The Voodoo 133 is a beautiful machine. It's just expensive and makes the Air look like a good deal.aww. It's so wonderful to have this topic posted on the front page of Mac Rumours and Gizmondo
Besides that, I just thought (while in the middle of writing my exam this morning):
You know that Apple's been sporting the chiclet keyboards (the keys that look like independent flat squares) recently. So, how are they going to make that for the smaller version? The keys would be packed, just like a conventional laptop. Although there's similar closer-packed keys like the Voodoo 133... I really hope that they won't do make any virtual keyboard onscreen... sometimes tried-and-trusted is better.
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How to mod a MacBook Nano (Black&White), pics-a-plenty!
- Thread starter iSamurai
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Coreboot is one such project. I would not put the various EFI rewrites used in hackintoshes in the same class as they still interact with onboard bioses.
Proprietary firmware or proprietary hardware - it's just tomayto - tomahto to me. Fact is, I can get this board from the manufacturers or retail with its default bios. I can get it from white box retailers with the same bios. Get it from Dell and it's a different story.
To be fair to Apple, the mini-DisplayPorts are only going on the notebooks, so far. Most notebooks in the past have had one or other proprietary connection, if only to connect to docking stations. General point taken and not disputed, however. Apple is one of the biggest sinners (along with Compaq) in the proprietary hardware stakes. It is just not the only one.
Now, don't be so mean to Dell. Their package was cheaper than I would have paid to have built myself and I have no problems living with the limitations. It is actually not a bad setup, all things considered, and commendably tidy inside. In a couple of years, I may tinker with the bios just for the hell of it, but my modding days are pretty much behind me. Too much pain for too little gain these days.
would love a netbook and would snap it up in a hurry. i'm looking for a laptop within 3 months, no idea what will come out in WWDC, i'm guessing not much laptop related. so i'll prob be getting a macbook. would prefer something smaller . . .
A) Apple being greener is mostly accidental (less wasteful laptop casing process also saves money) and is just PR when it's intentional and isn't really being done to save money.
B) Netbooks use less power than full size laptops.
Interesting - thanks for the link. I remember hearing about that some time ago now.
I like this warning for Coreboot:
Note: These snapshots are for people, who use Linux as operating system and are able to build software from the source code.
If Apple wants a green image, it should do something about disposable gadgets with toxic batteries.
Doing something about Ipods would do much more for the planet than worrying about a few ounces of aluminum vs carbon fiber.
Also, recycling doesn't necessarily mean the ability to melt the laptop down and cast a new one. A carbon shell could be shredded and used in construction material or something completely different.
It might be a "POS" to YOU, but clearly many people in this world do not agree and actually LIKE the netbook form factor. I am, of course, 100% for Mac clones whether Apple likes it or not because Apple has no interest in meeting people's needs, only in maximizing profits and that's what has gotten the world economy into the state it's in now. Who cares about people, just push whatever crap brings in the most money.
If Apple would concentrate on their operating system instead of fashion trends and phones, OS X would be a LOT further along than it currently is and we wouldn't need a snow leopard to iron out the kinks next year. Fashion might be more important than function to some of you, but many of us just want a better OS and a larger choice of hardware to go with it. Just because Vista is a mess, that doesn't mean this is the time for Apple to sit on their operating system laurels.
The best thing they could do is license out the areas of computing they have no interest in (netbooks are one area they have stated they have zero interest in). They could then make more money and gain more customers in those areas since right now they are getting ZERO netbook dollars. Likewise, if they don't want to make a hardcore gaming Mac, let someone else do it please. Even Dell is capable of selling good quality gaming hardware. The Mac gaming market is now being held back more by hardware (at least the new Macbook has SOME capability now) than anything else (e.g. Cider can translate most games pretty quickly, but given it's slightly slower as a result, BETTER hardware is needed compared to an average PC, not worse).
I'm absolutely certain that the one and only reason why Apple hasn't entered the growing netbook market is because a product as such would instantly kill the MacBook Air sales and Apple understandably does not want to do that to a product that has been out there for less than a year. The reason why it would kill the MBA is, of course, as it would attract the same kind of users i.e. the ones who travel a lot a want to use the computer for web browsing, social networking, typing and some light media. Why would such a user spend a whole bunch of money for a MBA if a little netbook provided the same. For the tasks described, screen size iz not a factor, specially if it came with good specs. The only reason for buying MBA would remain the full size keyboard. It's certainly more comfortable to use than a small netbook keyboard. Before I switched to Macs, I found it difficult to use both a full size desktop keyboard on my desktop PC and a smaller, more tight laptop keyboard. My fingers still struggle a little when I try and use the wired Apple keyboard, therefore I really digg the small bluetooth keyboard which is exactly the same size as my MBP keyboard which I use most of the time. But when I need a big screen, I hook the MBP to my external display and can comfortably use the wireless keyboard. And with the new MBPs, the difference is even less. But I'm getting a little bit off topic here, so I'm just gonna call it.
If it runs a youtube video better than my crapbook air ill buy one from him!!!!
(Im sure if F* does...)
(Im sure if F* does...)
If it is any indication, it runs YT better on OS X than my white Macbook does. Even with the latest flash release that goes easy on the CPU. That is to say at a cooler temperature and without the screeching fan noise pollution. That's not to say that the fan is not on, just that the Wind's fan does not need to go into overdrive to keep the temp down.
I have no idea why, since the Wind's internals are about as cramped as the Macbook's and I recently opened my MB to give it a good clean out. It is as dust free as the day I bought it. Both are running 10.5.5 with the latest flash release.
Is that a misspelled "CTRL" key?
I think these Netbooks are a cool idea. I currently use my Powerbook G4 at school. I'm usually just taking notes (Pages) and surfing the net (Firefox) when I have some free time. While it's nice to have my main computer with me (at home it's hooked up to a 24" Dell LCD), occasionally it would be nice to have something smaller for the times that I have to carry around two or three books. Plus, I'm always worried about it being stolen and I don't feel that I need to carry all of my other data (pictures, non-school related documents) with me to school.
Isn't that about as fast as a G4? I have an iBook G4 and it lags for just about anything iWork related.A single core 1.6Ghz Atom running OSX would make the 1.5Ghz CoreSolo Mini feel like a MacPro in performance, theTV would be more powerful!
So sure are you?
iPhone OS would run on PA Semi chips without modification, wouldn't it?
And the iPhone OS is apparently "underpowered"...
I'm sure if Apple used iPhone OS (an extended version of it with copy-and-paste and multi-tasking) for their version of the netbook, it may be cheaper than a Mac OS X version (less overhead, so less specs needed for the same performance), smaller (good thing, right?), thinner, and a better user experience (no cramped display, multi-touch). Such a device would support e-mail, web surfing, as well as using "lite" versions of iWork and even iLife.
This ties in with AppleInsider's persistent claim of such a device ("the return of the Newton"), and it may explain why Apple hasn't just released a Mac OS X netbook yet (they have to work on the revisions to the iPhone OS).
That or a small notebook that is actually designed and used as a regular notebook (iLife, iWork, etc etc.), but just in more portable and quick ways. Its hardware specs would have to be close to the Air's, at least.
I'm sure mobile iLife and iWork will have a much smaller footprint than the regular versions, which means more snappiness on small devices. The footprints of Mac OS X and its apps get more significant the lower the hardware specs are. Even if iLife will run well on a netbook (and I'm sure it does on the higher-specced ones), if it's not used, that's really limiting the potential of Mac OS X, and so iPhone OS is likely as suitable or more so for a lower price and hardware size.
In fact, looking at your argument, it looks like my envisioned iPhone OS device would actually do MORE than what many people want a FULL OS X netbook to do.
If it was cheap, I can bet that it'll be much more underpowered compared to other netbooks. And that just makes the problems I mentioned above even worse, and further reduce the need for full OS X.
I too have doubts of an Apple netbook. A slightly smaller MacBook Air makes sense, especially if it has 1280*800 resolution and the 13" is bumped to 1440*900. Speaking of resolution, the notebooks really need a resolution bump, even as a BTO. I would also think the 10" version would be slightly cheaper than the 13". I can see this happening - I'm not holding my breath - but if it does, it would really divide Apple's notebook lines into "regular" (MacBook, MacBook Pro), and "air" (MacBook nano, MacBook Air).
Phone OS for MID, full OSX for netbook
An appeal of the netbook is the full OS, running standard applications (like Office 2007 and my Cisco VPN). You can run just about any reasonable app simply by running the installer.
A MID (Mobile Internet Device) with a 4" or 4.5" screen would be a good place for the phone OS and "lite" versions of apps. It could also use an ARM CPU for extra battery life.
An appeal of the netbook is the full OS, running standard applications (like Office 2007 and my Cisco VPN). You can run just about any reasonable app simply by running the installer.
A MID (Mobile Internet Device) with a 4" or 4.5" screen would be a good place for the phone OS and "lite" versions of apps. It could also use an ARM CPU for extra battery life.
Everything with Apple seems to be along the lines of a new product would harm an existing product. It's amazing how a company like Dell can offer SO MUCH VARIETY and still stay in business whereas Apple can't manage a mid-range mini-tower because it would harm a computer that defaults at $2700 and goes up from there. Ridiculous. No wonder Psystar came into being.
I guess I shouldn't expect anything different with regards to a Netbook, although frankly, to me, the Macbook Air is a gimmick whereas a Netbook is a legitimately smaller more portable unit (what good is just thin when it's still large in terms of area?)
I am talking about things like lead and mercury - things that don't go away. Plastic is another one. Metals can be reused easily. Apple are not doing it by accident - we will all have to start making more of an effort. The way we live is not sustainable.
b) netbooks suck. I still don't see the appeal. my 12" PB dances all over them...
That's just your opinion. I'm happy with my Eee 701 and would never consider a full size laptop again. I'm looking to upgrade and come January it'll either be an Apple netbook or an MSI Wind. It's up to Apple whether they want my money or not.
All apple has to do is shred the bezel on the MBA, and maybe switch to a 13 inch extra-wide screen like the viao-type-z... that would just be small enough... apple doesn't get it, its not just thin and light, it also means being smaller than an piece of A4.
Maybe. Maybe not. Take a look at the Toshiba Portege R500. Small bezelled, looks ok. Nice and light. Flimsy as hell. There is a reason manufacturers have fat bezels and it is not because they like to waste superfluous materials on their products.
Well good for you. But there are few things to consider here:
a) your 12" PB is bigger than these netbooks are
b) your 12" PB was about 3-4 times more expensive that these netbooks are
c) your 12" PB isn't manufactured anymore. Best thing you can hope for is an used machine
Hell, my 15.4" MacBook pro dances all over your 12" PB! So clearly your PowerBook is crap!
a) it is a little - but if I had a "netbook" I would use the same bag to carry the thing anyway. It doesn't weigh much. I work out.
b) It wass, yes. Used prices are pretty good right now, but more importantly, I already own the 12" PB - hence my opinion.
c) see B
My 15.4" MBP dances all over it too - maybe even your MBP too
Seriously, the point is, I really don't see the use for these things. They seem to be a fad to me. Not large enough to do anything real in my opinion. Again, my opinion.
There is a difference Link. And the MSI Wind is in fact a bit smaller than in the comparison, since it has tapered design, I used the thickest value for the entire laptop.
As to weight.... 12" PowerBook weights 2.1 Kg, MSI Wind is a bit over 1Kg. So your PowerBook is over twice as heavy as the Wind is.
But if someone was buying a computer right now, the 12" PowerBook wouldn't be that good of an option when compared to a netbook. Price is more or less the same, but the PB would be at least 2.5 years old, whereas the netbook would be brand-new.
My 15.4" MBP dances all over it too - maybe even your MBP too
Seriously, the point is, I really don't see the use for these things. They seem to be a fad to me. Not large enough to do anything real in my opinion. Again, my opinion.
Then why is your 12" PB "useful" if these netbooks are not? Hell, you yourself said that the size ir more or less the same. So if these netbooks are "too small" to be useful, then so is your 12" PowerBook.
I, on the other hand, see the size as a plus, since it would let me take the machine everywhere. I don't want to carry my MBP anywhere because it's so big, heavy and expensive.
These kind of things are useful and have their place. They are not meant to replace the big boys
I personally have a 17" MBP and love it but it is to big and heavy to carry everywhere all the time.
I have an iphone but it is so annoying to browse with seriously and coverage is poor.
So i have nought the Acer Aspire A110AW which has a lovley 8.9" screen 8GB SSD and great WiFi this and a HSPDA modem from a company who actually has coverage is all I need whilst I'm out and about. I dont't use it at home or work but when you need to get online quick it makes sense.
I havent installed OSX on mine yet as it only has 512MB RAM however I really think Apple needs to get down of it's high horse and start meeting consumer demand instead of this "religious" style crusade they are on.
I don't care if the Mac's are greener they are too expensive to seriously compete with the average users budget. My Acer cost £179.99 ($284.30) thats cheaper than an iPhone, hell it's cheaper than a weekend away in a crap B&B!
Watch the Apple Notebook Keynote again and listen to the reaction of the crowd, there isn't one! They all turned up expecting great things and was dealt the same crap the Jobs always gives. WHO CARES about the single mould Steve? Clearly when it was past around the audience most people where wondering so we have to pay $1000 so you can do this???
I love my Apple products but really really wish Apple would do better!
I personally have a 17" MBP and love it but it is to big and heavy to carry everywhere all the time.
I have an iphone but it is so annoying to browse with seriously and coverage is poor.
So i have nought the Acer Aspire A110AW which has a lovley 8.9" screen 8GB SSD and great WiFi this and a HSPDA modem from a company who actually has coverage is all I need whilst I'm out and about. I dont't use it at home or work but when you need to get online quick it makes sense.
I havent installed OSX on mine yet as it only has 512MB RAM however I really think Apple needs to get down of it's high horse and start meeting consumer demand instead of this "religious" style crusade they are on.
I don't care if the Mac's are greener they are too expensive to seriously compete with the average users budget. My Acer cost £179.99 ($284.30) thats cheaper than an iPhone, hell it's cheaper than a weekend away in a crap B&B!
Watch the Apple Notebook Keynote again and listen to the reaction of the crowd, there isn't one! They all turned up expecting great things and was dealt the same crap the Jobs always gives. WHO CARES about the single mould Steve? Clearly when it was past around the audience most people where wondering so we have to pay $1000 so you can do this???
I love my Apple products but really really wish Apple would do better!
I'm not for osx on a netbook I think iphone os would do better on the smaller screens and I would like to see Apple put that on a netbook.
Yea, but since they're using flimsy light plastic, and the MBA aluminum, it should be alright...right?