Here's an original: how about allowing the consumer to choose between glossy and matte screens? Not everyone likes to stare into the reflecting glare of the sun.
And thats the reason Apple is different in GOOD way. They don't have a dizzying array of 45 different notebook configurations in different sizes (11.5",13.3",14.4",15", etc) and a confusing naming system (Macbook V-series ef4300i, Macbook VS-series kf4380i, Macbook ef4920i-z, etc...)
Give consumers more credit than this. A lot of models don't mean confusion, and I'm not talking about 20+ models. How about 6 or 7? There just needs to be good stratification or pricing.
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Apple doesn't need to enter the sub $800 market and start making crap. The bottom-feeders can fight over those scraps. Apple will revolutionize the sub $800 notebook market though, by having iPhones and iPod touches making them obsolete for a cheaper price! Besides, whens the last time you went to Best Buy and actually saw a sub $800 notebook worth buying that wasn't on-sale, a demo model, or on clearance from yesteryear? Usually there is no more than 3 available and they all SUCK hardcore.
Well, we bought an HP dv2xxx something with a 13.3" screen and 1.8 GHz Turion X2 last September for $750. It's a fine machine for its purposes. We comparisoned shopped at Best Buy, Office Depot and Circuit City and got the cheapest one.
If Apple offered a $799 Macbook, I'd imagine something like a 1.6 GHz 2 MB cache C2D, 1 GB memory, 60 GB hard disk and a combo optical would be fine.
They could sell a 19" Macbook Pro at $2999 pretty easy with quad-core goodness and all. They could sell the black Macbook for $1399 (that's a $125 premium for the "black" feature) and make room for a 13.3" MBP at $1599. If they could squeeze a 14.1" screen in the MBA, it'll settle nicely in the $1799 price print. $1999 for 15" MBP. $2499 for 17" MPB. And yeah, perhaps a 12" Macbook at $899. That's 7 models, and still leave room for iPhone/iPod "max" at $699 (and iPhone nano at $249).
With the market trending towards all-on-machines (yes, laptops are all in one machines ), catering to as many people as possible can be very important. It'll be interesting to see. For inventory management reasons, they could collapse on the screen sizes, but they should be pretty damn good at the inventory and production thing now.
Give consumers more credit than this. A lot of models don't mean confusion, and I'm not talking about 20+ models. How about 6 or 7? There just needs to be good stratification or pricing.
Well, we bought an HP dv2xxx something with a 13.3" screen and 1.8 GHz Turion X2 last September for $750. It's a fine machine for its purposes. We comparisoned shopped at Best Buy, Office Depot and Circuit City and got the cheapest one.
If Apple offered a $799 Macbook, I'd imagine something like a 1.6 GHz 2 MB cache C2D, 1 GB memory, 60 GB hard disk and a combo optical would be fine.
They could sell a 19" Macbook Pro at $2999 pretty easy with quad-core goodness and all. They could sell the black Macbook for $1399 (that's a $125 premium for the "black" feature) and make room for a 13.3" MBP at $1599. If they could squeeze a 14.1" screen in the MBA, it'll settle nicely in the $1799 price print. $1999 for 15" MBP. $2499 for 17" MPB. And yeah, perhaps a 12" Macbook at $899. That's 7 models, and still leave room for iPhone/iPod "max" at $699 (and iPhone nano at $249).
With the market trending towards all-on-machines (yes, laptops are all in one machines ), catering to as many people as possible can be very important. It'll be interesting to see. For inventory management reasons, they could collapse on the screen sizes, but they should be pretty damn good at the inventory and production thing now.
If Apple can execute an $800 laptop that doesn't sacrifice (i.e. suck and tarnish Apple's good name & reputation) and that also doesn't cannibalize the Macbook, then great I'm for it.
As for Apple making an Eee Pc? Whats the point, the iPhone/iPod Touch is a far better platform and its far more mobile.
Is there expansion for 6 or laptop models? Maybe, I can see a 4th being a 13" Macbook Touch (Tablet). And maybe a smaller Macbook Touch as well, mimicking the size of a book or something 8"x11".
I really think the Macbook Touch will double as a desktop as well with a simple optional stand (a la iMac-style). That should be pretty huge with students and professionals, who can use it as a desktop at the dorm/home and take it to class/work.
Just a stand that snaps to the back of the Macbook Touch, Bluetooth Keyboard + Mouse and your set!
OK, so I may have had WAY too much coffee this morning but I just came up with what could be an awesome idea.
We know that Jobs wants to bring multitouch to regular computing. We have seen a first step with the MacBook air.
We know Apple has a patent to have multitouch on both sides of a device.
We know Apple can design and build REALLY thin screens.
So my idea for the MacBook touch is as follows.
Open, it looks just like a regular MacBook, including the hinge. It does everything the same way, looks the same, fantastic! There is some multitouch capability on the screen, but not much. About the amount the MacBook air has in its trackpad.
When you close it, the back of the screen...IS ALSO A SCREEN! It looks like a large iPhone. There is a sleep/wake button as well as a home button. The interface looks like the iPhone. You can hold it in one hand and still use the laptop, though with much limited.. Show presentations, movies, play music, photos. It could act partially as the Front Row (so you don't have to carry a remote with you). At least all the applications of the iPhone, with more that I am way too half asleep/half caffinated to think of at the moment but if someone wants to develop the idea a little more, please do so. I would say Photoshop but Apple NEEDS an active digitizer for that, otherwise they are wasting it.
I am not saying Apple will, just that Apple COULD.
OK, so I may have had WAY too much coffee this morning but I just came up with what could be an awesome idea.
We know that Jobs wants to bring multitouch to regular computing. We have seen a first step with the MacBook air.
We know Apple has a patent to have multitouch on both sides of a device.
We know Apple can design and build REALLY thin screens.
So my idea for the MacBook touch is as follows.
Open, it looks just like a regular MacBook, including the hinge. It does everything the same way, looks the same, fantastic! There is some multitouch capability on the screen, but not much. About the amount the MacBook air has in its trackpad.
When you close it, the back of the screen...IS ALSO A SCREEN! It looks like a large iPhone. There is a sleep/wake button as well as a home button. The interface looks like the iPhone. You can hold it in one hand and still use the laptop, though with much limited.. Show presentations, movies, play music, photos. It could act partially as the Front Row (so you don't have to carry a remote with you). At least all the applications of the iPhone, with more that I am way too half asleep/half caffinated to think of at the moment but if someone wants to develop the idea a little more, please do so. I would say Photoshop but Apple NEEDS an active digitizer for that, otherwise they are wasting it.
I am not saying Apple will, just that Apple COULD.
I like your idea, but i think I got some up my sleeve too
If I played Steve for a day,
I would...
Make a 13" Macbook Touch, dimensions (thickness) in between Macbook and the Air. Strictly Multi-Touch tablet with full OSX Leopard, no compromises. Make it roughly same processing power as MB or the MBA, give it 2GB ram, a 120GB drive to start (SSD optional), same amount of usb, firewire, and other ports as Macbook (maybe a few more), optional optical drive. My twist? It would double as a desktop as well! Give a nice iMac style stand that attaches to the back and voila! Your portable is now a desktop. Just add bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
I think this would be an explosively popular model for students and professionals. Take your tablet to school/work, and use it as a desktop back home. No silly docking stations, just a simple stand, magsafe plug, BT keyboard+mouse. Thats it!
It would be mini iMac Touch, only portable whenever your on the go!
Because Apple doesn't sell a normal desktop only a workstation and a small cripled little laptop without screen .... so what would you buy when you need a "desktop".
The iMac is not the "best" solution - it is only the best of the worst.
The Pro is too, well "Pro" priced and overkill, and to get an iMac the way I would want it, would have all kinds of Firewire crap hanging off it. So much for Apple's elegant design concept!
I belive we will be introduced to a totally new product at the febuary Apple media event!
It´s a product that didn´t make it to Macworld 2008.
It seemed like Jobs had difficulties filling out the entire keynote. I think it was rushed into and hurriedly changed just days or hours before the event.
Yep! Just speculation... but I hope they now have a revised and better bombox (Read: Ipod HI FI) that actually can replace your current music stereo system.
If they wanna go all the way (Which i think they should), we would hopefully see the long awaited fully blown... (...Is it a stereo?... Is it a tv? ...is it a game console? ...or is it the new p2p video conference center on your new Cinema Display?) ...MediaCenter?
I belive we will be introduced to a totally new product at the febuary Apple media event!
It´s a product that didn´t make it to Macworld 2008.
It seemed like Jobs had difficulties filling out the entire keynote. I think it was rushed into and hurriedly changed just days or hours before the event.
Yep! Just speculation... but I hope they now have a revised and better bombox (Read: Ipod HI FI) that actually can replace your current music stereo system.
If they wanna go all the way (Which i think they should), we would hopefully see the long awaited fully blown... (...Is it a stereo?... Is it a tv? ...is it a game console? ...or is it the new p2p video conference center on your new Cinema Display?) ...MediaCenter?
Oohhh! I would be so freakiiiin`happy!!!
If not!...
Then it´s gotta be new Cinema Displays - Which contains some kind of web TV-capability with a Safari web browser in its stomach. Yep! Then you can surf the internet from your couch with your new and improved Apple Remote while you discuss todays football results with your friend over iChat. And of cause you navigate the internet with the remote... :-)
I was looking back at a lot of the discussions concerning tablet Macs, what people expect, so on and so forth.
Some people expect a full tablet device, with no keyboard. Others think Apple would make a convertable device. The more I think about it. the more I expect something that is both.
I think it will be sold first and foremost, yes, as a slate. That is a very Apple design. Simple, elegent, ect. Yet many people would still want a phyiscal keyboard for extended typing. My initial though had been the bluetooth keyboard. Some people, however, do not want to carry around an extra device.
So what is the solution?
I don't see a tablet mac as really BEING a Mac, but more like a superpowered, larger iPod touch. It would probably even use the same interface, though it could be running an OSX closer to the Mac variation. As such, this device would be used in conjuction with your current machine (like a Newton, for example) and would sync to your computer through iSync (maybe iTunes but I think an improved iSync would be a better option). It might even use the same iPod dock connector. So why not a dock?
And what if said dock also included a built in keyboard (not a track pad, just a keyboard)? What if the connector that it sat on top of allowed the device to rotate and even lay down? Of course, the keybaord and tablet would have to be designed in such a way that it would close flush no matter what way you closed it. But there you have it, a slate for the people who want one, a convertable for the people who want on, in the same product. It wouldn't be too far fetched, as there are hybrids that do that already.
This keyboard dock would have a connector port on the back for syncing. Maybe it would add more USB ports, or an ethernet port since I can't see a tablet Mac having one at this point.
I know what you are thinking, cause I just thought of it. "Roger, why would Apple do this? Wouldn't it cut into their laptop market?" A bit, sure. But then, this isn't a laptop. This isn't a desktop replacement and it doesn't run the familiar Mac OSX. It runs the touch version, but with much more programs (both first and obviously after this month, third party).
But then I claim no intellegence when it comes to what Apple WILL develop. But I do have fun imagining what the CAN develop.
I was looking back at a lot of the discussions concerning tablet Macs, what people expect, so on and so forth.
I don't even expect tablet Macs but rather larger iPod Touch like devices. I think the difference is huge and those that are advocating a tablet Mac don't realize how difficult that will be to sell.
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So what is the solution?
I don't see a tablet mac as really BEING a Mac, but more like a superpowered, larger iPod touch.
So we are thinking alike!
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It would probably even use the same interface, though it could be running an OSX closer to the Mac variation. As such, this device would be used in conjuction with your current machine (like a Newton, for example) and would sync to your computer through iSync (maybe iTunes but I think an improved iSync would be a better option). It might even use the same iPod dock connector. So why not a dock?
I don't think Apple needs a different version of Mac OS for this device, the mobile version will be fine if Apple ever finishes it. That is what is need right now on the iPhone an OS version that lets users better exploit the hardware. The one weakness with Mobile OS is with I/O which Apple can update at any time.
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And what if said dock also included a built in keyboard (not a track pad, just a keyboard)? What if the connector that it sat on top of allowed the device to rotate and even lay down? Of course, the keybaord and tablet would have to be designed in such a way that it would close flush no matter what way you closed it. But there you have it, a slate for the people who want one, a convertable for the people who want on, in the same product. It wouldn't be too far fetched, as there are hybrids that do that already.
The biggest problem with the folding approach is that mechanically it takes up to much space. So you end up with a product that is twice as thick as it needs to be. Now I acknowledge the need for alternative input devices but that can be resolved with a full Bluetooth stack and possibly a USB port, The user then can use the device of his choice.
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This keyboard dock would have a connector port on the back for syncing. Maybe it would add more USB ports, or an ethernet port since I can't see a tablet Mac having one at this point.
Tablet based iPod Touches don't need a lot of I/O unlike something like AIR that is too thin on I/O. I see solid support of WiFI and Bluetooth to be extremely important followed up by a USB port. This incidentally is what one gets in AIR, which makes you wonder why they couldn't find more space in that device.
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I know what you are thinking, cause I just thought of it. "Roger, why would Apple do this? Wouldn't it cut into their laptop market?" A bit, sure. But then, this isn't a laptop. This isn't a desktop replacement and it doesn't run the familiar Mac OSX. It runs the touch version, but with much more programs (both first and obviously after this month, third party).
Apple will do this simply because if they don't somebody else will. I believe demand for this type of devices is very high. One example is the high sales rates for iPod Touch even though it really is a bit thin as a media storage device.
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But then I claim no intellegence when it comes to what Apple WILL develop. But I do have fun imagining what the CAN develop.
Don't we all! I see the Touch as an excellent prototype of what could be a really awesome media device. It just needs a bit more work and another round of improvements with respect to Flash technology.
I don't even expect tablet Macs but rather larger iPod Touch like devices. I think the difference is huge and those that are advocating a tablet Mac don't realize how difficult that will be to sell.
So we are thinking alike!
Great minds, eh? i think the good money is on it. I think this plays partly into why tablets don't do well. Windows (and OSX) were designed with a point and click mouse based interface, not touch. So anything that is going to be touch based has to be designed around that...like the iPhone OS.
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I don't think Apple needs a different version of Mac OS for this device, the mobile version will be fine if Apple ever finishes it. That is what is need right now on the iPhone an OS version that lets users better exploit the hardware. The one weakness with Mobile OS is with I/O which Apple can update at any time.
I think somewhere a little in the middle actually. Not really full on Mac OSX but really, I would want something more powerful(not sure if that is the right term) here. I think it will need to be capable of much more than an iPod/iPhone.
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The biggest problem with the folding approach is that mechanically it takes up to much space. So you end up with a product that is twice as thick as it needs to be. Now I acknowledge the need for alternative input devices but that can be resolved with a full Bluetooth stack and possibly a USB port, The user then can use the device of his choice.
Also good. That would be enough to make me happy. I suggested this to appeal to the convertables. Though I also like my idea above of a double sided screen for a laptop. That one has even LESS chance of happening though. :-P
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Tablet based iPod Touches don't need a lot of I/O unlike something like AIR that is too thin on I/O. I see solid support of WiFI and Bluetooth to be extremely important followed up by a USB port. This incidentally is what one gets in AIR, which makes you wonder why they couldn't find more space in that device.
That is pretty much exactly what I am expecting with this tablet, the Air...er...ports.
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Apple will do this simply because if they don't somebody else will. I believe demand for this type of devices is very high. One example is the high sales rates for iPod Touch even though it really is a bit thin as a media storage device.
No doubt. Hell, Dell is developing a multitouch tablet! There's is a convertable but still! Apple (and Jobs) can't let them beat them to the punch. That is why I REALLY think that we will see (or at least hear) something at this rumored February event, especially if Jobs talks about the SDK. "So now that we can get these great programs onto this OS, check out this badass little device to run it!"
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Don't we all! I see the Touch as an excellent prototype of what could be a really awesome media device. It just needs a bit more work and another round of improvements with respect to Flash technology.
Dave
Agreed. I also want it bigger. I know the rumor here is that the "Newton" tablet will be 5.25 or so but I want at least 7". I don't care if it is pocketable because I carry around a messenger bag and most people carry around SOME sort of bag already, be it a briefcase, a laptop bag, a purse, ect. Something small enough to fit into one of those is all Apple needs. If you want something REALLY pocketable, we have the iPod touch already. But if we want something more powerful get this...err...iPod air? :-P
EDIT-Or maybe MacBook Nano? I found this a while ago and came across it again recently. If I recall, this was from some European magazine and based on what they heard the device would look like. This is about what I expect...except the optical drive, I think that was just speculation.
My estimates put this at around 10.5", twice as big as the rumored "Newton"
I assume your module means third party hardwares? Cause if it is, you are welcome to read the following comments, if not then you can skip it.
Well here is my tought, as much as we would love to make our own tricked out Mac. We would have to face that in the future, Apple will end up like MSoft. From my opinion, the reason why Vista is having a lot of problems is because of hardware incompatibility. A lot of old hardwares cant be used and MSoft would have real lots of problem making drivers for all those old hardwares.
Apple on the other hand would be able to control the age of their products with new OS (eg: your 4 years old Mac can run Leopard). Why? Cause they have absolute control over their hardware specs. Meaning they can actually test to know the exact minimum spec for Leopard to run and if any hardware related problem were to occur, Apple would be able to fix the problem ASAP and of coarse this means a more stable Leopard or future OSes.
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by these comments. Are you approving of my proposal or disapproving of it? It seems like disapproval.
ANYWAY...
You have a good point. Third-party hardware is what makes the world go 'round (that and Macs, of course), but when it doesn't work with your computer, that can be really, really annoying (). However, third-party hardware can also be less expensive than products from the company that makes the actual computer, but that does come at the expense of the guarantee of compatibility. I suppose it all depends on what you prefer: assured compatibility or less of a dent in your wallet.
I, for one, would like Apple to come out with a new, completely redesigned operating system. (Just a thought... What if they called it "Lemon"?) Everything would be 3-D, and it would be more based on open-source technologies.
Nah... that's not such a good idea. Open-source is the food of the gods, but it breeds incompatibility — best to stick with Leopard (10.5.x) for now.
P.S. I don't know why I even wrote this if I was just going to contradict myself.
Comments
And thats the reason Apple is different in GOOD way. They don't have a dizzying array of 45 different notebook configurations in different sizes (11.5",13.3",14.4",15", etc) and a confusing naming system (Macbook V-series ef4300i, Macbook VS-series kf4380i, Macbook ef4920i-z, etc...)
Give consumers more credit than this. A lot of models don't mean confusion, and I'm not talking about 20+ models. How about 6 or 7? There just needs to be good stratification or pricing.
Apple doesn't need to enter the sub $800 market and start making crap. The bottom-feeders can fight over those scraps. Apple will revolutionize the sub $800 notebook market though, by having iPhones and iPod touches making them obsolete for a cheaper price! Besides, whens the last time you went to Best Buy and actually saw a sub $800 notebook worth buying that wasn't on-sale, a demo model, or on clearance from yesteryear? Usually there is no more than 3 available and they all SUCK hardcore.
Well, we bought an HP dv2xxx something with a 13.3" screen and 1.8 GHz Turion X2 last September for $750. It's a fine machine for its purposes. We comparisoned shopped at Best Buy, Office Depot and Circuit City and got the cheapest one.
If Apple offered a $799 Macbook, I'd imagine something like a 1.6 GHz 2 MB cache C2D, 1 GB memory, 60 GB hard disk and a combo optical would be fine.
They could sell a 19" Macbook Pro at $2999 pretty easy with quad-core goodness and all. They could sell the black Macbook for $1399 (that's a $125 premium for the "black" feature) and make room for a 13.3" MBP at $1599. If they could squeeze a 14.1" screen in the MBA, it'll settle nicely in the $1799 price print. $1999 for 15" MBP. $2499 for 17" MPB. And yeah, perhaps a 12" Macbook at $899. That's 7 models, and still leave room for iPhone/iPod "max" at $699 (and iPhone nano at $249).
With the market trending towards all-on-machines (yes, laptops are all in one machines
Give consumers more credit than this. A lot of models don't mean confusion, and I'm not talking about 20+ models. How about 6 or 7? There just needs to be good stratification or pricing.
Well, we bought an HP dv2xxx something with a 13.3" screen and 1.8 GHz Turion X2 last September for $750. It's a fine machine for its purposes. We comparisoned shopped at Best Buy, Office Depot and Circuit City and got the cheapest one.
If Apple offered a $799 Macbook, I'd imagine something like a 1.6 GHz 2 MB cache C2D, 1 GB memory, 60 GB hard disk and a combo optical would be fine.
They could sell a 19" Macbook Pro at $2999 pretty easy with quad-core goodness and all. They could sell the black Macbook for $1399 (that's a $125 premium for the "black" feature) and make room for a 13.3" MBP at $1599. If they could squeeze a 14.1" screen in the MBA, it'll settle nicely in the $1799 price print. $1999 for 15" MBP. $2499 for 17" MPB. And yeah, perhaps a 12" Macbook at $899. That's 7 models, and still leave room for iPhone/iPod "max" at $699 (and iPhone nano at $249).
With the market trending towards all-on-machines (yes, laptops are all in one machines
If Apple can execute an $800 laptop that doesn't sacrifice (i.e. suck and tarnish Apple's good name & reputation) and that also doesn't cannibalize the Macbook, then great I'm for it.
As for Apple making an Eee Pc? Whats the point, the iPhone/iPod Touch is a far better platform and its far more mobile.
Is there expansion for 6 or laptop models? Maybe, I can see a 4th being a 13" Macbook Touch (Tablet). And maybe a smaller Macbook Touch as well, mimicking the size of a book or something 8"x11".
I really think the Macbook Touch will double as a desktop as well with a simple optional stand (a la iMac-style). That should be pretty huge with students and professionals, who can use it as a desktop at the dorm/home and take it to class/work.
Just a stand that snaps to the back of the Macbook Touch, Bluetooth Keyboard + Mouse and your set!
We know that Jobs wants to bring multitouch to regular computing. We have seen a first step with the MacBook air.
We know Apple has a patent to have multitouch on both sides of a device.
We know Apple can design and build REALLY thin screens.
So my idea for the MacBook touch is as follows.
Open, it looks just like a regular MacBook, including the hinge. It does everything the same way, looks the same, fantastic! There is some multitouch capability on the screen, but not much. About the amount the MacBook air has in its trackpad.
When you close it, the back of the screen...IS ALSO A SCREEN! It looks like a large iPhone. There is a sleep/wake button as well as a home button. The interface looks like the iPhone. You can hold it in one hand and still use the laptop, though with much limited.. Show presentations, movies, play music, photos. It could act partially as the Front Row (so you don't have to carry a remote with you). At least all the applications of the iPhone, with more that I am way too half asleep/half caffinated to think of at the moment but if someone wants to develop the idea a little more, please do so. I would say Photoshop but Apple NEEDS an active digitizer for that, otherwise they are wasting it.
I am not saying Apple will, just that Apple COULD.
OK, so I may have had WAY too much coffee this morning but I just came up with what could be an awesome idea.
We know that Jobs wants to bring multitouch to regular computing. We have seen a first step with the MacBook air.
We know Apple has a patent to have multitouch on both sides of a device.
We know Apple can design and build REALLY thin screens.
So my idea for the MacBook touch is as follows.
Open, it looks just like a regular MacBook, including the hinge. It does everything the same way, looks the same, fantastic! There is some multitouch capability on the screen, but not much. About the amount the MacBook air has in its trackpad.
When you close it, the back of the screen...IS ALSO A SCREEN! It looks like a large iPhone. There is a sleep/wake button as well as a home button. The interface looks like the iPhone. You can hold it in one hand and still use the laptop, though with much limited.. Show presentations, movies, play music, photos. It could act partially as the Front Row (so you don't have to carry a remote with you). At least all the applications of the iPhone, with more that I am way too half asleep/half caffinated to think of at the moment but if someone wants to develop the idea a little more, please do so. I would say Photoshop but Apple NEEDS an active digitizer for that, otherwise they are wasting it.
I am not saying Apple will, just that Apple COULD.
I like your idea, but i think I got some up my sleeve too
If I played Steve for a day,
I would...
Make a 13" Macbook Touch, dimensions (thickness) in between Macbook and the Air. Strictly Multi-Touch tablet with full OSX Leopard, no compromises. Make it roughly same processing power as MB or the MBA, give it 2GB ram, a 120GB drive to start (SSD optional), same amount of usb, firewire, and other ports as Macbook (maybe a few more), optional optical drive. My twist? It would double as a desktop as well! Give a nice iMac style stand that attaches to the back and voila! Your portable is now a desktop. Just add bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
I think this would be an explosively popular model for students and professionals. Take your tablet to school/work, and use it as a desktop back home. No silly docking stations, just a simple stand, magsafe plug, BT keyboard+mouse. Thats it!
It would be mini iMac Touch, only portable whenever your on the go!
Because Apple doesn't sell a normal desktop only a workstation and a small cripled little laptop without screen .... so what would you buy when you need a "desktop".
The iMac is not the "best" solution - it is only the best of the worst.
The Pro is too, well "Pro" priced and overkill, and to get an iMac the way I would want it, would have all kinds of Firewire crap hanging off it. So much for Apple's elegant design concept!
I belive we will be introduced to a totally new product at the febuary Apple media event!
It´s a product that didn´t make it to Macworld 2008.
It seemed like Jobs had difficulties filling out the entire keynote. I think it was rushed into and hurriedly changed just days or hours before the event.
Yep! Just speculation... but I hope they now have a revised and better bombox (Read: Ipod HI FI) that actually can replace your current music stereo system.
If they wanna go all the way (Which i think they should), we would hopefully see the long awaited fully blown... (...Is it a stereo?... Is it a tv? ...is it a game console? ...or is it the new p2p video conference center on your new Cinema Display?) ...MediaCenter?
Oohhh! I would be so freakiiiin`happy!!!
Just for my five penny´s worth...
I belive we will be introduced to a totally new product at the febuary Apple media event!
It´s a product that didn´t make it to Macworld 2008.
It seemed like Jobs had difficulties filling out the entire keynote. I think it was rushed into and hurriedly changed just days or hours before the event.
Yep! Just speculation... but I hope they now have a revised and better bombox (Read: Ipod HI FI) that actually can replace your current music stereo system.
If they wanna go all the way (Which i think they should), we would hopefully see the long awaited fully blown... (...Is it a stereo?... Is it a tv? ...is it a game console? ...or is it the new p2p video conference center on your new Cinema Display?) ...MediaCenter?
Oohhh! I would be so freakiiiin`happy!!!
If not!...
Then it´s gotta be new Cinema Displays - Which contains some kind of web TV-capability with a Safari web browser in its stomach. Yep! Then you can surf the internet from your couch with your new and improved Apple Remote while you discuss todays football results with your friend over iChat. And of cause you navigate the internet with the remote... :-)
Cinema Displays are so overdue...
I would be pleased... if it was just so...! ;-)
With wireless bandwidth getting better and faster, my suggestion would be a Mac that sits in with the entertainment center.
-Would look similar to current A/V equipment.
-Need for large and fast hard drives
-Upgradable graphics cards
-Slots
-Would be able to run dumb terminals wirelessly(why buy a computer for email, light word processing, surfing the net)
-Communicate seamlessly with multiple computers wirelessly
-Connected to cable, telephone, A/V equipment, game boxes, television.
It would be the hub of all communications, entertainment and computing.
Some people expect a full tablet device, with no keyboard. Others think Apple would make a convertable device. The more I think about it. the more I expect something that is both.
I think it will be sold first and foremost, yes, as a slate. That is a very Apple design. Simple, elegent, ect. Yet many people would still want a phyiscal keyboard for extended typing. My initial though had been the bluetooth keyboard. Some people, however, do not want to carry around an extra device.
So what is the solution?
I don't see a tablet mac as really BEING a Mac, but more like a superpowered, larger iPod touch. It would probably even use the same interface, though it could be running an OSX closer to the Mac variation. As such, this device would be used in conjuction with your current machine (like a Newton, for example) and would sync to your computer through iSync (maybe iTunes but I think an improved iSync would be a better option). It might even use the same iPod dock connector. So why not a dock?
And what if said dock also included a built in keyboard (not a track pad, just a keyboard)? What if the connector that it sat on top of allowed the device to rotate and even lay down? Of course, the keybaord and tablet would have to be designed in such a way that it would close flush no matter what way you closed it. But there you have it, a slate for the people who want one, a convertable for the people who want on, in the same product. It wouldn't be too far fetched, as there are hybrids that do that already.
This keyboard dock would have a connector port on the back for syncing. Maybe it would add more USB ports, or an ethernet port since I can't see a tablet Mac having one at this point.
I know what you are thinking, cause I just thought of it. "Roger, why would Apple do this? Wouldn't it cut into their laptop market?" A bit, sure. But then, this isn't a laptop. This isn't a desktop replacement and it doesn't run the familiar Mac OSX. It runs the touch version, but with much more programs (both first and obviously after this month, third party).
But then I claim no intellegence when it comes to what Apple WILL develop. But I do have fun imagining what the CAN develop.
I was looking back at a lot of the discussions concerning tablet Macs, what people expect, so on and so forth.
I don't even expect tablet Macs but rather larger iPod Touch like devices. I think the difference is huge and those that are advocating a tablet Mac don't realize how difficult that will be to sell.
So what is the solution?
I don't see a tablet mac as really BEING a Mac, but more like a superpowered, larger iPod touch.
So we are thinking alike!
It would probably even use the same interface, though it could be running an OSX closer to the Mac variation. As such, this device would be used in conjuction with your current machine (like a Newton, for example) and would sync to your computer through iSync (maybe iTunes but I think an improved iSync would be a better option). It might even use the same iPod dock connector. So why not a dock?
I don't think Apple needs a different version of Mac OS for this device, the mobile version will be fine if Apple ever finishes it. That is what is need right now on the iPhone an OS version that lets users better exploit the hardware. The one weakness with Mobile OS is with I/O which Apple can update at any time.
And what if said dock also included a built in keyboard (not a track pad, just a keyboard)? What if the connector that it sat on top of allowed the device to rotate and even lay down? Of course, the keybaord and tablet would have to be designed in such a way that it would close flush no matter what way you closed it. But there you have it, a slate for the people who want one, a convertable for the people who want on, in the same product. It wouldn't be too far fetched, as there are hybrids that do that already.
The biggest problem with the folding approach is that mechanically it takes up to much space. So you end up with a product that is twice as thick as it needs to be. Now I acknowledge the need for alternative input devices but that can be resolved with a full Bluetooth stack and possibly a USB port, The user then can use the device of his choice.
This keyboard dock would have a connector port on the back for syncing. Maybe it would add more USB ports, or an ethernet port since I can't see a tablet Mac having one at this point.
Tablet based iPod Touches don't need a lot of I/O unlike something like AIR that is too thin on I/O. I see solid support of WiFI and Bluetooth to be extremely important followed up by a USB port. This incidentally is what one gets in AIR, which makes you wonder why they couldn't find more space in that device.
I know what you are thinking, cause I just thought of it. "Roger, why would Apple do this? Wouldn't it cut into their laptop market?" A bit, sure. But then, this isn't a laptop. This isn't a desktop replacement and it doesn't run the familiar Mac OSX. It runs the touch version, but with much more programs (both first and obviously after this month, third party).
Apple will do this simply because if they don't somebody else will. I believe demand for this type of devices is very high. One example is the high sales rates for iPod Touch even though it really is a bit thin as a media storage device.
But then I claim no intellegence when it comes to what Apple WILL develop. But I do have fun imagining what the CAN develop.
Don't we all! I see the Touch as an excellent prototype of what could be a really awesome media device. It just needs a bit more work and another round of improvements with respect to Flash technology.
Dave
smaller footprint, same design as mac pro.
2.8 Ghz
4 GB ram
500 GB HDD
starting at $2100
Sizewise the low end would be:
A super cube with room for a standard DVDburner and any decent graphic card. The upper limit something like the orignal B&W tower
The MacPro is really a octacore design. Crippling it to "only" one quadcore and still having to use those expensive FBDIMMs is bad.
All the other macs are dual cores and the only way to make an other quadcore would be iMac with much improved coooling.
I am not suggesting dirt cheap tower to fight the very low end but something of 1000 to 1500 dollars.
Midsize tower for us higher computing designers with no need for a refrigerator sized mac at home.
smaller footprint, same design as mac pro.
2.8 Ghz
4 GB ram
500 GB HDD
starting at $2100
Try starting it at $800 with 2gb of ram small base HD, and slower cpu.
I don't even expect tablet Macs but rather larger iPod Touch like devices. I think the difference is huge and those that are advocating a tablet Mac don't realize how difficult that will be to sell.
So we are thinking alike!
Great minds, eh? i think the good money is on it. I think this plays partly into why tablets don't do well. Windows (and OSX) were designed with a point and click mouse based interface, not touch. So anything that is going to be touch based has to be designed around that...like the iPhone OS.
I don't think Apple needs a different version of Mac OS for this device, the mobile version will be fine if Apple ever finishes it. That is what is need right now on the iPhone an OS version that lets users better exploit the hardware. The one weakness with Mobile OS is with I/O which Apple can update at any time.
I think somewhere a little in the middle actually. Not really full on Mac OSX but really, I would want something more powerful(not sure if that is the right term) here. I think it will need to be capable of much more than an iPod/iPhone.
The biggest problem with the folding approach is that mechanically it takes up to much space. So you end up with a product that is twice as thick as it needs to be. Now I acknowledge the need for alternative input devices but that can be resolved with a full Bluetooth stack and possibly a USB port, The user then can use the device of his choice.
Also good. That would be enough to make me happy. I suggested this to appeal to the convertables. Though I also like my idea above of a double sided screen for a laptop. That one has even LESS chance of happening though. :-P
Tablet based iPod Touches don't need a lot of I/O unlike something like AIR that is too thin on I/O. I see solid support of WiFI and Bluetooth to be extremely important followed up by a USB port. This incidentally is what one gets in AIR, which makes you wonder why they couldn't find more space in that device.
That is pretty much exactly what I am expecting with this tablet, the Air...er...ports.
Apple will do this simply because if they don't somebody else will. I believe demand for this type of devices is very high. One example is the high sales rates for iPod Touch even though it really is a bit thin as a media storage device.
No doubt. Hell, Dell is developing a multitouch tablet! There's is a convertable but still! Apple (and Jobs) can't let them beat them to the punch. That is why I REALLY think that we will see (or at least hear) something at this rumored February event, especially if Jobs talks about the SDK. "So now that we can get these great programs onto this OS, check out this badass little device to run it!"
Don't we all! I see the Touch as an excellent prototype of what could be a really awesome media device. It just needs a bit more work and another round of improvements with respect to Flash technology.
Dave
Agreed. I also want it bigger. I know the rumor here is that the "Newton" tablet will be 5.25 or so but I want at least 7". I don't care if it is pocketable because I carry around a messenger bag and most people carry around SOME sort of bag already, be it a briefcase, a laptop bag, a purse, ect. Something small enough to fit into one of those is all Apple needs. If you want something REALLY pocketable, we have the iPod touch already. But if we want something more powerful get this...err...iPod air? :-P
EDIT-Or maybe MacBook Nano? I found this a while ago and came across it again recently. If I recall, this was from some European magazine and based on what they heard the device would look like. This is about what I expect...except the optical drive, I think that was just speculation.
My estimates put this at around 10.5", twice as big as the rumored "Newton"
EDIT 2-OK, so after a little more digging, this seems to be the originator, Stuff Magazine. Check out the very sparse online article.
Try starting it at $800 with 2gb of ram small base HD, and slower cpu.
but of course. however that was just the version i'd want..
I assume your module means third party hardwares? Cause if it is, you are welcome to read the following comments, if not then you can skip it.
Well here is my tought, as much as we would love to make our own tricked out Mac. We would have to face that in the future, Apple will end up like MSoft. From my opinion, the reason why Vista is having a lot of problems is because of hardware incompatibility. A lot of old hardwares cant be used and MSoft would have real lots of problem making drivers for all those old hardwares.
Apple on the other hand would be able to control the age of their products with new OS (eg: your 4 years old Mac can run Leopard). Why? Cause they have absolute control over their hardware specs. Meaning they can actually test to know the exact minimum spec for Leopard to run and if any hardware related problem were to occur, Apple would be able to fix the problem ASAP and of coarse this means a more stable Leopard or future OSes.
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by these comments. Are you approving of my proposal or disapproving of it? It seems like disapproval.
ANYWAY...
You have a good point. Third-party hardware is what makes the world go 'round (that and Macs, of course), but when it doesn't work with your computer, that can be really, really annoying (
I, for one, would like Apple to come out with a new, completely redesigned operating system. (Just a thought... What if they called it "Lemon"?) Everything would be 3-D, and it would be more based on open-source technologies.
Nah... that's not such a good idea. Open-source is the food of the gods, but it breeds incompatibility — best to stick with Leopard (10.5.x) for now.
P.S. I don't know why I even wrote this if I was just going to contradict myself.