Why I believe the netbook is a bad idea.

[mbcollins93]

I was thinking about how unlikely the netbook really is. Think about how much that would under cut the macbook air. I just do not see apple taking away profit from one of there top selling computer, and one that is revolutionary at that. I believe that if any thing happens there will be a change to the macbook air making it even smaller and cheaper, but to me that is even a long shot. Tell me what y'all think.

 

[x86isslow]

I was thinking about how unlikely the netbook really is. Think about how much that would under cut the macbook air. I just do not see apple taking away profit from one of there top selling computer, and one that is revolutionary at that. I believe that if any thing happens there will be a change to the macbook air making it even smaller and cheaper, but to me that is even a long shot. Tell me what y'all think.

this is why an apple netbook would rock:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/4708&cl=us,en

an apple netbook could do backtomymac/vnc into your mac/tv to control itunes+frontrow/taketwo- give you a remote, but it also gives a very portable mac.

 

[steveza]

Whatever they do or do not produce may be even more revolutionary and a even bigger seller. Everyone (well the majority on this forum ) thought that the MBA was a really bad idea, I'm not sure where popular option sits on it now but you never know how things will be received in the general marketplace.

 

[mbcollins93]

I am not saying that I would not buy one. I think i might be at my local apple store opening day. I would love to have one. I am just saying how unlikely it is.

 

[mbcollins93]

Apple might as well shut down the macbook air line. The rumors that i am seeing about the netbook are so similar to the macbook air. It is crazy. No one would buy airs any more.

 

[.Andy]

As long as they make an equivalent (or greater) profit off a netbook I'm not sure Apple would worry about undercutting one of their own products. It's about profit not merely selling the most expensive item - which aren't necessarily mutually inclusive concepts.

 

[mbcollins93]

As long as they make an equivalent (or greater) profit off a netbook I'm not sure Apple would worry about undercutting one of their own products.

All of the rumors i am seeing, the netbooks are going to be priced between $400-$800. A good bit cheaper than the macbook air.

 

[.Andy]

All of the rumors i am seeing, the netbooks are going to be priced between $400-$800. A good bit cheaper than the macbook air.

That says nothing of the profit Apple might make off such a hypothetical machine. Either on the individual unit or on quantity.

 

[Tallest Skil]

All of the rumors i am seeing, the netbooks are going to be priced between $400-$800. A good bit cheaper than the macbook air.

You mean that the tech that Apple will use would be sold for those prices... if anyone else on the planet was making them, right?

Apple will sell it for $1,000.

It will be priced less than the Air and have slower hardware so as not to kill it off. Being priced the same as the lowest-end MacBook is no problem, either, as it represents a completely different market.

That, and it would have worse hardware than the MacBook and no physical keyboard.

 

[Maks]

I was thinking about how unlikely the netbook really is. Think about how much that would under cut the macbook air. I just do not see apple taking away profit from one of there top selling computer, and one that is revolutionary at that.

I have to disagree on this...the Macbook Air is not revolutionary...it's simply an evolution. It's the same as any other laptop, it's just thinner. That's not a revolution.

 

[mbcollins93]

You mean that the tech that Apple will use would be sold for those prices... if anyone else on the planet was making them, right?

Apple will sell it for $1,000.

It will be priced less than the Air and have slower hardware so as not to kill it off. Being priced the same as the lowest-end MacBook is no problem, either, as it represents a completely different market.

That, and it would have worse hardware than the MacBook and no physical keyboard.

Ok i can see that.

 

[mbcollins93]

I have to disagree on this...the Macbook Air is not revolutionary...it's simply an evolution. It's the same as any other laptop, it's just thinner. That's not a revolution.

It was revolutionary by being one of the first of its kind to be so small, but not have that bad of hardware.

 

[Winni]

I was thinking about how unlikely the netbook really is. Think about how much that would under cut the macbook air. I just do not see apple taking away profit from one of there top selling computer, and one that is revolutionary at that. I believe that if any thing happens there will be a change to the macbook air making it even smaller and cheaper, but to me that is even a long shot. Tell me what y'all think.

Apple's top selling notebook still is the low-end MacBook. Actually, it's their best selling computer -ever-.

Then, what's revolutionary about the MacBook Air? It's a thin subnotebook with very limited uses and with only a very limited target audience. You could also say that the MacBook Air solves problems that almost nobody has - especially because it's screen size already is too big for most of its potential customers (which are frequent travelers who need remote access to documents and emails).

If they make a 10" version of it, then we're talking again. But, wait - that would be a netbook!

 

[rdowns]

Apple's top selling notebook still is the low-end MacBook. Actually, it's their best selling computer -ever-.

Do you have anything to substantiate this?

 

[frogcat]

Do you have anything to substantiate this?

Actually it was the mid-range macbook that was the best seller. And that's within Apple's scope only.

http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20081022/apple-polishes-popular-macbook-for-a-higher-price/?sr=hotnews

Also, a lot of university students use netbooks. I know it will undercut the low-end macbook if it was priced too low [400-800]. Imagine being poor for 4 years of your life, and you have no need for a computer but just to do office, and the school supplies you with a computer lab. But you still need something to check facebook on the go...

 

[rdowns]

Since Apple does not release sales figures for individual models, I'd take this report as speculation only.

 

[Scottsdale]

The new/revised MacBook Air would not compete on the same level as a consumer tablet communication/media device. While the original MBA could not perform well, the revised MBA has proven to be very capable of being a primary Mac for most Mac users. The revised MBA fills the need and power/performance of a Mac in true portable form.

The Apple version of a "netbook" will primarily serve as a communication and entertainment device. I believe the two can and will succeed together one being a premium ultra portable Mac that performs computing tasks for business professionals, executives, writers, students, tech enthusiasts, and all else who need a portable Mac computer. The tablet/netbook device will be coveted by consumers who primarily use it as an Apple product (not Mac computer). This device will be used for entertainment purposes as a video player, photo album, gaming device only better than iPhone, and the biggest reason it WILL happen is the success of the App Store for the iPhone/iPod Touch. In addition to serving the media needs, it will also be used for Internet browsing (although MUST solve Flash issue that has troubled iPhone). It will be used secondarily as a communication device for text/media messaging along with email. It will have a virtual keyboard which is because it will be a consumer device and not (primarily) a Mac.

I also believe the Quad-Core Mobile ARM processor would be absolutely PERFECT for this iPad or MediaPad or some are calling it a MacTouch. It will not fold open like a traditional notebook. It may or may not have a 3G data plan tied to it or may be available as an option. I think the reason it will probably NOT require a data plan because Apple is so good with wireless AND PRIMARILY because the App Store model best describes how Apple will make additional revenues by making the iPad happen.

Furthermore, while it may not come out until second half 2009 or later, I believe the focus of WWDC will be on the new devices software development.

Go Apple!

 

[MatLane]

I dont see a need for a Apple Netbook

 

[SFStateStudent]

Well, having purchased (2) MacBook Airs and (1) Fujitsu 9" LifeBook and (1) Sony Vaio P, Apple should get their netbook on the market by Summer. I'm thinkin' it's an excellent idea, since it would be a nice go-between for the iPhone and the MacBook, therefore, a nice go-between price = $400-$900 would be perfect. I would buy one at the drop of YOUR hat...

 

[Scottsdale]

The whole point of the MacBook Air is to perform like a fully powerfull and capable Mac. However, with the failure of the original MBA at being able to perform common Mac computing tasks, I can understand how it is/was perceived.

The revised MBA is a fully capable Mac in ultra portable form. It actually is a premium product which Apple makes a higher profit margin on. It has a great following and will continue to improve as it is slightly ahead of its time. In a few years, people are going to think DVDs/CDs are silly. We are moving towards a wireless data world that depends not on BluRay or DVD but knows those are pointless. As the success in music with iPod/iTunes. Apple can make a lot of money on those additional services and is futuristic and WILL succeed by paving its own way with innovative devices like the MBA and the iPad to come.

Sooner or later we will all believe in Apple's ability to deliver in our media and wireless driven world. I predict sooner than later. Go Apple!

 

[sychee]

A netbook will not work for Apple. Why, look at MBA and imagine its processor power cut by around half. What will happen?

 

[iMacmatician]

A netbook will not work for Apple. Why, look at MBA and imagine its processor power cut by around half.

I can see a lot of other things being cut in half too…

 

[SFStateStudent]

A netbook will not work for Apple. Why, look at MBA and imagine its processor power cut by around half. What will happen?

I'm not sure what processor power you are referring to, but I've got the Sony Vaio P with 1.86GHz...

 

[tubbymac]

Apple isn't releasing a netbook any time soon. Like you stated that would just start eating into their own existing markets, the Macbook line and the Macbook Air.

The whole point of a netbook is to be at a cheap price point, and Apple doesn't do cheap. The only thing I can see in the immediate future is a tablet/iPhone style device. Apple could create an entirely new market by doing that and still sell Macbooks and Airs due to the different form factor.

I'm guessing that they will probably tie it to a carrier like AT&T and do the same subsidy thing they do with the iPhone so that the initial cost is cheaper.

 

[DesignerOnMac]

Huh????

Logitech Harmony 1100 is the perfect complement to your sophisticated living room. Put a brilliant, 3.5-inch, full-color touch screen in your hands. You’ll be able to turn on everything you need with just one touch. And you can customize the controls to get the commands you want, when you want. It’s like no remote you’ve ever used before...

Don't see how anyone can compare a remote control or a netbook cutting into the MBA market. Sorry I don't get it!

To say Apple will never get into the netbook market may not be true. SJ did say they were working on some exciting products. I think any area that Apple can improve on and make a profit they will try. But that is my take on this. If they make something like a netbook and it is bigger than a Touch or iPhone and is priced around $400-$500, and depending on the features, I can see me purchasing it! (Add choices of colors, and I am there....lol)