VentureBeat - Latest Comments in Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

ltsgt2gether — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:57:24 -0000

Well Tim Cook. You folks didn't want to make a netbook because in your opinion they suck, but did you ever take into consideration the opinions of those of us out here that purchase your products, hence keeping you job. Since my post nearly a year ago I have purchased an HP netbook. It does everything I need it to do and cost less than $300 on sale. It does not have a cd/dvd drive but the SD slot and USB flash drives fit the bill just right and I have downloaded everything I've ever needed including my anti-virus. I really wanted a Mac netbook as I have an iMac and love it, but since Apple, or more precisely Tim, you say they suck, I had to go and get an HP and I can tell you from my experience, it does not suck, it is fantastic. Is it that netbooks in general suck, or is it that one Apple would build sucks? I think Apple would do well to put someone in charge that values the opinions of those that buy the products and forget his personal opinion. Afterall, we are the reason you have a job. If we don't buy your computers, there would be no need for someone pushing products that aren't selling would there? I'm sure you are very good at your job and know computers very well, but do you know people. Many of us out here like your products and have them, so how about listening to us and put out what we want. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the results. I have not tried or even seen the iPad 2, but I hope it is a big improvement over the original. I tried it several times and it's the reason I chose my HP netbook and I assure you it does not suck. for under $300 it is fantastic, and I can even change the battery myself in 2 seconds if needed and don't have to go to a special place to get help with it. Staple's techs know them well and HP has also been most helpful in answering my questions. I still like Mac and I'm sure many others do too, but give us what we want.

Daryl K Cornelius

PS.. don't know what i did wrong but the other 2 posts I did and disappeared , hence the reason for this post, all of a sudden appeared. Just wanted to let you know I am not being a jerk and making all these posts on purpose, just one is sufficient, and please notice, my typing has improved a lot.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

ltsgt2gether — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:38:32 -0000

Hi Tim Cook. Well, you people didn't want to make a netbook because in your opinion the suck. since my post nealry a year ago I have purchased an HP netbook and I absolutely love it. It goes with me everywhere, does not weigh a ton, and it cost me less than $300 on sale. It does everything I need it to do, does not take up a lot of space in my little truck, and it has quick web which gives instant access to the web without having to wait for desktop and files to come up. I played with the iPad many times before deciding that this fit my needs much better. It does not have a cd/dvd drive but anything I need to put on it I just put on a flash drive adn install it, including my Norton 360.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

ltsgt2gether — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:23:47 -0000

Well Apple, I went and bought an HP netbook since I posted my opinion and I absolutely love it. It's half the size of a notebook, does everythin g I need it to do. does not have a cd/dvd drive but I jsut download what I need on a flash drive adn it works super. It doesn't weigh a ton like my laptop. It's easy to carry in my small truck. It has quick web which is awesome. It's instant web without having to wait for the computer to load up all the files and such which is nice when you are in a hurry, and the best part is it cost about $300. I still have my laptop and will not part with it but 95% of the time now it's home and my netbook goes with me everywhere. In my opinion, at least as far as the original iPad goes, I would not trade my netbook for one ever. I sure hope the iPad 2 is improved. Haven't seen one yet to try but guess what, I don't need to now that I have my HP netbook. If it breaks down to I can go to most any computer shop like Staples or such and it's up and running again. Can't do that with an iPad can you. can you even change or install new batteries yourself in Mac's? I can with my HP netbook in 2 seconds. Like I said in my previous post, I love my iMac and really wanted a Mac netbook, but don't need one now. I wonder how many more sales you lost because of your attitude towards netbooks. I would suggest you get a CEO or sub in your business who listens to the public's views and not just his own thoughts. After all, without us buying your products, where would you be ?

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

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Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

Daryl K Cornelius — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:04:50 -0000

Please excuse my typos, I suck with the keyboard

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

ltsgt2gether — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:01:17 -0000

Apple doesn't want to put their name on a netback because they think they are junk and yet, I have heard the the almighty Ipad is not what it's cracked up to be and has been causing some riff with college WiFi connections and also that they aren't much mopper than a iphone without the phone. I waited a long time for the Ipad to come out, I have an Imac which I love, and two PC's, one being a laptop I was hoping for the Ipad to be more like a computer in netback size as I really want a small netback with Wifi, webcam and mic built in and from many I've talked too,the Ipad is nothing more than a high dollar toy. Come on Apple, build us a netbook

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

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Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

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Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

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Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

Ann — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:32:08 -0000

I would like an Apple (Mac) netbook - if it's good, and here's why. I have only ever owned Macs, from the very first one in 1984. I would like to have one to use when I travel. Right now, an iPhone won't do it because it only carries AT&T service (ERGH!!!), which isn't accessible where I live and in many other places. If it were to expand to Verizon or Sprint, it might do. However, since that's not the case now, I'd like something Mac that is light and easy to carry.

I have a new MacBook Pro, which is great. It's not very heavy, but I don't want to take it with me on a plane (car OK, and I do). I don't want to risk losing or damaging it; also, it would be another thing to carry in a separate case. A netbook, at a quarter of the cost of my current laptop, would serve quite well. I understand Apple's position, but I wish they'd come up with something like a netbook.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

ccsa exams — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:10:29 -0000

But maybe Apple has something else up their sleeves like a MacBook Touch. And while you're at it, why not build all that iPhone functionality right in to it making it the first on the go Cellular Laptop bringing the world of mobile communications and computing together.
I agree with that.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

Mac Chick — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:04:03 -0000

Is this guy nutty or something? Sure, netbooks are cramped and have terrible software and yada yada yada, but guess why. BECAUSE THEY AREN'T MACS! They are horrible PC's, you know, Mac's mortal enemy? Why does this guy think that Mac can't make an EXCELLENT netbook? He doesn't even seem willing to try. I just got my netbook today - an Asus PC - and as expected it's slow as a turtle and basically crap, but it's my only option as far as having a netbook because this clown thinks they're goofy. The reason I bought a netbook (used on Ebay, $122) is because I'm afraid of carrying my $2000 Mac around a big city that's known for stealing bags that even look like they MIGHT contain a laptop. And for a stinky PC, $122 is more than I'm willing to spend. But if Mac made a netbook, I'd be first in line to buy it and it would be small enough to carry around without worrying. Apple needs to get with the program, I just saw on the news 5 minutes ago that the number one item in demand this Black Friday is...duh, a netbook!

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

Rayek — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:11:52 -0000

That's really what it comes down to. Netbooks are cheap primarily because they are made with cheaper components than workhorse laptops, not because they are smaller or anything else. Making things cheaply or half-assed isn't Apple's thing, so they don't make netbooks.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

edsion007 — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:28:03 -0000

Hmmm... why it has to do with twitter so much?

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

Kevin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:11:39 -0000

Im a college student and I use a HP mini with 2GB Ram "upgraded" 1.6 Ghz proccessor and 160GB harddrive, I love it because I got sick of lugging my Compaq laptop around, It works great for taking notes, and working on code for my proggramming class. I play Warcraft II and Warcraft III and other older games on it no prob, im not trying to play WoW on it but I can't wait until nvidias new chipset comes out because it will help bridge the gap in the graphics aspect of laptop vs netbook.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

slehman805 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:26:15 -0000

The MacBook Air seems like a good alternative.

I have to disagree with Tim's comments: "“When I look at netbooks, I see cramped keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware, very small screens." Except for the hardware and software is he not describing the iPhone? People watch videos on their iPhone so why not a 10" screen? The hardware and software of an Apple Net-Book should not be an issue since it would be designed by Apple and loaded with Apple software.

I see nothing wrong with adding a second MacBook Air to the line up with a decreased screen size. There is still room to decrease the screen size around the MacBook Air keyboard.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

evoisard — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:57:02 -0000

Damn, are you a chatbot, Keoz???
Your comments are like from a poorly made (Visual Studio+Visual Basic?) AI. So previsible, with so limited knowledge base...

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

evoisard — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:50:07 -0000

ha ha ha, I'm wondering about Keoz's age too. He should not have a wide developer experience. Apparently, he thinks development = Windows+MSVS on a computer at home. With Visual Basic, or maybe C# I guess :-)

Your world is quite narrow, Keoz!

Anyway if he thinks he's unable to code without a truck full of displays, quad-core computers, but with minimal environment, he'll be in trouble in his future developer's life...
Sure I prefer my dual-head workstation in my office, but I'd be happy to have a netbook always ready in my suitecase not to have to think about taking my bulky notebook's bag with me each time I have to go debugging by customers.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

evoisard — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:03:01 -0000

Why the heck software development would imply MS Visual Studio? If you're in real world, as you say, you might well have to be in the field doing some modifications on the fly in your code in a production system, with a simple editor and a couple of shell windows. Of course you might no be programming for MS Windows environment...

Sure a netbook would be very minimal, but it would allow you to do your work whilst an iPhone would be unusable for that. I'll buy one, one of these days...

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

horus — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:43:26 -0000

why bother with a netbook at all, Apple practically created this small laptop craze with the air, the cd drive less wireless connectivity. If you want an apple netbook, the air is the closest you are going to get.

Also, if new macbook's are too expencive, you can always get a powerbook g3, ibook g3 or god forbid a clamshell ibook (the blue/orange ones) off ebay for like 60£ ish

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

Richard — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:53:16 -0000

This is very sad. We have all of desktop PCs, a netbook and an Apple iMac (lovely machine and OS). Apple has quite obviously lost the plot if this is what the top brass are thinking -- remember a fish rots from the head!

Apple should do a survey of what ordinary people are doing with netbooks. Apple are missing a huge opportunity here. End of story. iPHones and iPods may be doing well; but Macbooks are not doing well relative to ALL the PC laptops and netbooks combined.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

Philip — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:21:38 -0000

You mean you downloaded a trial or illegal copy of Visual Studio and now think you're a real developer? I'm sure your mum is very proud.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

DreyZ — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:12:27 -0000

Keoz, mate, all I've read from you is pure verbal diarrhoea. As both Darren and Daryl have said "just use it for what you bought it for". THAT'S PERFECT!!!

You believe that people reading emails and web-browsing are still in the "stone age", then both you and I and everybody else who has entered in a comment must be cave-men, since we're all currently web-browsing. Whether we're using $4,000 Mac Book/laptop or $300 netbook, we're still all browsing.

From all the comments that you've entered, it appears you're the type of person who will buy a Ferrari for inner-city driving. WHAT A JOKE!!!! As Daryl stated, buy the right tool for the right job. An over-powered 22" laptop may not suit a business man that is constantly travelling (interstate or overseas) and only requires to perform simple tasks such as emailing, web-browsing, contact management, document proposal writing, etc.
Peter Webb is be a good example. He bought the right tool for his purpose. He uses the netbook mainly as a "workstation" (for lack of a better work) to remote into dedicated machines to perform tasks. You replied to his comment stating "...where do you do that you need a good broadband connection..." Have you heard of wireless internet or are you still in the "stone age"?
Friends of mine are currently back-packing overseas and they managed to purchase a netbook for about $250. It's PERFECT for them. All they use it for is emailing, web-browsing, Facebook and to Skype to their friends and family back home (in Australia). If they loose the netbook, it wouldn't set them back as much as if they lost a $2,500 Laptop. Also, with the amount and size of bags they have, it is much easier for them to pack a 11" netbook rather than a 21" Laptop. You keep on talking about "the real world". Well, if you spend time with real people rather than computers all day then you'd realise people such as Peter Webb, Darren, Daryl, Andrew and others commenting here ARE real people with REAL views.

Personally I'm not a huge fan of netbooks, but I agree with Peter Webb, Darren and Daryl. Buy the right tool for the right purpose whether that is for document writing, remote access, emailing, web-browsing, etc. That doesn't necessarily mean that you're "...deacelerating the hardware technology..." you're simply not paying for excessive hardware that you wouldn't use.
For example, would you use a helicopter just to go 2 minutes down the street to shop for groceries? You would probably say yes... the technology is newer, the hardware is more durable and it's 10 times as fast. Mate, that's a bit of a joke isn't it?!?

Andrew has a very good point. It seems that Apple's business model is to ensure high-end technology at a price, hence them having a hard time trying to fathom the concept of selling a netbook style of device for $300. Perhaps in the near future they may introduce a device that is under $1000 to compete in this unique market space.
Time will tell.

Thanks.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

shadfurman — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:17:30 -0000

while it does seem to be a trend for Apple (Steve Jobs) to dismiss a product line or technology only to release it months later, it doesn't seem like Apple to follow the pack and release a netbook after so many other companies have already gotten into them (not unless they become a defacto standard, like laptops are now) however, I would need a product about twice as large as the iPod Touch to consider it usable on a daily basis. I have considered getting one as a hand held gaming device (its the only hand held "gaming device " thats caught my interest) but thats a lot to pay for a toy that I wouldn't have time to play that often... so it would be more of a party piece. I think as Mac tablet could be viable, they would probably actually make one that was usable which is more than I can say for all the ones I've tried.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: Why don’t we make netbooks? Because they suck

Anthony Ha — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:57:49 -0000

If everything reduces to price, then why are there so many MacBook owners? Of course price is important, but let's not get carried away here.