That's practically what the new MacBook is. Because really all you're saying is that you want the lightest, most portable version of OSX possible. I could see the next year MacBook getting a touch screen specifically so it could toggle into iOS mode, and then you have it. Apple's answer (albeit very late) to the Surface Pro.
But the thing is, that results in a crappy tablet for those (few?) people who actually want a tablet purely for the tablet functions. No matter how thin and light it is with a fancy new keyboard, it could still be moreso without. So either the true tablet market isn't worth serving at all, or it needs a true tablet. A hybrid would always serve that market poorly.
I know you qualified it with "practically" but the new Macbook is not in any way shape or form a Surface Pro 3 alternative. Adding a touchscreen to the new Macbook wouldn't make it any closer to it. They are both excellent but different devices.
if they release the rumored ipad pro and add true multi tasking (several windows running at the same time) and a keyboard cover, then it could replace the computer. This is what Microsoft is betting on.
What apple did with the ipad air I think complicates things however. Because to release a 12" ipad would directly compete with the 12" air. There are already plenty of keyboard covers out there so the only two differences would be the touchscreen and the multitasking.
I can't even guess what Apple has in mind, but I do hope that they resolve this soon as this is a problem IMO (the lack of clarity in terms of how these devices could live side by side).
I agree with you that the release of the new Macbook paints an unclear picture... at least at this point in time.
Perhaps Apple's approach will be to provide 2 parallel devices that fall slightly to either side of the dividing line. While Microsoft attempts to sit precisely on the line between notebook and tablet with the Surface Pro 3, maybe Apple will produce the new Macbook to sit ever-so-slightly onto the notebook side of the line, and an iPad Pro/Plus to be on the tablet side...expecting that customers will favor one side over the other with very few requiring a precise split.
Over the past week I've been spending some extended time with my new toy... an Acer Aspire Switch 11. 11.6" tablet, Core i3, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, fullsized USB 3.0 in the tablet, microHDMI, microSD, charging port, fullsized USB 2.0 in the keyboard dock, and active digitizer... $449. I was curious about the Surface Pro 3 but not $950 worth of curious, so this was a good alternative.
I've been very impressed so far with the experience. It is heavier than my 2014 11" MBA and my iPad 4. But the ability to easily and quickly switch from notebook to tablet mode is what I was hoping for. Windows 8.1 is still rough-around-the-edges in this regard but if Windows 10 cleans things up a bit, it will be quite a nice thing.
It's magnetically secured mechanical hinge eliminates the need for a kickstand. My active stylus should arrive tomorrow so I'll spend some time with that aspect.
My preference is still for a 12" iPad Pro/Plus that supports an active digitizer, bluetooth mouse, multi-window. I don't think that I'm alone it that preference and I think it might be the thing that sparks a renewed interest in the iPad.
