There are three notebooks. Making each one have an option for ExpressCard/no slot, integrated/discrete graphics, different screens, FW800/not, etc. would be a disaster. They'd need no fewer than 24 logic boards to deal with that mess, and different cases to match or some sort of unattractive blanking plate system. What you want is Dell. Apple doesn't do that--they make a few systems targeted at specific market segments. It's easier to buy, to compare, to support, and to engineer. Apple does not have the necessary resources to juggle that many different balls at once. The downside is a rigid product matrix, but you've never had a wide array of options with Apple. It's just they way they do business.Gatezone said:
No, it wouldn't. Each different size would require totally separate engineering--it's a mistake to think that the MacBook and the MacBook Pro lines could be united. Apple has three form factors, and your strategy requires three form factors with added complication and expense. It will cost more, which will cost the customers more when 95% of them are perfectly happy with current lineups.
The consumer/pro distinction is an artificial one largely held by people on this forum. You're free to purchase whatever you want. These are the products that they make. If they don't make what you want, buy it elsewhere. They can't satisfy every consumer preference so they do what they can and if your needs aren't met, that's too bad, but it's not "dinosaur thinking." Apple is doing just fine and the added expense of going after the remaining niches probably won't produce enough profit to make it worthwhile.
