Apple Questioned Again About a Mac Netbook

[mac*jedi*g]

Hmmm...

I know this sounds farfetched, but what happens if Apple were to make one super-fast HUGE iPhone G3. Wouldn't this fit the criteria of what this Notebook would look like? Something around a 10-12 inches? With all these rumored parts they are purchasing, coupled with iphone 3.0 software upgrades, and the necessity for touch-screen capabilities - I say they have a surprising new product that would blow away the anything on the market.

This seems like Apple's approach to this subject.

 

[Surklyn]

I think that it's not really a computer simply because it can't be used standalone; it needs to be paired up with a "real" computer running iTunes in order to access all of its functions (if I recall correctly, it won't even boot to the springboard until it's been paired).

Ok... I almost concede that point as well (Crap.. this argument is getting tougher and tougher LOLOL..) However, Consider the App store a best buy or circuit city, or your nearest apple store to get software? Crap.. the phone/netbook delivers the software to you wirelessly.. and it's cheaper. With 3.0 a lot more of the phones' abilities are being unlocked.. creating even more possibilities, especially with external interfaces.

Aren't netbooks connected to a wireless provider anyways??? If that's the case then they ALL can't be used stand-alone...

 

[collegekid19]

In my opinion... I think that techies and the such are into netbooks.. those who aren't "into" computers are into the Apple period.. because they are easy to use. Frankly... at Airports (and I travel a fair bit) I see laptops.. (a lot more apples now a days.. but still more laptops.. ) I've seen 1 netbook... if I'm on business.. I am not carrying a netbook.. with limited capability, I am carrying at least a macbook (or pc equivalent). Having a Macbook and MBP I love both of them... I like the concept of MBA but it's not good for the road warrior, I can't see a concept that merges the MBA and MB together.. to make something even SMALLER??

That's the point!! If the airports were full of netbooks I'd say Apple should stay away because the market is saturated! The fact that you don't see netbooks everywhere is a lil something called opportunity!

Don't tell me you're one of those guys who buys high and sells low.

 

[iPhoneNYC]

And how many of us actually believe Tim Cook? I'd say a Fall '09 release.

 

[Lesser Evets]

I know this sounds farfetched, but what happens if Apple were to make one super-fast HUGE iPhone G3. Wouldn't this fit the criteria of what this Notebook would look like? Something around a 10-12 inches? With all these rumored parts they are purchasing, coupled with iphone 3.0 software upgrades, and the necessity for touch-screen capabilities - I say they have a surprising new product that would blow away the anything on the market.

This seems like Apple's approach to this subject.

People here have already thought about that. It IS a possibility....

I hope it's a 10" iPT with better computing capabilities and stuff. A 10" iPhone would be ghastly. If they can keep iPhone resolution density, a 10" MaxiPod-Tablet would have the resolution of all the better crap netbooks, but it would be easy to handle and carry and type on using thumbs.

The extra size of the device means there will be more put behind the screen, so I suspect this 10" device will have a lot of nice capabilities compared to a mere iPhone/iPT.

 

[Surklyn]

That's the point!! If the airports were full of netbooks I'd say Apple should stay away because the market is saturated! The fact that you don't see netbooks everywhere is a lil something called opportunity!

Don't tell me you're one of those guys who buys high and sells low.

Only if I'm short selling! I understand that Apple CREATES markets.. but I think their measly attempt at the MBA is a concept on that. I think in their opinion the MBA is the least powerful product they want out their in the market with the name "Macbook". NOW... I do concede in the next year or two.. we may see kick ass products resembling tablets and net books with multitouch and the such techs that the supposed new "iPhones" are supposed to have.. Apple could be inventing a completely NEW idea..

My prayer.. is that they fully develop the multi-media aspect of their tech.. I wouldn't mind a house completely controlled by an Apple touch pad, iTunes Server, with a few AppleTV's and a cable feed controlled by apple...

 

[benbridle38]

i think they should call it the ibook.. internet book.. oh no thats been done too

Maybe it wont be a book shape then

 

[lazyrighteye]

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.

Heh, classic Apple reply.
Seems there was a time when they had no interest in making an mp3 player either. And we all know how that turned out.

Tim pretty much covered the four key aspects that will distinguish their offering from the rest: keyboard, software, hardware build quality & screen size. Fair to suggest we will see a flat, glass & aluminum unibody iPhone like device, not much wider than a MacBook keyboard (& a bit taller), running OS X with a full size touch keypad that appears via gesture. Processing power & pricing dependent, this will be a smash hit.

That said, I fully expect a $799 price tag on a device I had no idea I couldn't live without.
That Apple...

Should be fun.
Brace yourselves.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

And how many of us actually believe Tim Cook? I'd say a Fall '09 release.

What's not to believe? That PC netbooks are junky? Apple is not going to release a netbook, at least not in the way the category is defined, i.e., low cost, limited feature set computer. I can see Apple marketing a smaller screen MBA computer, but it won't be budget priced or referred to as a Netbook. In fact it will probably cost 2x what a PC netbook costs and push the market in a different direction. Apple is not going to make a 5,6, or even $700 laptop. Not going to happen anytime soon.

 

[kingtj]

Apple is smarter than the competition, as per usual....

Sure, people are already shoehorning OS X Leopard onto some of the netbooks out there, like the Dell Mini 9, and actually getting all the hardware working (wi-fi, etc.). That doesn't mean the people doing it suddenly have themselves an "Apple quality user experience". The keyboard is too difficult to type on, and the screen doesn't even have enough vertical pixels to display some of the OS X dialog boxes in their entirety.

Just like Apple commented in response to Microsoft's latest "laptop hunter" ads, a computer is no "value" if it doesn't do what you want it to do.

As an ASUS netbook owner myself, who has also used many other offerings on the market, I think most of these netbooks are FAR from the quality I expect from any hardware with Apple's logo on it.

My initial excitement with my netbook was quickly overshadowed by the reality that it's an exercise in frustration, every time I use it for any length of time. Applications have to constantly be scrolled around because you're too short on screen space. You keep hitting wrong keys if you type too quickly. And on models like mine, battery life isn't that good either, PLUS you have to put up with a charger that's about the same quality as a generic AC adapter/charger for a free cellphone.

I keep lugging my Macbook Pro with me, because the netbook just can't get the things done that I need quickly or efficiently enough, if at all (lack of disk space is an issue too).

Apple shouldn't dive into the netbook arena until they can REDEFINE the whole thing with their product first.

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

 

[mambodancer]

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

Why?

 

[stefk]

9.06 Billion in Revenue minus 1.6 billion in net profit. That means there was 7.46 billion dollars in costs associated with that profit. HOW is that a huge markup??? 1.6/9.06 = approx. 17% markup??!? That's HUGE??? Seriously??? C'mon!!

You, my friend, are confusing operating profit margin, with gross profit margin. Operating profit margin includes all costs incurred by the company, rather than just those that are directly attributable to the item that is being sold.

Any profit being reported in today's climate should be commended (although AAPL is benefiting, and will continue to benefit from subscription based revenue recognition).

The important figure is that GROSS profit margin was 36.4% up from 32.9%.

This is fairly spectacular for any manufacturing company right now.

[Cue the debate that the holier than thou Apple is / is not a manufacturing company]

 

[magamo]

It's just he's saying, "We won't sell it cheap. If we ever release a uber-tiny laptop or a gigantic iPhone, it'll be too fabulous to call it a netbook."

Well, I already knew that.

 

[mambodancer]

Heh, classic Apple reply.
Seems there was a time when they had no interest in making an mp3 player either. And we all know how that turned out.

Tim pretty much covered the four key aspects that will distinguish their offering from the rest: keyboard, software, hardware build quality & screen size. Fair to suggest we will see a flat, glass & aluminum unibody iPhone like device, not much wider than a MacBook keyboard (& a bit taller), running OS X with a full size touch keypad that appears via gesture. Processing power & pricing dependent, this will be a smash hit.

That said, I fully expect a $799 price tag on a device I had no idea I couldn't live without.
That Apple...

Should be fun.
Brace yourselves.

I'll be in that same 12 hr line with ya.

 

[kas23]

Aren't netbooks connected to a wireless provider anyways??? If that's the case then they ALL can't be used stand-alone...

Not true. I have an eeePC (typing on it right now) and it is a fully capable and stand-alone device.

And unlike the current iPhone, I can download whatever I want to it, install any software I want on it, and customize it however I want. While it is not as "cool" as my iPhone (and may be considered "junk" by some), it has much more function and versatility than an iPhone. If Apple does come out with a netbook or tablet, let's all cross our fingers it is not crippled by Mobile OS X.

 

[Hrududu]

I think the 12" iBooks and Powerbooks were as close to the netbook as Apple will ever be. If they were to re-release them at a lower price, then there would be the Apple netbook. However, I have to believe Apple discontinued those models in favor of the MacBook for a reason, and it isn't their style to go backward. If they release a product to compete with the netbook, I would expect it to be more like the iPod Touch/Newton more so than a standard laptop design. Then again, who knows. I consider the Newton more of a hald held computer than the iPod Touch or iPhone. Apple is all about innovation, not following the crowed. Don't get your hopes up for a stupid-cheap Apple netbook. They tried to get into the cheap desktop market with the Mac Mini, and I wouldn't call that a success.

 

[Surklyn]

Not true. I have an eeePC (typing on it right now) and it is a fully capable and stand-alone device.

And unlike the current iPhone, I can download whatever I want to it, install any software I want on it, and customize it however I want. While it is not as "cool" as my iPhone (and may be considered "junk" by some), it has much more function and versatility than an iPhone. If Apple does come out with a netbook or tablet, let's all cross our fingers it is not crippled by Mobile OS X.

Your eeePC is nothing more than a "barely" smaller version of the macbook. Seriously.... Apple is not going to enter a market if they can only save an inch of real estate.

 

[Vulpinemac]

I can't believe that so many people think that the 'netbook' form factor is the only viable small form factor computer. That is just so closed-minded. That's tunnel vision!

Come on now! Really! A netbook is nothing but a mini-laptop computer that's no easier to use than a conventional one and is honestly more of a handicap than a viable machine because you still have to put it down to use it! The only reason they're so popular is because they're so damned CHEAP! Cheap in price, Cheap in ability and Cheap in quality. They're bloomin' throwaway devices!

Apple has never built a machine of any sort that was intended to be a throwaway device. They build for an average lifespan of at least 5 years and are willing (for a price) to support it with a full warranty for 3 years. I expect the average netbook will be lucky to survive one year.

No, I fully expect that whatever Apple brings out to compete in the 'netbook' market will be so different, so superior, that you'll want to throw that tiny piece of trash away in order to get the Apple device. I also believe that you'll be able to use it easily and comfortably one-handed with Multi-Touch and Gestures, unlike netbooks which force you to try and balance an unwieldy device in one hand and type on a conventional, if small, keyboard.

Wake up, people. The netbook is a waste of time and money; useless for almost any portable purpose.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Heh, classic Apple reply.
Seems there was a time when they had no interest in making an mp3 player either. And we all know how that turned out.

I think you are misremembering. Apple never said it had no interest in making an MP3 player. Actually I don't recall the conversation ever came up as MP3 players were mostly reserved to geeks and gadgeteers. No one even cared when the iPod was first released. Most people here just groaned.

Now Jobs did say flash memory based MP3 players were useless because of size limitations, but he only said so at the iPod announcement, not before.

 

[macaronie]

apple will make something akin to a touchbook before it makes a netbook. imo

 

[kas23]

My initial excitement with my netbook was quickly overshadowed by the reality that it's an exercise in frustration, every time I use it for any length of time. Applications have to constantly be scrolled around because you're too short on screen space. You keep hitting wrong keys if you type too quickly. And on models like mine, battery life isn't that good either, PLUS you have to put up with a charger that's about the same quality as a generic AC adapter/charger for a free cellphone.

For a minute there I thought you were talking about the iPhone.

I keep lugging my Macbook Pro with me, because the netbook just can't get the things done that I need quickly or efficiently enough, if at all (lack of disk space is an issue too).

You should know that for complicated tasks, netbooks are not intended to be laptop/desktop replacements. It's a netbook, you don't run Photoshop on it. For their intended use (surfing net, sending email, perhaps some word processing), netbooks are just as good as a MBP. For me, I'm not going to load my 25 GB of music onto my eeePC, but I do admit it surfs the web faster than my PowerBook G4.

 

[collegekid19]

Only if I'm short selling! I understand that Apple CREATES markets.. but I think their measly attempt at the MBA is a concept on that. I think in their opinion the MBA is the least powerful product they want out their in the market with the name "Macbook". NOW... I do concede in the next year or two.. we may see kick ass products resembling tablets and net books with multitouch and the such techs that the supposed new "iPhones" are supposed to have.. Apple could be inventing a completely NEW idea..

My prayer.. is that they fully develop the multi-media aspect of their tech.. I wouldn't mind a house completely controlled by an Apple touch pad, iTunes Server, with a few AppleTV's and a cable feed controlled by apple...

Amen brother! Now that is a good idea! I can picture it now, an apple server for every household... Movies, Mp3's, automated backups a la time machine... All synced up with my 50 inch flat screen and my BOSE surround sound.

Not only does that revolutionize home entertainment... it offers aid to the wounded music and movie industries.

LISTEN UP MUSIC INDUSTRY EMBRACE APPLE LIKE ROSIE O'DONNELL EMBRACES KRISPY KREME!

 

[stefk]

to help illustrate my point.... see attachment

interesting to see that AAPL has sunk $20bn of cash into securities.... maybe they are out to grab some bargains (I hope they know what they are doing)

 

[macfan881]

my thing is why do people keep asking apple about rumors they know they never comment on them or they do stuff like this and walk around the question i mean if they did this we would have known 4 years ago apple was coming out with a iPhone or iPod Touch i dont see the point in asking these questions apple will never say anything on a rumor.

 

[kas23]

Now Jobs did say flash memory based MP3 players were useless because of size limitations, but he only said so at the iPod announcement, not before.

Nevertheless, Apple still sells these "useless" mp3 players. So, if Apple is willing to sell something "useless" to their consumers, they may also be willing to sell us some "junk" netbooks.