15" or 17" Macbook Pro With MacBook Air Features - Like Removing Optical Drive?

We all knew when Steve Jobs introduced the re-engineered Macbook Air, the current edition last winter, much of the features it gained were from the iPad.  And Steve said much of the what MBA inherited will be passed a long to the other Macbook line-up.

Naturally, many think Steve is talking about the SDD or the month-long sleep period.  Or perhaps, and this is something that has not be brought up for a while, it is that the other Macbooks and MBP will lose the optical drive.  

The question is would users want that?  And is the market ready for such an eventuality?  

Let's examine this for a bit and see where it can possibly go.

By removing the optical drive, Apple opens quite a bit of engineering possibilities.  First, it is possible for Apple to slim things down quite a bit.  As in nearly MBA thin.  It's doubtful we'll see them as thin as the MBA because of chip and heat issues.  The MB may go that route because there are no dedicated GPU inside of them.

On the other hand, the MBP line have dedicated GPU that can contribute quite a bit of heat.  Obviously, we are assuming that Apple has not already found a way to dissipate the heat from the CPU and GPU.  But we have seen Apple do the impossible and leap ahead of its competitors.  

For now, I think Apple, by removing the optical drive, can slim down the MB or the MBP quite a bit more but not MBA thin. 

Second possibility of is that Apple keeps the same form factor of the current MB and MBA even after removing the optical drive.  What can Apple do with all that space?

I've got some ideas and they might be wild:

1. Add more battery.  Right now, the Macbook and Macbook Pro are rated 10 hours and 9 hours of use respectively.  I love to see that space used to pack more battery and increase use by 30-50% more. That'll be good fro a flight from SF to Tokyo.
2. Room for more SSD.  You can never have enough space.  So why not allow additional SSD to be inserted in place of the optical drive?  
3. Room for a second CPU.  This is one of the more crazy idea.  But if Apple is about mobile, I would love to see this happen and I think it can especially on the 17" MBP.  This would be a designer's dream machine.  And I can use the power for my Final Cut projects.  
4. This is the craziest idea of all.  Add an iOS device in there.  Allow users to have the dual use of the great screen.  Consider this a 13", 15", or 17" iPad.  The trackpad is fully capable of functioning and substituting as the screen's touch functions.  The electronics that house and power the magic of the iOS devices is so miniaturized that, while I admit this is a crazy idea, can fit into the space where the current DVD drive sits.

A bit more about point number 4, fitting an iOS device into the Macbooks.  Think of this as selling two machines in one.  Furthermore, this Apple can increase profit margins because it doesn't have to fully build out the iOS device like it would have to otherwise - battery, memory, and LCD screen.  

I'm all for getting rid of the DVD drive.  I haven't used it for a while and I've got plenty of options when it comes to viewing my DVD collection at home.  And much of them have already been converted into digital copies so I can already take them on my Macbook or iPad.  

I hope this is what Tim Cook said on Tuesday's earnings call when he reiterated that the Macbook Air was the future.  I like SSD and long sleep but I also like removing the optical drive to make better 21st Century use of that space.

February Will Have a Busy Second Week

You want proof that 2011 is going to be very very important for mobile?  What? CES wasn't enough?

CES in the first week of January did not end quietly as Apple and Verizon lit things up with the CDMA iPhone last week. This week, we had a bunch of earnings, trashing talking during earnings calls, and, oh, Steve Jobs taking his 3rd medical leave of absence.

We might have a quiet week next but Sony may be brewing a PSP2 meal for us.  I'm hoping to see a PSP phone as well.  

Just about the only week we might have a bit of time to catch our breath is the first week of Feb.  Then mobile activities will spike from there.  Check this out:

• Feb 7th: Sprint is hold a mobile event.  Calling it a mobile first.
• Feb 8th: Dell will likely show off their smartphones and new laptops
• Feb 9th: HP jumps back into the mobile war with Web OS 2 and new hardware.  Maybe a couple of slates.  Probably some smartphones too.  

That's the second week.  We've yet to hear from T-Mobile but I can see that they'll probably save their best for the Mobile World Congress that'll take place after that.  

Basically, what you're seeing is a bunch of companies and carriers lining up at the scrimmage line, positioning their pieces, and waiting to work hard for our hard earned dollars.  

So,  get ready for what's ahead.  Come back here for analysis.  Do research.  And when you're finally ready to pull the trigger on your next smartphone or tablet, I have a feeling you will have the best stuff that these companies have to offer.  

And if you're a crazed mobile warrior like me who follow the industry like folks follow sports, you're in for a treat.  These events are like bowl games.  Each with their own theme and personality.  Loving every bit of this.  This sure makes up for a boring December.

Two Companies Hurt Most by the Verizon iPhone

According to an unofficial and certainly non-scientific poll taken by Business Journal, a full 40% are ready to jump over to Verizon for the iPhone.  Still, even at 30% (maybe the poll points to 50% because this is not scientific after all), that is quite a high number.

And maybe this is good for Apple, it certainly isn't good for a few companies with a lot to protect and, maybe, even their futures are in jeopardy.

Let me begin by saying that none of them is Google.  Android is going to be huge and nothing is gonna stop it.  Not Apple.  I'm also not saying that Google will rule the mobile realm but I am just saying that Android is here to stay.

The first company I think will be going through a lot of pain is RIM.  RIM was thrown aside when its Storm was unable to match the iPhone blow for blow.  And with the iPhone going on sale on Verizon's network starting Feb 3rd, I can see sales already coming to a screeching halt.  And it might get worse if Apple opens up the iPhone to Sprint and T-Mobile.  

Even with the Playbook, it might not be enough to stop enterprise adoption of iOS devices as workers take up Apple's mobile gears.  And if you didn't know, Playbook works okay as a standalone tablet but only shines if it is coupled with a Blackberry.  Well, if less folks are using Blackberries, what's the point of the Playbook then?

The second company I think that will get hit hard by the tsunami of iPhone sales through Verizon, though the effects will not be as immediate as it will be for RIM, is Microsoft.  Why?  Because of this pattern.

As consumers, who also happen to be workers, adopt the iPhones and iPads and take them into their workplace, they may inevitably rely less on Windows.  And the halo effect of the iOS devices are strong.  And that could be more iOS and Mac sales for Apple.

Don't believe me?  Apple just sold its best ever number of Macs at over 4 million and along the way, moved over 7 million iPads.  The number for iPad will increase in 2011 as Apple also add native support for Verizon's CDMA network.  

So far, Microsoft has not positioned Windows Phone 7 as well as I hope.  But 2011 through 2012 will determine just how much Microsoft fades in mobile or whether it can mount a Steve Jobs-like comeback.  

I seriously doubt that Apple will be able to repeat the dominance it has had on the ATT network on the Verizon network.  But even if it manages to attract 30% of mobile users to use the iPhone, this will have devastating efforts on Apple's competitors across the mobile market.

Note:  On ATT's network, the iPhone outnumber Android devices 15 to 1.

Preliminary Speculation on Apple's nearly $4B Payment For Future Tech: I think It's About Glass

I'll have more to say on this but right now, I want to give my initial speculation on what I think Apple may have paid upfront for with the $3.9 billion Tim Cook mentioned in Apple earnings call yesterday

Glass.  Not just LCD or the Retina screen that many folks are speculating about but glass that goes on the iPhone.  The gorilla glass from Corning.  And more than just trying to find a stronger material for the iPhone, Apple is looking to add touch put to the underside of the iOS devices.

Beginning with the iPhone.  Probably not iPhone 5 but I'm guess it'll be for iPhone 6 and beyond. 

And while this doesn't mean twice the LCD screen, it does mean twice the type of glass that's needed to take in touch controls.  And a few weeks ago, there was a new patent granted to Apple that allows the touch contacts to be placed closer.  

Speculation then was that it will allow Apple to make thinner iOS devices but it could mean that it'll allow Apple to add touch to the bottom of the iPhone or iPod touch without increasing the thickness of the devices.

I've got other speculations on what Apple might have put the nearly $4 billion down payment for.  But this is what I'm most excited to share with you.  Again, these are my own speculations and one that I like to see.

Back touch input will put a whole new dynamics in how we interact with our mobile devices.  I fully expect other device makers to be looking into this.  But if I'm right, it does look like Apple has a jump on everyone else again.

iPad 2: CDMA or GMS Version?

Cat’s out of the bag about Apple offering native CDMA support for Verizon. And given the timing, it’s not likely Apple will offer this support in the current iPad. Rather it’ll have to be for the iPad 2.

Now’s the important question: should you get the CDMA version or the GSM version of iPad 2?

For me, it’s a bit more complicated. I’ve got the iSpot that I use as my main wireless Internet hub. However, I am still interested in the 3G version of the next iPad because of the added GPS functionality that is likely to be available only for the 3G+WiFi version. Right now, I rely totally on the WiFi signals where I happen to be, which is useless since I already know where I am.

The cell signal on the iSpot is good but not great since there are parts of LA that still have no WiMax coverage.

So you see, this is different from deciding between getting an iPhone or an iPod touch. With the iPhone, you’re required to sign up for a two-year contract in order to get the GPS function. Having said that, which version should I, or you, get? And for a moment, forget that I have to pay a premium for the 3G with GPS version of the iPad.

I like the possibility that the CDMA version running on Verizon’s network might have unlimited data access. You might ask why would I need it since I can obviously get faster WiMax through the iSpot.

Well, between the two, I would use the iSpot because, for one, I’m already paying for the service. And you’re right, it’s also a faster service. But call my decision about this saving up for a rainy day.

See, Clearwire is in a bit of a financial trouble. It has quite a bit of debt and, recently, one of its main investors, Sprint, passed additional investment. I am a bit worried that one day, I’ll wake up to find out that wireless Internet through my iSpot has been shut off because Clearwire can’t pay its creditors.

And then there’s the announcement from Virgin Mobile that started throttling its “unlimited” service after 5GB of data has been reached. Clearly, Clear can do the same thing to its customers as well.

By going with Verizon, it's possible iPad users might get unlimited wireless Internet for $30 a month. With GSM, you obviously have to go with ATT. And Internet access is metered at $15 a month for 200MB or $25 a month and you get 2GB. Sorry, that isn't anywhere nearly enough for my needs.

Now, you might argue that with ATT, you get faster 3G access. However, what is the point of having faster limited access? It only means that we get to the 2GB limit faster on ATT.

I am leaning towards the CDMA version. But I still hope out hope that competition from Verizon might prompt ATT to wise up and go back to the unlimited Internet access it once offered when the 3G iPad first went on sale.

Outside of my unique situation, a regular mobile warrior's need would be a bit different. I think most folks will look favorable upon the CDMA version should Verizon give users unlimited 3G access.

Consider the situation, anyone can think of a reason to get a GSM iPad anymore?

T-Mobile Wants the iPhone And Diss Slow Networks of Rivals Carrying It

T-Mobile is my network of choice. CDMA doesn't work for me and until Verizon has build out a sufficient LTE network, VW doesn't work for me. And forget ATT. So I don't mind the series of commercials that dissed ATT's poor wireless coverage (perceived or not, I don't like ATT).

And now, T-Mobile has released a new commercial that dissed both of the US networks that carry the iPhone. And it's a great one.



Having said that, Seattle Times is reportedly got a T-Mobile representative on record saying We would be interested in offering the iPhone, but ultimately it is Apple's decision".

So would commercials like this put any chance of the iPhone on T-Mobile in jeopardy? No. T-Mobile disses the carriers but not iPhone. Just like a year or so ago, it was Verizon that dissed ATT in a near identical good-natured manner.



And here we are a year later, a CDMA iPhone.

Will it take another year before T-Mobile or, for that matter, Sprint get their own iPhone? It's like the T-Mobile rep said, it's Apple decision. While I hope it will not take that long, keep in mind that VW's CEO made a similar statement about six months ago.

More at Seattle Times.

Future iOS Devices Found In New iOS Codes

We are 3 to 4 months away from a new iPad and about six months away a new iPhone if past Apple patterns hold.

And tech blogs, many Apple- or iOS-centric ones, have been focused on new codes denoting models that have not been released.

There are some explanations for what they are. MacRumors has provided their own.

• iPad2,1
• iPad2,2
• iPad2,3
• iPhone4,1
• iPhone4,2

I have read other explanations about what they may mean.  And generally, it made sense.  Regardless, here's what I think as far as the iPhone and iPad on the market for sale.  If you can wait, I would, just like I am doing right now.

I am in the market for a new iPad so I can pass along my current one to my nephew.  But if you need one now, the iPad is second to none in the tablet market.

And if you're in the market for an iPhone, the iPhone 4 is only at the midterm of its cycle as the top mobile device from Apple and it is by one the best smartphone on the market.  You can't go wrong with it.  And obviously, you will have the option of buying from ATT or Verizon Wireless on Feb 10th.

But you want to wait, I don't see why not.  Buy now or buy later, there is always something new that will come along the way.

More at Macrumors.