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The key phrases for Apple are: "profit margins" and "does not cannibalize existing higher-margin products." A netbook will have low-margins and will cannibalize MacBook/MBA sales. At the same time, if it's a fully-functioning Mac OS X system, then people will hold on to it at the more typical 4+ years PC cycle.
The di

Exactly . I was now gonna say that part. :cool:

I wonder though if a 'Mac Pro Mini' is more feasible or will it do the same thing to the Mac Pro? :confused:
 
I cant imagine using an iphone like device where i couldnt reach half the buttons on keyboard while holding it;)

I have to agree. I like the idea of a tablet especially for graphic designers and the likes. But the idea of 10"-12" tablet doesn't seem logical. Handling it would be a pain in the :apple:ss. This is why there are third party companies to fill that small group of people who want OSX on a tablet. However if Apple get into the tablet business, besides the iphone obviously, I think it will be a blend of tablet and netbook and it will be a sub-$1000 device. Intels new MID design looks awesome and totally apple stylish> check it out. http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/10/20/intel_shows_off_working_moorestown_mid_device.html
I think that Apple will be able to pull this mobile OS off with the introduction of Snow Leopard and Intels new Moorestown processor.

Apple will come out with a stripped down version of OSX for a netbook/tablet allowing users to surf the web, EDIT documents, video chat etc. Basically a more advanced version of iPhone 2.0. If they don't do this, and run Snow Leopard on a sub-$1000netbook/tablet, they will loose a lot of macbook consumers to this device. It needs to be a something that gets people into macs, just like the iPhone did, and the Mac Mini before it. These are switcher devices designed to show off how easy macs are. If it NOT a full blown version of OSX Macbook users will stick with their Macbooks. If it IS a full blown version on a smaller device everyone will downgrade to the cheaper model since the Macbook won't be NEEDED for their type of use. This is similar to the new Unibody Macbooks and Macbook Pros. They take away certain features forcing you to choose what type of user you are. Consumer? Professional? Prosumers are forced to go with Macbook Pro if you need the firewire. Just like if a sub-$1000 notebook had all the features of a Macbook, what separates if from its bigger cousin? So, Apple will strip down the OS designed for BASIC BASIC users. Make sense? lol. I never do.

Also similar to how with the Macbook Air is sold on weight, not features. Not as many usb, no firewire, no superdrive, slower processor. If it had all these things AND was so light... who's gonna buy it? People who want the weight and don't need those other things. Just like who's gonna buy a macbook if they can get ALL the same features in a smaller, lighter and maybe even touch screen designed version? Not many people. Sooooo, take away the full osx, and you have a perfectly differentiating machine.

Let me know what you think of my theory!

OH and about MACWORLD: I highly doubt anymore mobile devices will be announced at Macworld, more likely upgraded iMacs, MacPros, all with Display Port, and hopefully a revamped MacMini or AppleTV! (check out my theory posted on that.)
 
Couldn't you use the same argument to say the same about 13 and 15 inches? 15 and 17? 17 and 19?

uh yea i guess technically, but theres a point where it ceases to be "ultra portable" personally i see that after 13 inches as I personally consider regular laptops to be ultra portable.
 
uh yea i guess technically, but theres a point where it ceases to be "ultra portable" personally i see that after 13 inches as I personally consider regular laptops to be ultra portable.

Oh, I see. I just consider regular laptops to be "portable". I'm typing this n a 15 incher, though, and with my other gear, it's not really ultra anything. However, it's the largest thing I feel like carrying.
To me, I would need to go 11" (with a small bezel) or lower in order for me to consider it ultra portable. In fact, it has to be almost pocketable (in a jacket).
 
Emate as netbook

I don't see the market for people needing something between an iPhone and the Macbook Air. Seriously, are there those of you out there that need something like that?

I've been looking real hard at exactly that. And a decade ago, Apple had the Emate. It didn't quite take off, and Steve killed it when he took over. With modern wireless technology it would be a fine netbook. It was too far ahead of its time.
 
contest

Haha interesting conversation. :D I think now you’ll need to write down the specs for either your Apple Netbook, Apple Tablet. or Mac Pro Mini. ;) (with made up Names of course :p )

The specs should reasonably ‘prove’ why the product won’t cannibalize the closest product in Apple’s existing lineup. ;)

may the games begin :D
 
I agree. I don't see the market for people needing something between an iPhone and the Macbook Air. Seriously, are there those of you out there that need something like that?

Those of us who own/need an iMac/Mac Pro but also want a small, light notebook without spending ANOTHER $1000-2000.

If Apple had a $500 (in the $450 with EDU/GOV discounts) laptop I would seriously look at it. I'd like something in the 9" 1024x600, 2lbs, Intel Atom-based, 8-16GB SSD range.

Basically a Dell Inspiron Mini 9 with OSX. I'd actually be happier with a modified OSX that was a hybrid of 10.5/6 and the iPhone OS. Run apps in full screen (since the display is so small), use a Springboard like launcher, integrated digital app store, but compatible with standard OSX applications (where it meets the basic requirements).

iPhone/iPod touch as a docakble touchpad for bonus points.
 
Jobs fails to license OS (Biggest blunder in computer history)

And crank out 10" Air

Think Different?

Let's all pity this individual who seems to have a strangely high standard of what "success" should be.

When you have $25b in the bank, then maybe someone will hear you from your parent's basement.
 
Those of us who own/need an iMac/Mac Pro but also want a small, light notebook without spending ANOTHER $1000-2000.

If Apple had a $500 (in the $450 with EDU/GOV discounts) laptop I would seriously look at it. I'd like something in the 9" 1024x600, 2lbs, Intel Atom-based, 8-16GB SSD range.

Basically a Dell Inspiron Mini 9 with OSX. I'd actually be happier with a modified OSX that was a hybrid of 10.5/6 and the iPhone OS. Run apps in full screen (since the display is so small), use a Springboard like launcher, integrated digital app store, but compatible with standard OSX applications (where it meets the basic requirements).

iPhone/iPod touch as a docakble touchpad for bonus points.

eww at the Dell Inspiron Mini :eek: Apple would turn that thing into a piece of art. It would be pretty nice, but again read my resent post in this thread ^
 
Seems like Jobs is reluctant to jump in the ring because (1) he already missed the boat, or more likely (2) it will likely mean less MacBooks and MBPs sold. Too bad because I would love OS X on this.
The third possibility is that Apple's making their own netbook.

Maybe Apple is separating the notebooks into two lines of two models.

Thin and light: MacBook "nano," MacBook Air
Regular: MacBook, MacBook Pro

The key phrases for Apple are: "profit margins" and "does not cannibalize existing higher-margin products." A netbook will have low-margins and will cannibalize MacBook/MBA sales. At the same time, if it's a fully-functioning Mac OS X system, then people will hold on to it at the more typical 4+ years PC cycle.

I say the netbook, as it stands now, is between a rock and a hard place...for a high-margin computer maker like Apple. But, as others have noted, Apple could find a way to 're-invent" the market to their liking.
I doubt that an enhanced iPhone OS device (that AppleInsider claimed over a year ago) will cannibalize any Macs. However, such a device won't cannibalize the iPod touch either, due to price and size. It's about right in the middle.

Let me know what you think of my theory!
I totally agree. Add to that the overhead of regular Mac OS X versus the overhead of iPhone OS, and iPhone OS is even more compelling for a small and cheap device.
 
What doesn't add up to me is Jobs keeps bringing up its a nascent market. Apple's always been one of the first to dive into the pool going back to the first commercial personal computers, GUI and the portable MP3 players.

They'll either come out w/ one at MacWorld and are just trying to keep it off the radar or else they're afraid it will cut into MacBook sales and are avoiding it.
 
Netbooks sound good when you talk or think about them.
I have actually used one... Well, not any of the Eee-PC clones, but I have gone through two Fujitsu P-Series laptops.
These little machines are as good as it gets in the "netbook" size regime. And they are not cheap. Yet their usability sucks. Keyboards are cramped, screens are cramped, they are slow. Hardly usable for any work, except, maybe, checking email.
Guess what - the iPhone and the Touch can do that. Quite possibly, they are even better at email. And they fit in your pocket...
I am selling my Fuji P1610 on Craigslist right now specifically to buy the 32GB Touch.
Steve Jobs is right on this one, folks...
 
Does the Air not qualify because it's too expensive or the screen is "too big"? As per weight and other specs, it beats the competition, no?


No, no, no. The Air is not a netbook, not even the 12-inch Powerbook was. The Air is just a laptop, but thinner. A netbook has a screen between 7 and 11 inches. It's just very small and typically weighs about a kilo.. Most netbooks have far better specs than the Air. 3 USB ports & ethernet, 160GB 2,5-inch harddrive is not uncommon.. MSI Wind is a nice example.. and just around 500 dollars. Forget Apple, buy a Asus or MSI Wind. You'll save a bundle, have a better computer and you don't have to wait until Steve Jobs magically unveils it in 2009, 2010 or God knows when..

Has anybody paired the Touch with an external keyboard? Without a real keyboard there is no comparison between the Touch and a netbook.. by the way, ever tried to hook up your camera to the Touch and tried to post the photo's on your blog? No? I wouldn't think so.. The Touch is very limited.. It doesn't even have a webcam, most netbooks do..
 
All Apple needs to do to fill that netbook lacuna in their lineup is put bluetooth in the iPod touch and encourage a third party to develop a keyboard driver for it. Something along these lines:

1010052785.jpg


A modular system like this, with a foldable, portable keyboard, means you can have something that fits in your pocket most of the time. When you need to do some real typing, you throw the keyboard in your bag too.
 
No, no, no. The Air is not a netbook, not even the 12-inch Powerbook was. The Air is just a laptop, but thinner. A netbook has a screen between 7 and 11 inches. It's just very small and typically weighs about a kilo.. Most netbooks have far better specs than the Air. 3 USB ports & ethernet, 160GB 2,5-inch harddrive is not uncommon.. MSI Wind is a nice example.. and just around 500 dollars. Forget Apple, buy a Asus or MSI Wind. You'll save a bundle, have a better computer and you don't have to wait until Steve Jobs magically unveils it in 2009, 2010 or God knows when..

Of course, if you're brave you can hack OSX onto the ASUS Eee. I'm seriously thinking about doing that as a project, just because there have been a few occasions where a small, and expendable laptop, would have been useful.
 
I get the vibe that for some reason alot of people think apple is in the wrong for not going with a netbook.

It doesnt effect them negatively, it doesnt effect us negatively. So be it.
 
I took that as meaning a full computer, with monitor, keyboard and mouse. If you add a 20" Cinema Display alone, you're talking at least $1198. That's more than double the $500 price point.

Just my 2 cents.

I see your point -

However, Steve has made the point to call the mini a computer by itself...you bring the rest.

What I mean is that the mini was geared to people who have a monitor and a mouse already...windows users who want a mac but dont want to spend much money.

anyway, when he said this I took it hes not updating the mini everyone so much wants an update to...as well as the fact he had a slip, as he is calling his own computer crap. (thought it was funny) :)

Peace

dAlen
 
I'm Sure There Is A Protoype

Apple is not like Microsoft. They spend on R&D and they are aware of trends. Anyone remember Gates' take on the Internet? "It's a passing fad."

Look at the Apple TV. There world isn't quite ready for a device like it, but it is out there making the rounds. Before you go "crying" about how Internet TV is here already and Apple is not doing anything about it, look at how effed up the ISPs are and how many are throttling back user speed and putting quotas on "reasonable usage." So while the world is ready, the SOBs controlling the gates are looking to milk us for more and more, so if we were o fully use a device like that we would be paying dearly for it.

Also, if this elongated iPhone-looking thing exists, you know Apple has something like it that runs OS X and will outclass it. So while we may not see an Apple-branded 'net device soon, we will certainly see one if there is a demand for it. Right now the iPhone almost does everything a netbook does.
 
When I used Mac's in elementary school (OS 7 & 8), the user experience was much better than the Windows 98 Machines. There's no telling how many times, for example, you'd go to save your work, and it would crash on you. Then the teacher made us stay in for recess if we hadn't finished our projects. Needless to say, everyone bum-rushed the Mac's so they could actually go to recess. Since then, I really just have hated PC's. However, now in high school, they've got some of those IBM T-whatevers with just the point nub. And what do you know... everyone hates those too. If Apple were to put out crap for $500, it would turn away potential buyers. Provided a quality product entered the school for that price though, it would probably be beneficial. And hey, these uni-body designs are like tanks (if you take away the glass). (Not to start yet another glossy v matte)

Honestly, most of the PCs I used throughout high school and college rarely crashed. OSX is nicer now (than when I was younger) but most computer labs are mainly for word processing, CAD, basic internet browsing, and Excel. Heck, even Office on OSX is a bit laggy.

IMO OSX shines in the iLife, iTunes, iPod integration type stuff, not things you'd usually do at school. Not saying Apple shouldn't target educational institutions, but the playing field is a bit more level there.
 
Apple is a hardware company 1st, and a software company 2nd. Why don't people get this?

I see this repeated over and over and over again... and it's wrong. Apple is a platform company. OS X not being licensed for other hardware has nothing to do with "being a hardware company" but rather the fact that the coupling of the hardware and software are essential to maintaining a single platform. (And, Steven Jobs is a control freak, for better or for worse.)
 
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