In a perfect world, what I'd love to see happen is for Apple to introduce an iPhone Pro, if you will--a product that's mid-way between an iPhone and a MacBook, both in terms of capability and in terms of price. And there's definitely a big gap there which I don't think would cannibalize either iPhone or MacBook sales.

Imagine if the iPhone were installed in a clamshell design, complete with a keyboard. You'd have the best of both worlds--a touch screen-equipped device running a broad variety of third party software, with the flexibility to input large amounts of text easily.

I'm Macworld's, so you might be wondering how a netbook might fit in there. (Indeed, this particular post began life as an editorial in my .) Netbooks are not known for their game prowess, though the iPhone is increasingly associated with games. I don't think this would change with another iPhone product focused on reaching out to consumers and professionals looking for a netbook-style product.

Admittedly, it presents some engineering and usability problems, if my concept of a clamshell-style iPhone-derived product were to come to pass. But I still think such a system could potentially offer users just as good a gaming experience--and could pave the way for other kinds of games to run on the platforms--games more suited for keyboard controls.

Believe me, I understand it when people who remember the eMate 300 look at it as a failure and don't want to see Apple repeat the same mistake again. And Apple can't be all things to all people. And I certainly acknowledge that my concept of a keyboard-equipped iPhone probably offends the sensibilities of some of you reading this.