I'm not alone. There's lots of other people who wouldn't be interested in it if it had no optical drive. If someone wanted to switch to Mac, wanted something this small that would be their only computer, they wouldn't be able to import music CD's or burn them etc. CD's are staying around for a while yet, so if it's gonna be a tiny notebook, at this point in time it would still need the optical drive IMO.
- I don't think a sub-notebook is a good choice to be your only computer. The idea is to trade off bulk, and features if necessary, for maximum portability. Buy a MB or MBPro instead if you're looking for a do-it-all portable
- I'm sure it would have at least USB, and most likely firewire, to add a DVD burner at home
I'd gladly ditch the optical drive. I very rarely use it. I'm still hanging on to my 12" PowerBook, and would really like to have something smaller still. I'd like to take a laptop with me when motorcycle touring, and space counts.
Before switching years ago I used the first in IBM's 3 pound X-Series and preferred it when going on long business trips. The lack of the optical drive hit me hard when a suitcase holding the external optical drive was lost and I had to pay a fortune in Auckland for a replacement.
A sub-3lb notebook no longer means sacrificing an optical drive. I think Sony's had one at 2.75lb, with optical drive, for over a year.
Before switching years ago I used the first in IBM's 3 pound X-Series and preferred it when going on long business trips. The lack of the optical drive hit me hard when a suitcase holding the external optical drive was lost and I had to pay a fortune in Auckland for a replacement.
A few years ago I'd have agreed, but these days a USB memory stick is more useful than a CD or DVD burner and cheap enough. Plus wireless networking is both faster and more common. CDs are nearly as obsolete as floppies or ZIP drives except for playing pre-recorded material.
I've not bought software for a few years now that wasn't delivered electronically either.
I do not think you understand how Apple thinks. They will make something that will make people go wow.....
I think they will use the existing form factor of something like the Imac but thinner and you can pop the tablet in and out (which while in the IMAC dock will be the screen) but when popped out it will be your tablet with a simple piece to pop out to prop it up on the table when independent from the IMAC DOCK. I am sure they will use something crazy like a virtual keyboard and a mouse that will be bluetooth etc.....I think that would be truly cool.
I do not think you understand how Apple thinks. They will make something that will make people go wow.....
I think they will use the existing form factor of something like the Imac but thinner and you can pop the tablet in and out (which while in the IMAC dock will be the screen) but when popped out it will be your tablet with a simple piece to pop out to prop it up on the table when independent from the IMAC DOCK. I am sure they will use something crazy like a virtual keyboard and a mouse that will be bluetooth etc.....I think that would be truly cool.
And exactly how high were you when you came up with that?
If this ultralight is to use flash only and no HD, maybe shipping in the fall is a marketing decision based on component prices. Gotta get the SSD down to a reasonable price. I don't see what Leopard has to do with it unless it needs one of those top secret features to make it work.
I think it'd be fine if it didn't have an optical drive onboard. Just use the external drive to load software and burn discs.
Before switching years ago I used the first in IBM's 3 pound X-Series and preferred it when going on long business trips. The lack of the optical drive hit me hard when a suitcase holding the external optical drive was lost and I had to pay a fortune in Auckland for a replacement.
WHile no optical drive is fine for, say, a student at college it can be the pits when taking an overseas business trip - actually even an in-country business trip.
I believe that Apple has the engineering talent to get one included and would far prefer that to a dock. I use an iCurve behind a 23" display for my PB and it only takes a few seconds to set it up. No big deal for me.
The dock I have used in the past had PCI slots and I think room for a HD in addition to the optical drive. A built in NAS would be great for an Apple dock. A PCIe slot would be as well.
When I connect my MBP I have to connect power, firewire, usb, ethernet and DVI. It's rather annoying when I'm trying to either set up to check mail quickly or get out the door quickly.
Dealkiller? No. Suboptimal? Yes.
As far as loosing an optical drive these days, while it would be annoying its not like you can't get a reasonably priced USB2 or Firewire replacement.
If this ultralight is to use flash only and no HD, maybe shipping in the fall is a marketing decision based on component prices. Gotta get the SSD down to a reasonable price.
Component prices and availability. The new NAND wont be in full production before July.
If this ultralight is to use flash only and no HD, maybe shipping in the fall is a marketing decision based on component prices. Gotta get the SSD down to a reasonable price. I don't see what Leopard has to do with it unless it needs one of those top secret features to make it work.
I think it'd be fine if it didn't have an optical drive onboard. Just use the external drive to load software and burn discs.
Apple is now trying to lock down more NAND, about 500 million more of them. The makers doubt they can produce all of the NAND Apple and other companies need.
I don't know if Apple would use NAND for this though.
This COULD be another reason for the delay. At least, I hope it is. The idea that they can't get it finished on time because of other projects really bothers me.
I'm not one of the sub-notebook people. I carry a 15" PB back and forth to work evey day and dont mind the heft. I like that it is complete and before I got the intel iMac it was my top computer for photo, video and the like. Just like back in the day when I had a PB160 when the DUOs were about.
That being said, I like the existance of the sub-notebook. I like that they push the envelope in size and change expectations. I don't expect to buy one, but I will cheer when they come out (if they are way cool).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland
I agree. Apple is a rapidly growing company, and has a ever growing userbase. It's probably time they expanded their computer lineup to a point of pleasing people with more niche needs. ie sub-notebook lovers. There's a number of people who would buy this thing, and even some who choose to go with a Viao and Windows because Apple doesn't currently have that solution. Another thing Apple really needs IMO is a budget 17 display. For say even $199, so people who buy a Mini can just add it at checkout.
I'm thinking about this sub-notebook though, I think with the long/extended timeline that Apple plans to do something more somehow, and not just a smaller, thinner MacBook, but something truly different from what they currently offer. Maybe they'll make it a tablet and not a sub-notebook at all. Now with all this Multi-touch® technology talk maybe this would look like a (very thin) notebook in the closed position, but when you open it the lid swings all the way round the back, magnetically holds to the back, and has subtle MacBook like feet for placing on a desk etc. Maybe this could be the true travel, take-it-anywhere computer, and an Apple eBook rolled into one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland
I'm not alone. There's lots of other people who wouldn't be interested in it if it had no optical drive. If someone wanted to switch to Mac, wanted something this small that would be their only computer, they wouldn't be able to import music CD's or burn them etc. CD's are staying around for a while yet, so if it's gonna be a tiny notebook, at this point in time it would still need the optical drive IMO.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chucker
And exactly how high were you when you came up with that?
LOL ... Hmm... I am in luuuv with my MacBook Core[1]Duo 2ghz 2gb RAM, 13.3" 1280x800. Just nice for me. a MacBookPro is too "serious" for me right now. And too big.
But I defer to Bergermeister, after watching TokyoDrift I am definitely in the Apple needs to come up with subnotebook to compete viably in the Japan portable computing space.
I do not think you understand how Apple thinks. They will make something that will make people go wow.....
I think they will use the existing form factor of something like the Imac but thinner and you can pop the tablet in and out (which while in the IMAC dock will be the screen) but when popped out it will be your tablet with a simple piece to pop out to prop it up on the table when independent from the IMAC DOCK. I am sure they will use something crazy like a virtual keyboard and a mouse that will be bluetooth etc.....I think that would be truly cool.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chucker
And exactly how high were you when you came up with that?
WORD. Full 3d-spatial holographics etc. The next frontier after resolution-independent UI and touchy-feely gesturing-stuff.
Oh man! Ive been praying for a sub 15" notebook that would replace the old 12" G4....All I ask is for the option of a graphic card upgrade and preferably optical audio I/O. (macbook 64mb non dedicated vram? whats with that?....people said it would never happen.
All other specs should be enough for my needs, the way things are now.
bring it on and Im there with cash in my pocket!!!!!
(a dock sounds good+who needs an intergrated optical drive theese days )
Oh man! Ive been praying for a sub 15" notebook that would replace the old 12" G4....All I ask is for the option of a graphic card upgrade and preferably optical audio I/O. (macbook 64mb non dedicated vram? whats with that?....people said it would never happen.
All other specs should be enough for my needs, the way things are now.
bring it on and Im there with cash in my pocket!!!!!
(a dock sounds good+who needs an intergrated optical drive theese days )
If they are seriously considering dropping the optical drive, then I don't see why they would have graphics card options, which they really don't offer on any of their models right now. A discrete graphics module would take more space, weight and battery power, all three are demons to an ultraportable. Besides, I haven't seen an ultraportable that has discrete graphics, the 12" Powerbook doesn't fit current ultraportable standards. Hopefully the graphics chip in the new chipset will be as fast as Intel says it is.
If they are seriously considering dropping the optical drive, then I don't see why they would have graphics card options, which they really don't offer on any of their models right now. A discrete graphics module would take more space, weight and battery power, all three are demons to an ultraportable.
I wonder how big the screen will be. I can't imagine a 10" being too usefull even if only for bus trips.
Remember that patent filling a few months back where it showed a laptop which had a screen in the keyboard part with a virtual keyboard onscreen? That'd be amazing especially if you could unfold it out flat, turn it on its side to get a widewscreen picture!
My guess is same as yours; at least 13" wide screen with the iPhone's ability to auto rotate screen when you hold horizontally or vertically. USB for Keyboard and mouse if required or use on screen version and gestures. Imagine a pen too and you have a graphics tablet with 'paint on picture' ... drool.
And I agree with most everyone else, keep this baby light on extras and supply a dock. It may have a built in iPhone option too ... you never know!
With an AppleTV this is also a neat sit in bed and watch a movie device too ... oooh the possibilities are endless
Yes, I think they do. You have to have an ExpressCard slot in order to use it, but that type of slot only includes a x1 PCIe lane. I'm not optimistic that Apple would include that slot.
Apple is now trying to lock down more NAND, about 500 million more of them. The makers doubt they can produce all of the NAND Apple and other companies need.
I don't know if Apple would use NAND for this though.
This COULD be another reason for the delay. At least, I hope it is. The idea that they can't get it finished on time because of other projects really bothers me.
Looks like the iPhone has claimed another victim. Talk about putting all your eggs into one basket.
I think it would make sense to have a docking station for each and every laptop not just for a subnotebook.
Hear hear! I don't consider a notebook that doesn't have a docking station really very portable. I always want two screens, a mouse, a desktop keyboard, a network connection, and power when my notebook is sitting at my desk. If all those are plugged in individually, the notebook isn't easy to grab-n-go. That's one huge reason I like having a Dell laptop at work. (My home machine is still a G5, but the second Apple releases a notebook with a docking station it'll probably get upgraded to that.)
Comments
I'm not alone. There's lots of other people who wouldn't be interested in it if it had no optical drive. If someone wanted to switch to Mac, wanted something this small that would be their only computer, they wouldn't be able to import music CD's or burn them etc. CD's are staying around for a while yet, so if it's gonna be a tiny notebook, at this point in time it would still need the optical drive IMO.
- I don't think a sub-notebook is a good choice to be your only computer. The idea is to trade off bulk, and features if necessary, for maximum portability. Buy a MB or MBPro instead if you're looking for a do-it-all portable
- I'm sure it would have at least USB, and most likely firewire, to add a DVD burner at home
I'd gladly ditch the optical drive. I very rarely use it. I'm still hanging on to my 12" PowerBook, and would really like to have something smaller still. I'd like to take a laptop with me when motorcycle touring, and space counts.
Before switching years ago I used the first in IBM's 3 pound X-Series and preferred it when going on long business trips. The lack of the optical drive hit me hard when a suitcase holding the external optical drive was lost and I had to pay a fortune in Auckland for a replacement.
A sub-3lb notebook no longer means sacrificing an optical drive. I think Sony's had one at 2.75lb, with optical drive, for over a year.
Before switching years ago I used the first in IBM's 3 pound X-Series and preferred it when going on long business trips. The lack of the optical drive hit me hard when a suitcase holding the external optical drive was lost and I had to pay a fortune in Auckland for a replacement.
A few years ago I'd have agreed, but these days a USB memory stick is more useful than a CD or DVD burner and cheap enough. Plus wireless networking is both faster and more common. CDs are nearly as obsolete as floppies or ZIP drives except for playing pre-recorded material.
I've not bought software for a few years now that wasn't delivered electronically either.
I think they will use the existing form factor of something like the Imac but thinner and you can pop the tablet in and out (which while in the IMAC dock will be the screen) but when popped out it will be your tablet with a simple piece to pop out to prop it up on the table when independent from the IMAC DOCK. I am sure they will use something crazy like a virtual keyboard and a mouse that will be bluetooth etc.....I think that would be truly cool.
I do not think you understand how Apple thinks. They will make something that will make people go wow.....
I think they will use the existing form factor of something like the Imac but thinner and you can pop the tablet in and out (which while in the IMAC dock will be the screen) but when popped out it will be your tablet with a simple piece to pop out to prop it up on the table when independent from the IMAC DOCK. I am sure they will use something crazy like a virtual keyboard and a mouse that will be bluetooth etc.....I think that would be truly cool.
And exactly how high were you when you came up with that?
I think it'd be fine if it didn't have an optical drive onboard. Just use the external drive to load software and burn discs.
Before switching years ago I used the first in IBM's 3 pound X-Series and preferred it when going on long business trips. The lack of the optical drive hit me hard when a suitcase holding the external optical drive was lost and I had to pay a fortune in Auckland for a replacement.
WHile no optical drive is fine for, say, a student at college it can be the pits when taking an overseas business trip - actually even an in-country business trip.
I believe that Apple has the engineering talent to get one included and would far prefer that to a dock. I use an iCurve behind a 23" display for my PB and it only takes a few seconds to set it up. No big deal for me.
The dock I have used in the past had PCI slots and I think room for a HD in addition to the optical drive. A built in NAS would be great for an Apple dock. A PCIe slot would be as well.
When I connect my MBP I have to connect power, firewire, usb, ethernet and DVI. It's rather annoying when I'm trying to either set up to check mail quickly or get out the door quickly.
Dealkiller? No. Suboptimal? Yes.
As far as loosing an optical drive these days, while it would be annoying its not like you can't get a reasonably priced USB2 or Firewire replacement.
Vinea
If this ultralight is to use flash only and no HD, maybe shipping in the fall is a marketing decision based on component prices. Gotta get the SSD down to a reasonable price.
Component prices and availability. The new NAND wont be in full production before July.
Vinea
If this ultralight is to use flash only and no HD, maybe shipping in the fall is a marketing decision based on component prices. Gotta get the SSD down to a reasonable price. I don't see what Leopard has to do with it unless it needs one of those top secret features to make it work.
I think it'd be fine if it didn't have an optical drive onboard. Just use the external drive to load software and burn discs.
Apple is now trying to lock down more NAND, about 500 million more of them. The makers doubt they can produce all of the NAND Apple and other companies need.
I don't know if Apple would use NAND for this though.
This COULD be another reason for the delay. At least, I hope it is. The idea that they can't get it finished on time because of other projects really bothers me.
Hot dang, subnotebook is a'comin!... it's just gonna take awhile, that's all. But my sig don't lie.
.
You need to move house out of MiniTower into SubNotebook.
I'm not one of the sub-notebook people. I carry a 15" PB back and forth to work evey day and dont mind the heft. I like that it is complete and before I got the intel iMac it was my top computer for photo, video and the like. Just like back in the day when I had a PB160 when the DUOs were about.
That being said, I like the existance of the sub-notebook. I like that they push the envelope in size and change expectations. I don't expect to buy one, but I will cheer when they come out (if they are way cool).
I agree. Apple is a rapidly growing company, and has a ever growing userbase. It's probably time they expanded their computer lineup to a point of pleasing people with more niche needs. ie sub-notebook lovers. There's a number of people who would buy this thing, and even some who choose to go with a Viao and Windows because Apple doesn't currently have that solution. Another thing Apple really needs IMO is a budget 17 display. For say even $199, so people who buy a Mini can just add it at checkout.
I'm thinking about this sub-notebook though, I think with the long/extended timeline that Apple plans to do something more somehow, and not just a smaller, thinner MacBook, but something truly different from what they currently offer. Maybe they'll make it a tablet and not a sub-notebook at all. Now with all this Multi-touch® technology talk maybe this would look like a (very thin) notebook in the closed position, but when you open it the lid swings all the way round the back, magnetically holds to the back, and has subtle MacBook like feet for placing on a desk etc. Maybe this could be the true travel, take-it-anywhere computer, and an Apple eBook rolled into one.
I'm not alone. There's lots of other people who wouldn't be interested in it if it had no optical drive. If someone wanted to switch to Mac, wanted something this small that would be their only computer, they wouldn't be able to import music CD's or burn them etc. CD's are staying around for a while yet, so if it's gonna be a tiny notebook, at this point in time it would still need the optical drive IMO.
And exactly how high were you when you came up with that?
LOL
But I defer to Bergermeister, after watching TokyoDrift I am definitely in the Apple needs to come up with subnotebook to compete viably in the Japan portable computing space.
I do not think you understand how Apple thinks. They will make something that will make people go wow.....
I think they will use the existing form factor of something like the Imac but thinner and you can pop the tablet in and out (which while in the IMAC dock will be the screen) but when popped out it will be your tablet with a simple piece to pop out to prop it up on the table when independent from the IMAC DOCK. I am sure they will use something crazy like a virtual keyboard and a mouse that will be bluetooth etc.....I think that would be truly cool.
And exactly how high were you when you came up with that?
WORD. Full 3d-spatial holographics etc. The next frontier after resolution-independent UI and touchy-feely gesturing-stuff.
All other specs should be enough for my needs, the way things are now.
bring it on and Im there with cash in my pocket!!!!!
(a dock sounds good+who needs an intergrated optical drive theese days
Oh man! Ive been praying for a sub 15" notebook that would replace the old 12" G4....All I ask is for the option of a graphic card upgrade and preferably optical audio I/O. (macbook 64mb non dedicated vram? whats with that?....people said it would never happen.
All other specs should be enough for my needs, the way things are now.
bring it on and Im there with cash in my pocket!!!!!
(a dock sounds good+who needs an intergrated optical drive theese days
If they are seriously considering dropping the optical drive, then I don't see why they would have graphics card options, which they really don't offer on any of their models right now. A discrete graphics module would take more space, weight and battery power, all three are demons to an ultraportable. Besides, I haven't seen an ultraportable that has discrete graphics, the 12" Powerbook doesn't fit current ultraportable standards. Hopefully the graphics chip in the new chipset will be as fast as Intel says it is.
If they are seriously considering dropping the optical drive, then I don't see why they would have graphics card options, which they really don't offer on any of their models right now. A discrete graphics module would take more space, weight and battery power, all three are demons to an ultraportable.
oh, foul vanquisher of wishful thinking
...u know if external vidcards exist?
I wonder how big the screen will be. I can't imagine a 10" being too usefull even if only for bus trips.
Remember that patent filling a few months back where it showed a laptop which had a screen in the keyboard part with a virtual keyboard onscreen? That'd be amazing especially if you could unfold it out flat, turn it on its side to get a widewscreen picture!
My guess is same as yours; at least 13" wide screen with the iPhone's ability to auto rotate screen when you hold horizontally or vertically. USB for Keyboard and mouse if required or use on screen version and gestures. Imagine a pen too and you have a graphics tablet with 'paint on picture' ... drool.
And I agree with most everyone else, keep this baby light on extras and supply a dock. It may have a built in iPhone option too ... you never know!
With an AppleTV this is also a neat sit in bed and watch a movie device too ... oooh the possibilities are endless
oh, foul vanquisher of wishful thinking
...u know if external vidcards exist?
Yes, I think they do. You have to have an ExpressCard slot in order to use it, but that type of slot only includes a x1 PCIe lane. I'm not optimistic that Apple would include that slot.
Apple is now trying to lock down more NAND, about 500 million more of them. The makers doubt they can produce all of the NAND Apple and other companies need.
I don't know if Apple would use NAND for this though.
This COULD be another reason for the delay. At least, I hope it is. The idea that they can't get it finished on time because of other projects really bothers me.
Looks like the iPhone has claimed another victim. Talk about putting all your eggs into one basket.
I think it would make sense to have a docking station for each and every laptop not just for a subnotebook.
Hear hear! I don't consider a notebook that doesn't have a docking station really very portable. I always want two screens, a mouse, a desktop keyboard, a network connection, and power when my notebook is sitting at my desk. If all those are plugged in individually, the notebook isn't easy to grab-n-go. That's one huge reason I like having a Dell laptop at work. (My home machine is still a G5, but the second Apple releases a notebook with a docking station it'll probably get upgraded to that.)