Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple's Sub-Notebook 'Delayed' Until 2009, iPhone Colors in 2008?
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I hope they do not a cracking sub-notebook.
Seriously, the delay for a new macbook/macbook-pro is getting on my nerves! I hope I don't get disappointed for waiting so long for a new laptop.
Sounds a bit like you will be disappointed regardless of what they announce and when they announce it. Are you desperate for an Apple laptop? If so, buy one. If not, wait. But complaining and whining about it will not make Apple suddenly do everything to meet your demands, needs, wants or desires. History of Apple ... get used to it.
Oh, and for the record ... no matter what they annouce and when they announce it ... it WILL sell, regardless of whether or not you are happy with it. It always does!
The keep dreaming guys... keep dreaming
The cost and technological leaps associated with changing the color of the plastic backing of the iPhone are just too much for Apple to do.
I, for one, will stand up and cheer when I can order an iPhone in a different color. However, I'm also a realist, and understand that crazy predictions like changing the color of the plastic backing of the iPhone is just a pie-in-the-sky prediction.
The cost and technological leaps associated with changing the color of the plastic backing of the iPhone are just too much for Apple to do.
I, for one, will stand up and cheer when I can order an iPhone in a different color. However, I'm also a realist, and understand that crazy predictions like changing the color of the plastic backing of the iPhone is just a pie-in-the-sky prediction.
What's the point of different coloured iPhones, when its de rigueur to buy an aftermarket case or cover in order to stop the phone being scratched to bits during normal day to day use and by so covering them up, covering any sight of a coloured shell.
Build an iPhone out a material that won't scratch would be a far better idea in my opinion. Oh and also one with a battery thats can last longer then a day of use, I've got 3G, bluetooth and WIFI turned off and I still drain the battery on voice calls before the day is out, and I don't make all that many call, and it never happened on my V3XX Razor or my N95.
Other then that I think its okay, proper predictive texting would be a good idea as well.
Build an iPhone out a material that won't scratch would be a far better idea in my opinion. Oh and also one with a battery thats can last longer then a day of use, I've got 3G, bluetooth and WIFI turned off and I still drain the battery on voice calls before the day is out, and I don't make all that many call, and it never happened on my V3XX Razor or my N95.
Other then that I think its okay, proper predictive texting would be a good idea as well.
hahaha wow. You forgot the part about how its gonna come out next tuesday and comes with a free iPhone
I happen to find 999 a solid price for a great laptop. I dont think Apple's OS could be supported by a less powerful, more affordable machine.
not sure why you think this is unrealistic - well not coming out next tuesday - but these are basically the specs of an eee with the 3 most common mods -
1. upgrade ram to 2gig
2. add touchscreen
3. add 3g modem internally
i just want apple to build it
And if they do, it will be $999 + and eat into both MacBook and MacBook Air sales.
have you actually seen or used a netbook with a 9 inch screen?
they are very different from 13" notebooks. they dont fulfill the same role, are not interchangeable, and do not appeal to the same markets... That's why asus make 9 inch netbooks and 13 inch notebooks.
Apple Netbook
The netbook market is exploding. I don't think Apple has much choice here, but hopefully they can enter the netbook market in a uniquely Apple way.
All the big vendors are leaping into that market: HP 2133, Dell Inspiron E and E Slim, Lenovo IdeaPad S10, Fujitsu Amilio Mini, etc. These are all very reasonable machines, and they start at $400 or so (as low as $300 in some cases). For most buyers it then gets tougher to justify a $1799 MacBook Air, even conceding the reasonable Apple premium. I am very tempted and will watch this market closely.
So what could Apple do here? Well, for one thing Apple could improve the MBA. The MBA now desperately needs more storage (one 2.5/5mm height spindle *plus* SSD option for example), a second USB port (with both ports more accessible), a Kensington-style locking slot, mic/line in, a trimmer bezel and slightly reduced footprint, expansion to 4 GB of RAM, and 2.9 lb. weight. There are some annoying limitations in that machine (and were at the very beginning), and those limitations need to get fixed pronto to hold the high-end market with the coming onslaught of netbooks. I think Apple also probably needs to figure out how to price a $1599 base model in that range, but they could recover some of that reduction by introducing a second external drive option: a Blu-ray drive (which is also compatible with a broad range of Macs). They could also get some more profit by keeping 2 GB RAM internal and selling another 2 GB for an empty socket (at Apple prices to those willing to pay).
But that's not going to be enough to keep the netbooks at bay, although it'll help at the high end (netbook "Pro" buyers effectively). They'll need an Apple-unique netbook. And I think the formula for a MacBook Net includes about an 11 inch screen (LED backlit of course) at about 1120x700 or 1080x675 resolution, half plastic case (like the new iPod), a very slightly shrunken keyboard (possibly with the top row function keys pulled and incorporated as Fn+number keystrokes), two USB ports but (sadly) no Firewire (like the revised MBA), a standard and slightly reduced gesture touchpad (not the glass one) but with no button (just tap) to save space (and as a nod to iPhone/iTouch), a single 2.5/8 mm height drive spindle, single 64-bit Intel Atom processor, 1 GB soldered onto the motherboard (standard) with one socket for up to 2 GB more (optional, total max 3), same external DVD drive option as the MBA, 802.11g wireless (n is overkill), built-in ROM bootstrap for no-charge Apple.com (re)loading of Leopard (for any DVD-less Mac as well, such as the MBA) and future online revenue generating online upgrade to Snow Leopard, audio jacks, built-in mono speaker, basic video out, lowest-res iSight (MBA and Pros get high-res, MB medium-res), facial recognition login (all Macs), full disk encryption (all Macs), deletion of iMovie and GarageBand (which aren't really appropriate on an Atom), some of the Leopard "eye candy" disabled by default, access to and compatibility with the iPhone/iTunes App store (revenue generation), a lower capacity battery (a couple hours) with an option for an extended capacity one, and 2.8 lb. weight (with low capacity battery). Price it at $739 for a basic 1 GB/80 GB model and $889 for 2 GB/160 GB, or about 50% higher than a competitive netbook.
The MacBook gets a new aluminum case with 1 GB soldered and two memory slots (up to 5 GB total), LED backlit display, Blu-ray option exclusively on the high-end BlackBook, a reduced bezel and trim for a smaller footprint, glass trackpad (possibly reduced size compared to the Pro), mid-res iSight, an SSD option, mid-level graphics chip on the mid- and high-end models, bump to DVD writer on the base model, and 4.9 lb. weight. Starts at $999 for a 1 GB/120 GB base MacBook.
The Pro gets the glass trackpad, a new and slimmer case (and a couple ounces off the weight), MBA/MacBook keyboard but with a couple extra keys (mostly aimed at VMware/Parallels/VirtualBox users), Firewire 3.2G, Blu-ray (except in the base model), Blu-ray writer option in the high-end models, SSD options galore, 2 GB RAM soldered (expandable to 6 GB), improved discrete graphics chip, high-res iSight, fancier sound chip, possibly a Cell processor or programmable GPU on the mid- and high-end 17 inch models, quad-core option on the high-end 15 and 17 inch models, new standard Apple Remote stored inside the ExpressCard34 slot, optional Apple multi-format photo card reader for the ExpressCard34 slot, standard built-in GPS (except base 15 inch model), and complementary iWork. Knock $100 off the price across the range (base model at $1899).
So, to recap, base model price points would be:
MacBook Net - $739
MacBook - $999
MacBook Air - $1599
MacBook Pro - $1899
The netbook market is exploding. I don't think Apple has much choice here, but hopefully they can enter the netbook market in a uniquely Apple way.
All the big vendors are leaping into that market: HP 2133, Dell Inspiron E and E Slim, Lenovo IdeaPad S10, Fujitsu Amilio Mini, etc. These are all very reasonable machines, and they start at $400 or so (as low as $300 in some cases). For most buyers it then gets tougher to justify a $1799 MacBook Air, even conceding the reasonable Apple premium. I am very tempted and will watch this market closely.
So what could Apple do here? Well, for one thing Apple could improve the MBA. The MBA now desperately needs more storage (one 2.5/5mm height spindle *plus* SSD option for example), a second USB port (with both ports more accessible), a Kensington-style locking slot, mic/line in, a trimmer bezel and slightly reduced footprint, expansion to 4 GB of RAM, and 2.9 lb. weight. There are some annoying limitations in that machine (and were at the very beginning), and those limitations need to get fixed pronto to hold the high-end market with the coming onslaught of netbooks. I think Apple also probably needs to figure out how to price a $1599 base model in that range, but they could recover some of that reduction by introducing a second external drive option: a Blu-ray drive (which is also compatible with a broad range of Macs). They could also get some more profit by keeping 2 GB RAM internal and selling another 2 GB for an empty socket (at Apple prices to those willing to pay).
But that's not going to be enough to keep the netbooks at bay, although it'll help at the high end (netbook "Pro" buyers effectively). They'll need an Apple-unique netbook. And I think the formula for a MacBook Net includes about an 11 inch screen (LED backlit of course) at about 1120x700 or 1080x675 resolution, half plastic case (like the new iPod), a very slightly shrunken keyboard (possibly with the top row function keys pulled and incorporated as Fn+number keystrokes), two USB ports but (sadly) no Firewire (like the revised MBA), a standard and slightly reduced gesture touchpad (not the glass one) but with no button (just tap) to save space (and as a nod to iPhone/iTouch), a single 2.5/8 mm height drive spindle, single 64-bit Intel Atom processor, 1 GB soldered onto the motherboard (standard) with one socket for up to 2 GB more (optional, total max 3), same external DVD drive option as the MBA, 802.11g wireless (n is overkill), built-in ROM bootstrap for no-charge Apple.com (re)loading of Leopard (for any DVD-less Mac as well, such as the MBA) and future online revenue generating online upgrade to Snow Leopard, audio jacks, built-in mono speaker, basic video out, lowest-res iSight (MBA and Pros get high-res, MB medium-res), facial recognition login (all Macs), full disk encryption (all Macs), deletion of iMovie and GarageBand (which aren't really appropriate on an Atom), some of the Leopard "eye candy" disabled by default, access to and compatibility with the iPhone/iTunes App store (revenue generation), a lower capacity battery (a couple hours) with an option for an extended capacity one, and 2.8 lb. weight (with low capacity battery). Price it at $739 for a basic 1 GB/80 GB model and $889 for 2 GB/160 GB, or about 50% higher than a competitive netbook.
The MacBook gets a new aluminum case with 1 GB soldered and two memory slots (up to 5 GB total), LED backlit display, Blu-ray option exclusively on the high-end BlackBook, a reduced bezel and trim for a smaller footprint, glass trackpad (possibly reduced size compared to the Pro), mid-res iSight, an SSD option, mid-level graphics chip on the mid- and high-end models, bump to DVD writer on the base model, and 4.9 lb. weight. Starts at $999 for a 1 GB/120 GB base MacBook.
The Pro gets the glass trackpad, a new and slimmer case (and a couple ounces off the weight), MBA/MacBook keyboard but with a couple extra keys (mostly aimed at VMware/Parallels/VirtualBox users), Firewire 3.2G, Blu-ray (except in the base model), Blu-ray writer option in the high-end models, SSD options galore, 2 GB RAM soldered (expandable to 6 GB), improved discrete graphics chip, high-res iSight, fancier sound chip, possibly a Cell processor or programmable GPU on the mid- and high-end 17 inch models, quad-core option on the high-end 15 and 17 inch models, new standard Apple Remote stored inside the ExpressCard34 slot, optional Apple multi-format photo card reader for the ExpressCard34 slot, standard built-in GPS (except base 15 inch model), and complementary iWork. Knock $100 off the price across the range (base model at $1899).
So, to recap, base model price points would be:
MacBook Net - $739
MacBook - $999
MacBook Air - $1599
MacBook Pro - $1899
Unfortunately? The reality is? Dude, they already have a "sub notebook" The macbook air? What the hell are you talking about?
The MacBook Air is not a sub-notebook. Sub-notebook's typically have screens less than 12" and a small foot-print.
Here's a sub-notebook running OS X: http://www.modaco.com/content/asus-...ing-osx-leopard-on-your-msi-wind-advent-4211/
My thoughts exactly.
My speculations:
I think the next MacBooks and Powerbooks are going to offer the following: Wider range of configurations including hard drive sizes, blue-ray drives, wider cpu range from quad-core to celery - and most importantly, wider price ranges,
There will be an emphasis on the low end, to meet the needs of the current economy, and the ability to upgrade. Some circumstantial evidence - price reductions for iPhones, leaked powerbook case photographs suggesting user-swappable hard drives, Apple has also been opening more and more Apple stores internationally - and the next logical step after increasing distribution channels is to increase service capacities at the new large volume levels. Offering upgrade services to Macbooks and MB Pros, and ever increasingly popular product, will surely add demand and revenue for Apple.
Just my .000002 space-bucks...
Dave
should have made a true 12 in PBG4 replacement. I have and continue to clamor for a true 12/13 inch MBP level machine.
i second that as a previous die-hard powerbook 12" user. now i'm stuck with a relatively huge 15" macbook pro. i would even go for a macbook if it offered the same processors as the macbook pro and of course discrete graphics. the macbook air is amazing, but it doesn't work as a primary machine due to its lack of processing prowess and storage.
apple, please make a 12" macbook pro!!! pretty please!!! i guarantee that it won't eat into macbook air sales!!!
You forgot the free Elves, Blue-Ray burner, 4000000000000000000 gb hard drive, 1 billion ram, and a coupon for a free oil change
Apple "sub-notebook"
Apple is not going to participate in the $500 notebook market. And, people who are interested in $500 sub-notebooks or laptops probably will not consider a new Macbook anyway.
However, there are smaller notebooks out there in the $700-$1000 space that could seriously eat into MacBook sales (and more companies are either introducing netbooks in this price range, or plan to.) They provide big-enough keyboards and screens that are still functional to run most of the apps that a general consumer would care about. And, that's why I think Apple is going to create a "MacBook Mini."
If there was something like an HP MiniNote with a faster processor running Leopard, that would be an interesting addition to Apple's lineup.
Apple is not going to participate in the $500 notebook market. And, people who are interested in $500 sub-notebooks or laptops probably will not consider a new Macbook anyway.
However, there are smaller notebooks out there in the $700-$1000 space that could seriously eat into MacBook sales (and more companies are either introducing netbooks in this price range, or plan to.) They provide big-enough keyboards and screens that are still functional to run most of the apps that a general consumer would care about. And, that's why I think Apple is going to create a "MacBook Mini."
If there was something like an HP MiniNote with a faster processor running Leopard, that would be an interesting addition to Apple's lineup.
I think that the notebooks will follow the desktops in this regard. MacBook Pro moving up in price, while the MacBook retains its low price point and increases price. It's like how the iMacs expanded from two or three models to four in 2006. There is a slight possibility of dedicated graphics in the top-end MacBook.
It has been said that Intel will release notebook Nehalem on a 32 nm process (instead of 45 nm), which would enable a wider range of quad-core notebook chips than now. We could see them on the MacBook Pros come 2009.
The iMacs have actually decreased in price of the low-end from $1299 to $1199. The MacBooks could do the same thing, from $1099 to $999.
That's on the low side, if you ask me. I can't see it going lower than that with Mac OS X.
See, that's the problem with a stripped-down notebook. I highly doubt there'll be expandable RAM on this notebook, and I'm not even sure if there will be more than one RAM slot. This notebook's losing a bunch of features, and if you can't even run anything higher than iPhoto, why not just use the iPhone OS and go full mini-tablet? You won't be using mid-to-high-end apps or do heavy multitasking either way. Plus, it'll be cheaper, and most likely run better too (less bloat).
And I'm assuming it's easier and better to build the iPhone OS up than to strip Mac OS X down and still maintain application compatibility.
Good idea. But I'm not sure how usable the apps would be on a non-touchscreen device. Certainly with multi-touch trackpads I think they will be at least usable. Maybe the rumored glass trackpad holds a display that will run these apps.
Good point. And for something that size (11" 1152*720) (and I'm assuming appropriate specs too), Mac OS X would be more suitable than iPhone OS.
Amen, bro ...
I'm travelling with a 15" MBP, which is quite heavy and big , given that it's a really poor substitute for my desktops - which are G5s.
Rather slow and the display isn't even good enough for basic photographic work.
A 12" or smaller MBP ('P' mainly for dedicated graphics), with at least MB screen quality, full-featured and reasonably powerful - I'd buy that in a heartbeat.