Ultra-thin and Ultra-light Mac Notebook in 2007

[emotion]

I don't know if this will work out.

An ultra thin, ultra portable Macbook Pro will have some serious challenges.
There are several things in an MBP, that can be taken out to save space, ( remove optical drive and perhaps even hard drive (Replace with Flash based RAM or equivalent like iPod Nano etc). But what about performance, it still has to out perform the Macbooks to be called PRO in my view. So how to cool the processors, and then there are the connectors, they themselves have a physical height / width etc, so how to get a FW800 port on an ultra thin portable for instance, or an Ethernet (RJ 45) port. We would need to use new types of connectors, and adapters and if there is one thing I hate, it's adapter cables and a bundle of wires. Then another thing, MBP's also all have the PC card slot, that would probably have to go to, another reason not to call it an MBP. So what would it be, and how to market the thing, because besides being ultra thin and ultra portable, it can hardly compete with anything, it wont have the performance, it wont have the physical connectivity, it wont have the expandability, etc etc... I don't think the time is right for a device like that, except perhaps in docking station form, that have all the above, then the only item remaining is performance, I don't see how to put a top performing processor in such a small box, AND keeping it cool and sturdy at the same time....

Perhaps Cupertino has the answers

Just look to the rest of the PC world. Ultraportables that don't run OSX have all those features with the possible exception of a full power CPU (I'm in favour of LV rather than ULV. 2x 1.6GHz in a small package is good enough). Failing that a thinner more compact 13" mbp in the style of the mb would suffice. The MB has room for thinning out, particularly in the size of the bezel around the screen.

 

[Sesshi]

Perhaps Cupertino has the answers

They do Do you own a current-generation machine?

I would like an ultraportable OSX machine for portable media-handling use, but I just don't think they have their priorities right. Unlike the old Sony (and even now with the VAIO division), Apple can't push the 'smallest' envelope without serious engineering compromises becoming evident. I'd rather they concentrated on style, weight, runtime, usability and reliability for a portable machine without it needing to be absolutely the thinnest machine out there. But the reality is that I don't think they have the ability to do this - they certainly haven't shown it so far.

Apple will most likely have to poach more people from Sony before this can happen.

Take the MBP - if you took the looks and vertical dimension out of the equation, give it to any PC magazine to review it as a Windows laptop and I doubt it'd get more than a 'decent' to 'good' mark.

 

[emotion]

They do Do you own a current-generation machine?

Apple will most likely have to poach more people from Sony before this can happen without problems or noticeable compromises compared to Windows machines from other makers.

Are you saying current generation apple machines have trouble? My Macbook (from November) is flawless.

btw. It's Intel that we should be looking to, not Sony. Apple need to do something different to the ultraportables out there. I can't see Apple going for the crippled ULV approach unless the device is something other than a laptop.

 

[mpw]

Tried an Asus U1F yesterday, really amazing package, I wish apple would just build something like it.

 

[emotion]

Tried an Asus U1F yesterday, really amazing package, I wish apple would just build something like it.

Quite nice but all the bolt on bits (battery and DVD) aren't really Apple's style.

 

[BioChron]

Hmm, how much power and funtion would they have to sacrifice is my question...

- Daniel

 

[emotion]

Well - Apple seem to have much more cooperation with Intel than other manufacturers, yet they can't produce better machines in terms of heat management.

I don't think Apple is any worse than any other PC manufacturer.

Honestly, I'm no fanboi.

However I dare say that Apple has access to the latest iteration of the ULV Core Duos. I've asked a friend of mine to being back a Sony TZ from the US but that is said to have a fairly respectable level of performance from the existing Core Duo ULV. And you can't knock that battery life, which you'll only get from a ULV.

Don't forget Intel roadmaps are available. The next LV processors available are the L7700 which are due in September. 2x1.8GHz with full size 4MiB cache. It's that kind of processor I think Apple will be drawn to. Especially if this is branded 'pro'.

 

[Sesshi]

Are you saying current generation apple machines have trouble? My Macbook (from November) is flawless.

btw. It's Intel that we should be looking to, not Sony. Apple need to do something different to the ultraportables out there. I can't see Apple going for the crippled ULV approach unless the device is something other than a laptop.

Flawless in what context I wonder. I've owned a range of GMA950'd Core 2 Duo laptops (a GMA'd Latitude D620, D520, Samsung Q35, etc) and I was not impressed. Once again "decent" or "good", but not impressive given its performance once you take away the skin.

Well - Apple seem to have much more cooperation with Intel than other manufacturers, yet they can't produce better machines in terms of heat management. However I dare say that Apple has access to the latest iteration of the ULV Core Duos. I've asked a friend of mine to bring back a Sony TZ from the US but that is said to have a fairly respectable level of performance from the existing Core Duo ULV. And you can't knock that battery life, which you'll only get from a ULV.

The established Core Solo ULV is definitely on the slow side - you won't be iLifeing on them out of choice. I've got a Sony G11 and several UX390N's, and their size / screen res limits what I can usefully do on them which is just as well. However even if Apple were to go for CD ULV's, just because they're ULV's doesn't guarantee that Apple can successfully engineer them into a laptop. They still throw out quite a lot of heat.

EDIT: Ooops, sorry about that. It was becoming edits upon edits so I decided to delete and repost.

 

[emotion]

Flawless in what context I wonder. I've owned a range of GMA950'd Core 2 Duo laptops (a GMA'd Latitude D620, D520, Samsung Q35, etc) and I was not impressed. Once again "decent" or "good", but not impressive given its performance once you take away the skin.

In the context that this is the most solid laptop I've ever had. I've had a few too. There's very little excessive heat and even when the fans kick in they're effective.

I'm not denying that the early CD machines were junk but the later revisions are very good indeed.

 

[Sesshi]

I'll take your word for it on the Macbook - although of course, no other manufacturer has anywhere like the same problems on first releases.

[/B]

I don't think Apple is any worse than any other PC manufacturer.

Honestly, I'm no fanboi.

Owning truly equivalent hardware in the case of the (laughably) 'Pro' range, I know they're notably inferior in everything but what Apple excels at - style and attention to detail in look & feel. But that's an argument best saved for another thread.

 

[emotion]

I'll take your word for it on the Macbook - although of course, no other manufacturer has anywhere like the same problems on first releases.

Avoid Rev A, unless you're tolerant of wrinkles.

Owning truly equivalent hardware in the case of the (laughably) 'Pro' range, I know they're notably inferior in everything but what Apple excels at - style and attention to detail in look & feel. But that's an argument best saved for another thread.

Maybe but I'd say you were wrong about pro machines. For one there's nothing laughable about the specs. These are true laptops not clunky dektop replacements.

We have a lot of Apple laptops here where I work (a large UK university, I'm in computing) and they are hands down the best laptops in terms of quality and longevity.....and of course style.

Most PC manufacturers steer clear of the T7400 chips opting for lesser, possibly cooler, chips. It's good that apple don't do this, particularly as the enclosure is so svelt.

I think people think the pro machines are hot when in fact it's because they are metal casings that makes then seem worse.

 

[Sesshi]

I see you're not very familiar with higher-end laptops of an equivalent price point to Apples. If you compared undersized, discounted Oranges to Apples, obviously it will be in favour of the Apples.

 

[emotion]

I see you're not very familiar with higher-end laptops of an equivalent price point to Apples. If you compared undersized, discounted Oranges to Apples, obviously it will be in favour of the Apples.

I'm fairly familiar with what's out there. I think Apple laptops, particularly for academics like me, are a bargain. Yes even the pro machines (15% off and include the 3 year warranty).

I have some respect for Lenovo/IBM but even their quality has slipped.

Please list the machines that offer a better deal (I don't necessarily mean on cost either).

 

[Ubuntu]

I don't know how it can be expected to redefine ultra-portable if it is only 12 inches. My sister's samsung is 10 inches, etc.

Unless it has countless more features than the other portables.

 

[MikeyTree]

Just look to the rest of the PC world. Ultraportables that don't run OSX have all those features with the possible exception of a full power CPU (I'm in favour of LV rather than ULV. 2x 1.6GHz in a small package is good enough). Failing that a thinner more compact 13" mbp in the style of the mb would suffice. The MB has room for thinning out, particularly in the size of the bezel around the screen.

Using aluminium instead of plastic would also save some weight and space.

I'm hoping that if they do make an ultraportable, they'll make it a true tablet, and ship it with an external optical drive and the new compact bluetooth keyboard. Essentially, make it a large iphone that is a full mac. That way it's extremely functional as a document reader and media player to carry on the plane and to meetings, while having full mac functionality when you need it.

 

[1dterbeest]

yes, 8" tablet-style multitouch with ULV processor
32gb flash hard drive, integrated graphics, N-wifi card,
bluetooth, 2 or 3 usb ports, video out, no optical
drive, no firewire, no microphone, and a battery
that lasts a long time when wi-fi is off.
aluminum case. call it a mac nano.

Simple and VERY portable. Not a pro machine.
also, not cheap. multi-touch is going to be expensive
for awhile.

 

[techlover828]

yes, 8" tablet-style multitouch with ULV processor
32gb flash hard drive, integrated graphics, N-wifi card,
bluetooth, 2 or 3 usb ports, video out, no optical
drive, no firewire, no microphone, and a battery
that lasts a long time when wi-fi is off.
aluminum case. call it a mac nano.

Simple and VERY portable. Not a pro machine.
also, not cheap. multi-touch is going to be expensive
for awhile.

Shh! don't tell steve that

 

[emotion]

yes, 8" tablet-style multitouch with ULV processor
32gb flash hard drive, integrated graphics, N-wifi card,
bluetooth, 2 or 3 usb ports, video out, no optical
drive, no firewire, no microphone, and a battery
that lasts a long time when wi-fi is off.
aluminum case. call it a mac nano.

Simple and VERY portable. Not a pro machine.
also, not cheap. multi-touch is going to be expensive
for awhile.

I'd like to see this kind of device as well as a more traditional (but ultra-thin and ultra-lite, like the thread topic hints at) laptop similar in size and concept to the 12" powerbook.

I expect neither to be cheap. People who do should just buy a macbook

 

[Fairly]

If all it takes is a "trusted source" to get on the front page of MacRumors, I'm going to start spreading rumors from a "trusted source" that Apple is building a rocket ship and flying me to the moon.

I heard they have a notebook in the works that's lighter than air. You don't have to carry it - it follows you along wherever you go. I heard that from the same trusted source.

 

[MikeyTree]

yes, 8" tablet-style multitouch with ULV processor
32gb flash hard drive, integrated graphics, N-wifi card,
bluetooth, 2 or 3 usb ports, video out, no optical
drive, no firewire, no microphone, and a battery
that lasts a long time when wi-fi is off.
aluminum case. call it a mac nano.

That would be nice. Only I'd prefer it to be at least 10-12", and to have one firewire 800 port to quickly synch with a desktop without going though the USB bottleneck. I'd even be happy with one made with a HDD, especially if it's a compact one like they use in ipods. That would allow some serious storage. 32 gigs is a bit small, and that much flash would be extremely expensive.

 

[koobcamuk]

Tried an Asus U1F yesterday, really amazing package, I wish apple would just build something like it.

I love that laptop. If it ran OSX - I might get it.

 

[koobcamuk]

I'll take your word for it on the Macbook - although of course, no other manufacturer has anywhere like the same problems on first releases.

[/B]

Owning truly equivalent hardware in the case of the (laughably) 'Pro' range, I know they're notably inferior in everything but what Apple excels at - style and attention to detail in look & feel. But that's an argument best saved for another thread.

I'm not a fanboi either - and more to the point, I have a Rev A macbook that has given me no problems at all. Lucky I guess.

 

[mpw]

I love that laptop. If it ran OSX - I might get it...

...I have a Rev A macbook that has given me no problems at all. Lucky I guess.

Yeah, I'd get that Asus in a second if it ran MacOSX, and as I have an earlier MacBook than you I'd hazard a guess that quality from Asus would be at least as good as Apple's, it can't be much worse.

 

[bruno.redaelli]

ultra thin 12,1" widescreen and ultralight Notebook

I have been eagerly waiting for this ultra thin 12,1" widescreen and ultralight Notebook. Is it reasonable to expect its presentation at the Macworld Conference & Expo 2008 (January 14th 2008) ???

 

[blargle]

throw in CD / DVD / Ext HD via Airport and I'm sold

Now if Apple would update Airport to allow one to access an external CD/DVD wirelessly...

Wouldn't it be outstanding to have an Airport center with all your peripherals attached so you could scan, read/burn CDs, DVDs, print, backup to HD, etc. without plugging in any cables?

Or perhaps Apple is thinking about incorporating wireless USB?

Hmmm...