Dow Jones claims confirmation of Apple netbook

***AppleInsider*** · 03-10-2009, 09:59 AM

Sounding more like speculation at best, two anonymous sources have reportedly confirmed to Dow Jones that Apple is planning to launch a touchscreen netbook in the second half of this year.

The report describes the sources only as "two people close to the situation."

One such person claimed the display would be "between 9.7-inches and 10-inches" while the other said specifications and functions are still "under evaluation."

The second source also said Apple is working with Taiwanese display manufacturer Wintek Corp. and the world's largest notebook maker Quanta to assemble the new machines.

The involvement of both companies would seem to corroborate a Commercial Times report that also claimed Wintek is involved.

"Wintek revealed that it is currently working with Apple to develop some new products, but it said it does not know what applications the new products are for," wrote DigiTimes in its coverage. "Wintek added that no shipment schedule has been worked out yet, but shipments are likely to begin in the second half of the year."

Commercial Times also pointed to Quanta as the would-be manufacturer.

As noted yesterday, the move would contradict comments from Apple executives who have downplayed the sub-$600 market for notebooks.

Chief executive Steve Jobs once said it isn't in Apple's DNA to know how to make a computer at such a low price point "that isn't a piece of junk," while operating officer Tim Cook said in January, "It's a category we watch, we've got some ideas here, but right now we think the products are inferior and will not provide an experience to customers they're happy with."

PC World's David Coursey in covering the story wrote, "Forgive me for pointing out the obvious, but the current MacBook Air would seem to fit most definitions of netbook, except for one. Why does Apple need another?"

Coursey went on, "It's a near-perfect netbook, except for one thing: It's way too expensive at its starting price of $1,799. There is nothing wrong with Apple offering a device with a 7-to-9-inch touch screen, perhaps for $600, if the speculation proves out. I just wouldn't call it a netbook."

While other manufacturers are seeing netbook sales growth, Apple could instead be reluctant to enter the low-margin, loss-leader netbook market, given its preference to build high-quality machines with accompanying higher profit margins.

It should also be noted that Dow Jones is not a traditional source of Apple rumors and therefore its track record in predicting future hardware offerings from the Cupertino-based company is close to nonexistent.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

CU10 · 03-10-2009, 10:14 AM

Bring it.

paxman · 03-10-2009, 10:19 AM

If this really comes to bear, I predict a clamshell unit with an OS (GUI) based on the iPhone but with more power and able to run business apps. It will have to be a clamshell because it needs to have a keyboard. I wouldn't be surprised if the keyboard is virtual. The world will despair at the price but it will be a thing of beauty.

teckstud · 03-10-2009, 10:20 AM

Why do they keep referring to this as a netbook? Isn't it more of a touch tablet? I doubt that it will have a lid.

teckstud · 03-10-2009, 10:30 AM

Also isn't that a diss at the MacBook Air - referring to it as a netbook?

MMTM1983 · 03-10-2009, 10:38 AM

I don't think we will be seeing the launch of this kind of product this year maybe Jan 2010, either they could extend there MacBook Air range with a smaller edition, just like the pc netbooks but much better or do something unique and launch a tablet device which would cross between a bigger iPhone/Netbook...?

I know Apple in the past messed around making PDA's but I think this would be a lot bigger than a PDA for it to meet customer needs.

Love for anyone add to this, put a spin on new ideas...

Microsoft Windows Fan · 03-10-2009, 10:40 AM

Seriously, the only thing that apple has is the Mac Mini which is overpriced. Apple needs a netbook sooner or later. Or Windows 7 will kick their @#%() with its cheap cost.

Alonso Perez · 03-10-2009, 10:44 AM

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll bet that a midget MacBook Air is most definitely NOT coming.

It will be a pad. A bluetooth physical keyboard might be included or be optional. It won't run full-blown OS/X.

It won't be a clamshell, because clamshells are not good for hand-held use. There has to be a way to get the keyboard completely out of the way, or detached, and to use the device in either portrait or landscape mode.

lilgto64 · 03-10-2009, 10:49 AM

Maybe it will be a 10" iPhone - or a replacement for the entire keyboard on a standard notebook -- just kidding.

teejaysplace24 · 03-10-2009, 10:49 AM

I find it interesting that this information was "leaked" to Dow Jones, of all places, which really isn't an all-star in the rumours game. I also noticed that APPL stocks jumped about $4 this morining...

Virgil-TB2 · 03-10-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paxman

If this really comes to bear, I predict a clamshell unit with an OS (GUI) based on the iPhone but with more power and able to run business apps. It will have to be a clamshell because it needs to have a keyboard. I wouldn't be surprised if the keyboard is virtual. The world will despair at the price but it will be a thing of beauty.

This contradicts itself. If the keyboard is virtual, then it doesn't need a physical keyboard and if there is no physical keyboard, then there is no need for the clamshell form factor.

Also, if it is a clamshell, then Apple violates it's own rule of never having sub-sized keyboards that they have repeated many times of late, and if they are going to break that rule, then why not just make the 12" MacBook that everyone has wanted for so long?

Not saying for sure it won't happen, but it seems more likely to me that it's a small tablet with iPhone OS-X and a larger version of the same virtual thumb-type keyboards. I predict it will be released at the same time as a new "super-iPhone" with much more power and multi-tasking and that the two together will redefine the OS (again) as more of a real computing platform. If they manage to pull it off, a tablet like this could be more useful and ultimately more popular than the iPhone IMO.

Virgil-TB2 · 03-10-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microsoft Windows Fan

Seriously, the only thing that apple has is the Mac Mini which is overpriced. Apple needs a netbook sooner or later. Or Windows 7 will kick their @#%() with its cheap cost.

this is a joke post right?

lamewing · 03-10-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alonso Perez

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll bet that a midget MacBook Air is most definitely NOT coming.

It will be a pad. A bluetooth physical keyboard might be included or be optional. It won't run full-blown OS/X.

It won't be a clamshell, because clamshells are not good for hand-held use. There has to be a way to get the keyboard completely out of the way, or detached, and to use the device in either portrait or landscape mode.

I agree. My fear is that it will be an overgrown iPod touch with a limited version of OSX. I would hope that Apple would provide a multitouch and stylus (both) based tablet (sans optical drive) that will ship with a full version of OSX. There are some very nice slates out there on the PC side. I could see Apple making a well designed slate.

As long as it isn't too expensive college students would snap them up. Slate + OS X (and Vista for the best handwriting recognition) would be a math/science/engineering student's dream. Standard notebooks don't work well in science-based and math classes for note taking compared to a tablet. I have used a tablet before and once you get over the learning curve they are a dream in a classroom setting....and of course you can add a bluetooth keyboard. I hear that Apple even sells those...

Alonso Perez · 03-10-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teejaysplace24

I find it interesting that this information was "leaked" to Dow Jones, of all places, which really isn't an all-star in the rumours game. I also noticed that APPL stocks jumped about $4 this morining...

I doubt there is any relation.

jenkman91 · 03-10-2009, 11:00 AM

Here comes round two.....

I am a big fan of all things Apple, but from all places; the Dow Jones?

I am not saying that Apple is not making a netbook. I am just stating that one should not talk about a product unless its been proven a fact

In short, I will believe it when I see it. Thats the thing with Apple products that have not been released yet. You got to learn not to trust the sources that talk about rumors just to get web views to their website.

The Macbook Air is not a netbook!!!

The Macbook Air is an ultra-portable notebook.

go look up the definition for yourself.

I don't think this "netbook" is going to cock-block the other laptops. Netbooks are starting to become popular. Its at a good price-point and its great for college students who are on a tight budget.

Yes companies like Dell have made the netbook "cool" but, I have a felling Apple is going to do it 10xx times better.

Apple is a smart company. they wait until what everybody else makes, watch them fail at it, then come out with a product that blows everything else out of the water.

Examples:
The Sony VAIO TZ: claimed to be the World's thinnest laptop" (before MBA) Sony stated that it was almost impossible to create a laptop thats thinner than the TZ.
-Boom: Apple comes out with the MBA and its more than 50% thinner than the TZ series and has 2x more power than the TZ

If Apple does make a multi-touch netbook, I will buy it in a heartbeat. I think this is going to be the true winner for Apple if this actually happens.

I am not holding my breathe.....

teckstud · 03-10-2009, 11:02 AM

delete

teckstud · 03-10-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamewing

I have used a tablet before and once you get over the learning curve they are a dream in a classroom setting....and of course you can add a bluetooth keyboard. I hear that Apple even sells those...

No bluetooth with universal numeric , so I would have to shop elsewhere.

or pull out my good ole white clunker.

Roc Ingersol · 03-10-2009, 11:04 AM

The iPhone and iPod touch are already replacing simple computing tasks. People only pull out the laptop for more 'serious work' or when they really need a bigger display.

So if Apple is going to release a Tablet, it has to be better than the iPhone/iPod touch at precisely those types of work, or it won't make any sense.

A 9" screen is slightly larger than a 5x7 pad. You'd still be zooming and scrolling. You'd still be thumb-typing. That's not going to work. 11" diagonal is about as small as it could be and be more useful at the work people are going back to the laptop for.

teckstud · 03-10-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenkman91

Examples:
The Sony VAIO TZ: claimed to be the World's thinnest laptop" (before MBA) Sony stated that it was almost impossible to create a laptop thats thinner than the TZ.
-Boom: Apple comes out with the MBA and its more than 50% thinner than the TZ series and has 2x more power than the TZ

I am not holding my breathe.....

MBA weighs more, has a high gloss screen, and has too large a foot print, no ports, no HDMI , no firewire, sealed battery, etc, etc- Boom???

tazinlwfl · 03-10-2009, 11:15 AM

Why not something like this?

http://news.cnet.com/1606-2_3-50005371.html

I really like that idea, and I think Apple could do a really good job with designing the "dock/keyboard" feature...

(this is my first post, but I've been browsing here for ages)

jenkman91 · 03-10-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microsoft Windows Fan

Seriously, the only thing that apple has is the Mac Mini which is overpriced. Apple needs a netbook sooner or later. Or Windows 7 will kick their @#%() with its cheap cost.

Okay... Do seriously think the Mac mini is overpriced?? I want you to either go to new egg.com or tigerdirect.com and build a mini PC that has the same specs as the Mac mini.
I will help you out:
Mac mini base model:
-2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 duo Processor
-120 GB HDD
-1 GB of DDR3 RAM (no not DDR2)
--8x double-layer SuperDrive That can be swapped out for a SATA drive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics-128MB or 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory
-bluetooth 2.1
- WiFi802.11 b,g,n
-One FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps)
-Five USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps
-Mini-DVI port
-DVI output using Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter (included)
-VGA output using Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter
-Mini DisplayPort output
-and uses less than 13 watts — that’s 45 percent less energy than any other desktop
-and have an OS pre-installed (Linux does not count)

Final price $599
So please, go build a mini desktop computer that cost at or less than the mac mini with specifications that match or almost match the base price version of the mac mini. Please!!! and if you do comment back. But, I doubt that will happen.

On the other hand, I do agree that it maybe time to go into this new market.

Windows7 is going to be cheap?! HAHAHA good joke, buddy. Last time I checked there is going to be 6 different versions of Windows7, and its going to be in the same price range as VISTA.

Why do I need to make a choice in having to choose from 6 versions of an OS?? That does just does not make any sense at all. OS X has ONE version and does everything right out of the box. I don't understand why Microsoft can't do one version (like OS X) that has all the features.

And don't even tell me the reason for 6 different versions is because Windows has all these "cool features" on it, and they cant fit it all on one disk.

I call BS from a mile away.

jenkman91 · 03-10-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckstud

MBA weighs more, has a high gloss screen, and has too large a foot print, no ports, no HDMI , no firewire, sealed battery, etc, etc- Boom???

Actually it has 1 USB 2.0 port, headphone jack, and the new display port that is going to become the industry standard. The MBA is a PORTABLE laptop. for PORTABLE uses. its not made to be a persons Primary machine. and why the hell is it soooo important to have a removable battery??

so yeah, BOOM

teckstud · 03-10-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenkman91

Actually it has 1 USB 2.0 port, headphone jack, and the new display port that is going to become the industry standard. The MBA is a PORTABLE laptop. for PORTABLE uses. its not made to be a persons Primary machine. and why the hell is it soooo important to have a removable battery??

so yeah, BOOM

If you have to push the headphone jack then I rest my case.

The screen on the Sony is a gorgeous matte hybrid.
The only good thing the MBA has going for it is OSX and the originals could barely run it.
If I have to explain to you why one might want to swap out a battery, then your hopeless.

KA-BOOM! and SHiZAM!

solipsism · 03-10-2009, 11:28 AM

Apple has two choices here. Either strip features and focus on a select few good ones, like they did with the iPod, or add a bunch of desirable features together to make a new device, like they did with the iPhone's phone/web/iPod combo. This device seems to lend itself to the latter. I can't imagine this mythical device not trying to be a high-end netbook, a high-end Kindle (though without E-Ink), tablet PC with GPS.

I predict that such a device will cost well above $600. I predict that Apple won't refer to any netbook-like device as a netbook.

solipsism · 03-10-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckstud

The screen on the Sony is a gorgeous matte hybrid.
The only good thing the MBA has going for it is OSX and the originals could barely run it.

I find it strange that you champion the Sony simply because of a cheap plastic matte that few people want, but then disparage the MBA for it's speed despite the Sony being considerably slower.

mknopp · 03-10-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilgto64

Maybe it will be a [-cut-] or a replacement for the entire keyboard on a standard notebook -- just kidding.

While you are kidding, I wouldn't put this past Apple.

There has been past speculation on this, and other than the loss of tactile feedback and the inevitable bitching that some people will always do, there are some benefits to this.

As has been noted about the virtual keybaord on the iPhone, it makes localization of the keyboards virtually free since all that is required to switch from an English keyboard to a Spanish keyboard to a Japanese keyboard is a change of software, not hardware. It would also allow for much more intuitive controls on programs that really don't need a keyboard, or for that matter it turns into a dual display when no keyboard is necessary.

As odd as this sounds, and as unlikely as I think it might be. The Nintendo DS has done pretty good with this design, and I could see Apple using it.

Also, wasn't there a patent that Apple filed for tactile feedback of a touchscreen a while back?

All of this speculation aside. I could see them making more of a tablet then what is traditionally termed a netbook. Something more akin to the size of a Kindle.

Dave K. · 03-10-2009, 11:34 AM

What makes Netbooks attractive is their small form factor and their price.

An Apple branded Netbook will probably sell for $700 to $900 dollars.

DeanShu · 03-10-2009, 11:37 AM

[QUOTE=jenkman91;1387763]Okay... Do seriously think the Mac mini is overpriced?? I want you to either go to new egg.com or tigerdirect.com and build a mini PC that has the same specs as the Mac mini.
I will help you out:
Mac mini base model:
-2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 duo Processor
-120 GB HDD
-1 GB of DDR3 RAM (no not DDR2)
--8x double-layer SuperDrive That can be swapped out for a SATA drive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics-128MB or 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory
-bluetooth 2.1
- WiFi802.11 b,g,n
-One FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps)
-Five USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps
-Mini-DVI port
-DVI output using Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter (included)
-VGA output using Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter
-Mini DisplayPort output
-and uses less than 13 watts — that’s 45 percent less energy than any other desktop
-and have an OS pre-installed (Linux does not count)

Final price $599
So please, go build a mini desktop computer that cost at or less than the mac mini with specifications that match or almost match the base price version of the mac mini. Please!!! and if you do comment back. But, I doubt that will happen.
QUOTE]

Studio Slim-Tower Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E7400 (3MB L2, 2.8GHz, 1066FSB) edit
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1 edit
Hardware Support Services 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis edit
Monitors No Monitor edit
Large Displays None edit
Memory 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 4DIMMs edit
Hard Drive 500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™ edit
Optical Drive 16X DVD+/-RW Drive edit
Video Cards ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB supporting HDMI edit
Sound Card Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio edit
Tuners and Remotes None edit
Keyboard Dell Consumer Multimedia Keyboard and Laser Mouse

Same price. $599.

Note how almost all components are actually better than the Mac Mini, and that's without the typical discount codes that they offer that take up to 25% off. Your point was...?

teckstud · 03-10-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solipsism

I find it strange that you champion the Sony simply because of a cheap plastic matte that few people want, but then disparage the MBA for it's speed despite the Sony being considerably slower.

Why do you refer to its screen as "cheap plastic matte"? Have you actually seen it? And they are quite popular being that new models keep coming out- why do you say only a few do?
I've never seen at test comparing running OSX on both- has Apple started to license it out for test comparisons?

teckstud · 03-10-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solipsism

I predict that such a device will cost well above $600. I predict that Apple won't refer to any netbook-like device as a netbook.

I predict starting at $1,099.

Alonso Perez · 03-10-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckstud

The only good thing the MBA has going for it is OSX and the originals could barely run it.

If I have to explain to you why one might want to swap out a battery, then your hopeless.

I have an original MBA and it runs OS/X just fine. In fact it runs it better than I expected, and I'm very happy with the machine. RAM is more important than CPU. The MBA has 2GB, which is plenty unless you need to run a VM, in which case it's still usable, but not ideal.

As for the battery, I have never had two batteries for any notebook that I've ever owned, and I'm pretty typical. For those few users who do need swappable batteries, they can get a MacBook or MBP.

Guess what? You will fail to convince me that I need something I haven't needed for over a decade in using notebooks.

teckstud · 03-10-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alonso Perez

Guess what? You will fail to convince me that I need something I haven't needed for over a decade in using notebooks.

Guess what? I'm not trying to.

It's still too big and weighs too much.

TenoBell · 03-10-2009, 11:47 AM

The original MacBook Air had exactly the same internal components of the MacBook, the only difference was the low voltage CPU.

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckstud

The only good thing the MBA has going for it is OSX and the originals could barely run it.

solipsism · 03-10-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeanShu

Studio Slim-Tower Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E7400 (3MB L2, 2.8GHz, 1066FSB) edit
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1 edit
Hardware Support Services 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis edit
Monitors No Monitor edit
Large Displays None edit
Memory 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 4DIMMs edit
Hard Drive 500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™ edit
Optical Drive 16X DVD+/-RW Drive edit
Video Cards ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB supporting HDMI edit
Sound Card Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio edit
Tuners and Remotes None edit
Keyboard Dell Consumer Multimedia Keyboard and Laser Mouse

Same price. $599.

Note how almost all components are actually better than the Mac Mini, and that's without the typical discount codes that they offer that take up to 25% off. Your point was...?

Of course that gets you more performance per dollar. That uses desktop-grade parts and the Home version of Vista, while the Mac Mini uses mostly notebook-grade parts. The CPU in Dell cost $111 (per 1000) and the Mini costs $209 (per 1000). While you may not need or want the small size of the Mini you are compared very dissimilar machines. It's like comparing a $600 tower you built yourself and a notebook. the tower is going to considerably faster per dollar, but they surely don't serve the purpose. If the Studio Slim-Tower is a better fit for you then by all means go for it.

roehlstation · 03-10-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teejaysplace24

I find it interesting that this information was "leaked" to Dow Jones, of all places, which really isn't an all-star in the rumours game. I also noticed that APPL stocks jumped about $4 this morining...

Wow, this news made the entire market jump......

aal234 · 03-10-2009, 11:51 AM

i can see apple offering a smaller version of the macbook air with touch screen, losing the trackpad will allow the drop in size and adding a touch screen will help make it stand out from other netbooks. Plus it will probably be used to justify the higher price point.

An intel atom, 1gb ram 80 gb disk would be enough of a difference in spec to not steal macbook air buyers? I would think leopard would run ok on that?

I could see alot of current mac owners picking one up to take on holiday etc. Beats dragging your $2000 dollar macbook pro with you and risking losing/damaging it?

Virgil-TB2 · 03-10-2009, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roc Ingersol

... A 9" screen is slightly larger than a 5x7 pad. You'd still be zooming and scrolling. You'd still be thumb-typing. That's not going to work. 11" diagonal is about as small as it could be and be more useful at the work people are going back to the laptop for.

This makes no sense to me.

An 11" diagonal is absolutely huge for a portable. You can't carry something like that around or hold it in one hand. If they are going to go to 11" diagonal, they might as well make the 12" laptop again and forget about tablets altogether.

There is nothing wrong with thumb typing, it works for the iPhone just fine and the purported tablet would likely be running the iPhone version of OS-X. I am thinking size will be determined by minimum readability of an entire page as opposed to the keyhole pan and zoom approach needed for smaller sized devices, so that's more like a 7" minimum diagonal.

Ronbo · 03-10-2009, 11:57 AM

Maybe. But I have a first generation iPhone. It cost $599. For everybody waiting for a bigger tablet, thinking that it'll cost $600, please keep that in mind. My iPhone cost $600. The new ones reportedly still do, only their price has been buried beneath the AT&T subsidy.

If you're wanting a tablet with a bigger screen at the same price point, it'll have to be at the expense of some other features, and I can't imagine what that would be. If anything, we'll want the bigger screen PLUS a lot of features. How is it gonna come in at $600. (And of course, if it ever did, there would be an outcry because the week before a rumor would spread that it was going to be $400, but that's another issue).

Wiggin · 03-10-2009, 11:58 AM

Oh great. Apple's stock price is going to go up 5% on this news today. Then in a few days when it proves to be false, the stock will drop 10% in disappointment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roc Ingersol

The iPhone and iPod touch are already replacing simple computing tasks. People only pull out the laptop for more 'serious work' or when they really need a bigger display.

So if Apple is going to release a Tablet, it has to be better than the iPhone/iPod touch at precisely those types of work, or it won't make any sense.

A 9" screen is slightly larger than a 5x7 pad. You'd still be zooming and scrolling. You'd still be thumb-typing. That's not going to work. 11" diagonal is about as small as it could be and be more useful at the work people are going back to the laptop for.

I understand what you are saying, but I think anything much larger than 9" would be too difficult to hold and use with only two hands. It should be small enough to be able to: A) hold on the sides with both hands and type on the onscreen keyboard with your thumbs, and B) hold in one hand with enough leverage (hold it steady) to be able to do gestures with the other hand. If you make it so big that I need to set it down to use it, I might as well just use a laptop.

NasserAE · 03-10-2009, 11:58 AM

I guess it is time to short the stock. I find it it amazing that good rumor suddenly surface when the price of Apple stock goes down and bad ones when the price is stable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by teckstud

MBA weighs more, has a high gloss screen, and has too large a foot print, no ports, no HDMI , no firewire, sealed battery, etc, etc- Boom???

I doubts that you will buy an Apple netbook when it comes out since it will have glossy display and we know how much you hate glossy displays

03-10-2009, 09:59 AM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,154	Dow Jones claims confirmation of Apple netbook Sounding more like speculation at best, two anonymous sources have reportedly confirmed to Dow Jones that Apple is planning to launch a touchscreen netbook in the second half of this year. The report describes the sources only as "two people close to the situation." One such person claimed the display would be "between 9.7-inches and 10-inches" while the other said specifications and functions are still "under evaluation." The second source also said Apple is working with Taiwanese display manufacturer Wintek Corp. and the world's largest notebook maker Quanta to assemble the new machines. The involvement of both companies would seem to corroborate a Commercial Times report that also claimed Wintek is involved. "Wintek revealed that it is currently working with Apple to develop some new products, but it said it does not know what applications the new products are for," wrote DigiTimes in its coverage. "Wintek added that no shipment schedule has been worked out yet, but shipments are likely to begin in the second half of the year." Commercial Times also pointed to Quanta as the would-be manufacturer. As noted yesterday, the move would contradict comments from Apple executives who have downplayed the sub-$600 market for notebooks. Chief executive Steve Jobs once said it isn't in Apple's DNA to know how to make a computer at such a low price point "that isn't a piece of junk," while operating officer Tim Cook said in January, "It's a category we watch, we've got some ideas here, but right now we think the products are inferior and will not provide an experience to customers they're happy with." PC World's David Coursey in covering the story wrote, "Forgive me for pointing out the obvious, but the current MacBook Air would seem to fit most definitions of netbook, except for one. Why does Apple need another?" Coursey went on, "It's a near-perfect netbook, except for one thing: It's way too expensive at its starting price of $1,799. There is nothing wrong with Apple offering a device with a 7-to-9-inch touch screen, perhaps for $600, if the speculation proves out. I just wouldn't call it a netbook." While other manufacturers are seeing netbook sales growth, Apple could instead be reluctant to enter the low-margin, loss-leader netbook market, given its preference to build high-quality machines with accompanying higher profit margins. It should also be noted that Dow Jones is not a traditional source of Apple rumors and therefore its track record in predicting future hardware offerings from the Cupertino-based company is close to nonexistent. [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

03-10-2009, 10:20 AM	#4
teckstud Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,132	Why do they keep referring to this as a netbook? Isn't it more of a touch tablet? I doubt that it will have a lid. Once you go Mac, you never go back! 

03-10-2009, 10:30 AM	#5
teckstud Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,132	Also isn't that a diss at the MacBook Air - referring to it as a netbook? Once you go Mac, you never go back! 

03-10-2009, 10:38 AM	#6
MMTM1983 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 5	Its Coming....! I don't think we will be seeing the launch of this kind of product this year maybe Jan 2010, either they could extend there MacBook Air range with a smaller edition, just like the pc netbooks but much better or do something unique and launch a tablet device which would cross between a bigger iPhone/Netbook...? I know Apple in the past messed around making PDA's but I think this would be a lot bigger than a PDA for it to meet customer needs. Love for anyone add to this, put a spin on new ideas...

03-10-2009, 10:40 AM	#7
Microsoft Windows Fan Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1	Seriously, the only thing that apple has is the Mac Mini which is overpriced. Apple needs a netbook sooner or later. Or Windows 7 will kick their @#%() with its cheap cost. I'm a PC and seven is my favorite number. Windows - Life without walls Representing Microsoft Products for Mac and Apple Products for PC

03-10-2009, 10:14 AM	#2
CU10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 194	Bring it.

03-10-2009, 10:19 AM	#3
paxman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 640	If this really comes to bear, I predict a clamshell unit with an OS (GUI) based on the iPhone but with more power and able to run business apps. It will have to be a clamshell because it needs to have a keyboard. I wouldn't be surprised if the keyboard is virtual. The world will despair at the price but it will be a thing of beauty.

03-10-2009, 10:44 AM	#8
Alonso Perez Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 196	Tablet yes, netbook no. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll bet that a midget MacBook Air is most definitely NOT coming. It will be a pad. A bluetooth physical keyboard might be included or be optional. It won't run full-blown OS/X. It won't be a clamshell, because clamshells are not good for hand-held use. There has to be a way to get the keyboard completely out of the way, or detached, and to use the device in either portrait or landscape mode.

03-10-2009, 10:49 AM	#9
lilgto64 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The Northcoast Posts: 127	Maybe... Maybe it will be a 10" iPhone - or a replacement for the entire keyboard on a standard notebook -- just kidding.

03-10-2009, 10:49 AM	#10
teejaysplace24 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 16	Hm. I find it interesting that this information was "leaked" to Dow Jones, of all places, which really isn't an all-star in the rumours game. I also noticed that APPL stocks jumped about $4 this morining...

03-10-2009, 11:00 AM	#15
jenkman91 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 39	Here comes round two..... I am a big fan of all things Apple, but from all places; the Dow Jones? I am not saying that Apple is not making a netbook. I am just stating that one should not talk about a product unless its been proven a fact In short, I will believe it when I see it. Thats the thing with Apple products that have not been released yet. You got to learn not to trust the sources that talk about rumors just to get web views to their website. The Macbook Air is not a netbook!!! The Macbook Air is an ultra-portable notebook. go look up the definition for yourself. I don't think this "netbook" is going to cock-block the other laptops. Netbooks are starting to become popular. Its at a good price-point and its great for college students who are on a tight budget. Yes companies like Dell have made the netbook "cool" but, I have a felling Apple is going to do it 10xx times better. Apple is a smart company. they wait until what everybody else makes, watch them fail at it, then come out with a product that blows everything else out of the water. Examples: The Sony VAIO TZ: claimed to be the World's thinnest laptop" (before MBA) Sony stated that it was almost impossible to create a laptop thats thinner than the TZ. -Boom: Apple comes out with the MBA and its more than 50% thinner than the TZ series and has 2x more power than the TZ If Apple does make a multi-touch netbook, I will buy it in a heartbeat. I think this is going to be the true winner for Apple if this actually happens. I am not holding my breathe.....

03-10-2009, 11:02 AM	#16
teckstud Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,132	delete Once you go Mac, you never go back! 

03-10-2009, 11:04 AM	#18
Roc Ingersol Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 123	The iPhone and iPod touch are already replacing simple computing tasks. People only pull out the laptop for more 'serious work' or when they really need a bigger display. So if Apple is going to release a Tablet, it has to be better than the iPhone/iPod touch at precisely those types of work, or it won't make any sense. A 9" screen is slightly larger than a 5x7 pad. You'd still be zooming and scrolling. You'd still be thumb-typing. That's not going to work. 11" diagonal is about as small as it could be and be more useful at the work people are going back to the laptop for.

03-10-2009, 11:15 AM	#20
tazinlwfl Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 55	Why not something like this? http://news.cnet.com/1606-2_3-50005371.html I really like that idea, and I think Apple could do a really good job with designing the "dock/keyboard" feature... (this is my first post, but I've been browsing here for ages)

03-10-2009, 11:28 AM	#24
solipsism Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Ansible Posts: 11,815	Apple has two choices here. Either strip features and focus on a select few good ones, like they did with the iPod, or add a bunch of desirable features together to make a new device, like they did with the iPhone's phone/web/iPod combo. This device seems to lend itself to the latter. I can't imagine this mythical device not trying to be a high-end netbook, a high-end Kindle (though without E-Ink), tablet PC with GPS. I predict that such a device will cost well above $600. I predict that Apple won't refer to any netbook-like device as a netbook. Do your part to clean up AppleInsider forums: User CP » Edit Ignore List » Teckstud Last edited by solipsism; 03-10-2009 at 11:37 AM..

03-10-2009, 11:34 AM	#27
Dave K. Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 959	Big deal... What makes Netbooks attractive is their small form factor and their price. An Apple branded Netbook will probably sell for $700 to $900 dollars.

03-10-2009, 11:37 AM	#28
DeanShu Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 18	[QUOTE=jenkman91;1387763]Okay... Do seriously think the Mac mini is overpriced?? I want you to either go to new egg.com or tigerdirect.com and build a mini PC that has the same specs as the Mac mini. I will help you out: Mac mini base model: -2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 duo Processor -120 GB HDD -1 GB of DDR3 RAM (no not DDR2) --8x double-layer SuperDrive That can be swapped out for a SATA drive NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics-128MB or 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory -bluetooth 2.1 - WiFi802.11 b,g,n -One FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps) -Five USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps -Mini-DVI port -DVI output using Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter (included) -VGA output using Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter -Mini DisplayPort output -and uses less than 13 watts — that’s 45 percent less energy than any other desktop -and have an OS pre-installed (Linux does not count) Final price $599 So please, go build a mini desktop computer that cost at or less than the mac mini with specifications that match or almost match the base price version of the mac mini. Please!!! and if you do comment back. But, I doubt that will happen. QUOTE] Studio Slim-Tower Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E7400 (3MB L2, 2.8GHz, 1066FSB) edit Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1 edit Hardware Support Services 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis edit Monitors No Monitor edit Large Displays None edit Memory 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 4DIMMs edit Hard Drive 500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™ edit Optical Drive 16X DVD+/-RW Drive edit Video Cards ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB supporting HDMI edit Sound Card Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio edit Tuners and Remotes None edit Keyboard Dell Consumer Multimedia Keyboard and Laser Mouse Same price. $599. Note how almost all components are actually better than the Mac Mini, and that's without the typical discount codes that they offer that take up to 25% off. Your point was...?

03-10-2009, 11:51 AM	#36
aal234 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1	i can see apple offering a smaller version of the macbook air with touch screen, losing the trackpad will allow the drop in size and adding a touch screen will help make it stand out from other netbooks. Plus it will probably be used to justify the higher price point. An intel atom, 1gb ram 80 gb disk would be enough of a difference in spec to not steal macbook air buyers? I would think leopard would run ok on that? I could see alot of current mac owners picking one up to take on holiday etc. Beats dragging your $2000 dollar macbook pro with you and risking losing/damaging it?

03-10-2009, 11:57 AM	#38
Ronbo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 255	Maybe. But I have a first generation iPhone. It cost $599. For everybody waiting for a bigger tablet, thinking that it'll cost $600, please keep that in mind. My iPhone cost $600. The new ones reportedly still do, only their price has been buried beneath the AT&T subsidy. If you're wanting a tablet with a bigger screen at the same price point, it'll have to be at the expense of some other features, and I can't imagine what that would be. If anything, we'll want the bigger screen PLUS a lot of features. How is it gonna come in at $600. (And of course, if it ever did, there would be an outcry because the week before a rumor would spread that it was going to be $400, but that's another issue).

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