Apple plans ultra-portable PC

[tektonnic]

UNBEATLES FIRM Apple is expected to show off a new "ultra-portable PC" based around flash memory, small bits and bobs and some coloured plastic, at the January Macworld trade show in San Francisco.

The plan has been revealed by UBS Investment Research analyst Ben Reitzes who thinks he has managed to discover that Apple is working on ultra-portable PCs and notebooks equipped with NAND flash memory in order to speed up boot times.

According to Appleinsider, Apple's new chum, Intel plans to make the NAND flash drives and the idea is also being looked at by Microsoft.

Apparently, Apple thinks that its new portables could be the next iPod.

Reitzes adds that they should do quite well in the education sector, which is an Apple stronghold, he says. It's not here, though. Maybe where he lives

Source: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=32427

[Collin973]

Wow. If this is true, then EXCELLENT. I'd love to see an Ultra Portable computer made by Apple. I have an older Compaq Ipaq and the thing is great for lots of things. Also, this NAND ram sounds pretty sweet, allowing the computer to boot faster. Many computers today boot pretty quick (around 30 secs) compared to older computers. I turned on this old Windows 98 machine I have in my basement and it took at leas 3 minutes to boot completely. I hope this comes true!!

[SpaceMagic]

I'd buy one!! make it as cheap as an ipod and i'll buy 3

[CanadaRAM]

flash memory, small bits and bobs and some coloured plastic... for education

eMate, Anyone?
Been there, done that, almost got the bankruptcy papers.

[kevin.rivers]

iPod Pro....

[princealfie]

Dang it, I want one now. I would want a dang Tablet Apple. iTABLET anybody?

[LACOSTE]

Originally Posted by kevin.rivers

iPod Pro....

Macbook nano?

[emotion]

Originally Posted by CanadaRAM

eMate, Anyone?
Been there, done that, almost got the bankruptcy papers.

Arguably the world wasn't ready for the emate or the Newton at that time. These devices didn't have much in the way of network connectivity and WiFi didn't exist then.

I think now more than any other time people would latch on to this. Something more computer like than a PDA but still a real OSX-based computer. All this based around the near ubiquitous availablity of wireless networks.

We live in interesting times

[lexus]

I would get at least one, more if they were in colors. (I had to get 4 iPod mini's )

[dpaanlka]

Originally Posted by CanadaRAM

eMate, Anyone?
Been there, done that, almost got the bankruptcy papers.

I would hardly attribute Apple's near bankruptcy to the eMate.

[nagromme]

Exactly what I want!

Get it as small as possible. Cramped screen and keys? I don't care--my computer's no good to me if I left it at home for being too bulky, which even the tiny 12" PowerBook often is. And I can "borrow" a screen and keyboard most places I go anyway, for longer work sessions. If it's touch-based without a keyboard... I'll at least keep an open mind and see what they come up with.

If they can squeeze in PRO features, like dual cores, lighted keys, aluminum case, and a real 3D GPU (even if those things are disabled under battery use) I will buy one for sure.

I don't need an internal optical drive--I use mine rarely enough that I'd happily accept a cable if it allowed me to leave the optical drive home.

Originally Posted by Yvan256

I want a PDA-sized computer. Not a "very small laptop", not a "tablet", not a "PDA". I want a real sub-laptop/palmtop computer. If the display is bigger than 5.0" or the weight more than 0.5lb it's too big to replace a PDA.

Give it! Give it!

[SciTeach]

Just when you thought it was safe to come outside......it's the return of the NEWTON!!!!

[princealfie]

Hey, don't diss the newton. It was underrated.

[CHROMEDOME]

iNewton

[Sesshi]

MacSlab Pro

[jayb2000]

How about a sub-notebook or big PDA that automatically syncs via bluetooth with your other Mac(s)

So you have access to songs, pictures, etc.

With the updated iSync coming and Vista dropping the computer to computer sync, this would be a HUGE feature for Apple.

[boncellis]

Originally Posted by jayb2000

How about a sub-notebook or big PDA that automatically syncs via bluetooth with your other Mac(s)

So you have access to songs, pictures, etc.

With the updated iSync coming and Vista dropping the computer to computer sync, this would be a HUGE feature for Apple.

That's a keen insight. You're right, there would have to be a way to synchronize your data from a "main" computer to take with you. I'd be thrilled if Apple could pull it off.

[StarbucksSam]

Since everyone put in their thoughts, here's what I want to see:

Traditional "book" format - not a tablet!
11" widescreen display
Built-in bluetooth and wifi
1.5 ghz solo
1 GB on board
40 gig HD
no optical.. no display output
3.2 pounds, $1699

Oh... and a pink Madonna edition for $100 more.

[Macnoviz]

Originally Posted by StarbucksSam

Since everyone put in their thoughts, here's what I want to see:

Traditional "book" format - not a tablet!
11" widescreen display
Built-in bluetooth and wifi
1.5 ghz solo
1 GB on board
40 gig HD
no optical.. no display output
3.2 pounds, $1699

Oh... and a pink Madonna edition for $100 more.

I'd say lower the price for those specs. Maybe add mini-DVI for on the go keynote speeches and such

[virus1]

here are the realistic specs im thinkin:

- 2 2.5 Core 2 Duo Processors (return of the quad!)
- 250 (500 BTO) GB Flash drive
- ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 512MB GDDR3 memory
- another 8- 16 GB of ram for the heck of it
- 4 inch screen with 2560 x 1600 optimal resolution
- 1/2" thick
- indestructable
- OSXI

price: $200

(this is the base system btw)

this stuff is a little outdated, but i think people can live with it.

[mark!]

Originally Posted by virus1

here are the realistic specs im thinkin:

- 2 2.5 Core 2 Duo Processors (return of the quad!)
- 250 (500 BTO) GB Flash drive
- ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 512MB GDDR3 memory
- another 8- 16 GB of ram for the heck of it
- 4 inch screen with 2560 x 1600 optimal resolution
- 1/2" thick
- indestructable
- OSXI

price: $200

(this is the base system btw)

this stuff is a little outdated, but i think people can live with it.

OMG!
that is...insane. haha. be cool though!

[w_parietti22]

Originally Posted by markkk!

OMG!
that is...insane. haha. be cool though!

no... it would be very very hot.

[Macnoviz]

Originally Posted by virus1

here are the realistic specs im thinkin:

- 2 2.5 Core 2 Duo Processors (return of the quad!)
- 250 (500 BTO) GB Flash drive
- ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 512MB GDDR3 memory
- another 8- 16 GB of ram for the heck of it
- 4 inch screen with 2560 x 1600 optimal resolution
- 1/2" thick
- indestructable
- OSXI

price: $200

(this is the base system btw)

this stuff is a little outdated, but i think people can live with it.

+ 32x Blue-ray Hyperdrive, to be able to run Duke Nukem Forever
It will also include a new Powerbook, to be released thuesday, as a docking station

EDIT: corrected the blue stuff

[mark!]

OMG will it have blu-ray? if it doesnt then it's teh suxxx0rs.

[Mac Fly (film)]

Originally Posted by virus1

here are the realistic specs im thinkin:

- 2 2.5 Core 2 Duo Processors (return of the quad!)
- 250 (500 BTO) GB Flash drive
- ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 512MB GDDR3 memory
- another 8- 16 GB of ram for the heck of it
- 4 inch screen with 2560 x 1600 optimal resolution
- 1/2" thick
- indestructable
- OSXI

price: $200

(this is the base system btw)

this stuff is a little outdated, but i think people can live with it.

Where did you get your inside information? You must know someone inside apple