Apple Netbook Touchscreen Rumors Continue to Gather Steam

[Lesser Evets]

I reckon this design would be fantastic. You retain your keyboard, albeit a pathetically small one, you retain a touchpad (although, same deal). However, how would the touchscreen work on such a device?

That design is utter fail.

The screens being made are multi-touch. Using multi touch with a laptop design is unbearable--you waste the major benefits of multi-touch. The probability is that this device will be a tablet, but whether it latches into a keyboard or some dock/stand system is questionable. With Apple's minimal design I suspect it is just a large iPhone type design.

You would think, if they're going for the whole netbook market, there would have to be usb ports, and things like that. Would they still use the ipod-connector thing, or will it be a standalone machine? Will it be the full OS, or will it be a reduced version, like the iPhone?

I'm not sure why any device meant for portable net access would need a USB.

If you go over it logically, a device with Bluetooth can dock with keyboards and mice without the hassle of cords or the hassle of space taken by a USB port. They don't need an ethernet port either. An audio out port and a dock connect will take care of all needs.

On a dock they can put in USB port/s for external drives or backup or anything.

If Apple wanted to make a fairly capable, full OS tablet into a cheap-seats home computer they could make it dock onto an airport-hard drive-USB/FIREWIRE hub-etc. to allow people a place to support the tablet with peripherals while propping it up for a regular keyboard and typing. It's a portable that can sit down and be a desktop. I am pretty sure THIS is just my fantasy rather than a reality.

These 10" touch screens are made by the people making the iPhone screens (if I remember right). So if these screens have the same res. density as an iPhone we could have 1400x900 tablets floating around by year's end. That res. makes a portable quite attractive as a main computer if it can handle bigger apps.

I don't agree. Netbooks have TWO constraints:

A $10,000 tiny laptop is not a netbook.

I understand where you are coming from, but in reality if Apple releases a product for $1099 and calls it a netbook, it will damn well be known as a netbook. My point being that marketing trumps assumed public definitions for devices. ...it's all academic anyway, since the screen manufacturer doesn't actually know what these screens are being used for.

It's almost certain they aren't for a ---book, but rather for a tablet. Why else would they have multi-touch? Imagine using the onscreen keyboard, or going hog wild with the multi-touch: the keyboard always flopping in the way while the screen is upside down. They would have to make the screen fold fully around from the keyboard so while you hold the thing to touch you are pushing all the keyboard keys behind the screen. Silly.

They could flip and fold the keyboard behind the screen, but the keyboard then becomes this half useless attachment for the insecure. It's like someone wearing a belt and suspenders simultaneously. A BT keyboard can always be hooked up to any tablet device...which encourages spending on other Apple products.

 

[kzin]

I reckon this design would be fantastic. You retain your keyboard, albeit a pathetically small one, you retain a touchpad (although, same deal). However, how would the touchscreen work on such a device?

That design, sans trackpad, and with a 360 degree hinge (so you can fold the keyboard ALL the way back, disabling the keyboard while you use the device as a tablet) would be great.

How would you use the touchscreen with it? You'd take your hand off the keyboard and touch the screen. This would be more like mousing+keyboarding than laptop trackpad+keyboarding ... only your hand wouldn't be reaching for a mouse, it'd be reaching for the screen.

 

[AidenShaw]

I understand where you are coming from, but in reality if Apple releases a product for $1099 and calls it a netbook, it will damn well be known as a netbook.

Yes, just like when Apple released a large (but thin) laptop and called it an "ultra-portable"....

 

[CalPoly10]

I think if Apple releases a netbook, it's going to be far different than what we see on the market today. It has to be different than an iPhone, and different than a Macbook.

The MacBook Air is basically the perfect netbook, except for the price. Apple won't make a $500 laptop that is comparable to teh MBA

 

[Lesser Evets]

I think if Apple releases a netbook, it's going to be far different than what we see on the market today. It has to be different than an iPhone, and different than a Macbook.

That's certain. Apple never wants to settle back into the "we're part of the crowd" computer makers.

How far between an iPhone and a Macbook this device goes is curious. I still believe they will make this thing a unibody tablet. The majority of computer people need more than an iPod Touch but less than a full notebook.

The MacBook Air is basically the perfect netbook, except for the price.

I agree. If the price wasn't so wild I would buy one. The Air is the one device which makes me worry this upcoming Apple device will either be very limited to retain low price or very expensive if it is highly capable.

Yes, just like when Apple released a large (but thin) laptop and called it an "ultra-portable"....

I just saw a review that tucked that computer JUST inside the "ultra-portable" range. Which makes my point--people will follow the marketing hype more often than they shut down the claims of the company selling the device.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

I reckon this design would be fantastic. You retain your keyboard, albeit a pathetically small one, you retain a touchpad (although, same deal). However, how would the touchscreen work on such a device?

When the MacBook Air came out; I really wanted the design shown in that link. (I linked to it in a post a couple pages back.) The thing is that if the screen is 11.5" inches, that keyboard is exactly the same size as on the MacBook and MacBook Pro. An 11.5" screen would be perfect to me on a computer with a keyboard.

For a pure touchscreen, no keyboard, it could go down to 7" and still be a usable computer to me. (Now, throw a 200+ dpi e-ink display behind an OLED display, like was planned for the OLPC, and you'd have the perfect tablet to me. An ultra-low-power ebook reader with the power and capability of a full computer available.)

 

[kzin]

The MacBook Air is basically the perfect netbook, except for the price.

And screen size. The MBA has way too much footprint for the netbook market.

 

[phelix_da_kat]

Dual Screen please!

...The iPhone has no buttons for keyboard use and is essentially a forward experiment of a touchboard instead of a keyboard. Anybody remember Steve Jobs comment about Star Trek:TNG at D5 ...

..Oh, and of course, the connection of the roughly 10" screen. Measure your full-size notebook keyboard. It's roughly 10" by 4", which by the Pythagorean theorem would be less than 11" diagonal. Removing some excess space of extra large keys and allowing for hands to sit naturally angled, the width and length can be adjusted smaller and lead closer to the roughly 10" screens.
.

Here's what I think it will have:

• Single piece tablet, one screen
• Multi-touch screen with digital keyboard
• Bonus features: pressure sensitive screen and haptic feedback for typing
• Emphasis on multimedia, photos, maps, watching videos, hand-writing notes, sketching
• Optimized for HD video playback
• Mono speaker
• Line in, Line Out, one USB port, one display port, no ethernet jack
• New smaller bluetooth keyboard sold separately for more intense typing.
• $799 for the base model: 1GB RAM, 64GB SSD, wi-fi, bluetooth
• $999 for better model: 2GB RAM, 128GB SSD, wi-fi, bluetooth, 3G
• No cell phone function
• 7 to 8 hr battery life
• Battery non-removable
• Low-power 64-bit CPU built just for Apple
• Ships with Snow Leopard, but can use iPhone apps
• Wireless docking
• Accelerometer that reorients screen like the iPod Touch does
• Will be called the iFondle (just kidding) most likely MacPad or iPad

Switch the tablet idea for a clamshell..
Replace the keyboard with the 10" multitouch screen...

 

[alphaod]

apples' SUCKS ... I want rumors about new iPhone

If Apple sucks, why do you want an iPhone? Or do you just want rumors?

 

[phelix_da_kat]

I don't agree. Netbooks have TWO constraints:

1) size (7" to 10ish" screen)
2) price ($300-$1000, and $1000 is really pushing it)

For example, the Fujitsu Lifebook U810 and U820 both fit the size category, but not the price category ... and no one really calls them "netbooks". They are definitely in the UMPC category, but not in the netbook category. Netbooks are minimalist designs, and have price tags that go with that.

A $10,000 tiny laptop is not a netbook.

The general public wants a netbook because:
- all they want to do is surf the web
- look at other people's pics
- email
- some basic WP
- cheap!!

Use it in bed, on the sofa.. etc.
They do not want to spend >$500..

Hence a netbook..


Us geeks are happy to spend more, because we basically want full functionality within a small package..


Basically leaves Apple 2 choices either build:

1) for the masses = low end model, aka an iTouch "maxi" for sub $800
2) for the geeks/stylists = high end model, aka MBP nano, between the MB and 15" MBP price

 

[splintah]

a 10" mactablet with multitouch and pen input (pressure sensitive)
with 3g data connection
and nvidia9400/core2duo (atoms are too slow for anything serious)

that would be a dream come true
i would replace my current macbook in a heartbeat

 

[kdarling]

Think Software, not Hardware

All this concentration on the hardware aspect is missing the point.

For example, the iPhone was certainly not the first touch phone, not by a long shot. What made it special, was the included software.

So... if the 10" touch screen is for a netbook or similar, then it'll be used like any other, for light duties. No special software needed.

But.. if the 10" touch screen is for a WiFi tablet with no keyboard, then you have to ask, what's so unique about it? Just a bigger PMP to have around the house?

Or will it have special applications to make it desirable? A personal secretary, say, with voice in/out. Perhaps the ability to act as a very intelligent picture frame, with daily weather and calendar tie ins. Or even just running multiple iPhone apps in a Pre-like carousel of windows.

In other words, netbook blah blah who cares. Tablet ditto etc. But what will make it unique?

 

[AidenShaw]

In other words, netbook blah blah who cares. Tablet ditto etc. But what will make it unique?

Two things will make it unique:

1. Apple "bling" - the form over function, Ive industrial design thing
2. It will run full OSX

 

[drewsof07]

Two things will make it unique:

1. Apple "bling" - the form over function, Ive industrial design thing
2. It will run full OSX

Forgot the third thing:

3. It will be more expensive than any similar device.

I can almost guarantee that
But I fully agree with your above statements, it will be an awesome device.

 

[Tallest Skil]

apples' SUCKS ... I want rumors about new iPhone

June. Now please don't post unless you have something to contribute to this MacTablet discussion. Your post is oxymoronic, anyway.

 

[PracticalMac]

I am sure this has already been posted, but just in case:

More on 10" Touchscreen

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE52A0RH20090311


PS, I think it is a GOOD thing. There is a real market fur such a device.... just wonder if 10" is too small?

 

[Tallest Skil]

PS, I think it is a GOOD thing. There is a real market fur such a device.... just wonder if 10" is too small?

I would much rather have 13.3" in a slab format, but 10" is not too small for a usably large virtual keyboard, so it is certainly not out of the question.

 

[orrelse44]

Here's what I think it will have:

• Single piece tablet, one screen
• Multi-touch screen with digital keyboard
• Bonus features: pressure sensitive screen and haptic feedback for typing
• Emphasis on multimedia, photos, maps, watching videos, hand-writing notes, sketching
• Optimized for HD video playback
• Mono speaker
• Line in, Line Out, one USB port, one display port, no ethernet jack
• New smaller bluetooth keyboard sold separately for more intense typing.
• $799 for the base model: 1GB RAM, 64GB SSD, wi-fi, bluetooth
• $999 for better model: 2GB RAM, 128GB SSD, wi-fi, bluetooth, 3G
• No cell phone function
• 7 to 8 hr battery life
• Battery non-removable
• Low-power 64-bit CPU built just for Apple
• Ships with Snow Leopard, but can use iPhone apps
• Wireless docking
• Accelerometer that reorients screen like the iPod Touch does
• Will be called the iFondle (just kidding) most likely MacPad or iPad

I'd sell my MBA in a millisecond if it came like this.

 

[kzin]

I would much rather have 13.3" in a slab format, but 10" is not too small for a usably large virtual keyboard, so it is certainly not out of the question.

You can already get a 13.3" Mac tablet. It's called a Modbook, from axiotron:

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook

They also make a Modbook Pro, with a 15.4" screen.

They're expensive (basically add $1300 to whichever Apple model 13" or 15" MacBook Pro you want, and they turn it into a slab). But for all of those who want dinosaur based computers (expensive and large), that's a great source of a Mac tablet. But it's definitely not in the netbook type category of small and inexpensive devices.

 

[leorou]

how about some kind of netbook with phone capabilities? that would be something new and very useful...

 

[drewsof07]

how about some kind of netbook with phone capabilities? that would be something new and very useful...

You really want to pay an additional monthly charge for internet access (assuming you already own an iPhone)???

I'm guessing: Just regular wireless built-in BUT iPhone 3.0 will support tethering for bluetooth equipped Macs

 

[kzin]

You really want to pay an additional monthly charge for internet access (assuming you already own an iPhone)???

Why would you assume that? Not all Apple users have/want/like iPhones. And, who says it'd be an additional monthly charge (that duplicates what I have now)? Maybe I don't have a data plan on my phone at all.

Or, maybe, if I read the original comment correctly, I could replace my entire phone (iPhone or not) with such a tablet if it had _phone_ capabilities (ie. the tablet or netbook is my phone, I just use a BT or wired headset with it for calls, in the same way that many people never hold a phone to their head anymore; then use an IM-like client for SMS/MMS; and, of course, use the data service directly for the device's internet feed). That's not an _additional_ monthly charge, that's the exact same charge I'm paying now.

In some ways, that would be kind of cool, but only if I could swap the SIM card back and forth between the device and a phone. Even if I don't mind using the netbook as my "phone" when I'm carrying it ... there will be times I want a pocketable. Of course, with Google Voice out, now, you could have a data only feed on the netbook and a data only feed on your phone ($30/mo to have a smartphone that is data only), and get all of your voice/sms/mms data needs through either device via Google Voice.

I'm guessing: Just regular wireless built-in BUT iPhone 3.0 will support tethering for bluetooth equipped Macs

Having the iPhone _finally_ support tethering is nice... but we still don't know what types of tethering it'll support (BT PAN? BT DUN? USB? Wifi?), and whether or not it will have some Apple-ism that prevents it from being used with all devices that use those protocols, or only with Apple devices.

Even if it's the best possible answer (completely open, any device (windows, linux, etc.), any of those 4 protocols), that only removes ONE of the iPhone's shortcomings. Still not worth buying.

One of the other shortcomings is the lack of a physical keyboard. I'm fine with a virtual keyboard on a 10" tablet, if I can sit down and use a physical keybaord with it. But, the iPhone, so far, offers no such capabilities (USB nor Bluetooth). If the rumored tablet has USB keyboard and BT HID support, then a virtual keyboard is acceptable. If not, then just like the iPhone, it's not a product I'll buy.

(the other two things that keep me from buying an iPhone: lack of truly open development environment, and lack of truly open user environment (if I have to jailbreak it to get the functionality I want, then I'm not going to buy it at all))

 

[drewsof07]

Why would you assume that?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

haha, don't know that it needs much more explanation. Companies make money for shareholders, shareholders invest.
And as long as people are busting down their door to buy the latest shiny iThing, they're sure as hell not gonna let you have two devices on their network for the price of one.

 

[kzin]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

haha, don't know that it needs much more explanation. Companies make money for shareholders, shareholders invest.
And as long as people are busting down their door to buy the latest shiny iThing, they're sure as hell not gonna let you have two devices on their network for the price of one.

While that may be true, it doesn't answer the question at hand.

Why would you assume that the person you replied to has an iPhone, instead of having some other phone?

 

[drewsof07]

Why would you assume that the person you replied to has an iPhone, instead of having some other phone?

Haha, their signature:

iPhone ROCKSSSSS
Share yours at fotolog.com/iphone!!!
Cheers!

Maybe they're just an iPhone fan, idk.
My point was: there would be a monthly charge, it won't be like the Kindle and have 3g included for "free."