During the April 24, 2012 Apple Financial Results Conference Call, Tim Cook responded to an analyst question about a possible Apple hybrid product, one that can be used as both a MacBook and an iPad. He responded:
Well, I think anything can be forced to merge. But the problem is that the products are about tradeoffs. And you begin to make tradeoffs to the point where what you have left at the end of the day doesn’t please anyone. And you can converge a toaster and a refrigerator, but, you know, those thing are — are probably not going to be pleasing to the user.”
Brydge, a San Francisco company, has already raised over US$400.000 to launch its “iPad laptop” at kickstarter.com. They’ve responded to the convergence putdown with a keen sense of humor.
Here’s their “Froaster” video in typical Apple style.