This week's big news is that Apple publicly dissed netbooks. (You know, those smaller-than-laptop-but-larger-than-iPod computers that customers insist on buying.)
Apple made some harsh but perhaps not undeserved observations about netbook PCs: small screens and cramped keyboards were the big criticisms.
Some folks think that Apple hates netbooks. I disagree. I think Apple dislikes the current set of netbook PCs. Computerworl has an article/blog about it.
I'm pretty sure that Apple is studying the netbook sales figures. Heck, Microsoft changed Windows 7 to let it run on netbooks. If a trend gets the attention of the Boys from Bellevue, the folks in Cupertino will watch.
I think Apple wants to bring out a netbook, but isn't quite sure how. One problem is the product line: a netbook would fit above the iPod and iPhone, but below the MacBook. Another problem is the design: should it have a keyboard? An Apple netbook with a keyboard would be a small MacBook (and possibly cannabalize sales). An Apple netbook without a keyboard would be a... Newton! And possibly a big success, with the right applications.
I'm guessing that Apple wants to introduce a tablet PC, something physically larger than an iPod but smaller than the smallest MacBook. It won't have a keyboard. It will have Wi-Fi, run OSX, and build on the 'app store' model from the iPod. It will probably have geo-location services.
Apple will need some time for design and manufacturing, some time for negotiating selected apps to the "Neo-Newton", and some time for marketing. Only some apps will go over, Not everything for an iPod makes sense on a larger tablet.
If you have an iPod app, start thinking big!
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