Why do they keep referring to this as a netbook? Isn't it more of a touch tablet? I doubt that it will have a lid.
I agree. A touch screen does *NOT* make sense with a clamshell notebook or standard desktop computer where the interaction would be with a vertically-oriented display! who is going to want to hold their arms in the air in front of them manipulating a touch display??? The ergonomics just don't make any sense..
If there really is a device being made with a ~9-10 touchscreen, I'd have to assume it is going to be some type of multi-touch tablet, either with a smartphone/UMPC style slide-out keyboard on the bottom that is parallel to the display or lacking a physical keyboard altogether.
I can agree Apple is likely to deliver more portable devices. Its difficult to say what exactly that product will be or exactly when they will deliver it. This year isn't really the best year to launch a new platform or a radically new product.
I don't understand this reasoning? Not good for who, Apple or the Consumer? I think if they are one of the few companies still coming out new products (even developing a new platform), then that would work in their favor, not against. And I think the consumers are still willing to buy - a lot of them (not all obviously) have hardly been hit by these times, despite what the news is saying 24hr a day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TenoBell
From a technical standpoint this may be true. But from a real world user standpoint tablets never took off. Smartphone sales will soon surpass sales of entire PC industry.
Mainly because the crippling reality of a tablet sets in after a while. Unless theres a keyboard, the entire thing feels gimicky and hard to use. The people who are more willing to dish out money on the latest and greatest things are often looking for things that make specific tasks easier or more effecient. Netbooks work because of that, tablets fail. A combination of the two (an open marriage, of sorts) should work well, especially now with the new "touchscreen" smart phone phenomenon. I can't imagine too many people utilizing a tablet w/o a keyboard. Even if it flips out (like someone had thought was a good idea) I can't imaging too many people trying to hold a 9" tablet trying to type with their thumbs.
Having the Option to combine the two follows what a lot of users wish they could do (and some can): attach a bluetooth keyboard on their Smart Phone.
Well that is all certainly speculation on your point. We know that Apple is only willing to support profitable products, Apple has improved and updated the Air. We know Apple's notebook revenues have only increased since the introduction of the Air, that leaves no reason to assume the Air is unprofitable.
I beleive it was an article on here that the number of switchers from windows had risen as well, so it does not necessarily correlate to the Air selling well. And Apple does sell items that are not profitable, the Mac Mini and Apple TV are two devices that may be breaking a profit now but they sure didn't for the first spin of their existence.
I didn't post last years number, those numbers are projected for 2009.
You miss on the fact that there are new netbook prototypes with larger screens. No I see absolutely no evidence that most people want 10" netbooks, with tiny keys and trackpads.
Except that the 12" netbooks have been tepid sellers and the 9" ones a tad too small.
The 10" ones are highly anticipated or selling well. All they need is Ion and slightly higher resolution (say 1366 x 768).
I agree. A touch screen does *NOT* make sense with a clamshell notebook or standard desktop computer where the interaction would be with a vertically-oriented display! who is going to want to hold their arms in the air in front of them manipulating a touch display??? The ergonomics just don't make any sense..
If there really is a device being made with a ~9-10 touchscreen, I'd have to assume it is going to be some type of multi-touch tablet, either with a smartphone/UMPC style slide-out keyboard on the bottom that is parallel to the display or lacking a physical keyboard altogether.
I love folks that have never looked at tablets but are willing to make comments anyway.
Convertible tablets are clamshell notebooks that allow you to flip the screen over to go into tablet mode. The only better tablet design is the Always Innovating one with a detachable screen. The downside of that one is that it's Linux only.
I feel a bit sorry for the Touch Book guys. They try to create an 'iPod touch like netbook' for the masses - only to have Apple come in and steal the thunder (if the rumors are true)...
I don't. The Touch Book guys screwed themselves with the ARM processor. That means Linux only since they aren't Apple.
What they SHOULD have done is run Atom and Windows 7 and put a bigger battery in the base for a longer runtime when docked to the keyboard. As is, they have an epic fail on their hands in at least the US market.
Not even Apple can really get away with an ARM based netbook unless it can convince MS to do an OSX/ARM port of Office. Neither iWork or OpenOffice cuts it.
You suggest, unlike the Touch Book, it will not come with a keyboard, but have the option to plug one in via USB. Yet adding one via USB is not nearly as smart as the Touch Book's setup.
But why not use Bluetooth? Apple already has a tiny Bluetooth keyboard. Why introduce a USB version? Probably means the new netbook will not have Bluetooth.
But that means no tethering with iPhones either! Which would seem like a no-brainer (with additional tethering data plan of course).
One tech I'd like to add to the list:
The 17" MacBook Pro's smart battery. Might give the netbook 24 hour battery life.
When is it coming?
My guess: introduction at WWDC as 'One More Thing', shipping in September - to give developers time to re-compile their software for ARM CPUs. It really would need to be WWDC IMHO as it is a completely new OSX platform.
One thing's not clear though:
If Apple were to introduce this in Q3, why would they purchase Samsung's April Flash production? With prices falling and economies declining, waiting a few months could only save them money. Especially if according to rumors productions will only start in Q3.
I agree on the Bluetooth it's probably the best option for a keyboard. I had a boss that used Motion Computing tablets and to me these ARE the way tablets should be. He was fast at taking notes with his stylus but when he needed to input a lot of data he either docked it to the Keyboard/Dock or used Nuance NaturallySpeaking to dictate in more notes. So in essence he carried around what 3lbs max of hardware and laughed everytime he saw the QWERTY tablets getting lugged around.
I think Apple definitely wants to use a sealed battery based on the new tech. 24 hours of runtime would be fantastic. The tethering plan sounds fantastic I'd certainly love that if ATT makes it affordable.
I think the NAND could be a cross between the new iPhone/iPod Touch and whatever tablet like Netbook thing Apple cooks up. I figure Apple knows that if they grab a lions share of the supply the prices won't go down substantially so that mitigates their risk.
Quote:
Originally Posted by vinea
I don't. The Touch Book guys screwed themselves with the ARM processor. That means Linux only since they aren't Apple.
What they SHOULD have done is run Atom and Windows 7 and put a bigger battery in the base for a longer runtime when docked to the keyboard. As is, they have an epic fail on their hands in at least the US market.
Not even Apple can really get away with an ARM based netbook unless it can convince MS to do an OSX/ARM port of Office. Neither iWork or OpenOffice cuts it.
For a Netbook Linux ain't half bad. You've got Ubuntu for ARM and pretty soon you'll have Android. I couldn't care less about running Windows on a Netbook. People don't seem to get it. The Netbook is simply a network computer that's portable feeding off of the Internet. Web technologies almost by definition are universal platform agnostic.
People aren't buying Netbooks for Office. If you want to run and edit Office you get a full size laptop.
Is anyone else annoyed by the sudden popularity of this term?
It is almost as annoying as web 2.0. Hmm, maybe I'll go tweet about it.
Anyway, if apple releases a tablet, I wonder if i'll have to eat my hat. For years i've been harping on the inherent disadvantages of a tablet form factor. Can a carefully thought out Apple tablet change my mind? Hmmm, I doubt it, unless it is priced so cheaply that people can afford one as a supplemental computing device, not their primary machine.
Not even Apple can really get away with an ARM based netbook unless it can convince MS to do an OSX/ARM port of Office. Neither iWork or OpenOffice cuts it.
I bet they try. I really see Apple making this a feature that distinguishes it from a MacBook.
You want full OSX app compatibility then Apple wants you to buy a MB or better.
Cruise the net, check email and work with web apps, then look at our shiny new Apple Netbook. Its made just for people like you!
PS And iPhone developers will love this platform and I suspect many will port their apps to this machine and Apple will GLADLY sell them at the app store.
The timing is not good for anyone. We are in a seriously and historically low economy that in one way or another is effecting everyone. Its not the best environment for launching a new product.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tazinlwfl
I don't understand this reasoning? Not good for who, Apple or the Consumer? I think if they are one of the few companies still coming out new products (even developing a new platform), then that would work in their favor, not against. And I think the consumers are still willing to buy - a lot of them (not all obviously) have hardly been hit by these times, despite what the news is saying 24hr a day.
The Air doesn't need to be a huge seller to be profitable. Hypothetically lets say the Air sold an average 100,000 units a quarter last year. Lets say the average selling price is $2000. This would mean the Air makes 200 million in revenue per quarter and 800 million in revenue per year. The Air is profitable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by steviet02
I beleive it was an article on here that the number of switchers from windows had risen as well, so it does not necessarily correlate to the Air selling well. And Apple does sell items that are not profitable, the Mac Mini and Apple TV are two devices that may be breaking a profit now but they sure didn't for the first spin of their existence.
The Air doesn't need to be a huge seller to be profitable. Hypothetically lets say the Air sold an average 100,000 units a quarter last year. Lets say the average selling price is $2000. This would mean the Air makes 200 million in revenue per quarter and 800 million in revenue per year. The Air is profitable.
Keep in mind that merely being profitable doesn't justify the existence of a product line.
The attention of Apple's higher-ups is finite. So the real question is, is a product profitable enough to justify not devoting that attention to a different product? What if everyone involved could have produced twice as much revenue by working on some other product?
I'm not trying to say anything about the Air in particular. But rather point out that merely being profitable isn't, in itself, proof of a wise product offering. The same concept might be applicable to the rumored netbook.
At this point we can say with certainty the Air is profitable enough for Apple to offer it in their product mix. Apple hasn't been shy or emotionally attached to any particular product to not discontinue if they feel it no longer meet their needs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dfiler
Keep in mind that merely being profitable doesn't justify the existence of a product line.
The attention of Apple's higher-ups is finite. So the real question is, is a product profitable enough to justify not devoting that attention to a different product? What if everyone involved could have produced twice as much revenue by working on some other product?
I'm not trying to say anything about the Air in particular. But rather point out that merely being profitable isn't, in itself, proof of a wise product offering. The same concept might be applicable to the rumored netbook.
At this point we can say with certainty the Air is profitable enough for Apple to offer it in their product mix. Apple hasn't been shy or emotionally attached to any particular product to not discontinue if they feel it no longer meet their needs.
Perhaps a less royal "we" is in order.
I don't think the Air is a bad product, but it isn't clearly the best use of Apple's staff and resources. It may be so. But I wouldn't go so far as declare it certain, especially without being privy to all the alternatives. Cue perpetual xMac whining, etc.
it will be interesting to see where in between an iPhone like sales graph and an Air sales graph the rumored apple product falls...
I'm not sure what alternatives you are referring too. The Air is a year old and has had a major refresh, what other evidence do you need to show that its certain Apple feels its worth their efforts?
Volume of sales between products directly depends on its sales price. No one expects a more expensive product to outsell a less expensive product.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dfiler
Perhaps a less royal "we" is in order.
I don't think the Air is a bad product, but it isn't clearly the best use of Apple's staff and resources. It may be so. But I wouldn't go so far as declare it certain, especially without being privy to all the alternatives. Cue perpetual xMac whining, etc.
it will be interesting to see where in between an iPhone like sales graph and an Air sales graph the rumored apple product falls...
I had a boss that used Motion Computing tablets and to me these ARE the way tablets should be.
I have a motion computing tablet and this are NOT the way tablets should be. Docked it's okay, but the way the keyboard attaches for mobile use is weak. It sucks as a laptop replacement since the convertible keyboard sucks.
Quote:
He was fast at taking notes with his stylus but when he needed to input a lot of data he either docked it to the Keyboard/Dock or used Nuance NaturallySpeaking to dictate in more notes. So in essence he carried around what 3lbs max of hardware and laughed everytime he saw the QWERTY tablets getting lugged around.
Except that my netbook is lighter, has better keyboard integration and is a usable notebook replacement. If I really wanted the OneNote and tablet capability I could get the Gigabyte m912 (3 lbs - 3.4 lbs with brick). The only downside to the Gigabyte was the cost but more netbook tablets are on the way that are 10" and probably price competitve with other netbooks (Eeepc T101H, Fujitsu Lifebook M1010, Gigabyte M1028, etc)
Quote:
For a Netbook Linux ain't half bad. You've got Ubuntu for ARM and pretty soon you'll have Android. I couldn't care less about running Windows on a Netbook. People don't seem to get it. The Netbook is simply a network computer that's portable feeding off of the Internet. Web technologies almost by definition are universal platform agnostic.
People aren't buying Netbooks for Office. If you want to run and edit Office you get a full size laptop.
People are buying netbooks as notebook replacement. The basic needs are simple: web surfing, email and editing Office docs and showing a powerpoint presentations.
These are not network computers...they are functionally equivalent to notebooks from a few years ago. The 1.6Ghz Atom is slightly slower than the 1.13Ghz Pentium M (Tualatin) and faster than a 2.4Ghz P4 (Northwood). This is plenty fast for MS Office.
Google Docs, OpenOffice and iWork are not current replacements for MS Office and a network computer would do you no good on an airplane or anywhere without a network. Which is still a lot of places.
And windows appears to be preferred over Linux given the return rates in Linux netbooks. Personally, I have zero desire to run Linux over OSX or Windows. Especially since I lose both Office and iTunes. I can have a 500GB drive on my netbook that handles quite a bit of iTunes and photo storage and I don't have to use a lame assed linux photo editor like GIMP although I haven't tried LightZone. Which hopefully doesn't suck since it's actually a Windows/OSX product ported to Linux.
I bet they try. I really see Apple making this a feature that distinguishes it from a MacBook.
You want full OSX app compatibility then Apple wants you to buy a MB or better.
Cruise the net, check email and work with web apps, then look at our shiny new Apple Netbook. Its made just for people like you!
PS And iPhone developers will love this platform and I suspect many will port their apps to this machine and Apple will GLADLY sell them at the app store.
Well, if they do, at least I will get to keep iTunes...and apps that don't always suck.
Comments
Why do they keep referring to this as a netbook? Isn't it more of a touch tablet? I doubt that it will have a lid.
I agree. A touch screen does *NOT* make sense with a clamshell notebook or standard desktop computer where the interaction would be with a vertically-oriented display! who is going to want to hold their arms in the air in front of them manipulating a touch display??? The ergonomics just don't make any sense..
If there really is a device being made with a ~9-10 touchscreen, I'd have to assume it is going to be some type of multi-touch tablet, either with a smartphone/UMPC style slide-out keyboard on the bottom that is parallel to the display or lacking a physical keyboard altogether.
I can agree Apple is likely to deliver more portable devices. Its difficult to say what exactly that product will be or exactly when they will deliver it. This year isn't really the best year to launch a new platform or a radically new product.
I don't understand this reasoning? Not good for who, Apple or the Consumer? I think if they are one of the few companies still coming out new products (even developing a new platform), then that would work in their favor, not against. And I think the consumers are still willing to buy - a lot of them (not all obviously) have hardly been hit by these times, despite what the news is saying 24hr a day.
From a technical standpoint this may be true. But from a real world user standpoint tablets never took off. Smartphone sales will soon surpass sales of entire PC industry.
Mainly because the crippling reality of a tablet sets in after a while. Unless theres a keyboard, the entire thing feels gimicky and hard to use. The people who are more willing to dish out money on the latest and greatest things are often looking for things that make specific tasks easier or more effecient. Netbooks work because of that, tablets fail. A combination of the two (an open marriage, of sorts) should work well, especially now with the new "touchscreen" smart phone phenomenon. I can't imagine too many people utilizing a tablet w/o a keyboard. Even if it flips out (like someone had thought was a good idea) I can't imaging too many people trying to hold a 9" tablet trying to type with their thumbs.
Having the Option to combine the two follows what a lot of users wish they could do (and some can): attach a bluetooth keyboard on their Smart Phone.
Well that is all certainly speculation on your point. We know that Apple is only willing to support profitable products, Apple has improved and updated the Air. We know Apple's notebook revenues have only increased since the introduction of the Air, that leaves no reason to assume the Air is unprofitable.
I beleive it was an article on here that the number of switchers from windows had risen as well, so it does not necessarily correlate to the Air selling well. And Apple does sell items that are not profitable, the Mac Mini and Apple TV are two devices that may be breaking a profit now but they sure didn't for the first spin of their existence.
I didn't post last years number, those numbers are projected for 2009.
You miss on the fact that there are new netbook prototypes with larger screens. No I see absolutely no evidence that most people want 10" netbooks, with tiny keys and trackpads.
Except that the 12" netbooks have been tepid sellers and the 9" ones a tad too small.
The 10" ones are highly anticipated or selling well. All they need is Ion and slightly higher resolution (say 1366 x 768).
I agree. A touch screen does *NOT* make sense with a clamshell notebook or standard desktop computer where the interaction would be with a vertically-oriented display! who is going to want to hold their arms in the air in front of them manipulating a touch display??? The ergonomics just don't make any sense..
If there really is a device being made with a ~9-10 touchscreen, I'd have to assume it is going to be some type of multi-touch tablet, either with a smartphone/UMPC style slide-out keyboard on the bottom that is parallel to the display or lacking a physical keyboard altogether.
I love folks that have never looked at tablets but are willing to make comments anyway.
Convertible tablets are clamshell notebooks that allow you to flip the screen over to go into tablet mode. The only better tablet design is the Always Innovating one with a detachable screen. The downside of that one is that it's Linux only.
I feel a bit sorry for the Touch Book guys. They try to create an 'iPod touch like netbook' for the masses - only to have Apple come in and steal the thunder (if the rumors are true)...
I don't. The Touch Book guys screwed themselves with the ARM processor. That means Linux only since they aren't Apple.
What they SHOULD have done is run Atom and Windows 7 and put a bigger battery in the base for a longer runtime when docked to the keyboard. As is, they have an epic fail on their hands in at least the US market.
Not even Apple can really get away with an ARM based netbook unless it can convince MS to do an OSX/ARM port of Office. Neither iWork or OpenOffice cuts it.
Great post, hmurchison!
You suggest, unlike the Touch Book, it will not come with a keyboard, but have the option to plug one in via USB. Yet adding one via USB is not nearly as smart as the Touch Book's setup.
But why not use Bluetooth? Apple already has a tiny Bluetooth keyboard. Why introduce a USB version? Probably means the new netbook will not have Bluetooth.
But that means no tethering with iPhones either! Which would seem like a no-brainer (with additional tethering data plan of course).
One tech I'd like to add to the list:
The 17" MacBook Pro's smart battery. Might give the netbook 24 hour battery life.
When is it coming?
My guess: introduction at WWDC as 'One More Thing', shipping in September - to give developers time to re-compile their software for ARM CPUs. It really would need to be WWDC IMHO as it is a completely new OSX platform.
One thing's not clear though:
If Apple were to introduce this in Q3, why would they purchase Samsung's April Flash production? With prices falling and economies declining, waiting a few months could only save them money. Especially if according to rumors productions will only start in Q3.
I agree on the Bluetooth it's probably the best option for a keyboard. I had a boss that used Motion Computing tablets and to me these ARE the way tablets should be. He was fast at taking notes with his stylus but when he needed to input a lot of data he either docked it to the Keyboard/Dock or used Nuance NaturallySpeaking to dictate in more notes. So in essence he carried around what 3lbs max of hardware and laughed everytime he saw the QWERTY tablets getting lugged around.
I think Apple definitely wants to use a sealed battery based on the new tech. 24 hours of runtime would be fantastic. The tethering plan sounds fantastic I'd certainly love that if ATT makes it affordable.
I think the NAND could be a cross between the new iPhone/iPod Touch and whatever tablet like Netbook thing Apple cooks up. I figure Apple knows that if they grab a lions share of the supply the prices won't go down substantially so that mitigates their risk.
I don't. The Touch Book guys screwed themselves with the ARM processor. That means Linux only since they aren't Apple.
What they SHOULD have done is run Atom and Windows 7 and put a bigger battery in the base for a longer runtime when docked to the keyboard. As is, they have an epic fail on their hands in at least the US market.
Not even Apple can really get away with an ARM based netbook unless it can convince MS to do an OSX/ARM port of Office. Neither iWork or OpenOffice cuts it.
For a Netbook Linux ain't half bad. You've got Ubuntu for ARM and pretty soon you'll have Android. I couldn't care less about running Windows on a Netbook. People don't seem to get it. The Netbook is simply a network computer that's portable feeding off of the Internet. Web technologies almost by definition are universal platform agnostic.
People aren't buying Netbooks for Office. If you want to run and edit Office you get a full size laptop.
Is anyone else annoyed by the sudden popularity of this term?
It is almost as annoying as web 2.0. Hmm, maybe I'll go tweet about it.
Anyway, if apple releases a tablet, I wonder if i'll have to eat my hat. For years i've been harping on the inherent disadvantages of a tablet form factor. Can a carefully thought out Apple tablet change my mind? Hmmm, I doubt it, unless it is priced so cheaply that people can afford one as a supplemental computing device, not their primary machine.
Not even Apple can really get away with an ARM based netbook unless it can convince MS to do an OSX/ARM port of Office. Neither iWork or OpenOffice cuts it.
I bet they try. I really see Apple making this a feature that distinguishes it from a MacBook.
You want full OSX app compatibility then Apple wants you to buy a MB or better.
Cruise the net, check email and work with web apps, then look at our shiny new Apple Netbook. Its made just for people like you!
PS And iPhone developers will love this platform and I suspect many will port their apps to this machine and Apple will GLADLY sell them at the app store.
I don't understand this reasoning? Not good for who, Apple or the Consumer? I think if they are one of the few companies still coming out new products (even developing a new platform), then that would work in their favor, not against. And I think the consumers are still willing to buy - a lot of them (not all obviously) have hardly been hit by these times, despite what the news is saying 24hr a day.
I beleive it was an article on here that the number of switchers from windows had risen as well, so it does not necessarily correlate to the Air selling well. And Apple does sell items that are not profitable, the Mac Mini and Apple TV are two devices that may be breaking a profit now but they sure didn't for the first spin of their existence.
I'm not saying their is no market for a 10" netbook, my point is their is no evidence most people want a 10" netbook.
Except that the 12" netbooks have been tepid sellers and the 9" ones a tad too small.
The 10" ones are highly anticipated or selling well. All they need is Ion and slightly higher resolution (say 1366 x 768).
The Air doesn't need to be a huge seller to be profitable. Hypothetically lets say the Air sold an average 100,000 units a quarter last year. Lets say the average selling price is $2000. This would mean the Air makes 200 million in revenue per quarter and 800 million in revenue per year. The Air is profitable.
Keep in mind that merely being profitable doesn't justify the existence of a product line.
The attention of Apple's higher-ups is finite. So the real question is, is a product profitable enough to justify not devoting that attention to a different product? What if everyone involved could have produced twice as much revenue by working on some other product?
I'm not trying to say anything about the Air in particular. But rather point out that merely being profitable isn't, in itself, proof of a wise product offering. The same concept might be applicable to the rumored netbook.
That's what I want!! Dual touch screen netbook!
Keep in mind that merely being profitable doesn't justify the existence of a product line.
The attention of Apple's higher-ups is finite. So the real question is, is a product profitable enough to justify not devoting that attention to a different product? What if everyone involved could have produced twice as much revenue by working on some other product?
I'm not trying to say anything about the Air in particular. But rather point out that merely being profitable isn't, in itself, proof of a wise product offering. The same concept might be applicable to the rumored netbook.
At this point we can say with certainty the Air is profitable enough for Apple to offer it in their product mix. Apple hasn't been shy or emotionally attached to any particular product to not discontinue if they feel it no longer meet their needs.
Perhaps a less royal "we" is in order.
I don't think the Air is a bad product, but it isn't clearly the best use of Apple's staff and resources. It may be so. But I wouldn't go so far as declare it certain, especially without being privy to all the alternatives. Cue perpetual xMac whining, etc.
it will be interesting to see where in between an iPhone like sales graph and an Air sales graph the rumored apple product falls...
Volume of sales between products directly depends on its sales price. No one expects a more expensive product to outsell a less expensive product.
Perhaps a less royal "we" is in order.
I don't think the Air is a bad product, but it isn't clearly the best use of Apple's staff and resources. It may be so. But I wouldn't go so far as declare it certain, especially without being privy to all the alternatives. Cue perpetual xMac whining, etc.
it will be interesting to see where in between an iPhone like sales graph and an Air sales graph the rumored apple product falls...
I had a boss that used Motion Computing tablets and to me these ARE the way tablets should be.
I have a motion computing tablet and this are NOT the way tablets should be. Docked it's okay, but the way the keyboard attaches for mobile use is weak. It sucks as a laptop replacement since the convertible keyboard sucks.
He was fast at taking notes with his stylus but when he needed to input a lot of data he either docked it to the Keyboard/Dock or used Nuance NaturallySpeaking to dictate in more notes. So in essence he carried around what 3lbs max of hardware and laughed everytime he saw the QWERTY tablets getting lugged around.
Except that my netbook is lighter, has better keyboard integration and is a usable notebook replacement. If I really wanted the OneNote and tablet capability I could get the Gigabyte m912 (3 lbs - 3.4 lbs with brick). The only downside to the Gigabyte was the cost but more netbook tablets are on the way that are 10" and probably price competitve with other netbooks (Eeepc T101H, Fujitsu Lifebook M1010, Gigabyte M1028, etc)
For a Netbook Linux ain't half bad. You've got Ubuntu for ARM and pretty soon you'll have Android. I couldn't care less about running Windows on a Netbook. People don't seem to get it. The Netbook is simply a network computer that's portable feeding off of the Internet. Web technologies almost by definition are universal platform agnostic.
People aren't buying Netbooks for Office. If you want to run and edit Office you get a full size laptop.
People are buying netbooks as notebook replacement. The basic needs are simple: web surfing, email and editing Office docs and showing a powerpoint presentations.
These are not network computers...they are functionally equivalent to notebooks from a few years ago. The 1.6Ghz Atom is slightly slower than the 1.13Ghz Pentium M (Tualatin) and faster than a 2.4Ghz P4 (Northwood). This is plenty fast for MS Office.
Google Docs, OpenOffice and iWork are not current replacements for MS Office and a network computer would do you no good on an airplane or anywhere without a network. Which is still a lot of places.
And windows appears to be preferred over Linux given the return rates in Linux netbooks. Personally, I have zero desire to run Linux over OSX or Windows. Especially since I lose both Office and iTunes. I can have a 500GB drive on my netbook that handles quite a bit of iTunes and photo storage and I don't have to use a lame assed linux photo editor like GIMP although I haven't tried LightZone. Which hopefully doesn't suck since it's actually a Windows/OSX product ported to Linux.
I bet they try. I really see Apple making this a feature that distinguishes it from a MacBook.
You want full OSX app compatibility then Apple wants you to buy a MB or better.
Cruise the net, check email and work with web apps, then look at our shiny new Apple Netbook. Its made just for people like you!
PS And iPhone developers will love this platform and I suspect many will port their apps to this machine and Apple will GLADLY sell them at the app store.
Well, if they do, at least I will get to keep iTunes...and apps that don't always suck.
THAT, that's what I want! LOL