Apple Questioned Again About a Mac Netbook
As usual, Apple executives were questioned about the possibility of an Apple netbook during today's financial results conference call. The issue has been raised a number of times but continues to be a hot topic given the fact that inexpensive netbooks seems to be boosting PC manufacturers' unit sales numbers.
Apple executive Tim Cook replied to the questions with a similar response as in the past. Cook said that when he looks at the existing netbook market, he sees cramped keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware and very small screens. While Apple is still looking at the space, they have no interest in putting the Mac brand on these types of devices. Cook notes that if they do find a way to deliver an innovative product that makes a real contribution, Apple will pursue it.
Despite Cook's denials, rumors have persisted that Apple has been ramping up a 10" Netbook with a possible touch screen. As Cook details, it seems unlikely that if Apple does enter the market, that a Mac netbook would resemble many of the existing low-cost devices currently available.
Apple executive Tim Cook replied to the questions with a similar response as in the past. Cook said that when he looks at the existing netbook market, he sees cramped keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware and very small screens. While Apple is still looking at the space, they have no interest in putting the Mac brand on these types of devices. Cook notes that if they do find a way to deliver an innovative product that makes a real contribution, Apple will pursue it.
Despite Cook's denials, rumors have persisted that Apple has been ramping up a 10" Netbook with a possible touch screen. As Cook details, it seems unlikely that if Apple does enter the market, that a Mac netbook would resemble many of the existing low-cost devices currently available.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
37 months ago
Let's just hope that if they do a netbook it will blow all the other ones out of the water. I do think there's a market for something more powerful than my iPhone but without the cost and power of a laptop but that isn't a flimsy, cheap, POS.
37 months ago
Enough already. Apple needs to get into this space, and not at the $1500 price point.
37 months ago
"Cook said that when he looks at the existing netbook market, he sees cramped keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware and very small screens. While Apple is still looking at the space, they have no interest in putting the Mac brand on these types of devices. Cook notes that if they do find a way to deliver an innovative product that makes a real contribution, Apple will pursue it."
Looks like Steve-o has trained his underlings well in responding to questions without actually answering them.
That statement is just riddled with vagueness and, really, he only spoke of his personal preference even! I've come to not really listen to Apple when they deny something. :)
37 months ago
What Cook is really saying is "There is no way to make any money selling billions of cheap netbooks. Apple preferes to sell a few expensive netbooks."
That is Apple's way of doing business, sell in comparative low numbers but very high markup. After all, the way you determine how much money you make is to multiply the number of units times the margin in each unit.
What "space" would that be? Midrange, upgradable desktop computers? Yes I agree.
That is Apple's way of doing business, sell in comparative low numbers but very high markup. After all, the way you determine how much money you make is to multiply the number of units times the margin in each unit.
Enough already. Apple needs to get into this space, and not at the $1500 price point.
What "space" would that be? Midrange, upgradable desktop computers? Yes I agree.
37 months ago
The only reason Netbooks are even selling is because they are dirt cheap and by being dirt cheap, they are dropping the margins of those selling it, go look and Dell and HP's margins dropping because of this. If Apple were to enter, I surely don't expect it to be dirt cheap which is the main reason of netbooks, don't see how successful it would be.
To lose money like the PC companies are doing and offer less than satisfactory customer experience.
Why?
To lose money like the PC companies are doing and offer less than satisfactory customer experience.
37 months ago
Enough already. Apple needs to get into this space, and not at the $1500 price point.
If they find a way to make this at a $1500 price point it would be useless, as you could get a Macbook/MBA for about the same price. Incidentally, I was under the impression that the Air was the answer to the netbook? Otherwise, what is it's point?
37 months ago
Enough already. Apple needs to get into this space, and not at the $1500 price point.
Yep. I'd pay for something that was around £350 - £450 that was touch screen and big enough to throw into the pockets of cargo trousers. Virtual keyboard, decent screen size for web, email etc. Allows me to hook up to monitor my network. Download music and video blah blah. Allow me to proof read docs allow me to publish docs via iWork.com etc. Could be a very sweet spot.
:apple:
[ Read All Comments ]
Analytics firm Chitika today released a report showing that by its metrics iOS has now surpassed OS X in overall web traffic share in the United States. Chitika's methodology involves an analysis...
One of the most frequent reasons for an iPhone to go on a trip to the Apple Store's Genius Bar is because of water damage. Typically, a water damaged iPhone can be replaced for a flat $199...
TheVerge's Joshua Topolsky summarizes the iPad 3 casing findings reported earlier today, but also adds his own sources regarding some details of the iPad 3.
Image from RepairLabs
As...
Last July, Apple discontinued the white MacBook from its consumer lineup, pushing consumers toward the company's popular MacBook Air line or the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The company didn't kill...
Popular iPhone Twitter client Tweetbot has finally arrived on the iPad, with a user interface instantly familiar to any current Tweetbot user. Designed for the Twitter power-user, Tweetbot packs a...
