All well and good, but it changes nothing. Apple could have included an external DVD burner as some manufacturers do. Apple could have provided a BTO option for more RAM (as well as one for the 160 GB 1' drive that Samsung released a month ago and which inhabits the iPod Classic). Apple could have made the battery detachable so that those of us who are true road warriors could continue to use our laptops on long flights (my frequent run from SFO to Singapore is more than 12 hours and not every plane has seat-side power adaptors). Apple could quite easily have added a second USB port with an ethernet adaptor or a firewire port, which will also do networking (they didn't because they are trying to drive Airport sales, not because the customer doesn't want or need it. I defy anyone who works regularly in a corp environment to say they have no need of ethernet). Basically, Apple is designing its hardware to drive its own agenda, not the consumers. I really like Apple products and have five Apple computers between desktops and laptops, but lately Apple behavior towards its customers has been greedy and arrogant. Whether its stiffing early adopters of the iPhone, charging iTouch users for apps that clearly were compatible with and should have been included ion the original product, the omission of cabling and docking stations from its other iPods which it used to include, not 'fessing up promptly to design flaws in its computers (such as the defective displays in some of the Macbook Pros or quick-staining palm rests on its Macbook products), Apple appears to care more and more for its margins and less and less for its customers, you know the 9 to 5ers who work for a living and have to think twice or thrice before they drop a grand (or two or three) on a computer.
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First Look at the MacBook Air
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All well and good, but it changes nothing. Apple could have included an external DVD burner as some manufacturers do. Apple could have provided a BTO option for more RAM (as well as one for the 160 GB 1' drive that Samsung released a month ago and which inhabits the iPod Classic). Apple could have made the battery detachable so that those of us who are true road warriors could continue to use our laptops on long flights (my frequent run from SFO to Singapore is more than 12 hours and not every plane has seat-side power adaptors). Apple could quite easily have added a second USB port with an ethernet adaptor or a firewire port, which will also do networking (they didn't because they are trying to drive Airport sales, not because the customer doesn't want or need it. I defy anyone who works regularly in a corp environment to say they have no need of ethernet). Basically, Apple is designing its hardware to drive its own agenda, not the consumers. I really like Apple products and have five Apple computers between desktops and laptops, but lately Apple behavior towards its customers has been greedy and arrogant. Whether its stiffing early adopters of the iPhone, charging iTouch users for apps that clearly were compatible with and should have been included ion the original product, the omission of cabling and docking stations from its other iPods which it used to include, not 'fessing up promptly to design flaws in its computers (such as the defective displays in some of the Macbook Pros or quick-staining palm rests on its Macbook products), Apple appears to care more and more for its margins and less and less for its customers, you know the 9 to 5ers who work for a living and have to think twice or thrice before they drop a grand (or two or three) on a computer.
I read it!
I agree with you. We need a 12" MacBook Pro. But then gain, we really can't have anything...There has to be some compromise.
Technology demonstrator
Besides being bait for rich fashionistas, this very thin laptop is a technology demonstrator. Just as the first iMac dispensed with the floppy drive, the ADB bus, and SCSI ports, this laptop dispenses with another batch of technology. No Ethernet, no CD/DVD, no Firewire. And you only need one USB port because you will only need to plug one thing in at a time, since everything is built-in or wireless.
For reference, it has less expansion capability than the original Mac 24 years ago. That had 2 serial ports.
The money I had in the bank last year for a new mac is still there. I see nothing that fits my needs better than my quicksilver. So I guess it will stay in the bank for another year.
And the writing is on the wall for Firewire. Another great technology crushed by a "good enough" technology that was a nickel a unit cheaper.
Besides being bait for rich fashionistas, this very thin laptop is a technology demonstrator. Just as the first iMac dispensed with the floppy drive, the ADB bus, and SCSI ports, this laptop dispenses with another batch of technology. No Ethernet, no CD/DVD, no Firewire. And you only need one USB port because you will only need to plug one thing in at a time, since everything is built-in or wireless.
For reference, it has less expansion capability than the original Mac 24 years ago. That had 2 serial ports.
The money I had in the bank last year for a new mac is still there. I see nothing that fits my needs better than my quicksilver. So I guess it will stay in the bank for another year.
And the writing is on the wall for Firewire. Another great technology crushed by a "good enough" technology that was a nickel a unit cheaper.
My take on the MBA
Do the "features" you gain from MBA outweigh the MB and the extra $700? I believe that depends on your usage. For me, the optical drive is not essential and merely adds to the volume and mass. I have another Mac and extra optical drives, so it's good riddance. The Firewire is no big deal. My main external has USB anyway and it's fast enough. The reduction in USB ports? Two wasn't adequate anyway, and a 4 port hub is plenty enough, for an iPod, mouse, external drive and a camera, for example.
The biggest problem I have found, as many have pointed out, is probably the internal battery. While I'd love to be able swap the battery, I rarely do so even when I have a backup ready, so less usage time, but less hassle.
What do I get out of this apart from the environmentally friendly construction (which is GREAT!), backlit keyboard and LED lit display? A minimalist portable I' really want. When I purchased my 12" PB, I "paid" the extra price for the small size. But what really made me choose it over the iBook was the NEGLIGIBLE reduction in thickness. Yes, there are people like me out there. I also bought the Mac mini instead of the the regular iMac. I'm not Paris Hilton (I'm male, LOL), but I do want computers that I can feel comfortable looking at and using. (And, of course, drawing people's attention.)
Now, the chances are, in a month time, I will be spotting the MBA in our school's cafeteria. There ARE rich students out there. (Also, it costs $100 less for students
). I won't make any sort of decision, however, until I have tried to use it at an Apple Store. And then I'll see if I can afford it.
I would prefer a tablet portable, but it will probably be quite a bit thicker and heavier than the MBA, as least within these 2 or 3 years. For me, a tablet the size of the MBA is barely acceptable, so I will damp my hopes and be satisfied with what we have now (being realistic about it).
Now here's hope for those looking for new MBP's. Expect many of these features to make their way into the MBP's. I believe it entirely possible that Apple will announce the revision you've been waiting for later this month, like around the 25th or later. Didn't they do something similar in previous years?
Do the "features" you gain from MBA outweigh the MB and the extra $700? I believe that depends on your usage. For me, the optical drive is not essential and merely adds to the volume and mass. I have another Mac and extra optical drives, so it's good riddance. The Firewire is no big deal. My main external has USB anyway and it's fast enough. The reduction in USB ports? Two wasn't adequate anyway, and a 4 port hub is plenty enough, for an iPod, mouse, external drive and a camera, for example.
The biggest problem I have found, as many have pointed out, is probably the internal battery. While I'd love to be able swap the battery, I rarely do so even when I have a backup ready, so less usage time, but less hassle.
What do I get out of this apart from the environmentally friendly construction (which is GREAT!), backlit keyboard and LED lit display? A minimalist portable I' really want. When I purchased my 12" PB, I "paid" the extra price for the small size. But what really made me choose it over the iBook was the NEGLIGIBLE reduction in thickness. Yes, there are people like me out there. I also bought the Mac mini instead of the the regular iMac. I'm not Paris Hilton (I'm male, LOL), but I do want computers that I can feel comfortable looking at and using. (And, of course, drawing people's attention.)
Now, the chances are, in a month time, I will be spotting the MBA in our school's cafeteria. There ARE rich students out there. (Also, it costs $100 less for students
). I won't make any sort of decision, however, until I have tried to use it at an Apple Store. And then I'll see if I can afford it.I would prefer a tablet portable, but it will probably be quite a bit thicker and heavier than the MBA, as least within these 2 or 3 years. For me, a tablet the size of the MBA is barely acceptable, so I will damp my hopes and be satisfied with what we have now (being realistic about it).
Now here's hope for those looking for new MBP's. Expect many of these features to make their way into the MBP's. I believe it entirely possible that Apple will announce the revision you've been waiting for later this month, like around the 25th or later. Didn't they do something similar in previous years?
No replaceable battery by the looks of it and the specs on Apple's sight. That's a bit hard to swallow.
But the glossy screen makes it a NO SALE for me anyway.
I HATE GLOSSY screens and even more the fact we can't choose any alternative. Still, finally a PORTABLE computer, not the heavy weights that claim are portables. Looks great to me.
Amen to your comments re: firewire. For the life of me, I just cannot understand why anyone would use USB for anything other than mice and keyboards. My scanner is firewire, my printers are firewire and my 3 TB of external disk storage are split between firewire and a an NAS on a Gigabit router. I tried a cheap external firewire disk and it took nearly twice as long to transfer data as compared to my Firewire 400 port. Firewire 800 blew it away. I gave the drive to a friend.
I LOVE IT. Even if I don't have the money to buy t right now, I will be saving for this baby. Here the list of Macs I got:
PowerMac G4 MDD 867Mhz Fully Loaded.
PowerBook G4 12" 867Mhz Fully Loaded and upgraded at its max
PowerBook G4 Ti
New iMac 24" Core 2 Extreme
I give the Ti to my wife, and I hate the PBG4 12" screen it's too small, I can't do nothing there... never used the Combo Drive, just for a Clean Installed and installations.... and It's always wirelessly used in my work and in my house.
MBA it's the perfect sub-notebook Apple invented. The only think I don't like its the black keyboard.. It's seems king of weird... Maybe a White one will looked better...
PowerMac G4 MDD 867Mhz Fully Loaded.
PowerBook G4 12" 867Mhz Fully Loaded and upgraded at its max
PowerBook G4 Ti
New iMac 24" Core 2 Extreme
I give the Ti to my wife, and I hate the PBG4 12" screen it's too small, I can't do nothing there... never used the Combo Drive, just for a Clean Installed and installations.... and It's always wirelessly used in my work and in my house.
MBA it's the perfect sub-notebook Apple invented. The only think I don't like its the black keyboard.. It's seems king of weird... Maybe a White one will looked better...
Oh my god people!
OHHHH I can't take it anymore. Are people really this ignorant? So many people write in just plain dumb comments on this thread
without actually thinking about what market this laptop is intended for...
Where's the optical? buy the $99 external
Wheres the Bluray? Are you kidding me?
Where's the SSD for $250? see answer above
Where's the discrete graphics card? IT'S A SUBNOTEBOOK
only 2GB RAM? see answer above
only one speaker? who gives a ******
slow 4200rpm HDD? It's the only 1.8" drive speed available... so buy the SSD
very expensive? Get a clue! Have you compared it to similar models. It's cheaper than Sony and Panasonic.
it's fragile? It's made entirely out of ALUMINUM METAL!
its slow/not power/Wheres the 4-core processor? ITS A SUBNOTEBOOK FOR CHRIST's SAKE! Compared to 90% of all other subnotebooks, this one has an excellent processor. Most all the others have Intel ULV 1.06ghz chips!!!!!
No, it's designed for portability. And OBVIOUSLY IT'S NOT A DESKTOP REPLACEMENT, JEEEEZZZZUS. Thats on the other end of the laptop spectrum than subnotebook!
If you are honestly comparing this to an Asus EE toy, then you need to get a clue! Compared to most subnotebooks, this thing actually has alot of power.
Nothing like the cube. This thing will sell like crazy! The average consumer is NOT the target demographic. Business professionals will see it as miraculous, except for the locked battery.
Apple is trying to please their target demographic, and that would be anyone that wants a small and light subnotebook with decent functionality without sacrificing a full size keyboard and decent screen size.
Not enough there to pursuade? Obviously, It's what is NOT THERE that is the big deal. For people who value size and weight, this is the ultimate carry along on travel.
$600? thats because you are way to cheap to be the target demographic for this. "Piece of crap"... are we a but jealous of those able to afford this?
Quit spreading ********...
Sounds like you want a Sony TZ or Panasonic model. Go look at dynamism.com (grey market importer from japan)
Well thankgod most don't buy a computer for a CDROM or the name....
Actually, those who travel alot with common sense will buy this in a heartbeat. "no gas"? Really? is that why nearly every other subnotebook from Sony, Panasonic, et al have an intel ULV 1.06ghz processor, 1GB ram, etc.
IF the thought would have crossed your mind to actually compare this model to one IN THE SAME CATEGORY, you'd see it actually has excellent specs. If you want a MacBook Pro, THEN BUY A MACBOOK PRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
POS? I think you are just jealous...
I know isn't it great. At least for the first few minutes, then all these morons just get really annoying...
OHHHH I can't take it anymore. Are people really this ignorant? So many people write in just plain dumb comments on this thread
without actually thinking about what market this laptop is intended for...
Where's the optical? buy the $99 external
Wheres the Bluray? Are you kidding me?
Where's the SSD for $250? see answer above
Where's the discrete graphics card? IT'S A SUBNOTEBOOK
only 2GB RAM? see answer above
only one speaker? who gives a ******
slow 4200rpm HDD? It's the only 1.8" drive speed available... so buy the SSD
very expensive? Get a clue! Have you compared it to similar models. It's cheaper than Sony and Panasonic.
it's fragile? It's made entirely out of ALUMINUM METAL!
its slow/not power/Wheres the 4-core processor? ITS A SUBNOTEBOOK FOR CHRIST's SAKE! Compared to 90% of all other subnotebooks, this one has an excellent processor. Most all the others have Intel ULV 1.06ghz chips!!!!!
No, it's designed for portability. And OBVIOUSLY IT'S NOT A DESKTOP REPLACEMENT, JEEEEZZZZUS. Thats on the other end of the laptop spectrum than subnotebook!
If you are honestly comparing this to an Asus EE toy, then you need to get a clue! Compared to most subnotebooks, this thing actually has alot of power.
Nothing like the cube. This thing will sell like crazy! The average consumer is NOT the target demographic. Business professionals will see it as miraculous, except for the locked battery.
Apple is trying to please their target demographic, and that would be anyone that wants a small and light subnotebook with decent functionality without sacrificing a full size keyboard and decent screen size.
Not enough there to pursuade? Obviously, It's what is NOT THERE that is the big deal. For people who value size and weight, this is the ultimate carry along on travel.
If you want to buy a toy and call it a laptop, Go for it!
Obviously, you are NOT in that market. The market they are targeting wants a full size keyboard and a screen big enough not to have to squint. If you want an 8" laptop, go look at dynamism.com
I highly doubt the price even moves an inch. Routine travelers and the fashion conscious will be all over this thing..
$600? thats because you are way to cheap to be the target demographic for this. "Piece of crap"... are we a but jealous of those able to afford this?
The MBA is going to have some serious problems.
1) Warping.
2) Bending
3) Cracks
Macrumors will be flooded. Run now
Quit spreading ********...
Sounds like you want a Sony TZ or Panasonic model. Go look at dynamism.com (grey market importer from japan)
Black keyboard... EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
No internal SuperDrive...EWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
Name... EWWWWWWWWWW!
Well thankgod most don't buy a computer for a CDROM or the name....
Actually, those who travel alot with common sense will buy this in a heartbeat. "no gas"? Really? is that why nearly every other subnotebook from Sony, Panasonic, et al have an intel ULV 1.06ghz processor, 1GB ram, etc.
IF the thought would have crossed your mind to actually compare this model to one IN THE SAME CATEGORY, you'd see it actually has excellent specs. If you want a MacBook Pro, THEN BUY A MACBOOK PRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
POS? I think you are just jealous...
I know isn't it great. At least for the first few minutes, then all these morons just get really annoying...
What we wanted
What we wanted:
A new macbook or macbook pro with new features and improved look/weight ratio.
What we got:
A superthin macbook with unique combination of thinness, weight and usability (larger screen and keyboard than other superthin/superlights)
This is a reasonable move on Apple's part. Their notebook sales are climbing dramatically with their existing line. Why mess with success?
On the other hand, there is a substantial untapped market out there that really cares about size and weight. Anyone who says "it's only 2 pounds lighter" obviously is in a different market segment. This is a NEW market for Apple, so it's logical that existing customers may not be so excited about it. We just need to wait for updates to the existing MacBook line.
What we wanted:
A new macbook or macbook pro with new features and improved look/weight ratio.
What we got:
A superthin macbook with unique combination of thinness, weight and usability (larger screen and keyboard than other superthin/superlights)
This is a reasonable move on Apple's part. Their notebook sales are climbing dramatically with their existing line. Why mess with success?
On the other hand, there is a substantial untapped market out there that really cares about size and weight. Anyone who says "it's only 2 pounds lighter" obviously is in a different market segment. This is a NEW market for Apple, so it's logical that existing customers may not be so excited about it. We just need to wait for updates to the existing MacBook line.
I think it's too early to make a judgement like that.
I am disappointed in Apple not including the USB/Ethernet dongle and the Superdrive with the MBA, especially considering the price being charged. 1 more USB port would have been nice to see too.
Well, I actually am a Harvard Law student, and I carry my MBP everywhere I go... so maybe I'm qualified to reply to this post...
When I started school in 2005 I had a 12" PB. I sold it and bought a CD MBP upon their introduction (which I still carry) because 1024x768 was just not enough room to comfortably write memos and papers that required any significant research.
I don't think I could actually use it as my day-to-day machine, but I'm absolutely drooling over the Air. WANT.
It's the first Mac Apple has introduced that has immediately made my two-year-old MBP feel old. That's the power of brilliant design. I'm already itching with anticipation for new MBPs that share the Air's design language, and maybe get 3mm or so thinner.And I have to appreciate Jobs's audacity. I think eliminating FireWire was a mistake, but the minimalist approach gives the Air a real feeling of purity. I absolutely can't wait to see one in person. I think it will be stunning, and serve two purposes: first, generate big profits on its own, and, second, entice hordes of people into the stores who will walk out with MacBooks and iPods.
Uh, 2 of Amazon's top products for 2007 were an UMPC (Asus Eee) and a MID (Nokia Internet Tablet)
I have, in fact, typed a long document on a smaller screen than those (my Nokia tablet). Did I type it on the included keyboard? No, that would be silly (and a silly comparison for you to make). I used a bluetooth keyboard. What I do with the tablet's built in input is use it for quick notes and messages, or for _reviewing_ those documents and making quick reference of them at meetings and on the road, or making small error corrections.
It's no different than using an external monitor and keyboard on a laptop.
As for common tasks: Almost all of my common tasks are now done on my N810. Because I can do them anywhere, even in places where I wouldn't be using a laptop.
Just because the Windows based entries in those markets are failures doesn't mean the markets in general are failures. ((irony)) You shouldn't be so Windows centric
((/irony))
Wow its also a 4200 RPM drive. I can't wait to see people complain about the effects Spotlight have on this thing. The SSD will be mandatory. Again....epic fail.
In this context I would define "unique" as retarded. The only draw of this device is its thickness and I seriously question how well thickness is an attraction vs overall size and featureset. We'll see once the fanboi purchase cue clears.
In this context I would define "unique" as retarded. The only draw of this device is its thickness and I seriously question how well thickness is an attraction vs overall size and featureset. We'll see once the fanboi purchase cue clears.
You hate glossy screens??? The LED screen is the brightest and clearest there is dude. I personally LOVE the glossy screen on my MB..
You are correct on the fact that it is portable.
love this new name
I dig the new Macbook Air
but I'll be sticking with Macbook Pro...suits my lifestyle more
I'm glad there is no new updates to the MBP yet....I still feel new
Loll! Me too I'm glad there isn't a MBP update for the same reason! And I really don't like the MacBook Air. About the design... there'S way too much space between the hedge and the screen.
Did you read the post you were responding to? He pointed out, correctly, that there are many people who will highly value a 40% weight reduction. And then there's the styling. The Air, frankly, makes a MacBook (or any other laptop on earth) look dowdy.
Many people on this forum care about performance first. But the general consumer doesn't really notice. The combination of 2GB RAM and the slow disk will work fine for the target market of the $1800 Air. The (rich) geeks who want an Air will all go with the SSD version.
I'm sure there will be teardowns and replacement batteries online soon enough for those who don't want to send it in or are too cheap to pay the $129 for the replacement service. All told, it's a good deal--it's the same price as MBP batteries, but it includes labor.
Serious business users (by which you don't actually mean most 'business' users at all) don't mesh well with ultraportable users. 2GB is more RAM than the typical business laptop or workstation these days, and in the ultraportable market especially, is not an uncommon addressing limit for chipsets. Many ultraportables have slots, but can't handle more than 2GB anyway.
For the low power processors, constrained disk space, and general small form factor, we're not talking about desktop replacements here. The specs are more than sufficient for business travelers who aren't media or computing professionals.
Maybe, but I haven't actually seen much evidence of this. WiFi is vastly preferred, with those of us who travel in our office having a cellular carrier's WiFi hotspot plan involved, and not a 3G one. Most other large firms around here are waiting on WiMax.
They could have done lots of things, but in the balance, your concerns are not theirs. Additional BTO options may be forthcoming, but they seemed to pick a good match.
The ultraportable market is a small one, so in order to be profitable, there has to be a strong Apple "fashion" angle to increase the market. The dimensions do exactly that, as do the clean lines with no hatches and panels (apart from the USB/DVI door). It's light and generated a stir of tech-lust in just a few hours...news of its release made it to people in the office that don't follow these things. They may not buy one, but it's already entered the public consciousness, very similar to the iPhone with much less hype beforehand.
I don't think 'defy' means what you think it means. But as to needing ethernet, I can honestly say I don't need it. I would never use a MBA for my primary computer (and I'm not buying one as an additional machine, either), and connection sharing is quite good these days if there's no pervasive wireless infrastructure.
It seems to be going gangbusters for them, so I guess it's working. Until it stops, expect more of the same.
Since when have those been Apple's core customers? Apple has always been dominated by the wealthy, the professionals, the trendy, the students, and the gadget geeks.
Basically, this is not the machine for you. It's not the one for me, either. But as ultraportables go, it gets the job done beautifully, and cheaper than the competition. If people need a battery compartment, then this is not for them, though I don't see how a third-party battery pack that plugs into the MagSafe port would be out of the question for long flights outside of business class.
Lack of demand would be the only reason why such a product wouldn't come to market...and that would simply prove the point.
So, you expect SSM to cost as much as normal HDs? You're genious. If you want the newest technology you have to PAY. GOOD they give this alternative choice. BAD they only give GLOSSY screens, and no other choice.
sad
Sad to see all of the people crying and moaning because the MBAir didn't deliver their fantasies of an ultrathin notebook with a screen under 12", 160GB hard drive with and accompanying 64GB SSD and BluRay for under $1300.
With that out of the way . . . no, this machine isn't a replacement for the MBPros that many are using as desktop replacements; doesn't seem that that was the intention. The MBAir appears to be meant to be a mobile compliment to a larger, more powerful box. I'm not in the market for this machine (would've liked to see something more of an update to the 12" Powerbook, but that's just me) but am intrigued by the ability to commandeer the optical drive of another machine. The time will come when we move fully away from optical drives and it seems like a good early step is to reduce the number of extraneous optical drives in a household, office, etc. I do wonder though -- and if this has been floated earlier I apologize, but 28+ pages of posts is a lot to peruse -- how this optical drive scheme will work in the real world.
Sad to see all of the people crying and moaning because the MBAir didn't deliver their fantasies of an ultrathin notebook with a screen under 12", 160GB hard drive with and accompanying 64GB SSD and BluRay for under $1300.
With that out of the way . . . no, this machine isn't a replacement for the MBPros that many are using as desktop replacements; doesn't seem that that was the intention. The MBAir appears to be meant to be a mobile compliment to a larger, more powerful box. I'm not in the market for this machine (would've liked to see something more of an update to the 12" Powerbook, but that's just me) but am intrigued by the ability to commandeer the optical drive of another machine. The time will come when we move fully away from optical drives and it seems like a good early step is to reduce the number of extraneous optical drives in a household, office, etc. I do wonder though -- and if this has been floated earlier I apologize, but 28+ pages of posts is a lot to peruse -- how this optical drive scheme will work in the real world.
Hey, I just wanted something a touch smaller in footprint and .5 lbs lighter. I believe this would have been achievable designwise. I'll still buy probably, so I am not just flaming...
In reading through these hundreds of posts, there seems to be little appreciation of what one will apparently be giving up with the Macbook Air.
I see a lot of people who say "I only rarely use my optical drive." This may be true. But ponder for a moment those occasions when you can really use one: troubleshooting, virus scanning or software/OS installation. First, this supposes that the Macbook air will be a supplement to a pre-existing computer, or will require one to layout an extra $100 on an already pricey machine. Yes, we all been offered the cool-aid software fix that purportedly allows one to use the drive from an existing computer. Yet we all know how well 1.0 versions of software are apt to run, particularly one which will require drivers acting at a low level on the guest machine allowing the macbook air to take control of the drive. I often use the clean cd with virus and malware scanning software to check both my mac and windows partition, particularly in situations where the machine won't boot up from the internal hard drive. Can't do this without an optical drive and I don't see how I'll be able to attach to that drive in a "spare" computer if I can't get the OS on the hard drive up and running. Same for upgrading or reinstalling an operating system from a spare computer. It seems to me. you almost certainly will need an external drive. And since the drive is USB based, I have to assume that Apple has modified its firmware to make disks attached by USB bootable, which hasn't been reliably the case up until now.
Also. Apple may tout the WiFi is everywhere mantra, but it isn't. I live in San Francisco, one of the most technologically advanced and forward looking spots in all of North America. There are plenty of places where wifi is unavailable. And in many places where it can be gotten, you've got to whip out your credit card for the privilege. Until free municipal WiFi broadcast is a reality, were still going to need hard connectability. What am I supposed to do when I meet a client wants me to view a presentation on cd-rom or on his network. He sure as hell isn't going to be impressed when I say sorry when I ask him if he's ever heard of WiFi.
The lack of a Firewire appears to foreclose Target Disk Mode, something that I use regularly to troubleshoot computers and to transfer data between machines when wired or wireless networking is unavailable. I see no mention anywhere that Apple has come up with a USB version of this technology, something I'm not even sure is possible since USB does not employ peer to peer protocols.
There is no doubt that this is a beautiful machine. I think however that It's tryibng to be a tablet without actually being a tablet. It's clearly intended as an extension of a pre-existing machine, something for portability within the home where one could screen share with a beefier iMac or MacPro, or as a light work and e-mail machine on the road. Unfortunately, it's too high priced for the average consumer or the college student on a limited budget and its too expensive and too production limited for anyone other than a corporate CEO or boss man who has minions to keep his computer purring and who rarely does any work on the road other than respond to e-mail and show of his new toy to his corporate tycoon competitors. As such it ends up in a very limited niche.
A number of respondents have compared this to the Cube, an apt comparison I think. I remember lots of folks ooing and ahing over the revolutionary styling and simplicity of the Cube, but once folks had a chance to think to through the drawbacks, they stayed away in droves. I may be wrong, but I foresee the same thing here. There will be good sales at first, but once pent up demand is met, I'll wager sales will tank. If the product configuration remains the same, I be surprised if it's still for sale in two years.
I see a lot of people who say "I only rarely use my optical drive." This may be true. But ponder for a moment those occasions when you can really use one: troubleshooting, virus scanning or software/OS installation. First, this supposes that the Macbook air will be a supplement to a pre-existing computer, or will require one to layout an extra $100 on an already pricey machine. Yes, we all been offered the cool-aid software fix that purportedly allows one to use the drive from an existing computer. Yet we all know how well 1.0 versions of software are apt to run, particularly one which will require drivers acting at a low level on the guest machine allowing the macbook air to take control of the drive. I often use the clean cd with virus and malware scanning software to check both my mac and windows partition, particularly in situations where the machine won't boot up from the internal hard drive. Can't do this without an optical drive and I don't see how I'll be able to attach to that drive in a "spare" computer if I can't get the OS on the hard drive up and running. Same for upgrading or reinstalling an operating system from a spare computer. It seems to me. you almost certainly will need an external drive. And since the drive is USB based, I have to assume that Apple has modified its firmware to make disks attached by USB bootable, which hasn't been reliably the case up until now.
Also. Apple may tout the WiFi is everywhere mantra, but it isn't. I live in San Francisco, one of the most technologically advanced and forward looking spots in all of North America. There are plenty of places where wifi is unavailable. And in many places where it can be gotten, you've got to whip out your credit card for the privilege. Until free municipal WiFi broadcast is a reality, were still going to need hard connectability. What am I supposed to do when I meet a client wants me to view a presentation on cd-rom or on his network. He sure as hell isn't going to be impressed when I say sorry when I ask him if he's ever heard of WiFi.
The lack of a Firewire appears to foreclose Target Disk Mode, something that I use regularly to troubleshoot computers and to transfer data between machines when wired or wireless networking is unavailable. I see no mention anywhere that Apple has come up with a USB version of this technology, something I'm not even sure is possible since USB does not employ peer to peer protocols.
There is no doubt that this is a beautiful machine. I think however that It's tryibng to be a tablet without actually being a tablet. It's clearly intended as an extension of a pre-existing machine, something for portability within the home where one could screen share with a beefier iMac or MacPro, or as a light work and e-mail machine on the road. Unfortunately, it's too high priced for the average consumer or the college student on a limited budget and its too expensive and too production limited for anyone other than a corporate CEO or boss man who has minions to keep his computer purring and who rarely does any work on the road other than respond to e-mail and show of his new toy to his corporate tycoon competitors. As such it ends up in a very limited niche.
A number of respondents have compared this to the Cube, an apt comparison I think. I remember lots of folks ooing and ahing over the revolutionary styling and simplicity of the Cube, but once folks had a chance to think to through the drawbacks, they stayed away in droves. I may be wrong, but I foresee the same thing here. There will be good sales at first, but once pent up demand is met, I'll wager sales will tank. If the product configuration remains the same, I be surprised if it's still for sale in two years.
Been thinking about this. I will probably buy, but still a bit of a let down. I don't mind the prices and may even go with the SSD. Unlike others I am a big fan of the full sized keyboard and full sized screen. Having said that, I have 4 concerns (I wrote about them earlier):
1. I think this could have been less than 3 lbs, maybe 12.5. I look at Toshiba and Panasonic offerings. They are not as thin, but lighter and smaller footprint. Some of those have 12inch screens, but they also have optical drives and a ton of ports. I don't want an optical drive or ports, but I do want to know why this MBA isn't gosh darn lighter given it skimps on all of those. I mean a panasonic R500 is 12inch, with an optical drive and is 1.75 lbs.
2. But it could have been narrower. I am typing on in iBook G4 12inch. I note the foot print of the MBA is wider than the existing MB and even a 14inch Panasonic. What's up with the wasted space to the left and right of the keyboard and screen. Rivals don't use this space. I really wonder if this tapered design has led to wasting space. If this was more square like an PB G4 12inch, would this have been lighter and narrower (albeit not the world's thinest).
3. I don't mind that the battery is not removable that much, but again would accept this compromise if it had a longer listed battery time or lighter weight. 5 hours with an LED is not that impressive. The SSD had better be lighter and offer battery life.
4. Speaking of which, why is there no listing of battery life and weight with SSD as other manufacturers do. I am supposed to pre-order with no word on this? I am sure someone asked on this in meetings at Apple. So the question is why didn't they choose to list it.
1. I think this could have been less than 3 lbs, maybe 12.5. I look at Toshiba and Panasonic offerings. They are not as thin, but lighter and smaller footprint. Some of those have 12inch screens, but they also have optical drives and a ton of ports. I don't want an optical drive or ports, but I do want to know why this MBA isn't gosh darn lighter given it skimps on all of those. I mean a panasonic R500 is 12inch, with an optical drive and is 1.75 lbs.
2. But it could have been narrower. I am typing on in iBook G4 12inch. I note the foot print of the MBA is wider than the existing MB and even a 14inch Panasonic. What's up with the wasted space to the left and right of the keyboard and screen. Rivals don't use this space. I really wonder if this tapered design has led to wasting space. If this was more square like an PB G4 12inch, would this have been lighter and narrower (albeit not the world's thinest).
3. I don't mind that the battery is not removable that much, but again would accept this compromise if it had a longer listed battery time or lighter weight. 5 hours with an LED is not that impressive. The SSD had better be lighter and offer battery life.
4. Speaking of which, why is there no listing of battery life and weight with SSD as other manufacturers do. I am supposed to pre-order with no word on this? I am sure someone asked on this in meetings at Apple. So the question is why didn't they choose to list it.