More Sources Point to a Touchscreen Apple Netbook in 2009

[ddTaylor]

The Acer Aspire One AOA150-1126 8.9-Inch Netbook battery's life lasts at least 6 hours. Don't talk about something you don't even know.

(1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) It costs 319 dollars on amazon.

I bought one at Walmart and it came with a six-cell battery and a 160GB HD. It is currently $298. I upped the RAM to the MAX at 1.5gb and it runs OS X AND photoshop very nicely. It does not replace my iMac but it sure does work well for what it is INTENDED to do - internet work, documents, .PDF's and SOME heavy work like PhotoShop and even audio editing. It runs well and does not run any worse on battery than my C2D MBP. - I am not sure where this myth of battery performance comes from?

D

 

[rumplestiltskin]

It'll be an eBook reader, also

The "netbook" concept is really only compelling to those Mac users who haven't actually owned one. The MSI Wind units, when setup as OSX boxes, really let you compare OSX running on somewhat inferior hardware. The single-core Atom (@1.6GHz) isn't a bad performer; I was actually able to run Office 2008 on it (albeit a bit slower than it runs on my Intel iMac). The wireless hardware is inferior to Apple's but, as it's a mini-slot, the card may be swapped out (and I did) for a Realtek card. All that's needed there is better software. The one place the Wind umm...breaks wind, I guess...is the trackpad; MSI did a bait and switch. The original units came with Synaptics units which worked very well. The later units came with a Sentelic trackpad which, frankly, sucked so badly I sold the unit. Windows users are used to crapola so many don't complain about it. Mac users expect flawless performance here.

So, for the added cost of a decent trackpad and wireless card, it would have been a very nice Mac-wannabe (as OSX did work quite nicely).

But Apple won't want to wallow in the muck of this netbook market - at least in the same context as MSI, Asus, and Dell. I think what we'll see will be coming at the netbook from the iPod/iPhone perspective but without that obscene monthly AT&T phone bill. Let's call it the iPod Touch Grande. As such, it will permit connection (wirelessly or through a dock) to your Mac (or through WiFi) where it will be able to connect to the iTunes Store and/or (through a plugin or new version of iTunes) Amazon where one may purchase all the cool media goodness from Apple and books from Amazon.

But Apple will go one step further and allow all non-DRM'd media to be added to the Grande - MP3, MP4, PDF, TXT, DOC, etc. After all, this is still a Mac, right? You'll be installing your usual apps (assuming you can run them in "tablet" mode).

There will undoubtedly be more functionality than I've listed but I believe this is the opportunity for Apple to effect yet another paradigm shift. Imagine an eBook reader that lets students eliminate textbooks. Before you say that won't happen, consider that a number of universities are already there. Students pay a fee per class to access PDFs of specific textbook chapters, copyrighted articles, etc.

Color screen, pressure-sensitivity, multi-touch UI, universal media, and the possibility of running many Mac apps. This may also be the universal device that lets school districts reduce overall costs relating to textbooks and permit teachers to monitor more closely what their students are doing.

Of course, I could be totally wrong and Apple really will attack the netbook market without more differentiation than "we run OSX!"...but do you really think so?

 

[mcmlxix]

Probably since coat pocketable is on my wish list (and therefore about 8”), I guess I’m hung up on the source saying “will likely have monitor screens that are between 9.7-inches and 10-inches”. If they know, then why the word “likely” and the size range, even if narrow? It sounds like they don’t know…exactly…so why not a little broader screen size range?

Also the “iPad” type form is on my wish list due to the expected ease of use on crowded busses and trains, and so “mini laptop computers” is curious. Does laptop imply clamshell form, and does computer imply OS X? Again, does the source, know even know exactly what Apple is planning? If so, then Apple will be offering a netbook in form but not in price. Maybe this is justifiable if people are blown away with mutli-touch.

 

[KnightWRX]

The Acer Aspire One AOA150-1126 8.9-Inch Netbook battery's life lasts at least 6 hours. Don't talk about something you don't even know.

I'm pretty sure since he mentionned the iPhone, he was comparing the battery life to that of the iPhone, not to that of a normal laptop. 6 hours might sound great (my Macbook gets 5), but compared to 20+ on a iPhone it's pure crap.

His point : A netbook is a web and e-mail machine with 6 hours of battery life, the iPhone is a web and e-mail machine with 20 hours of battery life.

 

[Lesser Evets]

6 hours might sound great (my Macbook gets 5), but compared to 20+ on a iPhone it's pure crap.

I am really curious to find out what lays behind the screen on this new device.

Is Apple going to limit the device and stack in extra battery? Or will they have a strong computing device with only 5 or 6 hours of battery life? ... or can they have both? For a device like a small tablet they really only need 12 hours if it is expected to dock after a day's worth of work.

 

[anonicon]

Where do all these requests for SSD hard drives come from? I want a real SATA hard drive of 160-200GB with the option to buy a SSD drive if the price is worthwhile. Also, a real keyboard or at least a Bluetooth option for wireless keyboard would be highly recommended. I'll be *&$#ed if I'm going to use the craptastic virtual keyboard that comes with iPhones.

 

[rockosmodurnlif]

Personally, I am looking forward to all the complaining comments about what's wrong with this thing if/when it gets released. As best as I can tell this isn't the 12" Powerbook replacement I always see comments clamoring for and it's not a tablet Mac if it is released as a scaled up iPod Touch or scaled down MacBook.

It will certainly be an interesting device however, hopefully with an interesting name.

 

[gnasher729]

$499? Haw haw! Mr. Jobs stated himself that they don't know how to build a netbook at $500 that is not a piece of junk. Whatever they come out with, it's not gonna be cheap.

One thing you should know about Steve Jobs: If he says that Apple doesn't know how to build a computer for $500 that isn't a piece of junk, then he means it and it is absolutely true. Until Apple releases a great netbook for $499. From that point on his old statement is non-existing and has never happened.

 

[ddTaylor]

I'm pretty sure since he mentionned the iPhone, he was comparing the battery life to that of the iPhone, not to that of a normal laptop. 6 hours might sound great (my Macbook gets 5), but compared to 20+ on a iPhone it's pure crap.

His point : A netbook is a web and e-mail machine with 6 hours of battery life, the iPhone is a web and e-mail machine with 20 hours of battery life.

But you are comparing Apples to Oranges (no pun intended). With a 9-cell battery you can get 9+ hours of use on a netbook. I have TWO iPhones and I have never be able to get more than a few hours of use when doing anything more than a quick check of the web, a couple of short calls, some e-mail and maybe some music through iTunes. If you did what you would do on a netbook with a netbook (display on ALL THE TIME the device is used) you would not get anywhere near 20+ hours - which is a stretch anyway. So the netbook does NOT get less battery life all things being equal.

D

 

[txhockey9404]

Personally, if they made a netbook with a 9 inch screen, at least a 1.6ghz Atom, 1gb ram, 80gb hard drive, wireless N, and a 6-8 hour battery for under $500, count me in!

I really have wanted an HP Mini Note for a while, but haven't had extra cash, and really wanted a mac. I have an iMac, and can't stand Windows anymore. I just don't like how it does things. The taskbar (which I missed when I first switched) seems so unusable, and just downright stupid. Even the Windows 7 Taskbar seems disorderly (yes I have tried the beta, and it is GREAT for Windows). I want to be able to run iTunes WELL, run iWork 09, Safari, and light iPhoto (not really editing, just importing)

 

[ddTaylor]

Where do all these requests for SSD hard drives come from? I want a real SATA hard drive of 160-200GB with the option to buy a SSD drive if the price is worthwhile. Also, a real keyboard or at least a Bluetooth option for wireless keyboard would be highly recommended. I'll be *&$#ed if I'm going to use the craptastic virtual keyboard that comes with iPhones.

Power consumption is the driving force behind SSD's. While at this point the performance increase is not HUGE but while there is some increase in consumption the performance is where the real cost per what comes into play. You would not be able to get the performance and battery life with a 5400 or 7200RPM standard drive but with better specs for the SSD in a smaller package (especially if it is a custom package) it would more than fit the bill.

D

 

[MacsBestFriend]

i would love a tablet macbook (with a spinning display and keyboard) by this summer!!!

 

[Virgil-TB2]

ridiculus!

Hey now. I just posted this in the first thread. Cool Stuff, huh?

Anyway, I said that my money is on this:

Truth be told, if it's good enough for me to do some real mobile work... (2ghz + 1gb ram) ... I'll buy that and a MacPro.

I sure hope this isn't going to be the real deal. This is the absolute dumbest early 90's kind of idea I've ever seen. I don't know why people seem to latch onto that one Apple patent and think it's so great, it really has serious problems.

For starters, what exactly is the advantage of having a giant slot in the side of your computer to slide it into? Your not going to get any better data throughput. It's not going to sync any faster. It's not any easier than putting it in a dock.

On the other hand, the negatives are obvious. Starting with giant dusty hole in side of computer, giant waste of space inside computer, and lots of long scratches on the portable.

The only way this makes any kind of sense is if the tablet is so ubiquitous that everyone has one, thus making it feasible to waste all that space on a computer because people will be plugging in their portables so frequently. Even then, there are a dozen other ways to accomplish the same task (portable home folders) that make more sense.

This is not just a bad idea, it's a silly, ridiculous idea.

 

[danimal99]

I'm stunned that so many want a virtual keyboard touch tablet type of device. Has anybody even considered how impossible that would be to type on?

Seriously people, try out a real netbook, something like the Acer Aspire One or even that Dell Mini, before you go knocking the concept. It ain't underpowered like you think, and it runs OSX just like my Mac Mini does. Even with all the fancy graphics and everything. If you want a Macbook you can tote anywhere in one hand, that's it, and if Apple are smart, they'll take that concept and add their twist.

 

[fuziwuzi]

Intel Core 2 Duo based
32 GB SSD
2GB ram or more
USB
10" 1280x800
full OS X
physical keyboard
all standard apps
G3 wifi via AT&T built in
$899

but that won't happen because it's too close to a MBA and I'm not sure it could be done for $899

if you know anything a about netbooks, you'll know they use intel atm processors; while all the other manufacturers struggle to compete. so far, they've released nothing on the market.

 

[stownsend3]

I think we're going to see somewhat of a compromise between the iPhone and Air. Something with an underclocked CPU to avoid heat / battery issues (1.6 C2D), 1 GB RAM (we're only surfing / editing documents), and no physical keyboard. Why? Because all they have to do is build in Bluetooth and you can use the keyboard and mouse!

The dock included with the purchase to keep files / data in sync between this tablet and home computer will be angled so we can use the bluetooth at our desk, and then the virtual keyboard on the road when needed, similar to prompts from the iPhone.

 

[diabolic]

You may get feel AFTER or WHILE you are pressing the virtual key but that is FAR different from a REAL keyboard. If is not even CLOSE to the same feel as speed of a real keyboard. Don't get me wrong - tactile feel when hitting a virtual key would be nice but nowhere near a real keyboard.

Just remember that before the iPhone was released, these forums were full of people claiming that a touchscreen could never be usable enough for most people and the omission of a "real" keyboard would insure the Iphone's failure.

 

[MattInOz]

I would agree. Unless, maybe, it's more like Penny's computer book in the old "Inspector Gadget" series? The cover actually serving as nothing but a protective shield when closed?

But it could flip over and make a stand for holding it upright with a keyboard.
It could be held on with magnets so it's easy to remove and use a tablet.

I think if they get it right there is massive accessory market for this device.
From designer and fun (muppet pelt) covers. To any number of keyboard styles already existing a few new ones it could inspire.

There is a product sweet spot cross over between iPodTouch and the MacBook.
Just been waiting for the tech to make it work well to be around.
Sounds like now it maybe only 6 months off.

 

[Jelite]

Sony Vaio P

Starting at $899

Now will everyone stop thinking "netbook's" are cheap.

 

[Lesser Evets]

I sure hope this isn't going to be the real deal. This is the absolute dumbest early 90's kind of idea I've ever seen. I don't know why people seem to latch onto that one Apple patent and think it's so great, it really has serious problems.

I wondered if anyone else could see through the stupidity of the idea. It's absolutely stupid without redemption. "YAY! Let's HIDE a whole screen! I've just paid $900 for a useless slab tucked behind a bigger screen!" -_-;

 

[ppnkg]

ready to buy. oh yes.

 

[Gamoe]

I would love an Apple netbook. But that is an oxymoron. it ain't gonna happen, kids. Unless Apple suddenly changes its entire attitude and business strategy, which I don't see (even in this economic climate), it just isn't going to happen. As mentioned, for a computer to be considered a Netbook it must also be priced accordingly. Apple may decide to make a sub-notebook, but a Netbook it won't be. (That doesn't mean I wouldn't be inclined to buy it, but I digress)

 

[vendettabass]

out of pure interest, how would an Atom processor compare to a G4 processor for general computing tasks?

Thinking this could be a great replacement for my dad's G4 macbook.

 

[charlieparks]

I sure hope this isn't going to be the real deal. This is the absolute dumbest early 90's kind of idea I've ever seen. I don't know why people seem to latch onto that one Apple patent and think it's so great, it really has serious problems.

For starters, what exactly is the advantage of having a giant slot in the side of your computer to slide it into? Your not going to get any better data throughput. It's not going to sync any faster. It's not any easier than putting it in a dock.

On the other hand, the negatives are obvious. Starting with giant dusty hole in side of computer, giant waste of space inside computer, and lots of long scratches on the portable.

The only way this makes any kind of sense is if the tablet is so ubiquitous that everyone has one, thus making it feasible to waste all that space on a computer because people will be plugging in their portables so frequently. Even then, there are a dozen other ways to accomplish the same task (portable home folders) that make more sense.

This is not just a bad idea, it's a silly, ridiculous idea.

I agree that this concept makes very little sense. What I am wondering is whether the Apple patent that fueled the above mock-up has been misinterpreted. Maybe the "netbook" is going to be the docking station, for... iphones and iPTs. Wouldn't this make more sense? If Apple is not going to make a traditional clamshell laptop, if they instead want to produce a revolutionary device that will change the marketplace, then give us something that will enhance the iphone/ipod touch rather than compete with it.

 

[Michael CM1]

people should stop calling it netbook, it's not going to cost less than 500$, not even the original iPhone had a netbook price tag..
Either way, netbook NO, touch screen something YES.
And I guess that's why they're still keeping the whitebook alive, for the pricepoint ~900$ or maybe a bit less? Especially since it could kill off a bit of ipod touch's/ macbook air's sales.. Launched in September at the iPod Event? Possible

I'm the same way with the dumb "sub-notebook" term that some have used. There is no such thing as a sub-notebook. A notebook PC is a portable computer. Either it's portable or it isn't.

I agree with people that a virtual-only keyboard would be a bad move. A better idea would be to have a flip-out keyboard just like a notebook but that is as thing as those cheap pocket dictionaries. It would have to be minimal keys and then perhaps add extras on the screen.

Would it cost $500? Only if it was really stripped down. I can forsee a 32GB SSD and probably an Intel Atom CPU with a little bit of RAM (1 GB?). I would bet on an option for built-in 3G service from AT&T, although that defeats the low price point in the first place.

I am still of the opinion that netbooks aren't a very lucrative market. Yeah, they're growing, but how much money is being made? If you're Apple, let the Linuxes of the world have that market and concentrate on the same crap you've been doing well for the past 5 years or so.