Jobs on Mac Netbooks: Not Yet, But...

[corinhorn]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You said it perfectly.

Everybody thinks that Apple should do this or that because Apple has so much success with everything else, that they could do this or that really well also. But like NT1440 said, just because they can doesn't mean they should.

Besides, ever stop to think that maybe Apple is successful because of the things they chose NOT to do? They're methodical in their process and will (usually) take the time necessary to develop a product right.

The netbook market is so incredibly new, I think Apple would be foolish to jump into it. I think it is wise on Apple's part to see what happens to the netbook craze. If netbook popularity dissipates into nothingness in the near future, Apple would look rather foolish if they had jumped into the craze.

I remember when those dopey mini discs (or whatever) and mini disc players were the newest thing. Those things went nowhere fast and now they are simply a novelty.

If the netbook market continues to have a presence and grows in the next year or two, it would then make more sense for Apple to produce a product to spank the competition.

 

[Nasus]

If the netbook market continues to have a presence and grows in the next year or two, it would then make more sense for Apple to produce a product to spank the competition.

I couldn't agree more. I don't think a netbook has to be about being cheap either. For me, it was all about portability when traveling. I have a ASUS 1000H that fits right in my purse. The quality and durability seem to be good but of course performance is compromised. It is what is is for the money but I miss my MacBook Pro when traveling. I would gladly pay more for a Mac in the netbook category.

Just since I purchased my ASUS earlier I can see this market has grown. I think Apple will enter this market at some point but I see their difficulty in finding a niche in their line up. I don't know how successful the MacBook Air has been but it never appealed to me - to big and not enough storage. When Apple decides to enter this market I'll bet they will "spank" the competition!

 

[zer0tails]

I can say one thing with 100% certainty. If Apple does indeed come out with a netbook, you can be assured that it's going to cost you the price of 2-3 asus eees.

Apple has never liked making products at the low end of the spectrum. Mac mini is one but it's being neglected now, and was mainly a product that sought to lure switchers.

I think any netbook Apple makes will probably be 999. I have no idea where the air would fit in then.

 

[zer0tails]

There are fully featured sub notebooks (optical drive and all) out there that matches the air in portability such as the Vaio Z series. Nope, its not paper thin but it does have similar price, better specs (probably except for the GPU), optical drive, better battery life, aluminum/carbon fiber enclosure and has a smaller foot print then the air. Of course, the only problem is, it runs Vista.

Also. One of the reason I always fail to bring my PC subnotebook/netbook friends into the Mac fold is simply because they want a computer with a smaller foot print rather then being wide and super thin.

this is what i tell my pc subnotebook/netbook friends: Would you rather carry a thin magazine or a fatter book?

 

[rollsroyce442]

I want one

I'll buy one the first day they come out

 

[Mackan]

If the netbook market continues to have a presence and grows in the next year or two, it would then make more sense for Apple to produce a product to spank the competition.

Maybe spank in exterior design, but I don't think the majority of potential customers out there wants to pay $800 or more for a "netbook". Because that would be the absolute minimum price if Apple is doing one. Apple wouldn't sell anything that doesn't give at least 30% profit.

 

[puffnstuff]

As much as I think it would be cool for them to bring back the emate in a way I kind of think they shouldn't

If Apple were to come out with a netbook it would probably run iphone os.

I think it would be better for a third party company to make something that will allow you to plug in your iphone or ipod touch and use the bigger screen and keyboard. If third party companies did it that way you would get something that Apple does not do these days. And that is variety. One company can make an 8.9" notebook shell another can make a 10" touch screen and another can make one that comes with an optical.

Lots of choices that way rather then being stuck with Apples single netbook offering.

 

[mogzieee]

To replace the Mac mini, Apple needs to come out with a desktop computer. A laptop cannot replace the Mac mini.

They have. It's called an iMac.

 

[takao]

i read that the current estimate of all netbooks which will be sold till the end of the year is around 14 million

that's quite a bit i would say