Apple may re-enter the sub-notebook market

I wasn't aware that the world was crying out for a sub notebook computer. As the owner of an original Duo Dock and a MacBook, I find that the MacBook is a reasonable replacement, although Flash memory could be nice. The Duo Dock was cool at a time when laptops weighed 8 pounds and required a large case. The Macbook, or the iBook for that matter, is a great compromise of size, weight, and features. I'm not sure an Apple Sub Notebook will save the world. Now a new Newton, on the other hand..... psdenno

This is what I'm waiting for. Something small like the Vaio TX only more useful (because it doesn't have a crap OS on it).

And I'll politely disagree that the MacBook is good or small enough. Take a look at the Vaio and you'll see why it's a good size for business travelers.

I also have an HP Compaq nc4200 which is in the spitit of the old Mac Duo Dock - external drives that plug in when needed and don't have to always be along for the ride. Light weight, small size, unfortunately PC. but the biggest drawback is that even when on the road, there is often a need for a drive to load software, watch a DVD, whatever. If those parts are left home, you're outta luck. If you carry the drive & cables along in the shoulder bag, what have you gained in weight reduction & size except a smaller viewing screen? Yes, being a Technology Whore, I'll probably buy the Mac sub if built, but is the world really crying out for one? psdenno

If recent patent applications are any indication, Apple's subnotebook will NOT lack an optical drive. It appears that it will be a bit on the unconventional side in terms of access (i.e. via the underbelly of the laptop), but would surely be a significant leap forward in integrated subnote capabilities.

If recent patent applications are any indication, Apple's subnotebook will NOT lack an optical drive. It appears that it will be a bit on the unconventional side in terms of access (i.e. via the underbelly of the laptop), but would surely be a significant leap forward in integrated subnote capabilities.

There are two prerequistes for a sub-notebook. Small size and less weight. Just making it smaller, but the same weight (because you're just moving the opt. drive to the bottom) isn't a solution to the weight problem. As psdenno stated, if you have to carry the external, you're not saving the weight.

It didn't make sense 5-10 years ago for Apple to have a subnotebook because the optical drive was still fairly essential for loading software, storing large files, etc. But I very rarely use my optical drive. Almost all of the software that I use is downloadable, I can transfer nearly any file with my ipod, and most people who use subnotebooks have desktops as well, so they have access to an optical drive. Apple's lineup is still too big. A subnotebook makes sense right now, and I'd trade my MBP for one in a minute.

The number of tech support professionals who would purchase a sub-notebook is probably enough market to justify making them. Add in true road warrior types and you are talking about at least as many people as bought the Cube.

Obviously most people want bigger hard drives, and faster processors, and more video performance, and built-in optical drives, and cardbus slots, and everything and anything that can be crammed into a reasonably sized enclosure. All you have to do is look at some of the bigger consumer Windows laptops to see that most people don't even care if it is small. As long as it fits in a backpack, folks are happy.

But, what is needed right now is the lightest possible device that will run a *full* version of Mac OS X (iPhones don't make the cut). As long as it can be placed in firewire disk mode, there are a lot of things that can be done without. Yes, the Mac Book is very portable, but the mini Mac Book is something close to half the size of the Mac Book. Call it a sub-notebook, call it a Newton, call it whatever. Just ship it.