too many products in the product line allmost broke apples neck a couple of years ago.
i doubt that apple is gonna make the same mistake again.
a bought my girlfriend a 12" powerbook years ago - and it is one sweet tool.
the design and form factor was mobility as it has to be.
my guess is that apple dosn't see a big market for a real portable computer smaller than a 13.3" macbook.
smaller sceen size = less real work you can accomplish on the device = get an iphone
Well you see... too many products is what they have right now with 3 13.3" mid-range models (1-2K) and 2 15.4" models are are both on the high end (2K+). People looking for a simple 15.4" notebook should not need to pay so much.
Uhhgg!?! 5 models is less than the 6 models they have right now covering only 3 different notebooks (13.3", 15.4" Pro and 17" Pro). The way I'm showing it up there, they would not need to have different configurations for each model, just those 5 models covering 5 different computers. I think it will make choosing easier. If you wanted a custom config, just go to the online store and customize whichever notebook you are interested in and have it delivered or pick up at nearest apple store.
iPhone? Please... it may have "OS X" but it can't do what a real computer with OS X can... plus you would have to pay a monthly fee.
Well you see... too many products is what they have right now with 3 13.3" mid-range models (1-2K) and 2 15.4" models are are both on the high end (2K+). People looking for a simple 15.4" notebook should not need to pay so much.
last time i checked apple had 3 portables in there productline:
-macbook 13,3"
-macbook pro 15"
-macbook pro 17"
they only pop in different components for the 3 configs of the macbook and the 2 configs of the macbook pro 15".
if you want to count all the different configs, you get even more then 6, with all the stuff you can configure with cto's.
i'm talking about apple having 4 completly different portables insted of 3.
i'm talking about apple designing 4 portables from the ground up - building assemblylines etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KennyWRX
Uhhgg!?! 5 models is less than the 6 models they have right now...
ah... yeah...
Quote:
Originally Posted by KennyWRX
iPhone? Please... it may have "OS X" but it can't do what a real computer with OS X can... plus you would have to pay a monthly fee.
nobody who is serious, runs photoshop on the 12" powerbook - the screensize just isn't made for this. you get the portable computer that fits your needs - and apple has 3.
... and i do pay a monthly fee for my "real" computers to get on the internet too.
Ultraportable for Japan push, Asia push (compete with Vaios) will be important. Sometime 2008 though, MacWorld, most likely not, some other special event...
Ultraportable for Japan push, Asia push (compete with Vaios) will be important. Sometime 2008 though, MacWorld, most likely not, some other special event...
I was at Best Buy and I saw a notebook that was small enough to be "ultra" and saw no practical use for it. Creating spreadsheets, working with graphics, etc. would be too difficult do because of all the scrolling you would have to do just to see your work. If you did a lot of text related work like email, typing letters, instant messaging, etc., then I could see getting one, but then you still have to deal with the the so-called "keyboard". If you always have a monitor and keyboard to connect to then the ultra portable could be worth getting, but I still would not get one because any notebook I get I will use as is so the screen needs to be large enough to meet my needs.
I have an iBook and I have not seen a MacBook in person so I do not know if the screen is too small for me, but I would pay an additional $200.00 for a MacBook with a 15" screen keeping the rest of the system the same; although, I would wait until the GMA X3100, or better, was included before I put in my order.
As for when Apple would sell an ultra-portable I will have to say not until they move to the Montevina platform next year, and the Nehalem processors are used. Below is information on the Nehalem processors I found on wikipedia:
Nehalem has the most significant new architectural changes as of today since the Pentium Pro back in 1995. Nehalem is very [citation needed] scalable with different components for different tasks. According to Intel it will have 1 through 8+ cores, integrated memory controllers for DDR3 with 1 to 4 memory channels and be manufactured using the same 45nm manufacturing process as its predecessor, Penryn. Some versions of Nehalem will also have integrated graphics subsystem off die, but in the same CPU package. Nehalem processors will also utilize the new point-to-point processor interconnect, the Intel QuickPath Interconnect, replacing the legacy front side bus.
I am guessing that integrated graphics subsystem off die, but in the same CPU package means the integrated graphics will have dedicated RAM so system memory isn't shared, I mean used.
If you spend three hours a day on a crowded commuter train, you cannot use a MacBook, period. The local computer shop has a hard time keeping the smallest Sony in stock, and a hard time selling its stock of MacBooks.
If Apple wishes to re-enter the Japanese market, they need to make a sub notebook (among other things). It really is as simple as that.
If you spend three hours a day on a crowded commuter train, you cannot use a MacBook, period. The local computer shop has a hard time keeping the smallest Sony in stock, and a hard time selling its stock of MacBooks.
If Apple wishes to re-enter the Japanese market, they need to make a sub notebook (among other things). It really is as simple as that.
The Japanese market for notebooks is huge.
What's funny is no matter how much we harp on this (and the business/student markets outside of Asia) it doesn't seem to get through to people.
Japan used to be Apple's second largest market. Then, they ignored it and (duh) sales tanked or flatlined. With the iPhone (assuming it hits the required hardware/software for Japan), with a theoretical ultraportable, and with a good marketing campaign Apple could blitz the Japanese market.
They have residual goodwill, they have the iPhone (which even the Japanese love, until they have to point out all the features it lacks that they need in their day-to-day lives), and they really do make much more reliable notebooks then Sony.
Sigh. I have no real hope or anything, given how few Apple Stores exist in Europe for instance, but it really could be a solid moneymaker if they invested some money upfront.
Those that say they cannot see a need for an ultra-portable must not travel a great deal. As previously mentioned, using a full-size notebook computer on a cramped commuter train can be a horrible experience.
I do not need an ultra-portable, but I would like to see a 12" form-factor like the 12" PowerBook G4. I would even settle for the current 13" form factor if it were offered with an aluminum shell and non-glossy display. It's hard to use a glossy display with all the glare when you're in the glaring sun in Africa, where I find myself using my notebook on medical mission trips.
I would even settle for the current 13" form factor if it were offered with an aluminum shell and non-glossy display. It's hard to use a glossy display with all the glare when you're in the glaring sun in Africa, where I find myself using my notebook on medical mission trips.
Agreed. I think as technology improves, people who are on the go would want smaller and more portable laptops. I can imagine a 13" MacBook. Seeing that the new iMacs and new iPods come in an aluminium shell.
I'm sure the UltraPortable will come. It's just a matter of when.
I think the point about ultraportable vs iPhone is well taken, however, despite all the work Apple has done to make the iPhone a viable computing platform, it is useless to the person who needs a true computer that is very mobile. Until I can run keynote on my iPhone with a video out to a projector, an iPhone will not be able to replace a nice compact laptop computer.
Personally, I have been exercising a hereto unknown level of restraint in not buying a 12" PB on Ebay. I desperately want something smaller than the 14" iBook I've had for two years now. The only reason I've not done it yet is because of the rumored ultraportable.
If Apple were to enter the subnote market, I wouldn't expect them to do so with a conventional, miniturized notebook. I think it's more likely that we'd see something very small with no optical drive and just minimal ports (perhaps just a dock port and a USB or two). The screen would have to be nothing less than OLED.
The modern subnotes are all pretty boring, but some manufacturers like Sony have at least done a very good job at refining the design. As we've seen before, Apple doesn't tend to jump into a new market without a product that redefines it. If I'm going to play the prediction game, I will say: OLED, Flash HD, Wifi & BT, 3G/3.5G/potentially 4G WiMAX, 2x USB, stereo miniplug, Dock port, 7.2V internal power system, magnesium and zirconia enclosure. The CPU would probably be something new from Intel that we haven't seen yet: built on the next process shrink and with crazy-low power, ideally with a number of major peripherals and support chips integrated on-die. Maybe dual core 1.5GHz or thereabouts.
A subnote shouldn't be built to be a PC. It should be sync'ed like an iPod. The other half of the bargain would be software in future OS X distributions that would cater to sync'ing the subnote product to the user's primary work PC.
I'd buy one of the Apple subnotebooks that Splinemodel describes in a heartbeat. If it had to sync with a desktop that would be the perfect excuse to get a new iMac at the same time.
I played with the Sony TZ191 yesterday, man that is a beautiful ultra portable laptop. It's a shame that Apple which prides itself on being on the leading edge of computer technology (I think) doesn't have something like it. I really don't understand why either because I'm sure there would be a great market for this type of laptop from Apple. I'll give Apple another month (only because of OS X) and if there is nothing further on a sub portable from them I'll gladly get the TZ.
Comments
This is me dreaming of Apple's Notebook line...
too many products in the product line allmost broke apples neck a couple of years ago.
i doubt that apple is gonna make the same mistake again.
a bought my girlfriend a 12" powerbook years ago - and it is one sweet tool.
the design and form factor was mobility as it has to be.
my guess is that apple dosn't see a big market for a real portable computer smaller than a 13.3" macbook.
smaller sceen size = less real work you can accomplish on the device = get an iphone
sorry
too many products in the product line allmost broke apples neck a couple of years ago.
i doubt that apple is gonna make the same mistake again.
a bought my girlfriend a 12" powerbook years ago - and it is one sweet tool.
the design and form factor was mobility as it has to be.
my guess is that apple dosn't see a big market for a real portable computer smaller than a 13.3" macbook.
smaller sceen size = less real work you can accomplish on the device = get an iphone
Well you see... too many products is what they have right now with 3 13.3" mid-range models (1-2K) and 2 15.4" models are are both on the high end (2K+). People looking for a simple 15.4" notebook should not need to pay so much.
Uhhgg!?! 5 models is less than the 6 models they have right now covering only 3 different notebooks (13.3", 15.4" Pro and 17" Pro). The way I'm showing it up there, they would not need to have different configurations for each model, just those 5 models covering 5 different computers. I think it will make choosing easier. If you wanted a custom config, just go to the online store and customize whichever notebook you are interested in and have it delivered or pick up at nearest apple store.
iPhone? Please... it may have "OS X" but it can't do what a real computer with OS X can... plus you would have to pay a monthly fee.
Well you see... too many products is what they have right now with 3 13.3" mid-range models (1-2K) and 2 15.4" models are are both on the high end (2K+). People looking for a simple 15.4" notebook should not need to pay so much.
last time i checked apple had 3 portables in there productline:
-macbook 13,3"
-macbook pro 15"
-macbook pro 17"
they only pop in different components for the 3 configs of the macbook and the 2 configs of the macbook pro 15".
if you want to count all the different configs, you get even more then 6, with all the stuff you can configure with cto's.
i'm talking about apple having 4 completly different portables insted of 3.
i'm talking about apple designing 4 portables from the ground up - building assemblylines etc.
Uhhgg!?! 5 models is less than the 6 models they have right now...
ah... yeah...
iPhone? Please... it may have "OS X" but it can't do what a real computer with OS X can... plus you would have to pay a monthly fee.
nobody who is serious, runs photoshop on the 12" powerbook - the screensize just isn't made for this. you get the portable computer that fits your needs - and apple has 3.
... and i do pay a monthly fee for my "real" computers to get on the internet too.
Ultraportable for Japan push, Asia push (compete with Vaios) will be important. Sometime 2008 though, MacWorld, most likely not, some other special event...
Now would be nice.
I have an iBook and I have not seen a MacBook in person so I do not know if the screen is too small for me, but I would pay an additional $200.00 for a MacBook with a 15" screen keeping the rest of the system the same; although, I would wait until the GMA X3100, or better, was included before I put in my order.
As for when Apple would sell an ultra-portable I will have to say not until they move to the Montevina platform next year, and the Nehalem processors are used. Below is information on the Nehalem processors I found on wikipedia:
Nehalem has the most significant new architectural changes as of today since the Pentium Pro back in 1995. Nehalem is very [citation needed] scalable with different components for different tasks. According to Intel it will have 1 through 8+ cores, integrated memory controllers for DDR3 with 1 to 4 memory channels and be manufactured using the same 45nm manufacturing process as its predecessor, Penryn. Some versions of Nehalem will also have integrated graphics subsystem off die, but in the same CPU package. Nehalem processors will also utilize the new point-to-point processor interconnect, the Intel QuickPath Interconnect, replacing the legacy front side bus.
I am guessing that integrated graphics subsystem off die, but in the same CPU package means the integrated graphics will have dedicated RAM so system memory isn't shared, I mean used.
If you spend three hours a day on a crowded commuter train, you cannot use a MacBook, period. The local computer shop has a hard time keeping the smallest Sony in stock, and a hard time selling its stock of MacBooks.
If Apple wishes to re-enter the Japanese market, they need to make a sub notebook (among other things). It really is as simple as that.
The Japanese market for notebooks is huge.
Weight and space.
If you spend three hours a day on a crowded commuter train, you cannot use a MacBook, period. The local computer shop has a hard time keeping the smallest Sony in stock, and a hard time selling its stock of MacBooks.
If Apple wishes to re-enter the Japanese market, they need to make a sub notebook (among other things). It really is as simple as that.
The Japanese market for notebooks is huge.
What's funny is no matter how much we harp on this (and the business/student markets outside of Asia) it doesn't seem to get through to people.
Japan used to be Apple's second largest market. Then, they ignored it and (duh) sales tanked or flatlined. With the iPhone (assuming it hits the required hardware/software for Japan), with a theoretical ultraportable, and with a good marketing campaign Apple could blitz the Japanese market.
They have residual goodwill, they have the iPhone (which even the Japanese love, until they have to point out all the features it lacks that they need in their day-to-day lives), and they really do make much more reliable notebooks then Sony.
Sigh. I have no real hope or anything, given how few Apple Stores exist in Europe for instance, but it really could be a solid moneymaker if they invested some money upfront.
I do not need an ultra-portable, but I would like to see a 12" form-factor like the 12" PowerBook G4. I would even settle for the current 13" form factor if it were offered with an aluminum shell and non-glossy display. It's hard to use a glossy display with all the glare when you're in the glaring sun in Africa, where I find myself using my notebook on medical mission trips.
I would even settle for the current 13" form factor if it were offered with an aluminum shell and non-glossy display. It's hard to use a glossy display with all the glare when you're in the glaring sun in Africa, where I find myself using my notebook on medical mission trips.
Agreed. I think as technology improves, people who are on the go would want smaller and more portable laptops. I can imagine a 13" MacBook. Seeing that the new iMacs and new iPods come in an aluminium shell.
I'm sure the UltraPortable will come. It's just a matter of when.
Personally, I have been exercising a hereto unknown level of restraint in not buying a 12" PB on Ebay. I desperately want something smaller than the 14" iBook I've had for two years now. The only reason I've not done it yet is because of the rumored ultraportable.
This is me dreaming of Apple's Notebook line...
i like this, but may be MacBook Mini and MacBook may be same
but defintely MacBook Nano YES!, i just saw this morning 10" Sony Vaio in the office, thats cool.
too many products in the product line allmost broke apples neck a couple of years ago.
i doubt that apple is gonna make the same mistake again.
Apple is growing and now has more necks and bigger necks and bigger blood vessels pulsing through their bigger necks... to expand on your metaphor.
a bought my girlfriend a 12" powerbook years ago - and it is one sweet tool.
That's no way to talk about your girlfriend.
That's no way to talk about your girlfriend.
i never would
The modern subnotes are all pretty boring, but some manufacturers like Sony have at least done a very good job at refining the design. As we've seen before, Apple doesn't tend to jump into a new market without a product that redefines it. If I'm going to play the prediction game, I will say: OLED, Flash HD, Wifi & BT, 3G/3.5G/potentially 4G WiMAX, 2x USB, stereo miniplug, Dock port, 7.2V internal power system, magnesium and zirconia enclosure. The CPU would probably be something new from Intel that we haven't seen yet: built on the next process shrink and with crazy-low power, ideally with a number of major peripherals and support chips integrated on-die. Maybe dual core 1.5GHz or thereabouts.
A subnote shouldn't be built to be a PC. It should be sync'ed like an iPod. The other half of the bargain would be software in future OS X distributions that would cater to sync'ing the subnote product to the user's primary work PC.