Is there an Apple Subnotebook coming in 2009?
By Jenny • Aug 7th, 2008 • Category: LaptopsIt seems as if computer manufacturers the world over have been infected by the Eee PC craze. Only months after the surprising and stunning success of the Eee PC subnotebook, or netbook, an entire new laptop genre was created, with every major computer maker struggling to announce their own competitive model. Recently Lenovo, and Fujitsu-Siemens Computers joined the ranks of companies like Acer, Dell, Gigabyte, and HP, by announcing their Netbooks. It appears as though no computer manufacturer has been left untouched, or are we forgetting one major player; namely, Apple? One might think Apple already has their own dedicated market and the company doesn’t need to get involved in the cheap netbook market, however, recent rumours and assertions by top analysts claim Apple has also been infected by the netbook virus; with their own Apple netbook planned for a 2009 release.
USB analyst Maynard Um has questioned his sources in the industry and believes Apple will upgrade and update its MacBook by the end of this year. Furthermore, he goes on to claim the next generation MacBook will be a true subnotebook, not like the MacBook Air. While the Apple MacBook Air is thin and light, its 13 inch screen is relatively large. The advantage of netbooks like the Eee PC, despite the reduced performance, is that they are easily transportable in small personal bags, and can be effortlessly opened in small spaces with no hassle.
If the appearance of “Hackintosh” netbooks is any indication, there is ample demand for a smaller Mac: Leopard has already been successfully installed on the Eee PC, MSI Wind and other devices. On the hand, all of these netbooks occupy the lowest price range, something Mac computers are not known for. According to the Analyst Um, the Apple netbook was originally slated for a 2008 release, but will be delayed to 2009.
With this prediction UBS has certainly started the rumour mills, and only time, or confirmations by Apple, will tell how accurate the assertions prove to be.
Tags for this article: apple mini laptop, netbook, apple
Have you noticed how little the difference is between an EeePC and an iPhone or iPod Touch? An Eee is not made for heavy lifting. Typing on it is best meant for temporary work. It’s storage is rather marginal. It’s good for the basics, Email, uhm, email, is there anything else it’s good for that the iPhone or iPod Touch can’t do?
And, just like how the Eee has gotten a little larger, to be more functional, it’s quite possible that the iPhone may have an offshoot like an iPad or iTab or iDevice that is double the size, allowing for even better media handling.
I’m gonna have to disagree with you KenC, I have an iPod touch and its absolutely great however it has its limitations where the EEE PC excels. Firstly the EEE has a USB port for adding extra storage via a 32GB USB drive or bigger, secondly you have a full keyboard with tactile response which the iPod doesnt have. And lastly you can play flash movies on a EEE whereas the iPod is yet to be given any flash support.
Given all that I still think its a pretty tough choice between the 2.
Apple probably got too involved trying to crank out enough iPhone capacity.