Why the Macbook Touch Makes Sense

Due to the fast-approaching Macworld '08, much speculation is surfacing regarding Steve Jobs highly anticipated keynote.  Rumors range from a 3G iphone to an ultra-light notebook. While these rumors are plausible, and at least some of them will probably prove true, It would appear that the next logical step in Apple's lineup—specifically it's portables—would be the macbook touch.

While existing portable computers live up to their promise of mobile computing, they usually still require an accessory device for organizational purposes. Their design makes them too cumbersome for the user to do anything without assuming some sort of sitting position, and their unwieldy trackpads often necessitate the use of a mouse.  These limitations require people to buy smart phones or PDA's for the ultimate mobile computing experience.

This need is seemingly filled by tablet PCs. However, these devices require a stylus and often assume the traditional size and shape of a notebook. In addition to these shortcomings, all tablet PCs lack the Apple "touch". An Apple made tablet computer would, however, utilize Apple's superior multi-touch interface which would eliminate the need for a stylus and introduce a whole new paradigm in mobile computing.  One could whip it out to enter a calendar appointment or check a shopping list one moment, and sit down to write a paper or surf the web the next.  The hassles and expense of owning a second device and keeping it in sync with their computer could be eliminated for many people.

 

If Apple were to introduce this device, it would be consistent with their past releases and current trends.  When Apple introduced the iPod mini in 2004, it started a tradition of miniaturization among Apple products.  A year later the mac mini was released, and, soon after, the iPod nano would replace it's mini ancestor.  These products have helped bring the Apple experience to those constrained by a smaller budget.
At Macworld '07 Apple introduced the world to the enticing wonders of multi-touch when it introduced the iPhone.  Soon after the iPhone was released to the public, the "touch" name was brought to the iPod and the iPod touch was born.  Who's to say that Apple wouldn't carry this concept over to their all-important mac business

If Apple were to release a sub-notebook, a 3G iPhone, or iTunes movie rentals it would bring much needed functionality to its products and fill some holes in it's mac lineup.  However, these announcements would carry much less weight than Apple's previous, more groundbreaking announcements, and Apple thrives on shaking up the industry with truly innovative products.  If Steve Jobs gets up on that platform in January and introduces updates and much-needed improvements to existing products and services, no one will be very disappointed, and Apple's profits will likely continue to soar.  However, if he introduces a touch-based portable mac, Apple will have an opportunity to truly revolutionize computing as we know it.