I've got issues posting on the MU site so I'll comment here …
Apple is never going to build a top quality, ultraportable to meet customer needs, simply because if Apple did build a top quality ultraportable it would cost considerably more than the current netbooks and therefore it wouldn't meet the perceived needs of that segments customers.

Mark

look we wont have that sort of commen sense here!!! Please change your post to be more partisan and biased.

BTW totally agree with you.

My 13" Macbook Pro has all but replaced my netbook, the outstanding battery life was the only real attraction for me, which is now equalled by the excellent battery in my MBP. As such, my netbook is now on Fleabay, as it was only collecting dust in the corner.

What is it?

I love my netbook, but it has the same shameful 90 - 120 minute life as my laptop. Enough for the trip to London or a quick customer visit, but way short of the 8 hours plus I'd really like.

ASUS Eee PC 1000, the 10" model with the Solid-State Drive. The battery lasts typically around 7 hours, which as I said is pretty much matched by my MBP.

I can see myself buying a Chrome netbook, if they're any good.

I think, by the way, that this Apple quote could easily have been "our goal is to not build the most computers" and made even more sense!

My MacBook used to hit almost eight ours when it was new. It will be three years old in a year or two, and can now handle just under two hours. The only annoying thing is that rather than putting the machine to sleep after two hours it just cuts out and the machine looses power!