1. I find the bottom line is you don't need an optical drive and that an external optical drives work well.
Neither I nor almost anyone I know needs CDs/DVDs very often. And almost any installation stuff needed, is usually also downloadable. I am sure there are survey's and studies online that confirm how little use the average user makes use of their optical drives.
By the way, this is especially true for software on the Mac OS. So I'd trade the space and give up the drive. Not an issue if it is there, but happy to trade it off.
2. The minimum usable screen size you need for most users is 12-13 inches. I have used a 10inch sharp and the 12inch dell D420 and they do hurt many people's eyes. Remember that widescreen is less usable in terms of vertical space and so 12inches in widescreen is usually tougher on the eyes given the font sizes most people use.
I have never worn glasses, have 20/20 vision and this is what I see.
The Dell is a 12inch widescreen and so the usable space when visiting websites or typing in MS word is small and eye strain is much higher vs. the old 12inch powerbook/ibooks (which I also own).
Those of you thinking about old mac portables need to remember that widescreen really means that todays 13.3 inch is like the old 12 inches and 12 inches today are like 11 inchess of yesteryear.
Widescreen is great for movies and some video stuff, but poor for many other uses. So 13 inches is actually a good size for the typical user and approximates size on the old 12inch powerbooks/ibooks.
3. A related issue is keyboard size. You must have a 12inch screen to get a fully usable keyboard. Widescreen at 12 inches or more fits a good sized keyboard as well (so perhaps 11 inch widescreen would work, but the screen would seriously hurt your eyes.
2. The minimum usable screen size you need for most users is 12-13 inches. I have used a 10inch sharp and the 12inch dell D420 and they do hurt many people's eyes. Remember that widescreen is less usable in terms of vertical space and so 12inches in widescreen is usually tougher on the eyes given the font sizes most people use.
I have never worn glasses, have 20/20 vision and this is what I see.
The Dell is a 12inch widescreen and so the usable space when visiting websites or typing in MS word is small and eye strain is much higher vs. the old 12inch powerbook/ibooks (which I also own).
Those of you thinking about old mac portables need to remember that widescreen really means that todays 13.3 inch is like the old 12 inches and 12 inches today are like 11 inchess of yesteryear.
Widescreen is great for movies and some video stuff, but poor for many other uses. So 13 inches is actually a good size for the typical user and approximates size on the old 12inch powerbooks/ibooks.
interesting observation ...
i feel my 13.3" MB screen size is better than my previous 12" PB,
so 10/11/12" these sizes will be very strainful for the eyes,
but MB Mini is for mobile users and business users, i think it is still acceptable.
1. I find the bottom line is you don't need an optical drive and that an external optical drives work well.
Neither I nor almost anyone I know needs CDs/DVDs very often. And almost any installation stuff needed, is usually also downloadable. I am sure there are survey's and studies online that confirm how little use the average user makes use of their optical drives.
By the way, this is especially true for software on the Mac OS. So I'd trade the space and give up the drive. Not an issue if it is there, but happy to trade it off.
2. The minimum usable screen size you need for most users is 12-13 inches. I have used a 10inch sharp and the 12inch dell D420 and they do hurt many people's eyes. Remember that widescreen is less usable in terms of vertical space and so 12inches in widescreen is usually tougher on the eyes given the font sizes most people use.
I have never worn glasses, have 20/20 vision and this is what I see.
The Dell is a 12inch widescreen and so the usable space when visiting websites or typing in MS word is small and eye strain is much higher vs. the old 12inch powerbook/ibooks (which I also own).
Those of you thinking about old mac portables need to remember that widescreen really means that todays 13.3 inch is like the old 12 inches and 12 inches today are like 11 inchess of yesteryear.
Widescreen is great for movies and some video stuff, but poor for many other uses. So 13 inches is actually a good size for the typical user and approximates size on the old 12inch powerbooks/ibooks.
3. A related issue is keyboard size. You must have a 12inch screen to get a fully usable keyboard. Widescreen at 12 inches or more fits a good sized keyboard as well (so perhaps 11 inch widescreen would work, but the screen would seriously hurt your eyes.
Welcome to AppleInsider! My thinking mostly mirrors yours in the above post.
I once went something like one and half years without even owning an optical drive. On my current Macbook, I have used the optical on about two occasions in three months (OS X install, ripping one DVD). I definitely don't need or want an internal optical drive on a laptop.
Also, 11 inch 1280x800 widescreen would be perfect for preserving full typing comfort in a minimal enclosure. The Macbook makes the shoulder bag really crowded, and the larger size makes it bump more into things as well. The 12" iBook was better for me but just a little smaller would be perfect. On the subject of seeing difficulty, even my old parents have used the iBook as their only computer. In my thinking, the internal screen is for mobile use, so the small size is purely a blessing (much easier to position suitably for typing in cramped bus/plane seating or a narrow lecture hall table). On the desktop I'm always on my external screen with laptop in clamshell mode.
This should not be watered down to make it a machine for most people. That's what a Macbook is for.
3./ People who use their (pro) laptop to burn DVD/CD
4./ People who have other people giving them data CD/DVD
the list is ENDLESS
dell did this a while ago as well where the optical drive was a separate enclosure. Major PITA
Holddddd up.
It depends on what Apple is going for. If they're making this their "ultra-portable," it wont have a optical drive. Think of those poor Japanese people. It's not a desktop replacement. However, if Apple is going for "Pro mini" so to speak, then it will, for the whole burning/reading aspect.
Welcome to AppleInsider! My thinking mostly mirrors yours in the above post.
I once went something like one and half years without even owning an optical drive. On my current Macbook, I have used the optical on about two occasions in three months (OS X install, ripping one DVD). I definitely don't need or want an internal optical drive on a laptop.
Also, 11 inch 1280x800 widescreen would be perfect for preserving full typing comfort in a minimal enclosure. The Macbook makes the shoulder bag really crowded, and the larger size makes it bump more into things as well. The 12" iBook was better for me but just a little smaller would be perfect. On the subject of seeing difficulty, even my old parents have used the iBook as their only computer. In my thinking, the internal screen is for mobile use, so the small size is purely a blessing (much easier to position suitably for typing in cramped bus/plane seating or a narrow lecture hall table). On the desktop I'm always on my external screen with laptop in clamshell mode.
This should not be watered down to make it a machine for most people. That's what a Macbook is for.
Good Point. However, I travel and also live in a NYC apartment so that is less of an option. Not sure what percentage of people make use of the external monitor (clearly there is a market for each). That is what I used to do.
I only mention 12 or 13inches if they can keep the weight down. I don't mind the extra inch in length and 1/2 inch in height that one would get relative to a 10inch as it would still be a small footprint, fit in a normal backpack, many women's purses/ataches and would be super thin either way. But again, that is only if the weight stays reasonable. So I am guess I am more weight sensitive for anything under 13 inch widescreen. I also still worr about the keyboard size on a 10incher as I type a lot.
Apple is supposedly coming out with a sub-notebook computer next year. Are these type of computers very popular? I'd hate to see a flop in the making. I know how you people don't like underpowered computers. It certainly wouldn't be good for playing games since it would probably have a weaker graphics chip than the MacBook. As long as it could be used to watch videos and run BootCamp/WinXP reasonably fast, I'd probably be satisfied with it. A reasonable price would be under a $1000. I still would like a DVD/CD combo drive even if it didn't burn media. I guess Apple would forgo a hard drive since they'd want it to be light and easy on batteries. I'm trying to figure who would buy this type of machine, but I'm drawing a blank. A computer only a couple of inches smaller than a MacBook doesn't make much sense except maybe in decreasing weight.
I'd like some computer about two to two=and-a-half times the size of the iPhone, but other than that the standard MacBook is a good step up.
Interesting the change in heart re the need for a super drive from all the negatives that were bantered about in these forums when Steve presented iLife '08 and said, ?For people who still want to make DVDs??
Apple, with the iMac, stresses about desktop clutter. Why would they have an "accessory" as such which would add to that clutter? Makes no sense. So you're on the go and someone gives you a CD to listen too. You tell them you have to wait till you get home because you left your drive at home. Really. Whatever Apple does I see not having an optical drive plain stupid and I wouldn't purchase a machine without one.
An ultra portable will be thinner without a DVD... the question is Apple's goal.
On a related note .... a portable can be quite cluttered if you regularly plug in more than the power .. external monitor, keyboard, mouse, external hard disk, etc... perhaps a dock could do better (or a multipurpose connector ala the iPod)
Quote:
Originally Posted by freelander51
How about this :
1./ People who watch DVDs on their laptop
2./ People who backup their laptop
3./ People who use their (pro) laptop to burn DVD/CD
4./ People who have other people giving them data CD/DVD
the list is ENDLESS
dell did this a while ago as well where the optical drive was a separate enclosure. Major PITA
Depends if Apple is going for these things.
ie:
1:/ People who watch DVDs -> but Apple wants to sell iTunes movies & possibly rent too
2:/ People who backup their laptop -> but Apple wants people using Timemachine
3:/ People who use their laptop to burn DVD/CD -> (personally, I agree) - but Apple may want people publishing their home movies online and/or watching stuff via the AppleTV. iMovie doesn't link with iDVD as much as it used to.
4:/ People who have other people giving them data DVD -> but Apple's new OS may be encouraging EVERYTHING online. Want to send a 50MB file? Why not let Mail.app send a link to the file stored on .Mac?.... easy!
I'm not sure that the above replacements work (in fact, with a slow connection you'd be stuck). But it wouldn't be inconsistent with what Apple has done in the past.
So with the 'endless' list... the question is "doe Apple have a new way that they'd rather you did it?" (linked with "is the thing I can't do anymore currently legal anyway?").
An update to my 12" PowerBook G4. That little box has been so good to me for the last several years. We've travelled all over the world together - I've watched DVDs from the wilds of Alaska and used internet cafes in the mountains of New Zealand. It's been dropped and abused and crushed, but it just keeps on going. It's just about perfect and has everything I need, I'd just like a current modern Intel CPU and maybe a bit better screen.
I've come close to buying a MBP several times, but I need a machine I can use on the drop-down tray in coach class on planes. And I'm not convinced the MacBooks are as durable and I hate their keyboards.
Jobs'unveiling of the latest iLife shows that Apple is tiptoeing away from playing and/or burning DVDs. He said as much.
But I'll say that if any such product without a HDD and optical drive appears, it will need a significant expansion of .Mac, or a much deeper partnership with Google, if it is to have any appeal to a consumer.
Edited to add: Apple also said that Leopard will allow you to access your home "server" via .Mac from anywhere. So what if, this subnotebook debuts alongside such a "server" hard disk drive and software. This "server" could actually house two drives, the second as the backup used by Time Machine. (Today, you can plug a huge hard drive into the Airport Extreme and create such a server for home use (minus the Time Machine thing obviously), however, I wouldn't say it is super-easy to do out of the box for Grandma.)
And as a bonus, it would leapfrog past the big Microsoft announcement back in January: Windows Home Server - by making very clear use cases for such a server.
I think we are discussing 3 distinct products here:
Number 1:
Quote:
Originally Posted by xtrmtrk
An update to my 12" PowerBook G4. That little box... has everything I need, I'd just like a current modern Intel CPU and maybe a bit better screen.
Like the one I am on now. I take it for granted but I have never owned such a perfectly functional sexy bit of kit. The thing that looks dated 4 years on is the 1.5cm rim around the screen- if the 9to5mac rumor is correct then we could get more screen with a similar or smaller footprint (widescreen though), plus combined HDD/flash, plus intriguing touchpad (wasn't there a recent patent for a pad that stretched the way across the bottom edge?). Edit: http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/09/r...ptop-touchpad/
Number 2: A super light travel companion, i.e. no optical drive, flash based, screen that you wouldn't want to use all day everyday. Anyone else remember the strage patent filed for folding USB ports?
Number 3: An update to the MacBook: Santa Rosa, addressing quality issues (embarrassing state of affairs with the discolouration), optical drive and maybe a screen that comes right to the edge+/- smaller footprint but same screen size. As the MacBook for many may be their only mac, it needs to be a bit of a do all, hence compromises are inevitable.
We all know that all 3 will come to pass in the future, but we can only speculate about which one(s) are the subject of the current but eternal rumor-mill.
And, for the record, for the 12" PB replacement I'd want optical to make 'hard' copy archieves of my photographs.
first I think it is a pain in the ass not to have an optical drive, but many also thought the same thing about losing the floppy drive, and we got over it to our benefit.
when do I use my super drive:
1) watch dvds
2) backup stuff
3) install stuff, CS3, OSX etc.
4) my disk is full, off load stuff onto DVD-rom
5) ripping a CD at a friends house for iTunes
personally, I'd rather have a drive in my machine but I can see a lot of people who don't really need them on a day to day basis, and I have a few friends who above all else want a super thin and light machine. one has a bad back and simply would do anything not to have to carry a heavy laptop.
in terms of the above usees:
1) I suppose you'd need a home drive to do things like rip cds and copy dvds on to your machine if you really wanted to go from existing media to a driveless device. between itunes and torrents, I don't use DVDs that much in real terms any more.
2) backup would be done quite nicely on a network using: airport extreme + big USB drive + time machine, kinda makes DVD-backups unneeded. still its nice to have a real DVD on the shelf with critical stuff - that could be done with an outboard drive though
3) installation is tough, you'd need an outboard drive for a lot of today's apps. also, I'd guess Apple if they did go this route would need a solution for OS installation, and target disk mode is not enough IMHO.
4) offloading stuff is an issue. maybe that is the benefit of time machine, you can delete and restore at will. still it would not feel as secure to me as having a fixed media archive.
5) ripping a CD when away from home is handy but not critical.
If the machine could be truly very thin it might be a really amazing device, even if limited. those limitations can be annoying but I am sure there is a market for this type of laptop, or there will be soon.
really this is not that different from palm's cancelled folio in terms of form factor. maybe this is why palm gave up on that so fast. if you got rid of the hard-disk and the optical drive then all you have is a logic board. .5 inches would be possible. people travelling for business dont really need an optical drive that much, but there always might be a time when someone hands you a disk you need to read, kinda think that is an issue.
I think its also possible that while a macbook/pro is coming, all sorts of rumors are getting mixed up. like thinner lighter, but with optical drive makes sense. or maybe the line is refreshed, with the addition of a new super light, flash only model.
Comments
Neither I nor almost anyone I know needs CDs/DVDs very often. And almost any installation stuff needed, is usually also downloadable. I am sure there are survey's and studies online that confirm how little use the average user makes use of their optical drives.
By the way, this is especially true for software on the Mac OS. So I'd trade the space and give up the drive. Not an issue if it is there, but happy to trade it off.
2. The minimum usable screen size you need for most users is 12-13 inches. I have used a 10inch sharp and the 12inch dell D420 and they do hurt many people's eyes. Remember that widescreen is less usable in terms of vertical space and so 12inches in widescreen is usually tougher on the eyes given the font sizes most people use.
I have never worn glasses, have 20/20 vision and this is what I see.
The Dell is a 12inch widescreen and so the usable space when visiting websites or typing in MS word is small and eye strain is much higher vs. the old 12inch powerbook/ibooks (which I also own).
Those of you thinking about old mac portables need to remember that widescreen really means that todays 13.3 inch is like the old 12 inches and 12 inches today are like 11 inchess of yesteryear.
Widescreen is great for movies and some video stuff, but poor for many other uses. So 13 inches is actually a good size for the typical user and approximates size on the old 12inch powerbooks/ibooks.
3. A related issue is keyboard size. You must have a 12inch screen to get a fully usable keyboard. Widescreen at 12 inches or more fits a good sized keyboard as well (so perhaps 11 inch widescreen would work, but the screen would seriously hurt your eyes.
good! cuz the ef'fing matte paint flakes/rubs off the macbooks
Really? When does it start happening. We bought ours this year in April and haven't seen this problem yet.
Me likey!
ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE COLORWARE CREDIT FOR THAT PHOTO YOU POSTED WITHOUT CONSENT?!
-Clive
i want the Green one!
Greens my favorite color to, however I like the color green of my iPod mini more then the new iPod pastel green.
A picture of a MBP case that is gold anodized which looks really cool.
http://www.slashgear.com/gold-plated...cky-207515.php
No Superdrive. Who uses these drives anymore on a laptop?
How about this :
1./ People who watch DVDs on their laptop
2./ People who backup their laptop
3./ People who use their (pro) laptop to burn DVD/CD
4./ People who have other people giving them data CD/DVD
the list is ENDLESS
dell did this a while ago as well where the optical drive was a separate enclosure. Major PITA
2. The minimum usable screen size you need for most users is 12-13 inches. I have used a 10inch sharp and the 12inch dell D420 and they do hurt many people's eyes. Remember that widescreen is less usable in terms of vertical space and so 12inches in widescreen is usually tougher on the eyes given the font sizes most people use.
I have never worn glasses, have 20/20 vision and this is what I see.
The Dell is a 12inch widescreen and so the usable space when visiting websites or typing in MS word is small and eye strain is much higher vs. the old 12inch powerbook/ibooks (which I also own).
Those of you thinking about old mac portables need to remember that widescreen really means that todays 13.3 inch is like the old 12 inches and 12 inches today are like 11 inchess of yesteryear.
Widescreen is great for movies and some video stuff, but poor for many other uses. So 13 inches is actually a good size for the typical user and approximates size on the old 12inch powerbooks/ibooks.
interesting observation ...
i feel my 13.3" MB screen size is better than my previous 12" PB,
so 10/11/12" these sizes will be very strainful for the eyes,
but MB Mini is for mobile users and business users, i think it is still acceptable.
1. I find the bottom line is you don't need an optical drive and that an external optical drives work well.
Neither I nor almost anyone I know needs CDs/DVDs very often. And almost any installation stuff needed, is usually also downloadable. I am sure there are survey's and studies online that confirm how little use the average user makes use of their optical drives.
By the way, this is especially true for software on the Mac OS. So I'd trade the space and give up the drive. Not an issue if it is there, but happy to trade it off.
2. The minimum usable screen size you need for most users is 12-13 inches. I have used a 10inch sharp and the 12inch dell D420 and they do hurt many people's eyes. Remember that widescreen is less usable in terms of vertical space and so 12inches in widescreen is usually tougher on the eyes given the font sizes most people use.
I have never worn glasses, have 20/20 vision and this is what I see.
The Dell is a 12inch widescreen and so the usable space when visiting websites or typing in MS word is small and eye strain is much higher vs. the old 12inch powerbook/ibooks (which I also own).
Those of you thinking about old mac portables need to remember that widescreen really means that todays 13.3 inch is like the old 12 inches and 12 inches today are like 11 inchess of yesteryear.
Widescreen is great for movies and some video stuff, but poor for many other uses. So 13 inches is actually a good size for the typical user and approximates size on the old 12inch powerbooks/ibooks.
3. A related issue is keyboard size. You must have a 12inch screen to get a fully usable keyboard. Widescreen at 12 inches or more fits a good sized keyboard as well (so perhaps 11 inch widescreen would work, but the screen would seriously hurt your eyes.
Welcome to AppleInsider! My thinking mostly mirrors yours in the above post.
I once went something like one and half years without even owning an optical drive. On my current Macbook, I have used the optical on about two occasions in three months (OS X install, ripping one DVD). I definitely don't need or want an internal optical drive on a laptop.
Also, 11 inch 1280x800 widescreen would be perfect for preserving full typing comfort in a minimal enclosure. The Macbook makes the shoulder bag really crowded, and the larger size makes it bump more into things as well. The 12" iBook was better for me but just a little smaller would be perfect. On the subject of seeing difficulty, even my old parents have used the iBook as their only computer. In my thinking, the internal screen is for mobile use, so the small size is purely a blessing (much easier to position suitably for typing in cramped bus/plane seating or a narrow lecture hall table). On the desktop I'm always on my external screen with laptop in clamshell mode.
This should not be watered down to make it a machine for most people. That's what a Macbook is for.
How about this :
1./ People who watch DVDs on their laptop
2./ People who backup their laptop
3./ People who use their (pro) laptop to burn DVD/CD
4./ People who have other people giving them data CD/DVD
the list is ENDLESS
dell did this a while ago as well where the optical drive was a separate enclosure. Major PITA
Holddddd up.
It depends on what Apple is going for. If they're making this their "ultra-portable," it wont have a optical drive. Think of those poor Japanese people. It's not a desktop replacement. However, if Apple is going for "Pro mini" so to speak, then it will, for the whole burning/reading aspect.
Welcome to AppleInsider! My thinking mostly mirrors yours in the above post.
I once went something like one and half years without even owning an optical drive. On my current Macbook, I have used the optical on about two occasions in three months (OS X install, ripping one DVD). I definitely don't need or want an internal optical drive on a laptop.
Also, 11 inch 1280x800 widescreen would be perfect for preserving full typing comfort in a minimal enclosure. The Macbook makes the shoulder bag really crowded, and the larger size makes it bump more into things as well. The 12" iBook was better for me but just a little smaller would be perfect. On the subject of seeing difficulty, even my old parents have used the iBook as their only computer. In my thinking, the internal screen is for mobile use, so the small size is purely a blessing (much easier to position suitably for typing in cramped bus/plane seating or a narrow lecture hall table). On the desktop I'm always on my external screen with laptop in clamshell mode.
This should not be watered down to make it a machine for most people. That's what a Macbook is for.
Good Point. However, I travel and also live in a NYC apartment so that is less of an option. Not sure what percentage of people make use of the external monitor (clearly there is a market for each). That is what I used to do.
I only mention 12 or 13inches if they can keep the weight down. I don't mind the extra inch in length and 1/2 inch in height that one would get relative to a 10inch as it would still be a small footprint, fit in a normal backpack, many women's purses/ataches and would be super thin either way. But again, that is only if the weight stays reasonable. So I am guess I am more weight sensitive for anything under 13 inch widescreen. I also still worr about the keyboard size on a 10incher as I type a lot.
I'd like some computer about two to two=and-a-half times the size of the iPhone, but other than that the standard MacBook is a good step up.
Apple, with the iMac, stresses about desktop clutter. Why would they have an "accessory" as such which would add to that clutter? Makes no sense. So you're on the go and someone gives you a CD to listen too. You tell them you have to wait till you get home because you left your drive at home. Really. Whatever Apple does I see not having an optical drive plain stupid and I wouldn't purchase a machine without one.
An ultra portable will be thinner without a DVD... the question is Apple's goal.
On a related note .... a portable can be quite cluttered if you regularly plug in more than the power .. external monitor, keyboard, mouse, external hard disk, etc... perhaps a dock could do better (or a multipurpose connector ala the iPod)
How about this :
1./ People who watch DVDs on their laptop
2./ People who backup their laptop
3./ People who use their (pro) laptop to burn DVD/CD
4./ People who have other people giving them data CD/DVD
the list is ENDLESS
dell did this a while ago as well where the optical drive was a separate enclosure. Major PITA
Depends if Apple is going for these things.
ie:
1:/ People who watch DVDs -> but Apple wants to sell iTunes movies & possibly rent too
2:/ People who backup their laptop -> but Apple wants people using Timemachine
3:/ People who use their laptop to burn DVD/CD -> (personally, I agree) - but Apple may want people publishing their home movies online and/or watching stuff via the AppleTV. iMovie doesn't link with iDVD as much as it used to.
4:/ People who have other people giving them data DVD -> but Apple's new OS may be encouraging EVERYTHING online. Want to send a 50MB file? Why not let Mail.app send a link to the file stored on .Mac?.... easy!
I'm not sure that the above replacements work (in fact, with a slow connection you'd be stuck). But it wouldn't be inconsistent with what Apple has done in the past.
So with the 'endless' list... the question is "doe Apple have a new way that they'd rather you did it?" (linked with "is the thing I can't do anymore currently legal anyway?").
I've come close to buying a MBP several times, but I need a machine I can use on the drop-down tray in coach class on planes. And I'm not convinced the MacBooks are as durable and I hate their keyboards.
An update to my 12" PowerBook G4.
I keep wondering if we'll see an update to the eMate some time....
Doesn't really fit this rumour though.
But I'll say that if any such product without a HDD and optical drive appears, it will need a significant expansion of .Mac, or a much deeper partnership with Google, if it is to have any appeal to a consumer.
Edited to add: Apple also said that Leopard will allow you to access your home "server" via .Mac from anywhere. So what if, this subnotebook debuts alongside such a "server" hard disk drive and software. This "server" could actually house two drives, the second as the backup used by Time Machine. (Today, you can plug a huge hard drive into the Airport Extreme and create such a server for home use (minus the Time Machine thing obviously), however, I wouldn't say it is super-easy to do out of the box for Grandma.)
And as a bonus, it would leapfrog past the big Microsoft announcement back in January: Windows Home Server - by making very clear use cases for such a server.
Just check the latest iPod Classic, they are indeed, silver brushed aluminum, and/or black brushed aluminum, also check the latest iMac.
It's silver with black.
Look at the new keyboard.
So, I won't guess wrong, that Apple will lunch new Macbook right with Mac OSX 10.5, and would be the best seller for this holiday season.
They might even come up with a promotion: "All-new-Macbook & iPod Classic"
George Tang
georgetang@hotmail.com
Number 1:
An update to my 12" PowerBook G4. That little box... has everything I need, I'd just like a current modern Intel CPU and maybe a bit better screen.
Like the one I am on now. I take it for granted but I have never owned such a perfectly functional sexy bit of kit. The thing that looks dated 4 years on is the 1.5cm rim around the screen- if the 9to5mac rumor is correct then we could get more screen with a similar or smaller footprint (widescreen though), plus combined HDD/flash, plus intriguing touchpad (wasn't there a recent patent for a pad that stretched the way across the bottom edge?). Edit: http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/09/r...ptop-touchpad/
Number 2: A super light travel companion, i.e. no optical drive, flash based, screen that you wouldn't want to use all day everyday. Anyone else remember the strage patent filed for folding USB ports?
Number 3: An update to the MacBook: Santa Rosa, addressing quality issues (embarrassing state of affairs with the discolouration), optical drive and maybe a screen that comes right to the edge+/- smaller footprint but same screen size. As the MacBook for many may be their only mac, it needs to be a bit of a do all, hence compromises are inevitable.
We all know that all 3 will come to pass in the future, but we can only speculate about which one(s) are the subject of the current but eternal rumor-mill.
And, for the record, for the 12" PB replacement I'd want optical to make 'hard' copy archieves of my photographs.
when do I use my super drive:
1) watch dvds
2) backup stuff
3) install stuff, CS3, OSX etc.
4) my disk is full, off load stuff onto DVD-rom
5) ripping a CD at a friends house for iTunes
personally, I'd rather have a drive in my machine but I can see a lot of people who don't really need them on a day to day basis, and I have a few friends who above all else want a super thin and light machine. one has a bad back and simply would do anything not to have to carry a heavy laptop.
in terms of the above usees:
1) I suppose you'd need a home drive to do things like rip cds and copy dvds on to your machine if you really wanted to go from existing media to a driveless device. between itunes and torrents, I don't use DVDs that much in real terms any more.
2) backup would be done quite nicely on a network using: airport extreme + big USB drive + time machine, kinda makes DVD-backups unneeded. still its nice to have a real DVD on the shelf with critical stuff - that could be done with an outboard drive though
3) installation is tough, you'd need an outboard drive for a lot of today's apps. also, I'd guess Apple if they did go this route would need a solution for OS installation, and target disk mode is not enough IMHO.
4) offloading stuff is an issue. maybe that is the benefit of time machine, you can delete and restore at will. still it would not feel as secure to me as having a fixed media archive.
5) ripping a CD when away from home is handy but not critical.
If the machine could be truly very thin it might be a really amazing device, even if limited. those limitations can be annoying but I am sure there is a market for this type of laptop, or there will be soon.
really this is not that different from palm's cancelled folio in terms of form factor. maybe this is why palm gave up on that so fast. if you got rid of the hard-disk and the optical drive then all you have is a logic board. .5 inches would be possible. people travelling for business dont really need an optical drive that much, but there always might be a time when someone hands you a disk you need to read, kinda think that is an issue.
I think its also possible that while a macbook/pro is coming, all sorts of rumors are getting mixed up. like thinner lighter, but with optical drive makes sense. or maybe the line is refreshed, with the addition of a new super light, flash only model.