Possibility of Apple subnotebook (MacBook nano) and UMPC (MacPal)?
In my mind, I was thinking about the possibility of an Apple subnotebook and UMPC.
First off, I was thinking that Apple will probably replace the 12" PowerBook soon with a new 12" widescreen MacBook nano. Basically, it would be a sub-3 pounder with a ULV Core Duo, your typical ports, an ExpressCard/34 slot and SuperDrive, and a thin case. It would be priced above the MacBook but slightly below the MacBook Pro.
But due to those recent patent filings by Apple for UMPC-type designs, I have a distinct feeling that Apple will probably be introducing a UMPC product in the near future. After all, the UMPC is partially an Intel reference platform. So, let me present my idea of the MacPal.
The MacPal would be a Core 2 Duo ULV (Merom)-based UMPC running Mac OS X (obviously). Some of the features would include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an SDHC (SD High Capacity) slot, and a GPRS/EDGE radio for optional wireless data services (through Cingular in the US, among others). A MacPal Dock (a la Duo Dock) about the size of a Mac mini would also be available for hooking it up to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Such a product if released would probably be in the $1500-2000 (US) price range.
Could Apple do it? If so, how?
First off, I was thinking that Apple will probably replace the 12" PowerBook soon with a new 12" widescreen MacBook nano. Basically, it would be a sub-3 pounder with a ULV Core Duo, your typical ports, an ExpressCard/34 slot and SuperDrive, and a thin case. It would be priced above the MacBook but slightly below the MacBook Pro.
But due to those recent patent filings by Apple for UMPC-type designs, I have a distinct feeling that Apple will probably be introducing a UMPC product in the near future. After all, the UMPC is partially an Intel reference platform. So, let me present my idea of the MacPal.
The MacPal would be a Core 2 Duo ULV (Merom)-based UMPC running Mac OS X (obviously). Some of the features would include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an SDHC (SD High Capacity) slot, and a GPRS/EDGE radio for optional wireless data services (through Cingular in the US, among others). A MacPal Dock (a la Duo Dock) about the size of a Mac mini would also be available for hooking it up to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Such a product if released would probably be in the $1500-2000 (US) price range.
Could Apple do it? If so, how?
Comments
It says Meet the Family. Now Complete.
That to me suggests that theres not gonna be any more of the current gen
Originally posted by rhodesy
http://www.apple.com/uk/hardware/
It says Meet the Family. Now Complete.
That to me suggests that theres not gonna be any more of the current gen
I agree. It's a shame really. Apple probably would make a truely excellent subnotebook if they wished.
let the whining begin...
Originally posted by rhodesy
http://www.apple.com/uk/hardware/
It says Meet the Family. Now Complete.
That to me suggests that theres not gonna be any more of the current gen
It's just marketing.
The Family may be Yonah, with Merom being a new 'Family'
1. Ride the power, capacity, capability curve of the iPod up, and
2. Ride the miniaturization curve of the iBook down.
This strategy implied that at some point (still in the future) the power, capacity, capability, size and pricing of these would meet, enabling something new and different than we know today.
Perhaps this is what Microsoft has so stunningly named UMPC. Maybe "tablet". Maybe SuperPod. Whatever.
The point is this...if you look at the "baby steps" and what Apple is doing with iBook/MacBook and iPod perhaps it is not too outrageous to draw some "trajectory lines" into the future.
But, Apple will continue to do this in "baby steps" for a couple of reasons:
1. The (combined) technology (size, power, battery life, cost, etc.) is not ready yet to make it great.
2. Human interface work needs to be done (and evolved) over time. iPod doesn't scale to a full PC or PDA functionality (yet) and the Microsoft solution of just scaling down the Windows UI to a smaller screen is sub-optimal (at best). Apple will be thinking simplicity, ease of use, efficiency, elegance here.
3. Apple can sell many products that are less than this "nirvana" over the next several years to stay in business.
Now Apple is all about innovation, and I'm fairly sure that until they know that they've created a product that solves this dilemma and solves it stylishly, they won't release diddly. The only real step that can be taken (and I'd be ready to bet that Apple is already there) is to put together a think-tank that will try and innovate a way around these human interface problems. It's not gonna be easy, but then again, if it was, technology would be boring as hell.
-PepeDLux
I'd use one out and about - MacBook Pro is great but not that portable - for blogging, web access, email etc anywhere. Sure it's a gadget, but it's a cool one.
1.06/1.20 Ghz U1300/U1400 Ultra Low Voltage Core Duo
40 GB 1.8" HDD
1 GB DDR2 RAM (one Slot)
Integrated Graphics
Full Sized Keyboard(like 12" PB)/Touch Screen
Wireless/BT
Ultra lightweight
Longest Battery life
MacBook Nano/iNewton/Mac PDA
it will be nice!, they can produce something extra ordinary compared to existing sub notebooks and PDAs
Mac Mini - MacBook Mini
iMac - MacBook
MacPro - MacBook Pro
I do think Apple should come out with a smaller notebook. The MacBook doesn't perfectly replace the 12" PB and 12" iBook in my opinion because it's considerably bigger. It doesn't have to be diminutive per se, maybe an 11" widescreen with a MacBook-style keyboard (except all packed together), smaller hard drive, etc.
Originally posted by zappy
A MacBook mini would fit nicely into Apples product structure. Unfortunately it would mess up the price structure since I do not think it could be priced lower than the MacBook.
That would be okay as subnotebooks are traditionally not low price. It would fit between MB & MBP in price, which is fine, look at Sony's UMPC.
Could happen !!
Originally posted by NVRsayNVR
Yeah but with a 10.2" wide screen, a micro HD (ala iPod size) and/or that new RAM drive technology stuff.
Could happen !!
Finally, someone I can agree with! 11" is to big.
Subnotebook is a need they need to fill.