Computerworld reports on an analyst Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research Inc. who believes that Apple could introduce two new netbook models at Macworld San Francisco.
While an intriguing possibility, Gottheil admits this is not based on any inside information:
"I don't have any inside information," said Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research Inc., as he spelled out his take on Apple's next hardware move. "This is just by triangulation."
Instead, Gottheil simply believes this based on the increasing popularity of netbooks and increasing financial pressures on Apple due to the recession. He goes on to describe how instead of a stripped down MacBook, Apple may choose to pursue a model similar to the iPhone -- a closed system in which software is delivered through the App Store.
That's why he believes Apple will introduce netbooks next year that, like the company's iPhone, will exist in an Apple-controlled "closed system" where software is delivered via the App Store, device restore is done from iTunes, backup is available through an optional online service, most likely MobileMe, and peripheral and add-on choices will be limited.
Macworld kicks off on January 5th, 2009.
