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they should have gone ultra portable instead
- Thread starter pinktank
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Depends on what end user they're thinking about.
The Asus eee sells because of one major reason apart from it's more obvious technical benefits: Because it's cheap. It looks cheap, and it feels cheap. That's not Apple - their hardware may be crud, but at least it looks and feels premium.
A 9" UMPC machine may have been a good idea, but it would have been unlike to cost any less than the MBA - and the broke contingent would undoubtedly have been moaning in the same way about price vs features/performance.
The Asus eee sells because of one major reason apart from it's more obvious technical benefits: Because it's cheap. It looks cheap, and it feels cheap. That's not Apple - their hardware may be crud, but at least it looks and feels premium.
A 9" UMPC machine may have been a good idea, but it would have been unlike to cost any less than the MBA - and the broke contingent would undoubtedly have been moaning in the same way about price vs features/performance.
It is more about the user experience than anything else. Have you used the Eee PC for long periods of time? The keyboard size will make your hands hurt when used for more than an hour. Frankly, this is the only issue that I have with the Eee - if it had full-size keyboard, then it would have been perfect... but it still does not run Mac OS X.
I like the Eee. It seems perfect for day to day computing and I believe you can just transfer files from an external HDD for main storage.
It is pretty hard to get a full sized keyboard in a 9" form factor. I replaced a Sony VAIO T150 with my air and am very pleased. The Sony keyboard was just a little smaller than the MBA, but when you touch type it is a real pain. I am very happy with my Macbook Air.
ultraportable
I would not have purchased an Asus ee sized machine, no way. I got my mba so that I could type..a lot, and not wreck my eyes. IMHO, the ultras are cute but not really usable. I have tried mini keyboards and they are not comfortable, and the screen size makes every chore a burden. So nah, I disagree. My only wish for the next gen is that they go down to 2lbs, but keep everything else the same.
I would not have purchased an Asus ee sized machine, no way. I got my mba so that I could type..a lot, and not wreck my eyes. IMHO, the ultras are cute but not really usable. I have tried mini keyboards and they are not comfortable, and the screen size makes every chore a burden. So nah, I disagree. My only wish for the next gen is that they go down to 2lbs, but keep everything else the same.
I intend to once the bloody things are back in stock.
Hey, what was that! It was an opinion!
Grow up please.
I didn't find anything particular wrong with the advice to "Buy an EeePC". Relax buddy.
What makes you think Apple won't release an ultraportable???
They will, but Apple will put their own spin on it. It will most likely be some sort of tablet. It will run iPhone apps.
I couldn't help but think that would eat into MBA sales (among other things). I disagree with this prediction.
I doubt that Apple will release a 9" ultraportable. What they can probably do is release a more powerful iPhone/iPod Touch. Heck, if Apple allows keyboard profile for the iPhone/iPod Touch Bluetooth, then that will probably answer what some folks are looking for. Add a touch of microDVI adapter for these devices and we've got a winner. 
With all of your bright ideas, I figured Apple woulda hired you by now if they wanted your advice
lol, jks.