Tim Cook’s recent comments that dismissed the idea of convergence, the physical merging of the MacBook line and the iPad, have people talking. One company, Brydge, that’s actually working on a convergence product has roasted Mr. Cook’s notion with its own video spoof: the Froaster.
During the April 24, 2012 Apple Financial Results Conference Call, Tim Cook responded to an analyst question about a possible Apple hybrid product, one that can be used as both a MacBook and an iPad. He responded:
Well, I think anything can be forced to merge. But the problem is that the products are about tradeoffs. And you begin to make tradeoffs to the point where what you have left at the end of the day doesn’t please anyone. And you can converge a toaster and a refrigerator, but, you know, those thing are — are probably not going to be pleasing to the user.”
Brydge, a San Francisco company, has already raised over US$400.000 to launch its “iPad laptop” at kickstarter.com. They’ve responded to the convergence putdown with a keen sense of humor.
Here’s their “Froaster” video in typical Apple style.
A product that adds a keyboard to the iPad and makes it look just like a MacBook may be just what a lot of people want, either for practical or aesthetic reasons. However, if Mr. Cook’s comments are taken at face value, Apple itself is going to let convergence products remain an add-on market — at least for now.
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iPad Laptop image credit: Brydge
5 Comments Leave Your Own
Brydge looks really cool, but at the end of the day, you navigate the iPad, play games, zoom and scroll around in Safari, all on the iPad display not on the keyboard. I’d be constantly taking it out of the clip. This seems useful only for people who’s use of the iPad is very heavily typing-oriented. I think that’s why Tim Cook doesn’t plan to make one. But still applause to Brydge for making the best keyboard case.
Oh, and of course, nice video of Froaster too. I like the touch of talking about inside beauty as they open the fridge ... you have to see the video
Just get a MacBook Air if you need to do that much typing.
I like the open food containers inside the Froaster.
I’s a killer product if Froaster auto feeds frozen bread to the toasting chamber. I like it. Expect to see Samsung’s copy out well in time for the Christmas rush.
I have a Samsung refridgerator with dual processors, well dual compressors. The freezer side and the chiiller side have their own compressors. Nice digital display and comtrol for temerature. No toaster though.
I’m waiting for an iPad that can run Mac OS Apps or a MacBook Air that can run iOS Apps, that way I get the best of both worlds.
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