Filed under: Hardware, Portables, Rumors, Apple
More netbook rumors from Asian manufacturers
The rumor of an Apple-branded netbook just won't die, and Digitimes has reportedly found more evidence. This is a bit convoluted, so follow closely.Taiwan-based manufacturer Wintek has supposedly been selected to produce touchscreens for the still-theoretical netbook, which Digitimes corroborates with the following quote from another publication called Commercial Times:
"Wintek revealed that it is currently working with Apple to develop some new products, but it said it does not know what applications the new products are for."
How we go from "...does not know what applications the new products are for" to an Apple-branded netbook is a mystery to us. Still, if you're the type who enjoys thin rumors, there's a nice one for your Monday morning. Enjoy.
[Via MacDailyNews]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lerico said 12:37PM on 3-09-2009
I want an Apple NetBook but I doubt Apple will make one. It just isn't a right business choice to do so.
1) A NetBook will be a low margin product that would be a substitute to high margin notebook for most consumers. It will look like Apple is selling lots of NetBook, but the company will loss a lot of sale from high margin MacBook sale. Revenue goes down.
2) Apple will not be able to price a NetBook to compete with the mainstream NetBook out there. When it releases, people will say it's too expensive and will generate a lot of bad press.
As much as I want one, I just don't see a sound business case for making one.
Reply
mabhatter said 1:01PM on 3-09-2009
I agree, Apple's "mobile" platform is the iPhone/iPod Touch. They won't release a $500 Macbook "nano" anytime soon. Perhaps a netbook-sized iPod Touch, only with an ARM processor so it was the size and thickness of an AA1 screen. The Acer Aspire One is about as close as it gets to a baby Macbook. some of the models like the Sony's come even closer. There's no way Apple wants to compete in that market.
Note they haven't even bothered with the 12" form factor simply because while some people like it, it's just to small to be useful unless you ratchet up the DPI to require bi-focals (remember Steve is 54...not into "squinty" gadgets anymore). I have a 12" HP sitting on my desk right now and it feels like using the AA1, not like a laptop, it's just too cramped. 13" widescreen is the same size as 4 legal notepads stacked. Every breifcase and backpack known to man is designed to support that size.
Le Big Mac said 12:44PM on 3-09-2009
Not to doubt Wintek's claim, but why are they making this revelation?
Reply
Icelander said 3:20PM on 3-09-2009
I don't think it's a netbook. I do think it's an e-reader/tablet, sort of like what Andy Ihnatko is always going on about. If it can run iPhone apps and will be about the same price as a Kindle it could be very successful.
Reply
David Corsi said 4:28PM on 3-09-2009
Forget about the "Apple won't do it because of razor thin margins on a netbook" etc.
I JUST WANT A SMALL LAPTOP!
Not a Macbook Air which while impressively thin saves me NOTHING on space required to travel since the other dimensions are the same as my current Macbook.
I am so tired of hauling my Macbook around weekly (I am an airline pilot) and would die to have a 10 inch screen Macbook... make it out of gold and price it at $1000... just give me the *option*. Netbooks are popular because besides the price they hit on portability (and yeah, I have an iPhone but until that runs Shockwave, Firefox, and other apps I need then I still need to carry a laptop) people want.
Keep making these big things and yeah, I will be buying Dell for the first time in 9 years. I give you at most 12 months.
Reply
oac said 3:54AM on 3-10-2009
Thats too bad apple is being so narrow
I think apple waited and still is waiting way too long to bring out a netbook and pardon me but the iphone/itouch will never be a substitute for a legitamate netbook not matter what the size is. I have an HP Mini 1000 sitting here with me and it is a wonder! I would have bought the sony P because in my opinion its a superior design, but that is way too expensive. I also don't think apple would be loosing money here, instead it will lure in consumers in the market for a sub $500 mobile device and nothing else. in other words, those looking for a Desktop replacement will not buy an apple netbook, and will buy a macbook (pro) while those looking for a mobile companion will definately buy a netbook as I did.
HP wins this one as it hit the sweet spot between price and design in a timely fashion. the only draw back is, of course, XP, but that can be amended.
Reply
Butter said 8:32AM on 3-11-2009
Im not at all a Mac user and this is the reason why. I use Toshiba (u100 micro 7 inch screen laptop released early 05, u205 12 inch screen laptop bought recently 4 lbs, and will buy an R500 or R600 12 inch screen laptop 2.4 lbs in a year or so).
I have taken a look at the Powerbook 12 inchers but they are a little too slow/old for me, but thats not the real problem - they are just too damn heavy for an old machine of that speed.
If Mac released something like the Toshiba R500, they are in business.
11 or 12 inches would be the way to go, the 10 and below inchers are just no good for your eyes unless you are just using it for text/browsing. Any apps like music creation, photo retouch or what not need at least 11. 12 would be perfect and even this non Mac user might actually buy something from Apple for once.
Reply