The MacBook Nano is Born

Pictures of a MacBook nano based on the MSI U100 netbook have surfaced on the web. The 1.6GHz Atom-based machine sports a 10" display, 2GB DDR 2 RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and weighs just 2.2 lbs.

Had someone told us this was an actual netbook coming from Cupertino, we probably wouldn't have rushed to dismiss the allegation. Still, the fact of the matter is that an MSI is still an MSI, even with a beautifully crafted, custom made shell with a backlit Apple logo and everything.

The pictures appeared on Flickr this week, and were spotted by various eagle-eyed tech-based sites. Mickphoto's picture set tries to show the MacBook nano as the real thing, all boxed and sealed up neatly and tidily. The box even contains all the software needed to run Windows XP Pro or Mac OS X 10.5.5. At least two models have been created, according to the photos - a white MacBook nano and a black model. Both have the neat Apple logo on the back, as well as the name MacBook Nano stamped on the front of the display, in a very Apple-like way.

According to Gizmodo, specs include:

- MSI U100 MacBook Nano
- Windows XP Pro + Mac OS X 10.5.5
- Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz
- 2G DDRII
- 10" WSVGA LED (1024x600)
- 320GB SATA
- 1kg
- MMC/SD/MS 4
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MacBook Nano made from an MSI U100
Credits: Mickphoto via Flickr

Apple has been extremely reserved when having to answer questions about a netbook or even a Multi-Touch based laptop. Thus, folks decided to take matters in their own hands. Netbooks refer to a category of small to medium sized Internet-focused laptops. Such a device is (conceptually) lightweight, low-cost, energy-efficient, and optimized for web surfing and e-mailing. Apple seemingly doesn't see this as a priority for today's users (or for itself, as a business).

As for the touch-based notebooks everyone's waiting to see coming out of the Cupertino labs, many concept photos of such a device have been released, while some people have actually went to create the machine itself. It is the case of Axiotron, which was bold enough to try and create the Modbook, a Mac tablet starting at $1,299. Yes, you can actually buy one! Or, you can send in your own MacBook (pretty much every model goes), and they'll have it done for you in no time.

Having said all this, what do you think of this MSI-based MacBook nano, and which concept of a portable device attracts you the most?