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 |
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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. |
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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
Fri Jan 04, 2008 7:52 pm 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.
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.
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