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Sat, Nov 21, 2009 - 03:55 PM EST  —  AAPL: 199.92 (-0.59, -0.29%)  |  NASDAQ: 2146.04 (-10.78, -0.5%)

RUMOR: Apple’s ‘Macbook touch’ due in October for $800
Monday, July 13, 2009 - 09:26 AM EST

Samsung Deals"Rumors of a touchscreen Apple netbook gained fuel on Monday with a claim by China's InfoTimes that supposedly confirms launch details," Electronista reports.

"Backing earlier claims, the site says the system will use a 9.7-inch touchscreen supplied by Wintek and is due to ship in October," Electeonista reports. "Apple is expected to avoid competing directly with regular, sub-$500 netbooks and may use the touchscreen and other features to bring the price closer to $800."

Electronista reports, "Because of the focus on touch input, Apple is reportedly switching suppliers. Although Quanta will assemble most MacBooks this year, Foxconn is said to have been picked for building the computer thanks to its existing involvement in building and even designing the iPhone. Foxconn has publicly declined comment, but InfoTimes says it has obtained confirmation from the company in private."

More in the full article here.

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Jul 13, 09 - 08:26 am Comment from: Follower

It never stops. The iTablet is the new "beleaguered."

Jul 13, 09 - 08:27 am Comment from: Wings2Sky

Holding my breath - not

Jul 13, 09 - 08:38 am Comment from: NCIceman

It happens when it happens.

Jul 13, 09 - 08:40 am Comment from: Demon

A heavy Monkey Meat Churning week ahead of Apple's Financial Report next Tuesday July 21. Between the Rumor mongers and the Analyst we're likely to be chest deep by Tuesday, July 21, 2009. So, Break out the Rubbers and the deep waders it's looking like a gut blaster of a countdown to AAPL Financials.

Jul 13, 09 - 08:58 am Comment from: HolyMackerel

This would put a big dampener on the W7 launch. Pity it misses the 'back to school' crowd, but plenty will go under the Christmas tree…

Jul 13, 09 - 08:59 am Comment from: enzos

OK I'll bite. A 9.7" diagonal screen would be just the right size to fit a copy of Snow Leopard into my lab coat pocket. And perfect for note taking, data acquisition and analysis, networking.. and lots of other things. It may be a chimera but I still want one.

Jul 13, 09 - 08:59 am Comment from: Mr. Reeee

@Foloower

iTablet is the new JesusMac. Big brother to the JesusPhone.

Jul 13, 09 - 09:12 am Comment from: MikeK

This naming makes perfect sense now that all the uni-body's, including the 13" have become MacBook Pro's...

Jul 13, 09 - 09:19 am Comment from: Roger Knights

I think this will hit the "sweet spot"--and result in a home run.

Jul 13, 09 - 09:22 am Comment from: Sundog

And it will come preinstalled with Duke Nukem Forever.

Jul 13, 09 - 09:26 am Comment from: Anonymous©

They need to use a smaller screen and a lower price.

Jul 13, 09 - 09:30 am Comment from: Original Jake

Sounds like cool technology, but could this really be more than a niche product for industries like health care? For that to happen, people would need to get these INSTEAD of a laptop. It's hard to believe it would be powerful enough, even when compared to lower-end laptops. Of course, if this is powerful enough to be a laptop replacement (e.g., runs M$ Office, or at least iWork), and Apple gets the interface right, including the ability to attach a keyboard, this baby would FLY off the shelves.
Go Apple!!

Jul 13, 09 - 09:37 am Comment from: Original Jake

Also, after the initial launch craze, the pricing sweet spot for this device is more like $700, not $800. I hope Apple brings it out for $699, and doesn't worry about cannibalizing it's laptop sales. They would sell a TON!

Jul 13, 09 - 09:37 am Comment from: Amazin1

Ohhhhh -- private information! I am so counting on the credibility of that information!

Jul 13, 09 - 09:38 am Comment from: Marc G

I know we can't depend on rumors very much but I still hope this is true. Right now, I'm contemplating a netbook for hackintoshing to replace my awsome but heavy Powerbook G4 12inch. I need something in that footprint and the Macbook Air is just not it. Here's hoping...

Jul 13, 09 - 09:59 am Comment from: blah blah blah...

here's the truth behind the rumor, get ready: APPLE IS WORKING A NEW COMPUTER DEVICE!! now talk amongst yourselves.

Jul 13, 09 - 10:00 am Comment from: qka

@Marc G

Your PowerBook G4 12" is heavy?

You really need to get away from it and perform some physical exercise.

Either that, or invest in a lot of balloons to carry it, like in UP!

You were correct about its awsomeness, BTW!

Jul 13, 09 - 10:06 am Comment from: Deus Ex Technica

I believe this will not be a separate device, but AN iPHONE ACCESSORY. Your iPhone/iPod touch would slide into the device, and the device would effectively extend the keyboard and display of your iPhone when you need to. I believe that such a device would not cost $800, but more like $199.

This makes a lot more sense for Apple to extend the iPhone platform into the netbook space rather than to create a new platform. Plus, it differentiates the iPhone even more from it's competitiors.

Jul 13, 09 - 10:10 am Comment from: Jimbo von Winskinheimer

@D.E.T. - your idea would require the users to have an iPhone in order to operate. Not a good solution.

Jul 13, 09 - 10:33 am Comment from: NHL

Interesting to see the posters who are still Windows-oriented, and those who are Apple-knowledgeable.

Windows People: "Ooooo, Apple will have a real hit if it's cheaper, CHEAPER, CHEAPER!!!!"

Apple Folks: "Since the dawn of time, we've watched clueless analysts demand that Apple reduce margins and increase units-shipped.
Apple doesn't work that way.
Get over it."

Jul 13, 09 - 10:35 am Comment from: Morgan

Here's my idea for the "MacBook Touch." Light like the Air. When you open it there are two screens. One is a Kindle-like low power electronic ink book reader; the other is a think color screen. Either screen can be made a touch keyboard to control the other one.

So we have a book reader and an OS X "netbook" all in one. Focus on using "cloud" applications and MobileMe data storage.

Jul 13, 09 - 10:43 am Comment from: Paul Johnson

Looks like InfoTimes is competing with DigiTimes for most unsubstantiated Apple rumor.

Jul 13, 09 - 10:48 am Comment from: Deus Ex Technica

@Jimbo

"@D.E.T. - your idea would require the users to have an iPhone in order to operate. Not a good solution."

Most iPhone accessories do require an iPhone to operate. Any other reason you think it's not a good solution?

Jul 13, 09 - 10:50 am Comment from: DanielM

Relative to the Macbook Pro 15", this would make the 'Touch' screen about 8.2" X 5.4"

Jul 13, 09 - 10:56 am Comment from: Lolcat

Deus Ex Technica- Oh Foleo he didn't!

Jul 13, 09 - 10:58 am Comment from: I don't get it

What purpose would this machine fulfill? Who would really need/want this as opposed to a 13" Macbook?

Jul 13, 09 - 10:59 am Comment from: disposableidentity

Who thinks this is a replacement for the white plastic MacBook?

We all knew it was just a placeholder until they could bring out a new product between the iPhone and the MacBook Pros.

Jul 13, 09 - 11:00 am Comment from: disposableidentity

Add a Bluetooth mouse & keyboard when you're at home and welcome to the new "personal computer".

Jul 13, 09 - 11:17 am Comment from: B-Mac

I can see the ads for this already:

"Lighter than Air, the new iBook (or Macbook) Touch."

And I agree; the white Macbook will be phased out in favor of this device. And maybe if we're lucky, Apple will knock the price of a MBPs down just a little more ($100-200) ...well, I can hope

Jul 13, 09 - 01:38 pm Comment from: SlateGuy

My heart has been breaking for years waiting for these rumors of an Apple Tablet to come true. Here's hoping that this one sticks!

In the mean time take a look at my Apple Tablet Concept:
http://macslate.blogspot.com/

Enjoy

Jul 13, 09 - 01:44 pm Comment from: Zeke

8.5" x 5.5" is exactly half a sheet of letter size paper. Very nice.

Glad I got the last of the MacBooks in aluminum. Top of the line MacBook is now the equivalent of the bottom of the line MacBook Pro.

Jul 13, 09 - 01:46 pm Comment from: Bizlaw

@ Original Jake:

Apple doesn't make niche products. This product would almost certainly have mobile access built-in, or come in two variations (one with mobile access, the other without, ala iPhone and iPod touch).

I could easily see this product being sold for $800. You reduced the physical form factor by not having a hinged lid like a laptop, remove items like the optical drive and keyboard, and you have a fantastically portable true netbook. Apps are distributed via the App Store or could be downloaded conventionally.

Of course, it would fit perfectly in those niche markets like medical, but that would be a side benefit.

Jul 13, 09 - 06:21 pm Comment from: Marc G

@qka
Yes it is heavy when added to a bag that includes several different text and reference books one of which weighs 6LBs by itself. That one alone plus the powerbook weighs almost 11LBs. I do get exercise though limited by living with back pain as I have for 20 years due to a condition where my spine tries to tear itself apart. I have the surgical scars to prove it. So again I say yes it is heavy. grin Marc

Jul 13, 09 - 06:23 pm Comment from: Inca YouPanky

First: the only value of a mobile device like the iTablet is to access the internet from anywhere. That means AT&T;3G cellular data service. Will I be able to have just one bill for my iPhone and my iTablet and not have to pay double what I already pay for my iPhone AT&T;data charges? and Second: Will AT&T;subsidize this $800 thing since just like the iPhone it is going to drive huge volumes of additional cellular data service revenues to it? Will there be a combined: iPhone plus iTablet AT&T;fee plan?

Jul 13, 09 - 06:27 pm Comment from: Macrelated

A full portable computer, e-book reader, note pad, art tablet, web browser, phone, camera etc etc sounds good to me.

Jul 13, 09 - 06:28 pm Comment from: Marc G

How about a great use for Bluetooth? Use bluetooth for tethering from your phone to get this thing connected to the world... Also optionally use it for connecting keyboard and mouse or use built in keyboard/trackpad a la phone and touch.

Jul 13, 09 - 06:57 pm Comment from: PhxDoc

My guess it that the screen resolution will be some multiple of the iPhone screen resolution. Something like 720x960 will allow 4 iPhone apps to run simultaneously on the tablet and now the entire iPhone app library will be available at launch.

Jul 16, 09 - 02:09 am Comment from: MB pro

Cannot get any images of Touch MB.
wmv to itunes on mac wmv on mac os x wmv to quicktime on mac os x

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