This news doesn't excite me in the least. We don't need another laptop; we've got laptops. What we really need is a Mac tablet!!! I want a tablet, 8.5" x 11" or smaller that I can carry around with me. Here's what it would have:
Although a tablet sounds intriguing, I couldn't disagree with you more. Apple *desperately* needs an ultraportable LAPTOP.
I'm not talking about a glorified palm device like another poster suggested, or an expanded iPhone. I'm talking about an ultraportable laptop for people who travel, people who travel a lot.
Lugging around a 15" laptop, adaptor, extra battery is a complete drag, literally. Tack on cameras, lenses, let alone clothes; it's a burden.
A small form factor, fully-functional laptop is precisely what Apple needs (IMHO

). I saw a 12" powerbook the other day and had to marvel at just how much more portable it is than the current MacBooks and MacBook Pros/Powerbooks. Even then, I still think that the 12" was too big.
Years ago, I had a VAIO with a high resolution 10" screen. It weighed like a pound and was smaller than a sheet of paper. I could actually use it on an airplane in coach. It was a dream to carry around. I dread lugging around my 15" powerbook. It's great on the desk, or schlepping to coding sessions or meetings; it completely sucks for extended travel.
I'd love to see Apple do something like the old VAIOs...