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Apple Keynote Predictions for Macbook Air
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and here's an opinion from Ecto1 on Australia's Mactalk site:
'I think it will down like this. Steve will come out and do his whole spiel about how strong Apple is and that they have some exciting things to show us today. It will go in this order:
iPhone OS 4.0
mac
iLife '10
Steve will then thank everyone for coming. At that point Steve goes "Oh just one more thing. We made a new ad! and we would like to show you it."
'I think it will down like this. Steve will come out and do his whole spiel about how strong Apple is and that they have some exciting things to show us today. It will go in this order:
iPhone OS 4.0
mac
iLife '10
Steve will then thank everyone for coming. At that point Steve goes "Oh just one more thing. We made a new ad! and we would like to show you it."
The event on the 27th is going to be about iPhone OS 4, lots of software talk (gaming and maybe iLife '10) and the Tablet. Not 'boring stuff' like computers. I expect them to be silently refreshed the day before the event.
Actually, the story doesn't really confirm an update of the Air. They're saying if there was an update of the Air planned it would definitely be delayed because of the chip delay. The chip could just be delayed on its own with no correlation to an Air update.
If Apple goes ULV, it will be the end of the MBA as we know it/LOVE IT. A ULV CPU declares that the MBA will be extremely miniaturized... thinner, smaller, weigh less and definitely only include the integrated Intel IGP. This is NOT the MBA we all want. It's a low powered, incapable machine which will be inferior to MOST PC ultraportables. ULV = DEAD!
I don't believe Apple will go with i3 or i5 CPUs in the MBA. The only CPU that makes sense as the MBA being a "primary capable" Mac is the Core i7 CPU. It's 25W TDP including the IGP. That is the Low Voltage model replacing the SL9x00 17W CPUs that Apple currently uses in the MBA. I still believe the MBA could even have a Core 2 Duo Penryn SL9x00 CPU just as the last update.
IF Apple waits for the MBA update, it's definitely getting the overhaul that means the role of the MBA is changing. That's not what we want. It will be okay for those wanting to use the MBA as a secondary Mac, but that only makes sense if there's no tablet. The tablet should be Apple's solution for secondary Mac computing that's ultraportable.
I say five days and counting... I will wait before I declare the MBA dead to me. I have a little more HOPE than that... NOT faith, HOPE!
I don't believe Apple will go with i3 or i5 CPUs in the MBA. The only CPU that makes sense as the MBA being a "primary capable" Mac is the Core i7 CPU. It's 25W TDP including the IGP. That is the Low Voltage model replacing the SL9x00 17W CPUs that Apple currently uses in the MBA. I still believe the MBA could even have a Core 2 Duo Penryn SL9x00 CPU just as the last update.
IF Apple waits for the MBA update, it's definitely getting the overhaul that means the role of the MBA is changing. That's not what we want. It will be okay for those wanting to use the MBA as a secondary Mac, but that only makes sense if there's no tablet. The tablet should be Apple's solution for secondary Mac computing that's ultraportable.
I say five days and counting... I will wait before I declare the MBA dead to me. I have a little more HOPE than that... NOT faith, HOPE!
true, but the article cited the possibility of apple buying a small number at a premium price... why would this be considered if there was not an impending update???
I completely agree. Apple should market the tablet to the netbook crowd and further differentiate the MBA from a netbook. Netbook owners don't care about power, which is a completely different demographic than the current Air is targeted toward. If they do use a ULV chip... they should rename it, because it won't be a MacBook anymore... maybe it'll be the iAir.
I would say that could happen. But if the MBA is getting a ULV, it's going to be a completely different computer and form factor, and Apple is going to show it off at the media event. It would make no sense for Apple to "dumb down" the MBA in its current form factor. We currently have a CPU capable of working as a primary computer for us. A ULV Core i3/i5 is boring JUNK and a terrible downgrade of the MBA's computing capabilities.
I still have hope. I would definitely prefer a "BORING" update to the MBA a day before the media event with nothing more than a 4 GB RAM update, new graphics solution, and SSD bump OVER a ULV MBA that's transformed into nothing more than a low-end incapable ultraportable. I will be going with Sony, Lenovo, Asus, HP or even Dell before taking such a terrible turn for the worse in the MBA!
Apple could have learned that the MBA sells better as a secondary Mac or netbook replacement. In that scenario, a ULV CPU and "dumbed down" MBA makes sense... IF THERE WERE NO TABLET. If there's a real tablet, it makes no sense in the world to make the MBA a competitor to the tablet. Either Apple isn't thinking straight, or this story doesn't make sense. Apple is smarter than this, so I have to HOPE the story is just BOGUS.
I still think that the MBA will either get an extensive update that includes A CORE i7 25w LV CPU (NOT ULV), or it will stay the same for factor. If the form factor is retained it will get either a Core i7 CPU with an ATI graphics solution or the exact same SL 9x00 LV CPUs at 17W plus an Nvidia 12W GPU/chipset.
It just makes no sense to dumb down the MBA into a secondary computer that's like you say an "iAir" instead of a "MacBook" Air UNLESS the whole tablet is a bogus invention meant to boost the stock price of AAPL. If that's the case, I better dump my AAPL stock NOW!
The quoted blog has no information about it being considered by Apple. They just said it's a possibility. I could create a blog and say it's a possibility they've killed off the MBA completely, both are just speculation.
I think many here are thinking about what's good for the Air. Apple thinks in terms of what's good for Apple.
Do think they would introduce a brand new updated lightweight laptop the same week they introduce their brand new tablet? And then risk having to answer the question "Why would I buy a tablet instead of this shiny new perfect Macbook Air?". Yes, different uses and different target audience, but Apple is like a laser with product announcements. Even if there was an Air update ready, I could see them delaying or killing it to not endanger their tablet sales, which an analyst projected at 5 million sold / $3 billion in the first year of release.
Obviously I want to be wrong, but everything at this point points to iPhone OS update and tablets next week.
Even though I doubt it, Apple could introduce a MBA update the same day or right before the tablet for the simple fact the tablet won't be available for sale for another 5 months anyway. I don't think a MBA update would kill sales for the tablet as they are geared toward completely different audiences.
That is if the MBA remains a primary Mac capable computer. That's why I don't believe Apple would go ULV. It would make the two compete... sure the tablet might be five months off, but it still doesn't make sense. Apple surely knows its market as well as we do here at the forums. It still isn't going to do what we want. Apple will do what is best for ALL sales of Apple products and for all stakeholders involved. If the MBA wasn't a money maker at $1499 and $1799, the price wouldn't be there. The component makeup isn't much higher than the MB even. The MBA has to be a money maker. It may not be a cash cow, but its success is definitely in Apple's best interest as the design will probably be the future of all Mac notebooks.
Right now the MBA is primarily selling as a MacBook that is light as "air." We are paying for MacBook like computing power with an ultraportable weight/thinness. We still get a full 13" display and a full keyboard. This is a premium or luxury product for certain. The tablet will be low end primarily as a non-computing device that overlaps in a few functions. We aren't going to get our work done on a tablet, that will be on the MBA.
The price drops of the original dumping of the MBA has brought in the secondary Mac buyers market, but that's really not the intended market. It's still an $800 add to get the premium MBA over a MacBook. That's the thing, the MBA really isn't competition to the tablet as far as the markets go.
In reality, the MBA will lose some sales to the tablet, because the MBA is being purchased for those wishing to use it as a secondary Mac. But I think the majority of those who wish to use as a secondary Mac are buying it refurbished, and older models on secondary markets. There are still some that are paying more for the MBA than they are for a tablet, and Apple will still prefer people buy the MBA at double the price. A lot of people don't get or want tablets, and the MBA still sells as a secondary device to those just as it did before the tablet.
I still believe we are going to get an update, and I still believe that it will focus on an ultraportable MBA, with a full sized keyboard, a full 13" display, and a competitive LV CPU. I cannot understand any other MBA... it just doesn't make sense. The "experience" is what Apple is selling, so it cannot short change us too much with the performance... it should be at least similar in CPU clock speed and graphics power as the MacBook.
Let's wait it out another four days and fifteen hours... and counting - DOWN.
Well said.
Almost the same situation (except Runcore).
Despite its certain design issues (small heat wise flaws - fixed with CoolBook, sleep battery drain - sometimes fixed by shutting down instead of closing the lid) Air is superior in terms of feel and touch than rest of mac notebook line.
Scottsdale got to the point: basically Apple sells certain type of 'experience'. How fast its gonna be well here goes marketing
I dont believe Apple would do anything radical with either of its current products. Historically they stick with each product, as long as they dont invent something really different.
This approach is good and bad at the same time.
I recall S.Jobs saying years ago with some regret that Apple was about making whole banana. So they should constantly invent or reinvent to make stakeholders happy, while others simply go with the flow and brag.
Air is my fav typewriter what I can say more.
Major battery improvement?
Do you expect a major battery improvement? it's kind of strange to the macbook air, the most portable apple laptop to be the one with the smaller battery don't you think?
Anyway, is macbook air going to beat the 7 hour barrier any time soon?
Do you expect a major battery improvement? it's kind of strange to the macbook air, the most portable apple laptop to be the one with the smaller battery don't you think?
Anyway, is macbook air going to beat the 7 hour barrier any time soon?
The Macbook Air uses a similar batter to the one found in the larger models. It is less time simply because there is no room for a bigger battery. Do not expect anything huge regarding battery life.
While you are correct that there´s no room for a bigger battery, I do believe that the MBA don´t use the same battery-techology as the rest of the MacBook family. So there are room for improvement, how much remains to be seen
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/battery/
I have been confused with the battery specs myself. When the MBPs got the 7+ hour battery, the MBA's battery stayed the same, apparently. However, with the last release, someone stated the battery now was rated for 750 cycles instead of 300 in the MBA. I don't know if that information is accurate or not. On Apple.com, it clearly states 1000 charges for the MBP, but I have found nothing that states that information about the MBA's battery.
Remember with the last minor MBA CPU bump, although still retaining v 2,1, the battery was very slightly bumped. I believe that was more of a bump to ensure EPEAT Gold and Energy Star 5 standards. I don't think that means the battery technology was changed to the same as used in the MBPs, because Apple isn't stating 1000 cycles on the MBA... it isn't stating anything about the cycles which seems like Apple is trying to hide the fact that it's not as nice as the MBP's battery.
I don't know that changing the technology in the battery would add that much more in terms of capabilities. I don't know how much weight could be added if they did that. What trade off is worth it when trying to stay near 3 lbs? What could help the MBA, but I wouldn't want to see, is Arrandale Core i7 CPU with IGP. That's a 25W TDP system whereas the MBA is currently using 29W (17W SL9x00 CPUs, 12W 9400m). That could add some 16% to the time between charges by reducing the power/performance of the CPU and graphics. That's a worthless direction to go from my point of view. I want the power of a LV CPU at a higher clock speed over a lower clock speed ULV CPU to save some battery drain (especially when Intel's IGP is included).
I actually would enjoy an extra hour or two from the MBA on rare occasions, but I don't want to lose power/performance or make it heavier to do that. Bottom line is I can live with the MBA's battery performance right where it is. What I would really prefer is Apple improving the battery with its new technology so the MBA could get the same battery life, or slightly greater, even with a dedicated ATI graphics card. I just don't need more than three hours of charge the vast majority of the time I use my MBA away from its charger.
What does everyone else think? Would you accept a .5 lb add to the weight of the MBA to get an extra two or three hours of battery power between charges? Would you want to go ULV CPU and stick with Intel's IGP at a massive clock speed loss and graphics performance loss just to get a true six hours from your MBA at 3 lbs? This is an interesting topic, because I believe this is one Apple really is focused on... increasing battery life and improving performance between charges... yet most importantly, perhaps, having a really lightweight MBA. At 3 lbs, I am totally happy.
I still believe the MBA's thickness is thin enough. When considering possible changes to weight or thickness, I would much prefer weight savings over reducing the thickness. Meaning, I wouldn't want it to go to .5" thickness and stay at 3 lbs versus staying at .86" to .16" thickness and losing .5 lbs. I believe the form factor is really perfect minus the dead space around the display and keyboards. It could use a much smaller footprint and still give us the same full-sized keyboard and 13" display. Make it 2.5 lbs, reduce the length and width by an inch each, we have the perfect MBA!
Does the MBA have a Lithium Polymer battery like the rest of the line?... or does it still have the old Lithium Ion? I know they bumped it from 70 to 73wh, but maybe switching to the Li-Po could give more power with the same size and weight.
I for one would not give up the power for extra battery life. I do like how the MBPs with the two GPUs let you choose if you want to use integrated or dedicated. Perhaps an i3 or i5 with dedicated could do the same.
Maybe offer a battery slice like the HP Envy... I know it would just be extra weight to carry around, but for those that need the battery life, it would provide a good option.
I for one would not give up the power for extra battery life. I do like how the MBPs with the two GPUs let you choose if you want to use integrated or dedicated. Perhaps an i3 or i5 with dedicated could do the same.
Maybe offer a battery slice like the HP Envy... I know it would just be extra weight to carry around, but for those that need the battery life, it would provide a good option.
I wouldn't object to an extra 0.5 lb of weight and possibly a reduced taper all around a bit more thickness if it:
0) allowed for them to redesign the vent location and enhance airflow/increase thermal mass of the heat sink. or use 2 lower speed fans to move the air w/ less noise
1) allowed for more room for battery
2) allowed for a dedicated ethernet port or a second USB port
3) possibly could be used to allow for memory in DIMM form and possbily a 2.5" drive
OR as you suggest trim the excess off the sides and square up the sides much like the 13" MBP, which would allow for better ventilation options and possibly more ports.
I'd also love to see the resolution bumped to 1440x900.
Uh... All you who are asking for more out of the Air, why don't you just buy the 13" Pro, then?
Adding half a pound to the Air brings you to only 1 lb short of the 13" Pro. Remember when the Air launched, and it only had Intel GMA graphics? It wasn't meant to be a Pro! It was meant to be a non-Pro, stripped of everything they could strip it of, and made as light as possible.
Personally, I have no problem with the Air having Intel graphics. The current Intel graphics are way better than the GMA 950 that was in the original Air; they can do on-GPU video decoding, including H.264. Yeah, they won't do any heavy gaming, or even major things like GPU encoding, but that's not the point of the Air! If they bulk up the Air, all you have is a slightly cut down 13" MBP. Which doesn't make much sense. The Air is clearly delineated from both the MB and the Pro. If Apple is going to keep the Air, then it has to STAY delineated.
Even if it means the Air has an ULV processor, and Intel graphics. The chips I mentioned in my guesstimate are still faster than the CPU in the Air now, for 99% of tasks. Yes, GPU power would drop, but, again, not for what the Air is meant for. I think Apple's decision *NOT* to use an ULV processor in the Air from the start was a problem. They claimed to make a 'no compromises' ultra-light, but now they've gotten people used to getting a lighter MBP, when that obviously wasn't the design intent. They made a 'fewer compromises than everyone else' ultra-light, but convinced everyone it was a 'no-compromises'. So then people complained about the compromises that were made.
If a ULV+Intel graphics Air isn't what you want, then don't buy it. There is a market for it, though. (Especially if they cut the size down even more, so that it is only as wide as the keyboard requires it to be .)
Adding half a pound to the Air brings you to only 1 lb short of the 13" Pro. Remember when the Air launched, and it only had Intel GMA graphics? It wasn't meant to be a Pro! It was meant to be a non-Pro, stripped of everything they could strip it of, and made as light as possible.
Personally, I have no problem with the Air having Intel graphics. The current Intel graphics are way better than the GMA 950 that was in the original Air; they can do on-GPU video decoding, including H.264. Yeah, they won't do any heavy gaming, or even major things like GPU encoding, but that's not the point of the Air! If they bulk up the Air, all you have is a slightly cut down 13" MBP. Which doesn't make much sense. The Air is clearly delineated from both the MB and the Pro. If Apple is going to keep the Air, then it has to STAY delineated.
Even if it means the Air has an ULV processor, and Intel graphics. The chips I mentioned in my guesstimate are still faster than the CPU in the Air now, for 99% of tasks. Yes, GPU power would drop, but, again, not for what the Air is meant for. I think Apple's decision *NOT* to use an ULV processor in the Air from the start was a problem. They claimed to make a 'no compromises' ultra-light, but now they've gotten people used to getting a lighter MBP, when that obviously wasn't the design intent. They made a 'fewer compromises than everyone else' ultra-light, but convinced everyone it was a 'no-compromises'. So then people complained about the compromises that were made.
If a ULV+Intel graphics Air isn't what you want, then don't buy it. There is a market for it, though. (Especially if they cut the size down even more, so that it is only as wide as the keyboard requires it to be .)
