First Look at the MacBook Air

[matticus008]

It may be light but it's NOT an ultraportable and does not compete directly with the offerings from Sony, Toshiba or any other provider of an ultraportable.

Sony SZ series: 12.5x9.5, 1.3", 3.5lbs, $1500-$3000
Sony TZ series: 11x8, 1.2", 2.7lbs, $1749-$2400

Take your pick of other products if you'd like, but I'm going to go ahead and take Sony's word over yours about which of their products is an ultraportable.
MBA: 13x9, average ~0.5", 3lbs, $1799

Firstly, it's footprint is HUGE. Apple was able to make it so thin because they could array the components on a generously sized motherboard. The MBA is still going to teeter on your airline tray table.

It is not. A 15" MBP doesn't teeter on a tray table, even when I'm in the economy cabin. This certainly doesn't. It's 13" by 9".

Real, honest-to-God UP's start at 12 inch screens with a trimmed bezel down to ten inch screens. True UP's weigh 2 pounds or less (frequently only 1.5 pound).

Strangely enough, Sony defines them as notebooks under 4 pounds, and offers them with 13" displays as well. CNet and PC Magazine review categories track with this (check their websites). Have a source for your definition?

True ultraportables employ much more expensive ultra low voltage (ULV) cpu's that are hand picked from each production bin. They frequently cost 50% to twice as much as Standard low voltage CPU's several clocks higher in speed.

They do not. That is an absolute fabrication of pricing. Back it up with numbers. It is also specious to claim that C2D processors aren't used in the segment--both the SZ and TZ (the poster children for this audience) use them.

If past performance is any indication, the actual battery life of the MBA is not much more than 3.5 to 4 hours as Apple ALWAYS overstates battery.

Really? iPod and iPhone batteries are underestimated according to nearly every review, and I get exactly what's advertised out of my MBP without any weird settings (other than turning Bluetooth off).

I'm sure a lot of companies wish they could be Versace, Mercedes, Bang and Olafson, or any number of other high end but restricted market segments. I'll wager many more would rather be an IMB, Microsoft, Exxon, Wal-Mart or Consolidated Foods.

Doubtful. If you can be Versace and have a higher market cap and more cash profit than Wal-Mart, you'd be an idiot not to.

The problem with niche markets is that they appeal to only small, and in Apple's case, vanishingly small segments of the overall relative market.

Apple is within 0.2% of Toshiba. Is Toshiba a niche player, too? Are Acer and Lenovo niche players (both under 8% global market share)? The number one vendor only has an 18.5% share. That's four of the top six, right there.

I feel much better if Apple got back to the business of building computers with broad commercial appeal with an intent to be a major supplier in addition to being a major designer.

Check. Rest easy. They've never had a greater commercial appeal or a greater market share in the past two decades.

I agree that if you make things small, this is cutting edge.
But to gut a macbook pro and hammer it thinner isnt a feat.

Yes, it is. The MBA has half the volume of the MacBook. Half. The optical drive doesn't even occupy 25% of the MacBook's volume, so the volume reductions are quite a bit more substantial than "gutting" an existing product.

As for 3D. 10+ years as a former art director in media and as a producer & director for video and new media, I can say if this is the only computer you have you will kill yourself trying to work with it.

As someone with that kind of experience, you should see the folly of suggesting it as a primary computer for anyone in such a position. It is not a desktop replacement. It is suitable as a primary machine for typical users, students, and most professionals...the vast majority of customers. That's not to say that this is marketed for said vast majority, but merely that it more than meets their horsepower needs.

Again, when you strip out so many features it would be sad if apple couldnt make it that thin...really its a joke.

You clearly lack an appreciation for how difficult even a 10% volume reduction is on a machine like a MacBook (already one of the slimmest), let alone 50%.

Obviously, such a reduction isn't worth the price. You've made as much clear...but until you find a cheaper one packing as much in the same volume, you've no leg to stand on.

 

[julianps]

In all, I'm underwhelmed. Actually, as with many, disappointed is probably a better word. On the other hand, I'm glad my SR Macbook hasn't been replaced with something "more shiny and more better."

Psion did all of this with the S7/Netbook concept back in '98 (and sooner we all forget about Folio the better). The whole "wedge" concept; it's so, well, Star Wars really.

In amongst all of the hot Air blowing around this device the missing words appear to "into", "vanish" and "thin" because that's my forecast for this machine; as in exit Cube, enter Sliver.

Still at least we now know Apple doesn't rate Leopard with anything less than 2gb of RAM.

 

[willdenow]

Comparative Specs

I've seen a lot of comments regarding how competitive the MBA is to other manufacturers ultra portables. I was dubious that they "cost more and provided less" so I did some research. Here's what I found:

Toshiba Protege

1.72 Pounds
12 inch backlit LED display
Includes Gefore 8400 discrete video
Has ExpressCard slot
Has firewire, USB, Ethernet, and Modem ports
Has discrete high performance LiPolymer battery rated to Seven hours
Has ULV 1.4 GHZ dual core Core Duo (Note this is the much more expensive ULV part for added battery life)
Has 160 GB hard drive with SSD option
Price $1799

Sony Vaio SZ

3.5 lbs
13.3 inches backlit LED display
Includes Geforce8800 GS card, plus standard Intel integrated graphics and the ability to switch to integrated graphics to save on battery
Has DVD burner
Has USB, Firewire (AKA iLink), Ethernet AND Modem ports
Has low voltage 2.0 GHZ Merom Core Duo CPU
Has discrete battery and option for high capacity battery. Stanadard battery six hours
Has fingerprint scanner
Has ExpressCard slot
Has sexy Carbon Fibre case
Has 160 1.8 inch hard drive or option for SSD
Price $1999

Dell XPS M1330

3.5 lbs
13.3 inches backlit LED display
Includes Geforce 8400 GS card
Has DVD burner
Has USB, Firewire (AKA iLink), Ethernet AND Modem ports
Has low voltage 2.0 GHZ Merom Core Duo CPU
Has discrete battery and option for high capacity battery. Stanadard battery seven hours
Has ExpressCard slot
8in1 memory card reader
Has 160 1.8 inch hard drive or option for SSD
Price $1249

Hopefully this will still all the Apple shills who think that the MBA is the bargain of the century. Granted, the styling of the Apple machine is second to none, but realize, you're paying a huge price for that sexy sleek design. In particular both the Toshiba and Dell offerings are much better bargains, have many more features, don't require a spare computer to function fully, can be converted into desktop replacements with the addition of a simple (and inexpensive) docking station which the MBA lacks. All for less, and in the case of the Dell, considerably less money. Further, the styling of the Dell is actually very nice, is less than an inch "thin" and gives the apple machine stiff competition. You can even run Leopard on it if you are willing to do a little hacking of the contents of your Leopard DVD and it will run faster since the Dell is clocked 20% higher and even still runs %15 longer than the MBA.

I think the MBA is a beautiful machine. But it is not fiscally competitive with other companies' offerings having the same or lesser weight with significantly more features. So please no more rants about what a bargain the MBA is, alright?

 

[FX120]

What frustrates me the most about the Air, is that in the past Apple has been one to come up with elegant and simple solutions to make using a computer easier.

The MBA is a reversal of that.

If you don't want the external optical drive, you're tied to hopeing that there is a free and unused computer that you can piggy-back onto, god forbid it's not on a wireless network. Not simple, not elegant.

If don't want to be stuck tied to other computers when you need an optical drive, you're buying an external add on, using the only available USB port on the device. Not elegant.

Say you want to revise a coworkers letter off of their thumbdrive, while downloading a file off of a wired network. You've got to pick up a USB hub, and carry that around in addition to the dongles. Not elegant.

Want to make a presentation from your MBA? Make sure you pack those video dongles... Not elegant.

The times I use more than 1 USB port on my laptop at a time aren't all that common, maybe once or twice a week, but it sure is hell to have it when you need it, and the demand for more than one USB port is magnified on the MBA because two of it's must-have accesories work over USB! Want to use more than one USB device at a time, you'll need an external USB hub! What? You want to run the superdrive and charge your iPod at the same time, now you'll need a powered USB hub complete with an external power brick! Not elegant.

 

[Foxbat]

...

Where is the cheese and whine?

I am surprised that so many people actually really think apple is supposed to give us their products "for free".

The macbook air will be a success if there are no general technical problems resulting from the "thin" form factor. I hope they have their TQM under control.

I will wait for the first benchmarks befor I deceide, but the only critical factor that is between me and the MBA is the disk question.

The price is another thing. While in the US the MBA will set you back by 2'099 US $ it costs around 2'650 US $ here in switz. Sooo I will have to wait for someone going to the US to fetch me one

 

[wizard]

For me it's crystal clear.

Yeah right, either you have na interest in Apples success or you simply can't evaluate a product independently.

Apple is not even thinking about reaching either the consumers or the "pro mac" users at all. Even Steve was clear on the segment for the MacBook Air.

And just what segment was that may I ask? The segment that is to stupid to realize how littel value is in the machine

it seems like most of the people here just want a new MacBook or MacBook Pro and where disappointed, that's fair. But it's not MacBook Air's fault and would never be. It's an entirely new product.

Actually that is not the case with respect to me as I was really hoping for a tablet. Looks like that won't happen and even if it did Apple is likely to be totally outlandish with the pricing. The AIR simply won't fill the role of an ultra portable, won't fill the role of a laptop and certainly isn't a power user machine. So what good is it?

Drive: Most 13" "lightweight" laptops comes with an external drive, why? because it wont fit.

The optical drive isn't an issue. The inclusion of an 1.8" hard drive is though. I shudder to think about that drives performance. Gouging people for the alternative is simply un expectable.

RAM: Yes i agree that a laptop that size should have expandable ram. Even apple realised that so they went with the 2GB option. It's a compromise

Actually RAM isn't a problem either on a machine designed to be ultra portable and hopefully rugged. It is the other failings that kill the machine.

Battery: I don't have strong feelings about a replaceable battery. It's not a PRO computer that would require a battery change ever 12 months.

Then you need to get in touch with your feelings. An by the way if it isn't a pro machine there is a risk of early battery failure simply from the lack of use.

GFX: Apple is a friend of Intel, and everyone has to accept that. Sony uses nVIDIA instead of an integrated chipset like the 1300 that Apples does. Same with MacBook.

While I don't personally care one way or the other it is reasonable to have an opinion here. Especially when other suppliers of integrated chip sets are out there and it can be argued supply better chip sets.

Personally I'm selling my MacBook now and upgrading to the Air as I want save some extra Kg's while travelling (Around 100 days / year). It will be a perfect word and powerpoint friend for me, nothing more, nothing less. And it's about €500 cheaper than a Sony.

A couple of suggestions before you make that sale:

1. Take the money you would need for the AIR and sign up at a gym!!!

2. Consider just how rugged this device will be. Especially with that sort of travel schedule.

3. Consider how pissed you will be if you security confiscates the machine because you can't turn it on due to a dead battery! Even if you don't loose it consider the trouble of having to power the thing up and the delays that finding a power plug will cause.

4. Consider that you will be losing a lot with respect to the MacBook.


Dave

 

[dAlen]

Yes, it is. The MBA has half the volume of the MacBook. Half. The optical drive doesn't even occupy 25% of the MacBook's volume, so the volume reductions are quite a bit more substantial than "gutting" an existing product.

As someone with that kind of experience, you should see the folly of suggesting it as a primary computer for anyone in such a position. It is not a desktop replacement. It is suitable as a primary machine for typical users, students, and most professionals...the vast majority of customers. That's not to say that this is marketed for said vast majority, but merely that it more than meets their horsepower needs.

Obviously, such a reduction isn't worth the price. You've made as much clear...but until you find a cheaper one packing as much in the same volume, you've no leg to stand on.

Obviously not understanding where Im coming from.
But the world is made up of different people...so apple has their market.

I never suggested the airbook was for 3D, someone else did my friend.

Also, my point about gutting the macbook pro...features. Who cares if you have a thin book but cant do anything...*key, please read* compared to the macbookpro which is basically priced the same.

So I appreciate your last observation that I do have a leg to stand on as your right that the reduction is NOT worth the price.

Point is, you want what you want and you have justification.
I will not be swayed, neither will you. We both 'have legs to stand on' as it were. Again, apple obviously has a market with this, and Im sure you have already pre-ordered yours.

Enjoy.

Again, I like the book, but lets keep it to the point I made...price point is totally off against a macbook pro,(they are ripping you off with the textbook air) but there are those who want a textbook,(to only type I suppose), that is super thin and small...and thats good for them, but paying $1800 for text, well - might want to consider the iphone as a replacement.

 

[badNameErr]

4. Consider that you will be losing a lot with respect to the MacBook.

Why are you comparing the MacBookAir to a MacBook? They are designed for totally different markets.

The market for the MBA would never consider buying a MacBook and the MacBookPro is too large/heavy for those people. The MBA fits between the MB and the MBP markets.

 

[willdenow]

Sony SZ series: 12.5x9.5, 1.3", 3.5lbs, $1500-$3000
Sony TZ series: 11x8, 1.2", 2.7lbs, $1749-$2400

Take your pick of other products if you'd like, but I'm going to go ahead and take Sony's word over yours about which of their products is an ultraportable.
MBA: 13x9, average ~0.5", 3lbs, $1799

It is not. A 15" MBP doesn't teeter on a tray table, even when I'm in the economy cabin. This certainly doesn't. It's 13" by 9".

Strangely enough, Sony defines them as notebooks under 4 pounds, and offers them with 13" displays as well. CNet and PC Magazine review categories track with this (check their websites). Have a source for your definition?

They do not. That is an absolute fabrication of pricing. Back it up with numbers. It is also specious to claim that C2D processors aren't used in the segment--both the SZ and TZ (the poster children for this audience) use them.

Really? iPod and iPhone batteries are underestimated according to nearly every review, and I get exactly what's advertised out of my MBP without any weird settings (other than turning Bluetooth off).

Doubtful. If you can be Versace and have a higher market cap and more cash profit than Wal-Mart, you'd be an idiot not to.

Apple is within 0.2% of Toshiba. Is Toshiba a niche player, too? Are Acer and Lenovo niche players (both under 8% global market share)? The number one vendor only has an 18.5% share. That's four of the top six, right there.

Check. Rest easy. They've never had a greater commercial appeal or a greater market share in the past two decades.

Yes, it is. The MBA has half the volume of the MacBook. Half. The optical drive doesn't even occupy 25% of the MacBook's volume, so the volume reductions are quite a bit more substantial than "gutting" an existing product.

As someone with that kind of experience, you should see the folly of suggesting it as a primary computer for anyone in such a position. It is not a desktop replacement. It is suitable as a primary machine for typical users, students, and most professionals...the vast majority of customers. That's not to say that this is marketed for said vast majority, but merely that it more than meets their horsepower needs.

You clearly lack an appreciation for how difficult even a 10% volume reduction is on a machine like a MacBook (already one of the slimmest), let alone 50%.

Obviously, such a reduction isn't worth the price. You've made as much clear...but until you find a cheaper one packing as much in the same volume, you've no leg to stand on.

Matticus, you're so over the top on so many things that I'll reply this one last time and give you the last word, since this is clearly what you want.

On the definition of ultraportable. You say tomatoes I say tomaaaatoes. There are plenty of other posters that agree with me that the MBA is a light notebook but not necessarily an ultraportable one. It is interesting that the two Sony lines you cite include all the things missing from the MBA, but still come in as a light AND with smaller depth and width. Thanks for supporting my precious arguments.

Yes, the battery estimates for the iPhone and iTouch were a pleasant divergence from past Apple practices but I not on account of any benificence on Apple's part. Apple was getting slammed in the EU and Australia for false advertising claims. All they done is clean uop their act. Funy though, mu iPod touch never comes close to spec'ed battery life. Perhaps I should take it in and try and argue the point with an Apple "Genius." A root canal would be preferable.

Of course companies would love to make the profits of an Apple or a Versace and turn over the volume of a Wal-Mart or a Microsoft. The simple economic fact is they can't. And yes, Toshiba is a niche player. And I can't believe that your seriously telling me that you are happy with Apple's market share staying in the low single digits. That's not a good thing as someone who loves and appreciates the companies products, nor is it a good thing to a shareholder. It is possible to hate the sin and love the sinner, or so I'm told by my bible-thumping friends. Since I think for myself and not what I'm told to think by Jobs or Apple marketing, I find no inconsistency in touting Apple's products and at the same time reaming them a new one when they act in a devious, egregious, arrogant or greedy way, all of which Apple has been guilty of of late.

You're absolutely right that I have no leg to stand on regarding the thinness of the MBA. But rthat's only true if the mere fact of engineering slimness outweighs commen sense notions of utility, value for price. I'm affraid the MBA is form above substance. And since there are always people who will pay $10,000 for a Rolex that can't keep as good a time as a $50 Swatch, or a 20$ Timex, there will always be people who will throw their money away on triffles. As P. T. Barnem once said, there's a sucker born every minute.

Cheers, I'm going to bed. Older folk need more sleep than children.

 

[myeggsareboiled]

A word about power....

Just thought I would respond to everyone commenting about the Air not being powerful enough. 1.6-1.8Ghz dual processor with 2 gig of ram? I am still using my 1.33Ghz iBook G4 with 1.25gig ram as my main computer, as £1200 is too much for me to be splashing out every couple of years just to stay "cutting edge". My point is that this dinosaur is still more than ample for me as I can edit home movies, record 8 to 12 tracks of instruments in Garageband, Cubase and Reason, without any freezing up. I can draw architectural plans, run photoshop etc, etc, etc. So its hardly just for text documents. What do you really need the extra horsepower for on a laptop? I mean if you are talking about games, why are you buying a mac? I also had to laugh at the guy saying the footprint was far too big as there was a Sony that was 1/2 an inch smaller. I would gladly trade half an inch for OSX (and so would my wife...)

Just chill out people. If you like it, buy it. If you don't, then buy something else. I'm just gutted there was no mac nano.....

 

[willdenow]

Yeah right, either you have na interest in Apples success or you simply can't evaluate a product independently.

And just what segment was that may I ask? The segment that is to stupid to realize how littel value is in the machine

Actually that is not the case with respect to me as I was really hoping for a tablet. Looks like that won't happen and even if it did Apple is likely to be totally outlandish with the pricing. The AIR simply won't fill the role of an ultra portable, won't fill the role of a laptop and certainly isn't a power user machine. So what good is it?

The optical drive isn't an issue. The inclusion of an 1.8" hard drive is though. I shudder to think about that drives performance. Gouging people for the alternative is simply un expectable.

Actually RAM isn't a problem either on a machine designed to be ultra portable and hopefully rugged. It is the other failings that kill the machine.


Then you need to get in touch with your feelings. An by the way if it isn't a pro machine there is a risk of early battery failure simply from the lack of use.

While I don't personally care one way or the other it is reasonable to have an opinion here. Especially when other suppliers of integrated chip sets are out there and it can be argued supply better chip sets.


A couple of suggestions before you make that sale:

1. Take the money you would need for the AIR and sign up at a gym!!!

2. Consider just how rugged this device will be. Especially with that sort of travel schedule.

3. Consider how pissed you will be if you security confiscates the machine because you can't turn it on due to a dead battery! Even if you don't loose it consider the trouble of having to power the thing up and the delays that finding a power plug will cause.

4. Consider that you will be losing a lot with respect to the MacBook.


Dave

Here, here, Dave! I think a lot of folks here might be advised to work on their, shoulders, chest and arm muscles if a pound and a half is the be all end all for their comfort (assuming of course they don't give up the weight savings when they realize they need all these extras to make the MBA a going concern)

 

[matticus008]

I've seen a lot of comments regarding how competitive the MBA is to other manufacturers ultra portables. I was dubious that they "cost more and provided less" so I did some research. Here's what I found:

Not one of those has an accurate price. You've selectively picked out various upgrade options and not changed the price.

The Dell you mention does not come with an LED-backlit display ($150 option), nor does it come with a modem ($29), nor does it come with wireless-N ($25), nor does the stock battery advertise a 7-hr life ($110). The base price also reflects not Dell's normal price, but a promotional one--configured as you've described, it lists for $2033, and even on sale, comes in at $1684. It is also substantially thicker.

Your Toshiba doesn't exist, as their Protege is not an ultraportable according to their site. They don't make Proteges in that segment, only Satellites and Tecras (M200/M8).

The Sony SZ 680, at factory, needs to add RAM ($110), needs hard drive bump to match your claimed 160 GB ($130), and says nothing about having a modem onboard. It comes to $2298.98 to match what you describe (including a temporary $100 price break).

More spurious claims.

Even accepting your figures, you've handedly demonstrated that MBA is competitively priced in the segment, even when you toss in the $99 optical drive to catch up. It is also substantially thinner and lower in volume than any you've suggested, which as anyone can tell you, is where the real price hikes come from.

 

[Quillz]

I expect it will sell very well. From what I read so far it is more a high end macbook than part of the pro line.
For me the glossy screen is the deal breaker. I'd also prefer no camera but could probably live with it. The combination of glossy and camera probably eliminate it from the bulk of the corporate market.

How can it possibly be a high end MacBook? Even the most basic "Blackbook" owns it in nearly every way. It's cheaper, has a much larger (and faster) hard drive, can be loaded with more RAM, has an equivalent graphics card, as well as more ports and is still just a pound or so heavier. The MacBook Air is only for those who want something extremely portable and do not need much computing power. Yes, the Core 2 Duo is a fine chip, but the one on the Air is clearly nowhere near as good as the one on even the entry level MacBook.

 

[bigwig]

How rugged will this thing be? I know travel is a big proposed use for this thing, but the constant "take out of protective bag, dump in TSA bin, run through scanner, take out of bin, put back into bag" routine is hard on laptops, especially cosmetically. You have to hope the TSA agents don't handle it, because they're not exactly light-handed when handling laptops and the MBA doesn't look that sturdy. I'd hate to have a beautiful MacBookAir that looked like a scratched-up piece of junk only 6-12 months after I bought it.

 

[mgrogge]

the airbook seems to be a cool well made laptop but overall it is just a toy.

i need a cool and well made working machine, but i dont want to pay for 7 month old technology the high prices of 7 month ago. so apple, reduce the price of the macbook pro or bring it up to date! Then i´m willing to buy one.

 

[dAlen]

Just thought I would respond to everyone commenting about the Air not being powerful enough.

My point is that this dinosaur is still more than ample for me as I can edit home movies, record 8 to 12 tracks of instruments in Garageband, Cubase and Reason, without any freezing up. I can draw architectural plans, run photoshop etc, etc, etc. So its hardly just for text documents. What do you really need the extra horsepower for on a laptop? .

Your in a unique group of people it would seem.
An artist who would pay $200 less than a macbook pro and miss out on all the things that make doing what you do even easier.

I will say for production purposes the airbook is unacceptable. Most agree with this, and for an individual level people would probably pony up the extra $200 for the power if they are artist...unless they have the cash flow for a sleek looking device that isnt up to par for pro apps like the macbook pro at about the same price.

Again, that is unique, but not unheard of. There are many opinions, and non are wrong...but there tend to be larger trends to certain areas.

Peace

dAlen

 

[Quillz]

How rugged will this thing be? I know travel is a big proposed use for this thing, but the constant "take out of protective bag, dump in TSA bin, run through scanner, take out of bin, put back into bag" routine is hard on laptops, especially cosmetically. You have to hope the TSA agents don't handle it, because they're not exactly light-handed when handling laptops and the MBA doesn't look that sturdy. I'd hate to have a beautiful MacBookAir that looked like a scratched-up piece of junk only 6-12 months after I bought it.

Aluminum is both durable and scratch resistant. Of course it can and will suffer cosmetic damage over time, but it will certainly last longer than the polycarbonate plastic of the MacBook.

the airbook seems to be a cool well made laptop but overall it is just a toy.

i need a cool and well made working machine, but i dont want to pay for 7 month old technology the high prices of 7 month ago. so apple, reduce the price of the macbook pro or bring it up to date! Then i´m willing to buy one.

I don't think the price of the Pro will be reduced any time soon. The entry level price point keeps a very distinct separation between the so-called consumer and pro products.

 

[wizard]

First of all i dont think you realize just how complicated making a thin/small/sub notebook really is. If it was just about guttin the larger ones,
it would already been done way back.

Not to burst any bubbles here but I don't think you have the foggiest idea about manufacturing. High density electronics have been around for a while now, the most popular example being Cell Phones. In the case of the Air is has many Cell and tablet grade parts in it.

They may not have gutted a larger laptop but they have taken parts from iPods and cell phones to build this machine. Notably too they only have two PC boards in the machine. Ultimately this is an over priced collection of low end parts.

This doesn't even entail a discussion about the performance of some of these parts. Just how happy will the average user of that 1.8" drive be?

I totally agree with you that i want power in my notebook aswell, thats why i want a full 17" maxed out. Im not gonna buy the Air.

Neither am I. But I suspect for different reasons. I'm just not willing to line Apples pockets for a machine that delivers so little for the price it is offered at.

Never the less, its pricepoint is not off, these computers are maid in much smaller batches, using uniqe hardware designfeatures, makeing the price per computer also higher from that viewpoint.

BULL CRAP!!!!!!!!! The machine is using iPod and cell phone parts and as such is nothing special. Further is looks like Apple went out of its way to avoid providing the basic I/O a laptop this size should have. Frankly Apple has avoided a lot of costs on this machine and due to that I suspect it is one of the highest profit margin machines they sell right now.

At the end of the day i really think you get what you pay for
Cheers!

Well that is the most clear statement made in some time on this forum. The problem is what exactly are we getting for that dollar - certainly not a machine with a lot of features.

Dave

 

[Viper2005]

Well, I was pretty much all set to buy one, rationalizing in a twisted way.

However, no user replaceable battery is ABSURD and STUPID.

I will not get one just for this reason.

Jobs has created another Cube. A great form factor that no one will buy.

So the battery is not removeable.. so what? I've owned 5 laptops in my life, and I haven't had the need to ever have two batteries for a laptop NOR have I ever had the need to have a battery replaced on ANY of my 5 laptops. How many people keep their laptops for longer than it takes for their Li-Ion batteries to become unusable? The typical lifetime for one of my laptops is two years tops.
The MacBook Air will be obsolete before the battery degenerates to unusablity. In fact, the MBA will likely be obsolete in 6 months, knowing Apple.

 

[brilami]

why the heck is everybody complaining?
it is not a replacement for the mb or mbp. if it would be, either the mbp or mb production will have stopped immediately.
it is an ultra light and very sexy laptop. great for travellers and/or for a second laptop.
ok, what i am missing is a firewire port, but there is may be an usb/fw adapter. stereo speaker would be better, but no one has heard the mono speaker, as far as i know.

anyway, i pre ordered one.

 

[Quillz]

I also wonder if the Air is going to be a "testing grounds" of sorts for Apple before they eventually offer solid state drives for the MacBook and MacBook Pro. My guess is once solid state drives can hit 128+ GB at a realistic price, they'll become options on all the notebooks.

 

[myeggsareboiled]

In response to dAlen

"Your in a unique group of people it would seem.
An artist who would pay $200 less than a macbook pro and miss out on all the things that make doing what you do even easier."

I don't think I am in a unique group of people. I buy the best I can afford at the time. I bought a fully pimped ibook as it was cheaper than a bare bones PB. As you know, RAM is all important, and a maxed ibook was better for my needs than a basic PB.
It was also more than $200 bucks here. In the UK we have to pay a premium for tech. Not so long ago you were getting $2 for £1, but apple products are a hell of a lot more over here.

 

[wizard]

Where is the cheese and whine?

It is being served at the very small party for the people that think this is a practical introduction by Apple.

I am surprised that so many people actually really think apple is supposed to give us their products "for free".

That is not the case at all. The problem is they make a laptop, that is in part built out of iPod and cell phone parts, and then expect to sell it as if it was made out of gold. Sorry but I'm no that much of an idiot.

The macbook air will be a success if there are no general technical problems resulting from the "thin" form factor. I hope they have their TQM under control.

Quality control likely will have little to do with it, unless of course they screw up bad. The problem will be simply the device not offering enough capacity to justify its price.

Frankly I expect to see a lot of these on the used market rather soon after introduction selling cheap. The reason is simple people will buy them because they think the unit is cool or that Apple can do no wrong, and then realize after a bit of use that the thing is so limited and requires so much attention to use that it is not worth the price charged and not worth carrying around.

I will wait for the first benchmarks befor I deceide, but the only critical factor that is between me and the MBA is the disk question.

Well you are right to be wary of disk performance. That is currently an unanswered question. It is other wise a huge mistake though to not consider the devices other limitations.

The price is another thing. While in the US the MBA will set you back by 2'099 US $ it costs around 2'650 US $ here in switz. Sooo I will have to wait for someone going to the US to fetch me one

Way to high in price no matter where you are getting your numbers.

By the way the base price in the USA is $1799, an interesting number that Apple has an apparent obsession with. It is almost like this price is reserved for machines that they wish to screw the consumer with. Maybe they did some sort of psychological study to determine the optimal price to defy reason in a person.

Sadly I'm currently disgusted with Apple. I wasn't in the market for a laptop but the arrival of this device just highlights how callous and unresponsive they have become to consumer needs. Even more so they had a dog and pony show at a consumer oriented trade show and missed the opportunity to deliver consumer oriented hardware. Pretty damn stupid if you ask me. I really have to wonder what is up at Apple.

Dave

 

[Don.Key]

MBAir Could potentially develop into a nice product in 1-2 revisions, lets wait and see.

What I find funny are all those "This is innovation / Revolution | Apple rules and shows them all" and co comments here.

Besides Multitouch trackpad I fail to see any innovation in this and as a whole, MBAir is hardly more then a above average niche product with nice development potential.

 

[inmyname]

..So, is Apple recommending..

..that owners of the new macbook air dispense with protective shells, neoprene sleeves and laptop bags and instead just post their new laptops around in envelopes???