It's not "visually impaired". It is about _everyone_ over forty. Considering the distribution of available money, these people probably use over half the Macs in the world and they are the ones who provide the cash for a good deal more than that.
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Feasibility of Touch Screen Apple Notebooks
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It's not "visually impaired". It is about _everyone_ over forty. Considering the distribution of available money, these people probably use over half the Macs in the world and they are the ones who provide the cash for a good deal more than that.
I hope I'm wrong, but...
I doubt they will release anything of the sort. Many don't want to admit it but Apple historically disappoints when it comes to fulfilling significant rumors. Whatever the rumor is... we see it a couple product cycles later (if ever).
I doubt they will release anything of the sort. Many don't want to admit it but Apple historically disappoints when it comes to fulfilling significant rumors. Whatever the rumor is... we see it a couple product cycles later (if ever).
"Never" is so restrictive of a word.
The iBook 1.33Ghz was released July 26th right in the middle of the iPod offer.
s.
Toy?
A 9" or so screen would be a toy.
I remember seeing that Sony ultra-mobile pc and laughing that it was basically unusable... It's nothing more than a high priced pager/toy. It was a joke and I think is gone.
Just because it seems like a good idea doesn't mean that it is.
How is the Air selling? I've heard that it's 'underwhelming' at best...
A 9" or so screen would be a toy.
I remember seeing that Sony ultra-mobile pc and laughing that it was basically unusable... It's nothing more than a high priced pager/toy. It was a joke and I think is gone.
Just because it seems like a good idea doesn't mean that it is.
How is the Air selling? I've heard that it's 'underwhelming' at best...
I can't see the macbooks having touch-screen. I don't see really why you would want it. I think a 'proper' computer (or rather your 'main' computer) will always work best with trackpad/mouse and keyboard. I can't see myself touching the screen even if I had the option.
I think . . .
1- Macbooks will see design refresh with POSSIBLY glass/screen trackpads.
2- We will see a mini laptop with touchscreen and keyboard and a more functional version of the iPhone OS or less functional version of OS X.
This tiny laptop will satisfy those who didn't like the macbook air. . . . Whilst the macbook air is a very light and thin fully functional laptop, a lot of people were hoping for an 'Eee PC' type of product.. . . i.e. A basic laptop that can fit in a small bag or large pocket and provide laptop style computing in a very small and portable form factor.
I think . . .
1- Macbooks will see design refresh with POSSIBLY glass/screen trackpads.
2- We will see a mini laptop with touchscreen and keyboard and a more functional version of the iPhone OS or less functional version of OS X.
This tiny laptop will satisfy those who didn't like the macbook air. . . . Whilst the macbook air is a very light and thin fully functional laptop, a lot of people were hoping for an 'Eee PC' type of product.. . . i.e. A basic laptop that can fit in a small bag or large pocket and provide laptop style computing in a very small and portable form factor.
Ah why is it taking people so long to work out what the "transition" is?
Clearly it's going to be the move of the entire iPod line to a touch screen format, using the same hardware as is in the current iPod touch and iPhone. There really is no reason why a touch screen iPod can't have a hard drive in it and I predict they'll move the entire line, including nano over to touch with the next revision.
The benefit to them doing this is huge - revenue from the App Store of course and it will last, with them getting a cut from every application sold, rather than just making money from the iPod on the day it leaves the store.
Clearly it's going to be the move of the entire iPod line to a touch screen format, using the same hardware as is in the current iPod touch and iPhone. There really is no reason why a touch screen iPod can't have a hard drive in it and I predict they'll move the entire line, including nano over to touch with the next revision.
The benefit to them doing this is huge - revenue from the App Store of course and it will last, with them getting a cut from every application sold, rather than just making money from the iPod on the day it leaves the store.
I don't think that will happen this year or even next year for one reason: iPod OS change. The iPod OS was revised or revamped last year. If Apple intended for that OS to last for just a year, why would they have updated the OS?
Apple Better Hurry
I'm a die hard mac user and love most everything apple. I recently went to my local BestBuy with a co-worker and saw the new HP TouchSmart IQ506t. I must admit its pretty cool. Not apple design or quality but its a neat concept.
Apple better hurry and get a Touch Computer out before they are late to the party!
I'm a die hard mac user and love most everything apple. I recently went to my local BestBuy with a co-worker and saw the new HP TouchSmart IQ506t. I must admit its pretty cool. Not apple design or quality but its a neat concept.
Apple better hurry and get a Touch Computer out before they are late to the party!
But think about the upper arm and shoulder strength you'd build! Perhaps Apple will take an approach like the Wii where you will be able to get a workout from using your multi-touch Mac!
wow. i never thought of that. will the other boys stop calling girly arms
Apple has enough of PowerBook offerings. What is needed is a pocket Mac. With 5-inch screen or so. For wired and wireless presentations of NATIVE Keynote and PowerPoint files with transitions, animatios, etc. Carry it instead of a bulky and heavy PowerBook to the classroom, meeting or whatever. Yes, even the MacBook Air is too large and heavy for us. The ultimate presentation remote. We need thousands for our University. Something like this, but with Mac OS X, FireWire and Ethernet ports:
OQO model e2
http://www.oqo.com
OQO model e2
http://www.oqo.com
Apple will merge the macbook and the macbook pro into one line-up, possibly a renamed one. My reasons for thinking this are as follows:
1)- All signs point to the macbook being made of aluminum
2)- with snow leopard touting new ways to utilize the graphics processor, all signs point to Apple using dedicated GPUs in more machines.
3)- Apple already promised to adopt LED screens for its whole laptop line
Now, combining 1-3, what is left to differentiate the macbook from the macbook pro? Pretty much nothing. Also, consider that they both need a case redesign and everyone is saying that they will both be updated at about the same time. Doesn't that seem a bit odd? Seems more likely that Apple is only making one case.
Here's what I'm thinking:
Macbook X, all units have:
Wireless N
bluetooth
superdrive
LED screen
new aluminum case
Macbook X, config 1: entry
2.26ghz
2gb ram
160gb 5400rpm hdd
integrated graphics
13" and 15" version: $999
17" version $1199
config 2: (can't think of a good name, but the one I'd probably buy)
2.4ghz
4gb ram
160gb 7200rpm HDD
9300m GS GPU
13" and 15" versions: $1499
17" version: $1699
config 3: enthusiast
2.53ghz
4gb ram
320gb 7200rpm
9600m GS GPU
13" and 15" versions: $1999
17" version: $2199
config 4: professional
2.8ghz
4gb RAm
320gb 7200rpm
Quadro FX mobile GPU
15" version: $2499 (no 13" due to power requirement)
17" version: $2699
3 chassis for 3 screen sizes. Just pick one of 4 configurations, the pick your screen size, with the 17" holding a $200 premium. Simple, easy to understand, and greatly increases the # of markets that Apple can hit with its laptop models. All with only one laptop line. The pricing would be a bit aggressive for Apple, but then again it is still above the average for laptops with these components, and Apple will be lowering its gross profit.
1)- All signs point to the macbook being made of aluminum
2)- with snow leopard touting new ways to utilize the graphics processor, all signs point to Apple using dedicated GPUs in more machines.
3)- Apple already promised to adopt LED screens for its whole laptop line
Now, combining 1-3, what is left to differentiate the macbook from the macbook pro? Pretty much nothing. Also, consider that they both need a case redesign and everyone is saying that they will both be updated at about the same time. Doesn't that seem a bit odd? Seems more likely that Apple is only making one case.
Here's what I'm thinking:
Macbook X, all units have:
Wireless N
bluetooth
superdrive
LED screen
new aluminum case
Macbook X, config 1: entry
2.26ghz
2gb ram
160gb 5400rpm hdd
integrated graphics
13" and 15" version: $999
17" version $1199
config 2: (can't think of a good name, but the one I'd probably buy)
2.4ghz
4gb ram
160gb 7200rpm HDD
9300m GS GPU
13" and 15" versions: $1499
17" version: $1699
config 3: enthusiast
2.53ghz
4gb ram
320gb 7200rpm
9600m GS GPU
13" and 15" versions: $1999
17" version: $2199
config 4: professional
2.8ghz
4gb RAm
320gb 7200rpm
Quadro FX mobile GPU
15" version: $2499 (no 13" due to power requirement)
17" version: $2699
3 chassis for 3 screen sizes. Just pick one of 4 configurations, the pick your screen size, with the 17" holding a $200 premium. Simple, easy to understand, and greatly increases the # of markets that Apple can hit with its laptop models. All with only one laptop line. The pricing would be a bit aggressive for Apple, but then again it is still above the average for laptops with these components, and Apple will be lowering its gross profit.
I posted a speculative piece about this on my site, Mac Soda. In a nutshell, I think that we will see a Mac Laptop with touch and a 360 degree screen before anything else.
http://macsoda.com/2008/07/26/the-future-of-the-mac/
http://macsoda.com/2008/07/26/the-future-of-the-mac/
I have been watching this device for years but the fact it runs windows (poorly) has kept me away from it and its similar handtops.
This is a great concept it its third revision and is really great niche product but the ease of use keeps people away.
Exactly my opinion, this endless talk about some back to school sales...! Are students so uninformed?
I would totally buy at $800 9" Mac tablet or mini-notebook. However, I don't see it happening. We can still hope.
http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/touchsmart/
Competition is working on some "touch"-devices...
Competition is working on some "touch"-devices...
Except for Apple has historically released several updates to products currently undergoing promotions. I don't think we're uninformed
I think for the purposes of browsing the web, photo editing, and quick reply for email messages, having a touch screen could really be good. The modified Safari application on the iPhone is one of the best on any platform (desktop and mobile). I could see having a laptop that swivels (similar to tablet PCs). However (and this is where PCs failed), when the laptop is in tablet mode, give it reduced functionality. Make it so only the web browser can be launched, maybe a modified iPhoto application and basically the type of things that make the iPhone so great.
I agree that nobody will ever want to type a term paper or write a novel on a touchscreen.
Finally, I think that Apple should remake the keyboard again but by using touch technology and haptic feedback. The touch screen on the iPhone and iPod touch is the best in the industry and if that technology was applied to a keyboard, it would revolutionize computers again.
Just my thoughts.
I agree that nobody will ever want to type a term paper or write a novel on a touchscreen.
Finally, I think that Apple should remake the keyboard again but by using touch technology and haptic feedback. The touch screen on the iPhone and iPod touch is the best in the industry and if that technology was applied to a keyboard, it would revolutionize computers again.
Just my thoughts.
