Apple and the netbook

Okay, I admit that I have been thinking that Apple should have jumped on the netbook bandwagon months ago, but after actually and finally jumping on one last week for a few minutes, I can see why they didn't - at least in the form which exists - and why they should.

The Apple version will definitely be touch screen in my opinion. The current netbooks which tout their "full" keyboard feature, no matter how you slice it, comes up dinky. But I understand why it's so popular with young females in Asia with such a teensy, crowded keyboard that probably perfectly fits slighter phalanges, but for your average-sized dude, I'm not seein' it.

Apple really should release something in this form factor, though, as the ease of transport makes even an ultralight laptop seem bulky. I'm still a big fan of a larger screen personally, and would probably still go with a true notebook, but there is certainly a niche market for a smaller device.

The biggest question remaining in my mind is whether it will be a clamshell or bar style, to borrow some mobile phone terms. Problem with the "bar book" is, where and how do you prop it up while you type? With a generation used to Game Boys and PSP's, perhaps this is less of an issue, but how many emails or web addresses do you type out on a handheld gaming device? And really how good is it typing a lot on an iPhone and Touch for that matter? Any better than the crowded netbook keys that Apple complains about?

This issue has me scratching my head and thinking more along the lines of a dual touch screen a la the OLPC Project's second-generation device. Apple's prototype better pre-date this blog post or I want royalties, but what I envision is a big-screen touch with a second pop-out touch keypad, perhaps with foldable "wings" to emulate a full-sized keypad, ultra thin of course, with perhaps two recessed "legs" in the side of the main unit to prop the angle of the screen. Okay, maybe a little crazy, but visionaries aren't exactly supposed to be conservative non-risk takers, are they? This device would be both a handheld giant Touch and a desk-settable netbook all in one.

Anyhow, I have the feeling that an iPod TouchBook is not far away... even this summer is not unreasonably soon, seeing they've known about the demand for well over a year by now, and the iPod Touch is about a year and a half old by release date. And why wait for fall when the hot summer months beg for lightweight portability in any item from clothing to camping gear to travel luggage?