Posted this in another forum and thought it applied here as well.
Would someone please explain to me what the benefit of this monstrously large track pad is. I just don't get it. To me the idea of a keyboard width track pad is as antiquated as the trackball. It's time to move into the 21st century.
What I would envision for the Macbook Pro, is a redesigned case with a brushed black finish. Obvious upgrades to processsing power. And lastly a new trackpad design which is essentially a glass screen similar to the iphone screen. This new trackpad would have icons to each side to create shortcuts to most used programs and the icons would all be customizable. Essentially it would be a mini dock right at your fingertips. The glass screen would permit the multitouch capability along with some of the benefits of the Iphone experience.
Finally, the new Mactouch Pro, if that's what it is called, will create a whole new segment for Apple. It is not, and I repeat, is not, meant to replace the Macbook Pro line. Think about it. Everyone has been talking about a Ultra Mobile PC unit. Excuse the PC part. Not a not a mini notebook. This would completely fill the niche to which Apple has no product. If you look at the computer product line-up, they go from the Iphone, to the macbook, to the Macbook Pro line on up to the desktop units. I know the macbook is a small portable notebook, but it is not innovative and is not likely to create a buzz for Apple and their sales. A whole new segment for them will, just like the Iphone did last year.
Imagine some of the possibilities, and I refer to the following pictures.
Let says you are mainly a desktop user. You could have the 24" iMac and the MacTouch unit. This allows you to use the desktop at work, in the office, or at the home office. But then you can also pull out the MacTouch and spend the evening in the recliner without the bulk of a notebook. The MacTouch always is in sync with the iMac, so you always have your favorite bookmarks, email folders, contacts, and etc. The sync prevents having some info on one unit but not the other. Nothing more aggravating than not having access to the same info on each of your computers.
This is where the redesign of the iMac comes in. Why would the cost of the iMac have to be that much more. Basically you've added a large slot only to the case along with a few internal components. This is assuming there is room for this.
Imagine I have a iMac at home and it has the slot in the side. I had not yet purchased the MacTouch, but I sure would be tempted to consider it 6 months after I had purchased the iMac, especially if it is as simple as sliding the unit into the iMac, and it just works.
Next possibility - If I were to run a 17" MacBook Pro for the purposes of a desktop replacement or I run a Mac Pro. The docking system that would come with the MacTouch would allow me to do the same thing as the iMac as far as syncing the two, possibly via firewire. I can fully see me taking the 17" MBP on a business trip for major computing power at a customers location, but then just using the MacTouch in the hotel that night or sitting in the airport to check emails and web surf.
Another possibility, the MacTouch is just a standalone unit. Perhaps your teenager has one as their personal media player, web browser, email. Because it runs a full OS, it is a all in one unit that appeals to the younger crowd. I know my son who's a PSP, MP3, gadget kid would love to have this vs. a notebook.
Imagine it could become a interface for a Apple TV type of experience. Let's say it works via remote from your mantle to control all of your media, or actually is the remote interface for your Apple TV. It would be sweet to sit in the recliner and browse the internet while controlling your Apple TV at the same time. Refering to my iMac incentive to purchase the MacTouch later, would you consider purchasing the MacTouch later if you knew you could control your Apple TV with it? I don't know a whole lot about the Apple TV but it's a possibility.
Let me mention that I do have an Iphone and I know that it can check my email, web surf and etc., but the MacTouch unit would be able to do so much more and in a more user friendly way without the added bulk of a notebook or the constant scrolling in safari on the Iphone.
I think the main way to create sales is to create possibilities. A small unit that can interact with any of the hardware made by Apple would be a huge seller. Imagine the possibilies. All this being said, who knows what's to come. I hope were not all disappointed on the 15th.
Sorry for such a long post, but can you tell I really want one.
but not really an option with the iPhone, or an ultraportable.
