Oct 11
12
Over the years I’ve been following Apple products, two constants seem to be rumour and speculation about their next product release, matched only by impenetrable secrecy about what Apple themselves are actually doing.
The rumours range from the improbable to the ridiculous, and invariably Apple manage to catch almost everyone by surprise. Sometimes it’s by over delivering on expectations. From time to time they bitterly disappoint close followers by seemingly under delivering.
What has become evident to me is the very tight formula I believe they work to for products. Some evidence towards this is the 3.5″ iPhone screen which is unlikely to change given the sound logic behind it. (http://dcurt.is/2011/10/03/3-point-5-inches/)
If you start looking at other products in their range, and consider the primary use the product is aimed at, you might start realising why some things just might never be.
Take the MacBook Pro (MBP) and MacBook Air (MBA) for examples. In July some sites started reporting that an ultra slim 15″ MacBook might appear. (http://www.macrumors.com/2011/07/26/apple-finishing-up-work-on-an-ultra-thin-15-notebook/)
At face value this seems a reasonable product. If you apply the “Apple Formula” however, it starts looking unlikely.
The MacBook Pro is aimed at power users who prefer power and performance over weight and form. If they want to balance slightly between the two, they’ll pick a 13″ MBP over a 15″ MBP or MBA. It’s not just the performance but the options such as Firewire, USB ports etc. As soon as you start slimming the form factor, you start compromising on what’s available, and moving away from the power user demographic.
On the flip side the MacBook Air is aimed at road warriors. They want as light and small as possible, and on the whole, are going to be running power hungry apps, or plugging a variety of external devices in. To achieve the latter, the new Thunderbolt displays offer Firewire and the like.
A 15″ MacBook Air doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t appeal to people who want a small lightweight device, nor does it appeal to people who want extra power and options.