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Do you see any chance of Apple releasing a netbook soon?

nukiduz

nukiduz

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 23, 2006
397
0
Please, don't tell me the MBA is Apple's netbook because just what I need right now (as many others) is an underpowered, CHEAP, an little (not necessarilly that thin) computer to carry around. While every other manufacturer tries to follow this trend, Apple offers a 1650€ machine that very few people can afford as a secondary computer.

The Dell mini 9 seems like a perfect choice to me, but I don't like the idea of getting back to Windows and, while it isn't hideous, it isn't pretty either. We all heard Tim Cook saying they had some interesting ideas about this kind of pcs but my question is, do you expect it anytime soon?
 
tubbymac

tubbymac

macrumors 65816
Nov 6, 2008
1,074
1
Here's what Steve Jobs said the last time he was asked about it during a shareholder's conference call.

"Want to deliver an increasing level of value. There are some customers that we choose not to serve. We do not know how to make a $500 computer that's not a piece of junk, and our DNA will not allow us to ship that."

So the answer to your question is hell no, not any time soon, if ever.
 
nukiduz

nukiduz

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 23, 2006
397
0
True, I forgot that quote. I agree in a way: Apple would't make a $500 computer but a netbook is not that kind of computer Apple is refering to, it's just a screen and a keyboard you can surf and type with anywhere.
 
B

bossxii

macrumors 68000
Nov 9, 2008
1,754
0
Kansas City
I don't know what Apple will do in the long run but I hope instead of a netbook they go towards a IMT (Internet Media Tablet) aka.. oversized 5" or 7" iTouch type of device.

I would love to have a 5" screen in a iTouch form factor for watching streaming video, Netflix, Hulu etc.. not to mention iTunes access for all the video's, podcasts they have as well.

5" or 7" screen - 32 or 64gigs for $500 bucks I'd buy one tomarrow.

I've tried the Archos line of players and well... they are just junk. Archos 7 is a beast of a machine, as in a paperweight, heavy sob. I purchased thru Amazon knowing their great return policy and hassle free customer service. I was right in doing so, while Archos is currently the only IMT producing company their products and customer support are in the "beta" stage.
 
bigjnyc

bigjnyc

macrumors G3
Apr 10, 2008
8,288
7,628
Apple puts sub-par, outdated hardware in their $2,000 computers.... imagine what they would put in a $500 computer.
 
Scottsdale

Scottsdale

Suspended
Sep 19, 2008
4,473
283
U.S.A.
True, what Steve Jobs said, they don't know how to ship a computer for less than a $1000 that isn't a piece of junk... WELL, the do know how to ship a $1799 to $3099 computer that is a complete piece of junk... it's called the MacBook Air (original version). The revised MBA is a worthy machine. I have owned them both. So, since I did pay $1799 for the original, I feel I have the right to call it a piece of junk. The new one I have, MBA rev B with SSD is an amazing computer... a little off topic.

Anyways, I do not see them making a MacBook Light or any sort of "computer." I definitely think Apple would release an iPhone OS based type of operating system tablet that is maybe 4" by 6" or something like a 8" widescreen that looks like iPhone only bigger. That would be innovative and not be a "netbook" or a designated "MacBook."

I would say they could be making just the thing. There have been talks with AT&T about offering 3G service with an Apple offering and I think this would be just the item that Apple could serve up. At the same time, this has been talked about for years, and I cannot believe it hasn't been done by any computer company yet. Surely the numbers would support it?

Anyways, I think that is your best chance at an Apple offered sort of computer/netbook used in the way most use their netbooks. I surf on my iPhone while I am waiting for an appointment or waiting while the kids are in swimming lessons and etc. I always think, this would be great if it were just double the size.

That could come this year... but maybe not. I would definitely recommend you just buy a netbook by some other company if that is what you want. Apple is missing the mark here by my estimation. Maybe it will come up with a $1000 netbook since that is Apple's magic number.
 
B

begoo

macrumors newbie
Nov 16, 2008
9
0
I've read this story so many times, I don't think apple will realease netbook period.
 
E

EB66

macrumors 6502
Mar 4, 2008
263
0
i think the iphone will be the closest thing they will ever have to a netbook....even be it nothing like a netbook
 
Davy.Shalom

Davy.Shalom

macrumors 6502
Dec 23, 2008
465
1
bigjnyc said:
Apple puts sub-par, outdated hardware in their $2,000 computers.... imagine what they would put in a $500 computer.
Click to expand...

Have to agree there friend. I'd say...
a good ole' 200 mhz PII
20 GB IDE HDD
Some unknown Graphics card
slot loading combo drive
mac os stipped down to run on a PII
black plastic
ethernet
2 USB 2 ports
1 vga


sold for $400

Steve Jobs:
"This is our most affordable mac ever. We think it will turn heads."
 
SFStateStudent

SFStateStudent

macrumors 604
Aug 28, 2007
7,496
3
San Francisco California, USA
EB66 said:
i have seen several on youtube that run os x pretty flawlessly albeit a hacked version of os x which is not legal
Click to expand...

+1 ^^^ I found a website with this thing called GOOGLE :p

I know it can be done Apple!
 

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bossxii

macrumors 68000
Nov 9, 2008
1,754
0
Kansas City
I am waiting to see the new Sony Vaio P with OSX running smoothly. That would be temping purchase to me. The "P" is about as close in quality, build and design as I think one built by Apple would be. Granted it's a 900 netbook but put OSX on it it's becomes usable, and hell were all used to overpaying for design/cool factor anyhow lol.
 
tubbymac

tubbymac

macrumors 65816
Nov 6, 2008
1,074
1
I checked out the Sony P since they have them in the Sony stores here. The 1600 resolution is just ridiculously small. I think most people would have a hard time working on a screen that small with a resolution that large.
 
SFStateStudent

SFStateStudent

macrumors 604
Aug 28, 2007
7,496
3
San Francisco California, USA
tubbymac said:
I checked out the Sony P since they have them in the Sony stores here. The 1600 resolution is just ridiculously small. I think most people would have a hard time working on a screen that small with a resolution that large.
Click to expand...

I got to play with the Sony P for only a couple of hours before it went to the airport on its first trip outside California, (with the War Department). When it comes back to the SF Bay Area I'm gonna' hackintosh it myself or pay one of those BestBuy Dorks to make it Leopard ready. "Apple read my lips!"
 
S

still in school

macrumors 6502
Feb 21, 2009
270
0
Scottsdale said:
True, what Steve Jobs said, they don't know how to ship a computer for less than a $1000 that isn't a piece of junk... WELL, the do know how to ship a $1799 to $3099 computer that is a complete piece of junk... it's called the MacBook Air (original version). The revised MBA is a worthy machine. I have owned them both. So, since I did pay $1799 for the original, I feel I have the right to call it a piece of junk. The new one I have, MBA rev B with SSD is an amazing computer... a little off topic.
Click to expand...

How did this turn into a MBA A vs. MBA B deal? It's like no matter where you post, you're always down talking to MBA A. Get over yourself already. You need to take off the "I have a MBA B so I am better than you" cap.
 
Scottsdale

Scottsdale

Suspended
Sep 19, 2008
4,473
283
U.S.A.
still in school said:
How did this turn into a MBA A vs. MBA B deal? It's like no matter where you post, you're always down talking to MBA A. Get over yourself already. You need to take off the "I have a MBA B so I am better than you" cap.
Click to expand...

Talking about what Steve Jobs said about Apple building a netbook and how he said that Apple cannot make a subpar computer for less than $1000 that isn't a piece of junk... do you really not get that? Plus, the closest thing Apple has to a netbook... an original MBA is one beautiful computer and form factor (unlike a netbook) with the capabilities more like a netbook. Yes, I do love my MBA. I would never consider the new MBA like a netbook, but I would my original.

Nothing to do with being better than anyone... just the facts so more people don't get suckered into the hype of being an MBA owner if it cannot be the one that is like a real MAC. I don't think I am better than anyone, but I bet you do... People that get angry over stupid things always seem to have that mentality that they know more, are smarter, and can better interpret life's realities. So, you must be really smart and definitely better than me. Here's to YOU! May you win the lottery, buy an MBA, cheer up, and have a nice life!
 
C

CBX

macrumors regular
May 15, 2007
232
0
tubbymac said:
Here's what Steve Jobs said the last time he was asked about it during a shareholder's conference call.

"We do not know how to make a $500 computer that's not a piece of junk, and our DNA will not allow us to ship that."
Click to expand...

What about a $501 computer? :D

I dont see why they cant do an $800/900 one..
 
I

iMacmatician

macrumors 601
Jul 20, 2008
4,249
55
bossxii said:
I don't know what Apple will do in the long run but I hope instead of a netbook they go towards a IMT (Internet Media Tablet) aka.. oversized 5" or 7" iTouch type of device.

I would love to have a 5" screen in a iTouch form factor for watching streaming video, Netflix, Hulu etc.. not to mention iTunes access for all the video's, podcasts they have as well.

5" or 7" screen - 32 or 64gigs for $500 bucks I'd buy one tomarrow.
Click to expand...
This is probably what they will end up doing, and is also fairly consistent with the majority of rumors regarding a device in-between the iPod touch and the MacBook. The price seems fairly reasonable too, guess it'll vary depending on features and other things.

I hope it comes out this fall…if not then there's always next year. :D
 
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