In another twist to the Apple netbook story, reports are coming in that Apple is in talks with Sony to license its OLED technology for the screen.
Sources at Smarthouse in Australia have claimed 'inside sources' have let slip that talks between the two companies have taken place, with a view to releasing a 10-inch OLED netbook for Christmas this year.
The same source also states that the change of heart from Apple over a 'Macbook mini' is because the company has improved its touch software and has finally been able to patent the features it wants in a small notebook.
It is also rumoured that Apple wants to pair Flash memory with the OLED screen, thus leaving it with a low-battery consuming model, albeit one that would likely come with an exorbitant price tag.
Apple's vision
Which leads very neatly to the part-painted vision of what Apple's 'netbook' would look like. Thanks to Asus' efforts at bringing the cost of these devices down to peanuts, everyone is expecting that smaller laptop should cost less.
But given that Apple's model has never been to look at a market segment and compete on cost (think the iPod, iMacs, the iPhone etc) instead focusing on high-end features in a 'must-have' frame, it seems likely that should Apple release a pretty expensive 'netbook' .
But it will likely be hewn out of a single tablet of crystal, thinner than a human hair and able to make huge use of multi-touch capabilities. And what's more, you know everyone out there will want it, even if it does cost over £1,000.
Via Smarthouse
Your comments (4) Click to add a new comment
lth
March 11th 2009
4. If anything, you'd expect Apple to compete with the Vaio P rather than the Eee-type netbooks, which means fitting a great screen - per this article - a slab of SSD memory and a decent processor, and going for a £1500ish price tag. By next Christmas those OLEDs'll be coming down in price, particularly if Apple can guarantee to order a million units.
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lamont
March 11th 2009
3. I have been stating for months on forums that apple would enter the netbook market. Apple's 9-10% market share in the laptop and desktop segments transfered onto netbooks would be about 3 million units this year, if apple can prevent fan boys from buying other models. Also, this market is expected to double yearly the next 3 years. That is why we now know that a 10 inch model is coming in the 3rd quarter. However, a touch screen on such a device (clam shell) may be more novelty than useful. Unless, the screen can swivel and close face up to make a tablet. Or is hinged mid-screen so it can clam and tablet. Perhaps I should work for apple! If the screen detaches, the apple price would be prohibitive, not to mention a hassle that I don't need on a train, bus or plane. I can't wait to see what apple offers, but I am nearly decided on spending no more than $400 on a 10 inch device that I will only use in transit and in hotel rooms. This year's netbooks by default will be less powerful and featured than next year's. I am unhappy with my 20 inch desktop screen real estate and will buy either two 24 or 26 inch replacement screens, I don't honestly see anyone used to computing making a netbook their primary computer. It is a companion device. I also don't see a reason to pay $800 dollars either. A very expensive apple netbook would be about as successful as the macbook air. I don't think apple wants to go there!
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chrisinbelgium
March 11th 2009
2. I agree, that's going to be extremely expensive. The only retail OLED screen I've seen so far was about 10 inch, it was a tiny television and the price was a whopping € 5000.00+ Darn nice to look at, but unless you're really loaded, a bit of a joke to see it for sale in a shop at that price, being the size it was...
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d4lien
March 11th 2009
1. Oooh that's gonna cost... Seriously though I kind of see netbooks as a cheap laptop alternative for people who wanted to be able to quickly browse the web. Hence me having an Eepc to compliment my other laptop, PCs and smartphone. Is there a need for a high end netbook? Of course all is speculation at the moment. Maybe Apple will surprise us.
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