Apple Reporter

Around this time for the past two years, there has been a slew of rumors all focused around one thing. A slim laptop by Apple. Ever since Apple and Intel first partnered up, people have been clamouring for a new Intel version of the iBook. I’ve spent a few days reading all the rumors, and I’d like to put my two cents in on what I think the slim laptop will be.

First off, I do think there will be a slim laptop announced at Macworld ‘08. The iBook was amazingly popular in its 7 year run, and is still used in many schools and businesses as the standard. Once the Macbook came in 2006, the iBook was discontinued, and the Macbook, which was superior to the iBook in terms of system specs, became a commercial success, like the iBook did before it. But for some, the old 12″ iBook is still the best laptop made by Apple, because it is so small that it is extremely portable. Not to say that an increase of an inch makes it less portable, but for some the iBook just seemed like the perfect laptop.

Here in 2007, Apple has revolutionized the computer market with their designs. The iPod keeps getting thinner and smaller, while still retaining its storage size, and the laptops get sleeker and sleeker. But why shouldn’t there be a iPod Nano version of laptops? By that, I mean why can’t there be a slim laptop for the consumers who love the way the iPod continually gets smaller.

Back to the rumors, everyone from AppleInsider to CNBC expects Apple to have a “super-laptop” (as CNBC puts it) at Macworld ‘08. The persistent rumors are this:

• 12-13″ screen
• NAND flash memory, similar to that used in the iPhone and iPod Nano
• An all-around slimmer laptop, reports range from 30-50% lighter and thinner
• The possible exclusion of the optical drive, but this is the most uncertain of all rumors.

As for my opinion, I don’t have any informants or anything of that sort, I can just say that I am speculating based on Apple’s previous announcements and product releases. I would not be surprised to see NAND flash memory in the Macbook Slim (as I am now going to call it) as Apple has been producing many of their products with this technology in mind, and new advances in technology will certainly allow the Macbook Slim’s hard drive to reach levels never seen before in flash memory. As for screen size, I believe that Apple will not venture far from the tested and true 12-13″ screen level, but perhaps as low as 10-11″ could be announced. Perhaps a 10-11″ and a 12-13″ will be released simultaneously. Finally, for aesthetics, a slimmer or thinner product is almost guaranteed, because without it, there would be no point in releasing the new Slim.

Whether it is announced at Macworld or not, the Macbook Slim rumor is something that will still persist because it seems like something Apple would definitely produce. Looking at the evolution of the iPod and other Mac computers, it seems almost inevitable that the Macbook Slim would eventually appear somewhere in Apple’s product lines.

Thanks to MacNewbTube for the beautiful mockup.