Air and new OS

[FX4568]

Alright, the only thing that is preventing me to click the "order" an ultimate MBA 13, is the fact that im scared about future OS.
You may ask why? Lion support a MINIMUM of core2duo, so whatever next software is MIGHT NOT support the MBA.
So lets say software comes out at intervals of 2 years, that means my MBA will be an OS behind in 2 years.
Considering the fact that I am paying 1.7k dollars for a non-upgradeable, I am very hesitant and rather point my mouse to the MBP 13 with a 256 SSD. which has more upgradeable parts and a better chance of lasting 4-5 years.

I would love an Air because of the 320m, resolution, and aesthetics, but if I have to sacrifice versatility, I rather pay 50 dollars less for a 256 SSD i5 13MBP.

Idk what Im really asking, but any input would be appreciated.

 

[mulo]

my understanding is that lion requires the c2d because its the earliest 64bit capable processor, and while its an old processor I don't see 128bit computing in any near future

 

[SR71]

Another thing to think about is the fact that in all of the pictures/previews of Mac OS X Lion, they always show lion running on the MacBook Air. Why? Most likely to show that the MBA is capable of running future OS's without problems. The C2D chip is old, but that doesn't mean that it's slow and cannot run future OS's. Hell, if you google reviews for the MBA, almost ALL of them compliment on the speed of the MBA.

So, take that for what it's worth and I trust you will make the right decision (which, in my opinion, would be to order one right now).

 

[cambookpro]

Why? Most likely to show that the MBA is capable of running future OS's without problems. The C2D chip is old, but that doesn't mean that it's slow and cannot run future OS's. Hell, if you google reviews for the MBA, almost ALL of them compliment on the speed of the MBA.

So, take that for what it's worth and I trust you will make the right decision (which, in my opinion, would be to order one right now).

Why? Because it's Apple's most aesthetically pleasing and best selling laptop...

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

So? Even if what you're scared of is true (which it isn't), what's wrong with using Lion as an every day OS? I have friends who are still using Leopard (some use PPC, some use Intel) and there's nothing wrong with that. Just like there's nothing wrong with still using/owning an iPad 1G (like me) or an older iPhone (3G, 3GS, etc.).

Lion is going to be 64-bit only and as previous posters have mentioned, Core 2 Duo is the earliest 64-bit capable processor. The MBA can last 4-5 years, it depends solely on your usage. For example, the current top-tier 15" MBP might not last 4-5 years for high-end users but it will last 4-5 years for not-so high-end users like me. So buying the best computer to fit your needs (not your wants, because that's a different story altogether) is essential.

In fact, most people don't use/need an "ultimate" anything. They buy it just because they have the have the best of something even though a non "ultimate" MBA would suit them just fine.

 

[SR71]

So? Even if what you're scared of is true (which it isn't), what's wrong with using Lion as an every day OS? I have friends who are still using Leopard (some use PPC, some use Intel) and there's nothing wrong with that. Just like there's nothing wrong with still using/owning an iPad 1G (like me) or an older iPhone (3G, 3GS, etc.).

Lion is going to be 64-bit only and as previous posters have mentioned, Core 2 Duo is the earliest 64-bit capable processor. The MBA can last 4-5 years, it depends solely on your usage. For example, the current top-tier 15" MBP might not last 4-5 years for high-end users but it will last 4-5 years for not-so high-end users like me. So buying the best computer to fit your needs (not your wants, because that's a different story altogether) is essential.

In fact, most people don't use/need an "ultimate" anything. They buy it just because they have the have the best of something even though a non "ultimate" MBA would suit them just fine.

+1.

I agree 100%.

 

[FX4568]

Idk, hardware is fine for me, but it is the software that matters the most.
When it comes to being the latest in software, I am a freak.
GAH.

 

[SR71]

Idk, hardware is fine for me, but it is the software that matters the most.
When it comes to being the latest in software, I am a freak.
GAH.

Just buy the dang thing! You'll be fine. Don't worry about it. You'll be able to run next year's Mac OS, and the year after that, and the year after that, and the year after that. That's the next 4 years of Mac OS. You have nothing to worry about.

 

[bcaslis]

Alright, the only thing that is preventing me to click the "order" an ultimate MBA 13, is the fact that im scared about future OS.
...

1.) Apple themselves on the Mac OS X Lion pages show the OS on a MacBook Air. That should tell you something.
2.) Several people here are already running Lion on the MBA. There's nothing to worry about.

 

[FX4568]

Screw this, im buying it.
okay i just clicked it WOOOOOOOO
its coming april 22nd - 26 D im so excitedddd

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Screw this, im buying it.
okay i just clicked it WOOOOOOOO
its coming april 22nd - 26 D im so excitedddd

Congrats on your new MBA!

 

[FX4568]

Congrats on your new MBA!

Thanks! Is there anything I should know besides battery and other stuff? or will I just learn it throughout the time

 

[macingman]

Thanks! Is there anything I should know besides battery and other stuff? or will I just learn it throughout the time

You'll learn everything as time goes by, it's not that different from other Macbook's and if it is your first Macbook you will learn how to use a Mac incredibly fast.

The MBA will be the best computer you've ever owned.

 

[rrl]

Unfounded fears. Relax, the latest MBAs will run great with Lion. If anything, better. Remember, Apple is giving "Back to the Mac," which means more iOS genetics, and that stuff runs well on single-core ARM processors.

Enhance your calm, Lenina Huxley, but make sure you get 4 GB.

 

[57004]

I don't think the OP's fears are completely unfounded. Of course Lion requires the C2D because the Core Duo wasn't a 64-bit processor, and it will support the current MBA. However, Apple has always drawn the line higher when introducing new operating systems, and it hasn't always been for purely technical reasons.

For example, Tiger ruled out any system from the time before Firewire was introduced, even though it could run fine without it. Leopard required an 867 Ghz mac, but runs fine (although a bit slow) on slower ones. I assume this was done for marketing purposes. They did the same thing with iOS, like the iPhone 2G not supporting MMS even though it was technically capable.

However Apple seems to like to draw the line at some kind of CPU version because it's clearer than a certain Mhz limit, and more easily understood by their customers.

So I think it is likely they will choose to drop C2D at some point. Whether it's the version after Lion or the one after that is only known to Apple, of course.

 

[rrl]

Lion is looking just fine:

Apple Mac OS X 10.7 Lion DP2 Battles Ubuntu 10.10

The test system was an Intel Mac Mini with an Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 (2.00GHz) processor, 1GB of system memory, 120GB Fujitsu MHZ2120B SATA HDD, and NVIDIA GeForce 9400 graphics.

 

[satkin2]

If you assume the OS will be updated every two years, then in four years the second revision after Lion comes out. I'd look at the updates that come for the current C2D machines, if they are all upgraded around the time of Lion then it would be a reasonable assumption to think that in a couple of revisions time systems with C2D may no longer be supported.

I'd expect a current Air to support at least the OS after Lion, but furter than that, they may want you to upgrade your machine.