Apple Questioned Again About a Mac Netbook

[MacRumors]

As usual, Apple executives were questioned about the possibility of an Apple netbook during today's financial results conference call. The issue has been raised a number of times but continues to be a hot topic given the fact that inexpensive netbooks seems to be boosting PC manufacturers' unit sales numbers.

Apple executive Tim Cook replied to the questions with a similar response as in the past. Cook said that when he looks at the existing netbook market, he sees cramped keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware and very small screens. While Apple is still looking at the space, they have no interest in putting the Mac brand on these types of devices. Cook notes that if they do find a way to deliver an innovative product that makes a real contribution, Apple will pursue it.

Despite Cook's denials, rumors have persisted that Apple has been ramping up a 10" Netbook with a possible touch screen. As Cook details, it seems unlikely that if Apple does enter the market, that a Mac netbook would resemble many of the existing low-cost devices currently available.


Article Link: Apple Questioned Again about a Mac Netbook

 

[srl7741]

Sure thing

A pretty standard answer form a person in his position if you ask me.

 

[Moof1904]

Let's just hope that if they do a netbook it will blow all the other ones out of the water. I do think there's a market for something more powerful than my iPhone but without the cost and power of a laptop but that isn't a flimsy, cheap, POS.

 

[riverfreak]

Enough already. Apple needs to get into this space, and not at the $1500 price point.

 

[flopticalcube]

Nothing to see here. Move along.

 

[chabig]

Enough already. Apple needs to get into this space...

Why?

 

[andrewdale]

"Cook said that when he looks at the existing netbook market, he sees cramped keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware and very small screens. While Apple is still looking at the space, they have no interest in putting the Mac brand on these types of devices. Cook notes that if they do find a way to deliver an innovative product that makes a real contribution, Apple will pursue it."

Looks like Steve-o has trained his underlings well in responding to questions without actually answering them.

That statement is just riddled with vagueness and, really, he only spoke of his personal preference even! I've come to not really listen to Apple when they deny something.

 

[ChrisA]

What Cook is really saying is "There is no way to make any money selling billions of cheap netbooks. Apple preferes to sell a few expensive netbooks."

That is Apple's way of doing business, sell in comparative low numbers but very high markup. After all, the way you determine how much money you make is to multiply the number of units times the margin in each unit.

Enough already. Apple needs to get into this space, and not at the $1500 price point.

What "space" would that be? Midrange, upgradable desktop computers? Yes I agree.

 

[Goona]

The only reason Netbooks are even selling is because they are dirt cheap and by being dirt cheap, they are dropping the margins of those selling it, go look and Dell and HP's margins dropping because of this. If Apple were to enter, I surely don't expect it to be dirt cheap which is the main reason of netbooks, don't see how successful it would be.

Why?

To lose money like the PC companies are doing and offer less than satisfactory customer experience.

 

[Surklyn]

Mac Air

Enough already. Apple needs to get into this space, and not at the $1500 price point.

If they find a way to make this at a $1500 price point it would be useless, as you could get a Macbook/MBA for about the same price. Incidentally, I was under the impression that the Air was the answer to the netbook? Otherwise, what is it's point?

 

[rish]

Agreed

Enough already. Apple needs to get into this space, and not at the $1500 price point.

Yep. I'd pay for something that was around £350 - £450 that was touch screen and big enough to throw into the pockets of cargo trousers. Virtual keyboard, decent screen size for web, email etc. Allows me to hook up to monitor my network. Download music and video blah blah. Allow me to proof read docs allow me to publish docs via iWork.com etc. Could be a very sweet spot.

 

[puffnstuff]

they said they won't make a netbook

they never said they wouldn't make a small notebook

 

[andrewdale]

The only reason Netbooks are even selling is because they are dirt cheap and by being dirt cheap, they are dropping the margins of those selling it, go look and Dell and HP's margins dropping because of this. If Apple were to enter, I surely don't expect it to be dirt cheap which is the main reason of netbooks, don't see how successful it would be.

And sadly this is true because Apple is a company, unlike some, who actually runs itself the way most successful companies are:

Making the customer happy is only the first goal as long as their happiness boosts the company's profit.

Even though many Apple users REALLY want a netbook device and would probably pay 20-30% more than for a Dell or HP netbook, Apple still seems to not want to make one.

(Ignore all this if, in a few months, Apple releases something. )

 

[MacLover4491]

Apple is lying. They bash netbook because they dont make them right now. They will make netbook soon though.

 

[Peace]

Apple won't make a "netbook". Apple will make a better device.

 

[kolax]

Apple would never admit to producing a device it hasn't officially released. Why even bother asking him?

You might as well have asked him if the Moon really is made of cheese.

 

[andrewdale]

Apple won't make a "netbook". Apple will make a better device.

Yup. They can't call it a netbook anyway since Psion might get onto them.

Besides, if they're going to be "different," then they can't call it what everyone else calls it. Maybe it'll be the MacBook since it's a netbook by Mac.

Oh wait?
Already taken?
Dangit.

 

[Axemantitan]

They might make something like this, only officially from Apple. Just remember, a denial is not necessarily the end of it. They also denied being interested in a phone and a video iPod.

 

[MTI]

How is an iPhone or Touch NOT a netbook already?

 

[andrewdale]

How is an iPhone or Touch NOT a netbook already?

It's too small.
Not powerful enough.
Not a true operating system.
And too small.

In my opinion at least.

 

[MacLover4491]

How is an iPhone or Touch NOT a netbook already?

haha i cant believe this. the phone and the touch cant be compared to netbooks. Netbook is a slow computer. an iphone is not.

 

[Feng Shui]

Personally, I don't think apple will make a "netbook" because they want to build a good reputation by delivering products for professionals. Argueably, reputation and loyalty is what's keeping Apple strong and alive. The tactic is quite successful, and the company is pretty much recession proof as we have seen from their recent profit. Now to move on to a cheap, consumer-grade "netbook" would not be in their best interests. Plus, I don't think there is much profit to be made from one. I'm pretty certain the rumoured product would be a tablet, with regular and pro versions like the Macbook and Macbook Pro.

 

[Shiner]

What Cook is really saying is "There is no way to make any money selling billions of cheap netbooks. Apple preferes to sell a few expensive netbooks."

That is Apple's way of doing business, sell in comparative low numbers but very high markup. After all, the way you determine how much money you make is to multiply the number of units times the margin in each unit.



What "space" would that be? Midrange, upgradable desktop computers? Yes I agree.

I agree completely! There is not enough profit margin for apple to even consider a "netbook". Guys their revenue was $9.06 billion with a net income of $1.6 billion. Their markup is huge!!! Why would they enter the market of cheap netbooks. They do not need the help. People will buy their overpriced laptops and use them like netbooks. It is win, win for apple.

 

[BMWFan]

Imagine if all companies were like Apple and selling products with high margins. The world would be a completely different place with only rich people being able to afford a computer. A computer would be a status symbol.

 

[tubbymac]

Cook said that when he looks at the existing netbook market, he sees cramped keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware and very small screens. While Apple is still looking at the space, they have no interest in putting the Mac brand on these types of devices. Cook notes that if they do find a way to deliver an innovative product that makes a real contribution, Apple will pursue it.

I completely agree with Cook and am glad he had the guts to say that netbooks are junky hardware unworthy of the Mac brand name. I've been saying all along Apple will not make a netbook. What's much more likely is a bigger iPod like device in a tablet form factor and no keyboard. It'll be expensive too. His statements pretty much corroborate that.

Leave the low priced garbage for the other companies. Apple does expensive products with an emphasis on design and does it well.