Apple, please give us a shrunken laptop like dell!

[emaja]

I am not sure why something with the same CPU as the MBA is being slammed here as "anemic."

The Dell is thicker because they decided to put a card reader, VGA port, and three USB ports on it. They also made it user serviceable so you can add RAM to it, and even change out the SSD. Yes, it still runs Windows, but you can install Linux on it easily and avoid Windows if you want to.

I grabbed one as a toy, but it is really quite capable. I would have bought one from Apple if they offered one, but the Air is way overpriced for me.

 

[SpEnCeR132]

that dell thing is hideous. id rather have my 15in macbook pro. its a good size. not too big but not too small

 

[Alchematron]

For the love of God Steve, its almost 2009!

Please crank out a 10" Air like you should have!

While your at it Steve, throw in a internal antenna to access the internet without a "bar of soap" antenna sticking out the side.

 

[bytodaystandrds]

Hi all!
Some facts:
1)Apple *never* competes head-to-head with other brands.
2)They already have 2 very similar to a "netbook" products.
Does anyone think that Apple would be selling iPhone *and* the MB Air *and* a "netbook"?

If you need/want a netbook, why don't you buy one of those on the market, then?
Because Apple have already shown it's versions of it, I'm afraid...

Cheers!

 

[Cheffy Dave]

2 words,ain't happin

 

[logicsuggests]

Apple couldn't enter the netbook market if they tried, they simply don't update their specs often enough.

The dell is going to get left behind as well, asus are steam rolling ahead with updates to their eepc's to stay on top of the market.

 

[Abstract]

No, because Dell would keep up. The only mistake they have made is in the 4-cell battery, as every other netbook at around the same price is bringing 6-cell batteries. A new netbook released this month (or within the last 30 days) shouldn't have a 4-cell battery with no option for a larger battery.

I like the fact that the storage is all SSD though. Some would argue that providing an HDD option would be better, as it gives options. However, seeing as everyone else is pushing HDD netbooks right now, Dell could differentiate itself this way by offering these Mini 9s with only SSDs. They could also provide them for a lower price, since they'll sell larger quantities of SSDs if they keep their line HDD-free.

 

[emaja]

The dell is going to get left behind as well, asus are steam rolling ahead with updates to their eepc's to stay on top of the market.

Dell certainly has the resources to keep up with Asus. In fact, Asus is the one trying to keep up with Dell here since their first netbooks had a Celeron in them with only a 2GB SSD and a tiny 7" scren at 800x480. Sorry, but even with Linux, those specs do not cut it.

I got the Dell with the 1.6GHz Atom, 1GB RAM, and a 16GB SDD. Far and away a better machine. Plus, I have expansion unlike the Acer Aspire One which has to be almost totally disassembled to add RAM. The Dell has an access door where I can swap out any of the components - RAM, SSD, even an open mini PCIe slot.

 

[iMacmatician]

Speaking of the Air's empty space on the sides of the keyboard, why won't Apple put MBP-like speakers there instead of the mono AND asymmetric variety that's in the Air now?

Either product differentiation (see MacBook's speakers) or there's no room for bigger speakers.

Hi all!
Some facts:
…
2)They already have 2 very similar to a "netbook" products.

More facts:
Neither the iPhone (iPod touch) nor the MacBook Air are anywhere near a netbook in size or performance. The MacBook Air is also much more expensive. Something closer to what we're talking about are a ≈5.5" larger iPod touch with more features than the iPod touch and a ≈9" small MacBook (Air) with an Atom CPU (the rumored tablet supposedly has an Atom…).

Does anyone think that Apple would be selling iPhone *and* the MB Air *and* a "netbook"?

If there is a big enough gap (which many here think), then it's possible.

And I think there is. The iPod touch ($229~$399) has a 3.5" display, 8~32 GB flash, and viewing capabilities only (very limited editing) with iPhone OS. The MacBook (Air) (≥ $1099) has a 13.3" display, 64~250 GB flash/HDD, and full-fledged Mac OS X-based creation/editing/viewing. The gap between those two products is bigger than the gap between the Mac mini and the Mac Pro.

If you need/want a netbook, why don't you buy one of those on the market, then?

Mac OS X.

 

[The Awesome]

Hi all!
Some facts:
1)Apple *never* competes head-to-head with other brands.
2)They already have 2 very similar to a "netbook" products.
Does anyone think that Apple would be selling iPhone *and* the MB Air *and* a "netbook"?

If you need/want a netbook, why don't you buy one of those on the market, then?
Because Apple have already shown it's versions of it, I'm afraid...

Cheers!

I do think Apple will never compete head-to-head with the other netbook manufacturers. As others have said, rival netbook companies will surely update/upgrade at a much faster pace than Apple.

If they will make anything within the netbooks' price range, I wish it's something that will make netbooks very irrelevant... or remedy a good percentage of the inherent problems of netbooks.

But no, buying a Linux/Windows netbook is not a solution for many 'MacBook Mini' would-be customers. For many used to OS X's coherence, elegance and simplicity, Linux (I've tried the eee and Aspire One versions... yuck*) or Windows (wastes too much system resources and screen real estate) won't do.

*Using/installing anything else besides the bundled apps gave me a headache. They don't have any semblance of proper human interfacing, tasteful design, or 'tailored for netbook' optimizations.

And please, the 'use an iPhone/MBA instead' argument is erroneous and insensitive. The iPhone/MBA caters to different needs and priorities compared to what netbooks can offer.

The iPhone doesn't even have the power and versatility close to what a 1st gen eeePC could provide and the MBA doesn't have the portability a 9 to 11-incher could offer.

There is definitely a segment-sized hole in the Mac line-up that Apple can capitalize on.

 

[iMacmatician]

Someone on AppleInsider posted this here:

Lighter than Air?

New MacBook "NetBook"
Completely wireless (wireless USB and Display ports)
Atom 1.8GHz
2GB of RAM
120GB hard drive
10" screen
Glass trackpad
LED backlight
6 hours of battery life
$499

Does anyone think it's real? If so, I'd probably buy one.

 

[emaja]

Does anyone think it's real?

Not for a second.

 

[gotzero]

Someone on AppleInsider posted this here:

Does anyone think it's real? If so, I'd probably buy one.

For $500, I bet it would need an ipod touch or iphone to work (as the integrated trackpad). Either way, if this was real, I would be all over it, even as an Air and iphone owner.

I am reluctantly using an MBA as my only laptop right now, and actually miss the EEE it replaced more than the MBP it is also replacing.

However, I seriously doubt this netbook would come close to outdoing the MBA in any stat, so I would say Atom, 1GB RAM, and a small SSD.

 

[CyberBob859]

Not at that price

Someone on AppleInsider posted this here:

Does anyone think it's real? If so, I'd probably buy one.

Not at $499.

Remove the LED screen and raise the price to $699 and I think it would be an awfully good rumor.

But it does highlight something that Apple *MAY* do *IF* they wanted to get into this market.

1) do something different with the processor to differentiate themselves from everybody else using the same 1.6 Ghz Atom (Overclock to 1.8 or try to get the brand new, desktop-based dual-core 1.66 Ghz Atom to work.)

2) Feature an Apple-exclusive innovation - Multitouch on the TrackPad

I like the Wireless USB idea, but I would think they do that on an Air first. In fact, if they upgraded the Air with wireless USB, it would probably make a lot more people happy as it provides a way to get more ports, without a serious and costly redesign of the Air.

 

[glitch44]

i don't know why you guys are still debating this... it's not gonna happen. apple doesn't follow trends whenever possible. the market is flooded with netbooks.

 

[CyberBob859]

there's money to be made?

i don't know why you guys are still debating this... it's not gonna happen. apple doesn't follow trends whenever possible. the market is flooded with netbooks.

Because people have been buying these things, and nobody has come up with a clear design winner yet? That's when Apple seems to shine.

Even Sony - who claimed that the netbook market was a "race to the bottom" is now considering an offering.

I think we'll all know within six months to a year if this entire market is just a fad or if it real with continued repeated sales. I would also expect some companies to drop out. So, *IF* Apple will do something, I would expect them to announce something next year.

 

[The Awesome]

Because people have been buying these things, and nobody has come up with a clear design winner yet? That's when Apple seems to shine.

Even Sony - who claimed that the netbook market was a "race to the bottom" is now considering an offering.

I think we'll all know within six months to a year if this entire market is just a fad or if it real with continued repeated sales. I would also expect some companies to drop out. So, *IF* Apple will do something, I would expect them to announce something next year.

I don't think it's a fad. I've heard personally from dozens of people that netbooks made them use (and enjoy) a PC regularly for the first time. They're as cheap as a mid-range cellphone but with a lot more functionality.

Apple should sell something (not necessarily copying the eee form factor) catering to these kinds of people, there is, without any doubt, clearly a gap between the iPhone/Touch and the MB/MBA.

Oh yeah, to the people speculating above, the MacBook "NetBook" probably won't sport that Atom CPU. Apple's on it's way to becoming fully 64-bit so using the x86-only Atom (though the desktop version can implement Intel64) is highly improbable and very impractical. Intel will probably make another custom chip for Apple (or maybe even use the Air's chip) or Apple will wait it out for the next generation of the Atom.

 

[glitch44]

But it's a trend! Apple doesn't follow trends.
But they need a cheap laptop! Apple doesn't do cheap.
But they're so lightweight! Buy a Macbook Air.

 

[puffnstuff]

I am hoping that during macworld they will come out with a shrunken macbook air. I was so disappointed when I found out it was 13.3"

 

[Phrasikleia]

They have a shrunken laptop. It's called the iPod Touch, and all it needs is a peripheral bluetooth keyboard.

C'mon, , let's have that keyboard!

 

[bytodaystandrds]

Of course I respect everyone's opinion...
But, guys(or gals) take a look at Apple's current line of computing products.
By the "gap arguement" looks like it's
MacMini -gap- iMac -huge gap- MacPro.
MacBook -gap- MBpro -light years away- MBair

Looks like Apple's marketing team is doing a spectacular job covering *almost* every end of the market, with "unique" products(maybe except the Mpro-but really, that's a pro machine that is often compared to regular PCs made of OEM parts), offering "complete solutions".
The whole lineup is so well thought out that although every product lives up to it's expectations, there's always a 2% to be desired... and usually that's the next product of that line... (and of course we are willing to buy it whether one needs or wants)

Apple has always being a "complete product" company.
In this manner, the iPhone exists as well as the Macbook does... whether it's called Pro, Air or -nada-.

At this moment, apple is already doing pocket-size, ultra-light, flash-based, hdd-based, small-screen-, big-screen, full-keys, no-keys [you keep the list..] products. It's on one's judgement what and why he is finally buying.
Apple has always being doing business like that.

They are not going to compete with the OEMers for the sake of some MacBook "gel" (Air is ridiculous anyway) and a couple 1000s of pieces sold for $500... the netbook is still an experiment of the market anyway...

Think about it... whould the put out another "macbook" product? I say 3 i enough... makes no good to the unique-ness of the products.

my 2 cents, though...

Cheers everyone!

 

[iMacmatician]

i don't know why you guys are still debating this... it's not gonna happen. apple doesn't follow trends whenever possible. the market is flooded with netbooks.

This is one reason why I believe that Apple will release a larger, more functional, iPod touch instead of a small notebook.

Of course I respect everyone's opinion...
But, guys(or gals) take a look at Apple's current line of computing products.
By the "gap arguement" looks like it's
MacMini -gap- iMac -huge gap- MacPro.
MacBook -gap- MBpro -light years away- MBair

iPod touch -- gap the size of Jupiter -- MacBook and MacBook Air.

A larger iPod touch or a small notebook would fill the gap. The problems are whether there's enough demand for either device, and if Apple isn't content with three notebooks.

 

[NT1440]

This is one reason why I believe that Apple will release a larger, more functional, iPod touch instead of a small notebook.

iPod touch -- gap the size of Jupiter -- MacBook and MacBook Air.

A larger iPod touch or a small notebook would fill the gap. The problems are whether there's enough demand for either device, and if Apple isn't content with three notebooks.

If they were to release a larger ipodlike device, theres no way it would be marketed as an ipod.

 

[bytodaystandrds]

+ it would be way too expensive.
The reason why iPod touch sells at the current price is because the production of it's parts goes on a very large scale serving 2 products... and yes, I'm talking about the touchscreen.A larger touch would cost as much as the 1st gen iphone prototype..
So, there goes any larger touchscreen product...

My opinion?
Well, maybe the MacBook Air drops it's price around the regular MB and that's about it...
And give it a storage capacity bump if they really want to push it...
...all that only *if* apple wants to play in the ultra-light laptop segment, of course...

 

[puffnstuff]

apple had a netbook it was called emate. Apple seems to be going to the past to make current designs so its plausible for them to bring out a small laptop. I do not think they will bring out a 4th model dedicated to small laptops that will be reserved for the tablet I think they will just make the air smaller.