Mockup of Apple Tablet

As Apple's WWDC conference in June approaches, the rumor and mockup mill is in full force. I like this artist idea of what one would look like. I doubt Apple would come up with anything like this but it's still a great idea that I would run out and get.

Update: This is so unlikely from an industrial design standpoint. I doubt Apple would stay with the iPhone design given the role of a tablet is so different than the role of a phone.

Hat tip [What's on iPhone]

Netbook hurting Microsoft

The biggest seller in the computer category is the netbook, small low-powered laptops. I've written about them once before and I have been thinking about getting one forever; the portability just can't be beat.

The only one not excited about the netbook is Microsoft. Turns out these tiny systems are hurting their business more than Apple. Why? Because netbooks sales contribute very little to their bottom line. 

1. Roughly one-third of netbooks ship with Linux. 
   
2. Those that do ship with Windows tend to ship with the low-cost Windows XP, an OS Microsoft has been trying to bin since Vista came out. 
   
3. Most netbooks don't run Office, since the software costs as much as the computer itself. 
   

A more detailed summary can be found here on Macworld via Computerworld. 

Sony Vaio P

Some of you may not know about a new category of devices that is taking the world by storm. Formerly called the netbook – I say formally because Psion (remember them) has issued cease and desist letters on the term because of a product called netBook introduced years ago – this class of device is basically a light and small laptop that is mainly for internet applications. They tend to run Windows XP or custom Linux configurations. And they cost roughly $500, sometimes more and often less. This device class has sold roughly 5 million units to date and is where much of the growth in the PC market has been sourced. It started with a $200 Eee PC and has mushroomed since then. 

The great thing about these devices is their size and weight – 2/3rd to half the size of normal laptops and often under 2 lbs. For the road warrior, these two things are a Godsend. At least in theory. In practice, these devices can be frustrating due to their tiny keyboards and small screens. It's difficult to work on them for more than a few hours. But as a temporary laptop/desktop replacement, they are great. I've been tempted to pick one up; my MacBook is one of the older ones and is heavy, weighing in at 5.5 lbs.

Originally the domain of less-than-mainstream manufacturers – Asus and Acer being the market leaders – the biggies have noticed the action and are jumping in. Dell and HP have successfully blurred the line between laptop and netbook by offering more laptop-ish screens and wider keyboards. 

The device above is Sony's new Vaio P. It's gorgeous and I bet it will be quite successful. Although it runs Windows Vista, they have added a front-end application to ease navigation. They have 'solved' two problems – the screen has typical Sony clarity and resolution, decreasing eye strain. The keyboard is almost full-size, meaning one can work on it for a decent length of time without finger cramps. The battery life is impressive, roughly 4 hours. But it's pricey for netbook, starting at $900. 

I will keep an eye on it. 

I love the new MacBooks and will likely get one in a few months as my current one is getting long in the tooth. BUT I really want something like this because it travels better.