More Apple Netbook Rumors Pinpoint Foxconn as Manufacturer
The Inquirer recaps the latest netbook rumors coming out of the Commercial Times. The Chinese-language publication is citing sources from within the component supply chain that Apple has already signed a netbook deal with Foxconn:
Apple has so far resisted the release of such a device and has publicly denied interest in the market. Rumors, however, persist that Apple is planning a 10" netbook with a possible touch screen. If Apple does release such a device, it's unlikely to be priced in-line with currently shipping netbooks from other manufacturers which can run in the $400-$600 range. During a previous Q&A session, Apple has said that "[they] don't know how to make a $500 computer that's not a piece of junk."
These are whispering that Cupertino has sealed the deal with contract electronics manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry - or Foxconn - to bang out Apple netbooks.
Netbooks have been a hot topic in the computing industry as much of the recent sales growth has been attributed to the inexpensive portable devices.Apple has so far resisted the release of such a device and has publicly denied interest in the market. Rumors, however, persist that Apple is planning a 10" netbook with a possible touch screen. If Apple does release such a device, it's unlikely to be priced in-line with currently shipping netbooks from other manufacturers which can run in the $400-$600 range. During a previous Q&A session, Apple has said that "[they] don't know how to make a $500 computer that's not a piece of junk."
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37 months ago
If it's priced more than current netbooks, then it just becomes a slightly-cheaper MacBook, and then begins treading the price range of some very decent full-featured PC laptops near the $900-1000 price range. Not sure if Apple can pull this one off unless they shave their profit margins. It would sell quite a bit then.
37 months ago
If all these rumors (in the aggregate) over the past few months are true, I would hope that this product is demo'd at WWDC this June.
37 months ago
...the inexpensive portable devices.
...[they] don't know how to make a $500 computer that's not a piece of junk."
1. yeah, the word "inexpensive", AKA "cheap". cheap is crucial for netbooks. if it were bloody expensive it would be a shrinked macbook air.
2. don't know? well it's never too late to start learning. and a $500 computer is a piece of junk? well there's a lot of people out there who love this kinda "piece of junk". (apple apple, put aside your ego) ;) $500 computers aren't junk, ya know... junk is like junk food, things you find in the dust bin, etc.
37 months ago
Hmmm. It would be interesting to see something that is 2 to 3 times the size of an iPod touch. If it could make use of a bluetooth keyboard and mouse (or even better, a bluetooth keyboard with trackpad), it'd be the perfect computer for the typical living room, even if it kept the iPhone OS. With the touch screen, it'd be beautifully portable and great to pick up and quickly get on the web.
Does anybody know how the tech behind the iPhone's multi-touch screen scales? I'll admit that I've done zero research, but I'm pretty sure that making touch screens larger gets quite tricky due to capacitance laws and what-not.
I'd be really quite excited by this, if it turns out to be true. My confidence in this rumour is, however, very low.
Does anybody know how the tech behind the iPhone's multi-touch screen scales? I'll admit that I've done zero research, but I'm pretty sure that making touch screens larger gets quite tricky due to capacitance laws and what-not.
I'd be really quite excited by this, if it turns out to be true. My confidence in this rumour is, however, very low.
37 months ago
10" touchscreen would be very nice but Apple may make the price very high and not be a very competitive competitor in todays market.
37 months ago
If apple did make a 10" touch screen it would not be made to compete against these products, It would be in a league of its own. I can't see people actually considering a 10" apple netbook, or a cheap one from say Acer, the price differece would be so large that it would never compare.
37 months ago
Maybe they figured out how to make this device cheaply. Having a phone company subsidize it is one obvious way. I've always wondered why there isn't a WWAN option on MacBooks, maybe the time has come for it.
37 months ago
Not sure if Apple can pull this one off unless they shave their profit margins. It would sell quite a bit then.
They should give it away for free and make up the difference in volume!
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