Touch That MacBook!
The Rumor
It’s the most rumored product since the iPhone hit in early 2007, but the MacBook Touch has had related patents dating back to 2003. You can visit MacRumors.com almost everyday, and see that some new information from a “valid source” has been released. The most recent rumor claims that the entire MacBook lineup will see a refresh, and a new Mulitouch MacBook will enter the spectrum, all by the end of September.
Now, believe what you want but the chances of this happening by September are second to none. What we do know is that if there is ever to be a MacBook Touch, then the screen size would be at a maximum 10 inches.
I asked Jacky Liu, an incredible designer to come up with what he believed the Macbook Touch rumor could materialize into. Here’s what he came up with:
The Concept
“MacPad is a revolutionary new product that completely revitalizes mobile computing. It is an ultra-portable device with an immense amount of technology, and a tremendous amount of computing power. It is a fusion of the mobile experience on the iPhone, with the functionality and practicality of Mac OS X on the Macbook. MacPad is the future of ultra-portable computing.
The MacPad provides all the necessary features of an ultra-portable in less than 30% of the volume of the MacBook Air. Now that is impressive. Not only is the MacPad optimized for Intel’s Atom platform, it is optimized for your mobile lifestyle. Built-in iSight camera and microphone for visual conferencing through iChat, built-in 802.11n compatible AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, A-GPS, accelerometer and ambient light sensor, a Micro-DVI port and two USB 2.0 ports. This device can handle just about all of your portable technology needs.
The gorgeous 8” Multi-Touch display broadens every aspect of the iPhone experience through a completely new mobile platform, Mobile OS X. This is in essence the equivalent to the much familiar Unix based Mac OS X environment hidden beneath the full Multi-Touch interface developed for the iPhone. Applications on the Mac OS X platform can be applied to the mobile platform with no compromise, considering though whether the developer chooses to do so.
Features
If you thought Remote Disc from the MacBook Air was impressive, Parallel developed for the MacPad will completely take your breath away. Once paired with a Mac through Wi-Fi, this application exclusive to the MacPad can be used as a mobile touch display wirelessly accessing your desktop computer. This means that you have complete access to all of the information and computing power when and wherever possible, without the drag from a device of equivalent capability.
If the MacPad has access to an assigned local network, it could very well begin to sync any updated information wirelessly to and from your Mac. Pair the MacPad to Apple’s wireless keyboard and headphones through Bluetooth, and you may be on your way to technology nirvana. Whenever you or your MacPad needs a rest, place the device on its personal, elegant desktop dock mounted with the new 50-pin dock connector to begin charging. While you take your much deserved break the MacPad not only automatically syncs any updated information, the device can also be used as a secondary display for your desktop. The possibilities here are quite endless.”
Jacky Liu writes a tremendous design and environment blog over at iamjacky.com. Please check it out, and look at his other well thought out designs.
Final Words
Obviously the MacPad concept has tons of potential. I am very excited to see what will become of this rumor. Only time will tell. Who knows what will be in store when we get our hands on the real MacPad.
What do you think will become of the Macbook Touch rumor? Feel free to drop us a line in the comments.
#1
Dan Philibin → danphilibin.com
I personally think the rumors are baloney. The demand for a tablet Mac isn’t high enough for it to be a product worth making for Apple.
They already have three portable computer models, and I really can’t see them introducing a fourth.
Besides, think about trying to use one of these. Your hands would always be in the way. We have Wacom tablets if you need to hand-draw anything.
So, to be honest, I really don’t think we’ll see an official tablet Mac from Apple any time soon. What I do think we’ll see this fall is refreshed MacBooks and MacBook pros, and probably a new model of some sort. But a tablet? No.
#2
Michael → www.michaelgoonan.com
Well, I at least hope that the rumors of an update for the MacBook Pro line are true because September/October is around the time that I was thinking I would purchase one.
#3
Tyler → www.itilir.com
I agree with Dan about there is not a high enough demand for a ‘MacPad’ at this point. I also believe that this fall will bring us a refreshed line of MacBooks and MacBook Pros, so I should probably hold my sister back from purchasing a MacBook tomorrow!
http://www.itilir.com
#4
Matt → www.TheMediaCenterBlog.com
I also think this rumor will not turn out to be reality. I think a tablet Mac would be very cool though. I think we will be seeing a revised notebook line with the latest processors and a new look (the case). I am really hoping for a major revision to their cinema displays as they are outdated compared to what Dell and Samsung are offering. I also think we will see revisions to the Mac Mini. They are due for processor upgrades.
#5
Aidan Girard → www.desktopvibes.com
Well, the Macbook at the moment is a great machine and they certainly would not replace it would a touch pad. This might come out as a whole new product. But first I expect a ipod touch nano or something. I think if they were going to bring touch into their computers they would do it on a desktop first but still be able to attach a keyboard and such so that it is still an option to use it as a normal computer.
#6
Emmanuel → www.thegreatbitbucket.com
Personally, if Apple makes this “MacBook Touch,” and as a result, made the entry-level MacBooks less expensive, it is fine with me. I still prefer a MacBook. A Mac Tablet would be way overpriced.
#7
Jorge Quinteros → www.jorgeq.com
Touchscreen technology has completely revolutionized Apple products and the public has become very responsive in the direction they’ve taken in implementing this feature in most new products and while I’m a fan as well, I would personally prefer if any new MBPs released, incorporate this technology but not to an extent where an actual keyboard would become obsolete. Everything with moderation please Apple.
#8
DeXWhat we need is something as small as possible (5 to 7 inch screen or so) and as light as possible (400 g or so) but with a full Mac OS X inside, so that full NATIVE Keynote and PowerPoint files can be open for full blown presentations with transitions, animations and video, as done now with laptops. Both wired and wireless.
Because even the MacBook Air is too large and heavy for us. With true Ethernet port. With true Firewire ports (Target Disk Mode for repairs, camcorder video in, etc). Something like this, but with Mac OS X inside:
OQO model e2
http://www.oqo.com
Check out:
Next Apple moves will be Books and Games…
http://spidouz.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/next-apple-moves-will-be-books-and-games
We need thousands for our University. And we need them NOW!