i dont think they would sell a touch screen notebook for only 800 dollars.
I would be really happy for a touch screen desktop from apple, because i really like the HP desktop that is touch screen!

[JuBe]

I for one would be very excited to see some sort of Apple netbook-device precisely because I know Apple will have to make it different somehow. It won't just be a tiny lap-top running OSX, they would never do that.

I think they must have something interesting up their sleeve. They have to beat standard-netbooks, the MBA, and the iPhone/iPod touch.

However, between my iPod Touch and MBP, I feel anything else would be an awkward 3rd wheel/a bit excessive.

I'm sure I'll want one anyway.

Perhaps it could be used for other such things, like students who need something light, but useful for carrying to class. There is also the military implications... I remember hearing a while back that the Army was looking at using some iPod touches.

I don't know any of the numbers, but just a thought... perhaps they wish to expand their revenue from iTunes and the App Store through a device like this?

[rturner2]

I'd love a multi-touch tablet without a keyboard but it must have at least 1 x USB, Bluetooth for wireless keyboard AND video out for connecting to projector etc.

Also with real Mac OS X - not just the iPhone OS. An iPhone emulator to play iPhone games would be awesome even if just in a window.

[WLS]

[QUOTE=JuBe;8109591
I don't know any of the numbers, but just a thought... perhaps they wish to expand their revenue from iTunes and the App Store through a device like this?[/QUOTE]
well yea.. The APPS store has grown so much that there is no way they are not going to use it and Itunes in the business model (ecosystem) for this device. People who say they cannot imagine what the use would be keep overlooking that.
I'm inclined to expect it to use the new chips that Apple is making and the company they bought for that is ARM focused to my knowledge. It is also interesting that OSX is reported to run just fine on ARM chips. I'm surprised that they are going to use a 9.75 diagonal touch screen which seems a bit large to me but probably is the right size for watching movies from Itunes.
That being the case expect to see a plethora of murses or other such man bags showing up to put this in. The stylish fanboy will have to have the right bag to show this off in :D

[tallguy]

i dont think they would sell a touch screen notebook for only 800 dollars.
I would be really happy for a touch screen desktop from apple, because i really like the HP desktop that is touch screen!

I really don't understand the point in having that hp desktop. I mean I have played around with them a bit and the touchscreen is pretty awful. Besides why would you use it when it would be faster and more efficient to use the mouse and keyboard. I guess it's something that they will just continue to evolve and hope that it will catch on.
On the other hand I'm sure Apple's first touchscreen computer will work like an overpriced dream.

[Tallest Skil]

because i really like the HP desktop that is touch screen!

Have you used the touchscreen exclusively for an hour straight? How are your arms?

Vertical touchscreens will never, EVER be the future.

[Eidorian]

I had a chance to try out Dell's Studio 19 with the touchscreen at Sam's Club. It was fun to a certain extent but I can't imaging using it for a prolonged period.

[kdarling]

I really don't understand the point in having that hp desktop. I mean I have played around with them a bit and the touchscreen is pretty awful.

As a touch developer, I have many touch computers around the house, and two HPs. We use the HPs extensively as family one-stop computers... for everything from calendar to lookup to acting as a picture frame.

They have a nice touchscreen, because it uses cameras to watch your fingers, instead of having any overlay that obscurs the LCD. Actual touch isn't required. You might be talking about a slow application response.

Besides why would you use it when it would be faster and more efficient to use the mouse and keyboard.

Yes, and the same goes for notebooks and tablets. Without the right software, it really is easier to use keyboard and mouse for even casual tasks. (And it goes without saying that most professional uses require those anyway.)

I guess it's something that they will just continue to evolve and hope that it will catch on. On the other hand I'm sure Apple's first touchscreen computer will work like an overpriced dream.

I'd love to see an Apple-styled "kitchen" touch computer done right. Be even better if it integrated with non-Apple devices.

[puffnstuff]

The thing that is going to make this different from other tablets I think is how Apple is going to tackle the issue of no pen and no screen keyboard. Or atleast a different on-screen keyboard then the one we are seeing.

I honestly cannot wrap my mind around how they are going to get it to work yet once I see it I am sure I will say "Oh!"

[Marx55]

The ultimate mobile computing (see first picture, the iNetbook and the iNetbook rerendered):

Next Apple moves will be Books and Games…
http://spidouz.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/next-apple-moves-will-be-books-and-games

Amazing!

[J&JPolangin]

...Vertical touchscreens will never, EVER be the future.

...and keep your cat's away from them:eek:

[Michael CM1]

After actually using a netbook today (an Asus model), I must say I don't see the love of this platform. You can find a lot of PC notebooks around for about $500 that don't cramp the keyboard down to a size that only kids can use. I can't tell you how many times I hit the F2 and delete keys when aiming for a row below.

What does this tell me? Netbooks may be good for your VERY casual user who has never owned a computer, who hunts and pecks for keys, or who has very tiny hands.

The design easily said "this ain't Apple" with what I guess is the battery pack sticking out in the back. But the rest of the design was OK for a $400 computer. The use of the decades-old analog monitor output was kind of comical. No, I wouldn't expect a monster DVI out, but why not HDMI or DisplayPort? I mean DP is a STANDARD, right? However, seeing more USB ports on this thing than on my then-$2000 MacBook Pro irked me. But I guess with ExpressCard I can add two more.

So Apple would have a lot to do to not make such a product a waste of money. $800 still doesn't say "netbook," but if it uses a touch interface then maybe it's in the area. I don't understand why these things have to be SO TINY. I mean couldn't Apple just develop an underpowered MacBook (Atom CPU, integrated video, 1GB RAM, small hard drive, no optical drive) and drop the price down about $300? Then you have an actual keyboard and don't have such a tiny screen. It should save production costs (no completely new case needed, no extra screens needed) and you can boast the 13.3" screen.

[J&JPolangin]

After actually using a netbook today (an Asus model),...

...which one, they have so many different models and the 10"+ screens are 92 - 95% of a full size keyboard...

I actually type faster on my netbook and Dell keyboard so far as I'm not used to the chiclet keys yet...

[techbuoy]

This could be an epic win for Apple. The problem most of the people here have with current touch implementations is that the interfaces they are using are not touch optimized. Have you ever felt you needed a keyboard and mouse for your iPhone? I know I certainly haven't. Provided we see the same level of interface in this new touch device while remaining compatible with normal OSX apps I think this will be a killer device.

Jeff
www.techbuoy.com

[scades]

Things are beginning to come together. Why the SD slot on the MBP 13" and 15"? Because the intro of the Tablet (whatever it will be called) now expected in October will be also the announcement of one or more studios (Pixar? Disney?) that they will henceforth distribute movies on SDs. It's true that an individual appropriately-sized SD is more expensive than a DVD, but by the time you add in the packaging, shipping, and distribution costs, the SD may turn out to be cheaper.
What's the weight-saving value of a video player--which is also a full-fledged computer and super iPod Touch--worth? Add a cheap blue-tooth keyboard as an extra for those who want it, and you've got a heck of a package for road warriors, as well as for other categories of user who would benefit from an Apple-quality tablet.
Could be another Apple game-changer.

[Shake 'n' Bake]

Things are beginning to come together. Why the SD slot on the MBP 13" and 15"? Because the intro of the Tablet (whatever it will be called) now expected in October will be also the announcement of one or more studios (Pixar? Disney?) that they will henceforth distribute movies on SDs. It's true that an individual appropriately-sized SD is more expensive than a DVD, but by the time you add in the packaging, shipping, and distribution costs, the SD may turn out to be cheaper.


Not happening. The SD slot is there because not many people used the ExpressCard slot, according to Apple. SD is slower than molasses in January. The largest card in any SD subformat is 32 GB, which is, IMO, not enough for mostly uncompressed HD video and audio along with the obligatory special features.

And didn't we just get done (OK, awhile ago) with the new optical disc war? We've got Blu-Ray now. A single-layer Blu-Ray holds 25 GB, dual-layer 50 GB. And it's fast. Much faster than SD. You also can't inhale/ingest it, so you don't lose it.

[AidenShaw]

The largest card in any SD subformat is 32 GB, which is, IMO, not enough for mostly uncompressed HD video and audio along with the obligatory special features.

Those BDs are actually very highly compressed - but at a high quality setting.

A two hour 1080p movie is about 2.7 TB at 24-bit RGB. (Over 50 BD dual layer discs)

[Shake 'n' Bake]

Those BDs are actually very highly compressed - but at a high quality setting.

A two hour 1080p movie is about 2.7 TB at 24-bit RGB. (Over 50 BD dual layer discs)

I thought they were mostly uncompressed. Thanks for the info.

2.7 TB seems a bit much to me, but uncompressed stuff is huge.

[scades]

I needed to refresh my memory about comments I'd seen about distribution movies on SD cards. You might want to check this out:

[URL="http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/10/warner-and-paramount-sign-up-for-movies-on-sd-cards/"]

When I posted earlier, I had no idea that some studios were already committed to this format.

[Rot'nApple]

I wonder if the Apple Tablet can handle applications like Adobe InDesign for typesetting projects or is that better off left done on an Apple Laptop or Desktop?

Would the tablet be just for Safari, Mail and App Store type apps?

[manhattanboy]

Have you used the touchscreen exclusively for an hour straight? How are your arms?

Vertical touchscreens will never, EVER be the future.

I beg to differ, check out the touch screen user below.
http://www.norcalblogs.com/sustainable/biceps.jpg

[WLS]

I wonder if the Apple Tablet can handle applications like Adobe InDesign for typesetting projects or is that better off left done on an Apple Laptop or Desktop?

Would the tablet be just for Safari, Mail and App Store type apps?

Probably not on the former and probably yes on the latter question.
I think Apple is going to put their own ARM chips in this and to that regard it is going to be more like a Touch than a MacBook. Even though it may run a flavor of OSX any Mac programs are gong to have to be re-compiled for ARM.
It will do what it does with great style and as usual there will be the complaints that it does not do everything. Among the fanboy's living in their parents homes disappointment is a constant. The rest of us will be delighted and will want and get one..