The Mac Observer

Skip navigational links

You're viewing an article in TMO's historic archive vault. Here, we've preserved the comments and how the site looked along with the article. Use this link to view the article on our current site:
Pre Macworld Expo Apple Sub-notebook Rumors Going Strong

Pre Macworld Expo Apple Sub-notebook Rumors Going Strong

by , 8:40 AM EST, January 3rd, 2008

Rumors of a sub-notebook version of the MacBook Pro have been circulating for some time, but now coming on stronger than before leading up to Macworld Expo 2008. As always, the rumors include a long list of features and the requisite mockups and blurry digital images.

AppleInsider and MacRumors, both Apple-related rumor Web sites, offer up details about the phantom laptop that many speculate really will make an appearance during the Macworld Expo Steve Jobs keynote on January 15. Features include an ultra-thin design, a 13-inch display, a multi-touch trackpad, NAND Flash memory, and an external optical drive.

A slightly out of focus image of what appears to be a redesigned -- and substantially smaller -- MacBook appeared on the MacRumors forums, which will likely add to the speculation over what Mr. Jobs will announce at Macworld Expo.


MacBook Ultra-light image from MacRumors

Popular Mechanics took a more speculative approach and created an animated mockup of what a new portable tablet-style Mac could look like. The "MacBook Plus" includes a removable touch sensitive display and external optical drive, and switches between Desktop and iPhone-style interfaces.


PM mocks up a Mac laptop/tablet hybrid.

With the eyes of the media, investors, and fans clearly focused on Apple during Macworld Expo 2008, there's a good chance Mr. Jobs will unveil a new and exciting product. We'll have to wait, however, until his keynote presentation to see if it is the fabled ultra-portable Mac.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Actual Reality Posts: 44 Joined: 16 Aug 2005
Subject:

has anyone noticed how incredibly huge the trackpad is on that thing??

Close Name:Guest
Subject:

totally not possible--that photo, with the wide track pad,would be unusable due to hand positioning.

Close Name:gslusher Posts: 2088 Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Subject: Not a "sub-notebook"

The fuzzy picture shows a laptop that is wider than the keyboard. That means it is not a "sub-notebook." The standard keyboard (vis, 12-inch PowerBook) puts a lower limit on the width of about 10.5-10.9 inches. A "sub-notebook" would have to be about that width, like the Duos, PowerBook 2400, and the 12-inch PowerBook G4, all under 11" width.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Trackpad and size discussion

Regarding the really wide trackpad, maybe they have incorporated some of the two-finger actions from the iPhone (such as zoom-in zoom-out). That would be useful on a relatively small display.

Upon close inspection of the photo, it appears to me that the width of the new notebook is the same as the keyboard (not wider). That would put the total width at less than 11 inches.

Comment on this Article


You cannot edit your comments.   You cannot delete your comments.

Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.


Recent Headlines - Updated November 7th

Sat, 7:58 PM
News - Apple TV 3.0.1 Update Fixes Missing Content Bug
Fri, 7:45 PM
Rumor - Taiwan Leak Shows Verizon UTMS/CDMA iPhone for Q3 2010
6:40 PM
News - iPhone Moves Into RadioShack
6:30 PM
News - Apple to Open Stunning Paris Apple Store in Le Louvre on Saturday
5:43 PM
Free on iTunes - Dictionary, Dictionary, Dictionary, And More
4:09 PM
John Martellaro's Blog - Particle Debris (week ending 11/6) Failure IS an Option
3:32 PM
Games - The Latest App Store Games: Gravity Sling, RocketBird, Ground Effect, Checkers!
2:25 PM
Games - Star Soccer 2010 for Mac Puts Gamers in Role of Up-and-Coming Player
2:15 PM
How-To - The Mysteries of Rosetta Housekeeping
1:33 PM
News - iPhone Game Developer Sued for Collecting User’s Cell Numbers
1:17 PM
Games - Warhammer Online Expands Trial Play Option
11:19 AM
Rumor - Apple May Be Bringing RFID to the iPhone

The Mac Observer Reader Specials

  • TypeStyler For Mac OS X is Now Shipping! Download The Free Fully Functional 60 Day Tryout at www.typestyler.com
  • RamJet Memory: Mac Pro 8-core 8GB Kit $199.99, 4GB Kits $109.99! Sale on MacBook and MacBook Pro 8GB kits $549.99! New MacBook DDR3 2GB for $49.99. iMac and Mac mini 4GB Kits for $79.99! 1TB SATA Hard Drives for $109.99! Click here
  • OWC: Get the Right Memory / Ram for your Mac. Top Quality, Competitive Prices, Lifetime Warranty. Expert Support and Video Installation Guidies too! 4.0GB Matched Sets from $87.99, Options up to 32GB. Click here
  • Poker Mac If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Full Tilt Poker for Mac. This Full Tilt Poker bonus code does the unthinkable, it actually rewards!
  • For the latest Apple products use Ciao, a price comparison website, to find laptops like MacBook Air. Then find the best prices on MP3 players and use our comparison tool to evaluate mobile phones like the Apple iPhone.

  • Laptop Hardware Provided by TechRestore - Overnight Mac & iPod Repairs.
  • __________
  • Buy Stuff, Support TMO!
  • Podcast: Mac Geek Gab
  • Podcast: Apple Weekly Report
  • TMO on Twitter!