Goodbye Macbook Air...

[Tomato910]

Well i guess you dont lift weights. I had an air before, didnt like it (was a 2nd gen). Btw, im a power user so no i wouldnt buy it. Its dirt slow, sure if your a web browsing person itll do fine. Unless they put an i7 in the mba than no i wont be getting it.

I think you're missing the point.

I bench 140kg/310lbs, and I definitely notice the difference in weight between my MBA and my girlfriends white MB. The weight of the device is not a selling point for 'weak' people but those who enjoy it from a technological advancement. I absolutely love the MBA weight and shape, I love how I can stick it in my bag and not notice it. Then I can hold it with one hand and type with the other (something which I cannot do with a white MB for too long). In contrast, I find anything which isn't as slim as the MBA or Sony Z as quite ugly and too thick now.

Lastly, referring to people with disabilities as 'crippled' in 2010 is pretty low. I don't care if you know many disabled people who call themselves crippled. I've love to see you go up to the parents of a kid in a wheelchair and start sprouting off about how he's crippled and see what happens.

 

[gwsat]

Yeah but if you keep digging youll eventually find a treasure . Fine, ill state that the weight is all about personal preference and opinion. If people want to complain that the mbp's weight will give them back problems and joint problems, so be it><

I agree on all counts. How big a computer one is willing to travel with is all about personal preference. Consequently I respect your decision to travel with a 17 inch MBP because you need its power and its weight is not a big deal to you. I also agree that, for most of us at least, traveling with a 17 inch MBP is unlikely to cause personal injury.

The reason I so admire the MBA is that it is a pleasure to use when traveling and in close quarters, such as an airline coach seat. The 17 inch MPB isn't too big and heavy to use when traveling a lot but, to my way of thinking at least, it isn't nearly as satisfactory as the MBA.

Those who regularly use apps requiring resources the MBA doesn't have are simply going to have to face the fact that the MBA isn't for them. Unfortunately, I am in that group right now. I need to run VMware Fusion in Unity mode so that I can use my Windows apps from the OS X dock and can support OS X keyboard shortcuts. I learned the hard way that I can't really do that with a computer that has only 2Gb of RAM. Thus, no MBA for me until and unless its memory gets increased to at least 4Gb.

 

[freitas]

This MBA is a pure compromise computer. Weight vs performance. I used to haul my 15" MBP back and forth to work take on business trips. That was until I herniated a disc. I was and still am a strong and healthy individual. The first thing the doctor told me was to stop carrying around a heavy laptop all the time. So last week I finally bought the MBA. Love the size and weight, but the machine is definitely underpowered. But I only need it to fill in for the MBP when I am on the road. Still not convinced that the MBA is all that is could or should be. But it is definitely a nice machine for those that NEED to carry around less weight.

 

[gwsat]

This MBA is a pure compromise computer. Weight vs performance. I used to haul my 15" MBP back and forth to work take on business trips. That was until I herniated a disc. I was and still am a strong and healthy individual. The first thing the doctor told me was to stop carrying around a heavy laptop all the time. So last week I finally bought the MBA. Love the size and weight, but the machine is definitely underpowered. But I only need it to fill in for the MBP when I am on the road. Still not convinced that the MBA is all that is could or should be. But it is definitely a nice machine for those that NEED to carry around less weight.

Your analysis of the MBA's strengths and weaknesses matches my own. Although the MBA is laudably thin and light, it is still so underpowered as to create problems when it is called on to do much more than Web browsing and email. That's the only reason I haven't bought one. The potential is there but the MBA still needs work.

 

[entatlrg]

I agree on all counts. How big a computer one is willing to travel with is all about personal preference. Consequently I respect your decision to travel with a 17 inch MBP because you need its power and its weight is not a big deal to you. I also agree that, for most of us at least, traveling with a 17 inch MBP is unlikely to cause personal injury.

The reason I so admire the MBA is that it is a pleasure to use when traveling and in close quarters, such as an airline coach seat. The 17 inch MPB isn't too big and heavy to use when traveling a lot but, to my way of thinking at least, it isn't nearly as satisfactory as the MBA.

Those who regularly use apps requiring resources the MBA doesn't have are simply going to have to face the fact that the MBA isn't for them. Unfortunately, I am in that group right now. I need to run VMware Fusion in Unity mode so that I can use my Windows apps from the OS X dock and can support OS X keyboard shortcuts. I learned the hard way that I can't really do that with a computer that has only 2Gb of RAM. Thus, no MBA for me until and unless its memory gets increased to at least 4Gb.

Yea, Apple going to have to do a bit of work on the Air if they decide to continue on with it.

4gb RAM is a must, along with other eventual needed upgrades to the MBA they're going to have to think about heat and fan issue's as well...

If the MBA can gets more upgrades and power in it's current form I wonder if it can handle the heat that more having more power would create.

Maybe they'll wait for low voltage processors or perhaps they have their own redesign on the go and they'll wow us all ... someday.

 

[gwsat]

Yea, Apple going to have to do a bit of work on the Air if they decide to continue on with it.

4gb RAM is a must, along with other eventual needed upgrades to the MBA they're going to have to think about heat and fan issue's as well...

If the MBA can gets more upgrades and power in it's current form I wonder if it can handle the heat that more having more power would create.

Maybe they'll wait for low voltage processors or perhaps they have their own redesign on the go and they'll wow us all ... someday.

It seems that in the opinion of most of us who admire and have followed the progress of the MBA, it needs a significant upgrade to become competitive in today's climate. It may well take something like low voltage processors because it certainly can't accommodate anything that puts out more heat than the current configuration generates. Apple now faces the kind of problem I represent for them: I love the form factor and light weight of the MBA and would love to be able to buy one. Unfortunately, though, its present configuration simply wouldn't work for me. Add to that its well known problems with heat, video playback, and still weak hinges, and an MBA just isn't a viable choice for me. I hate it but there it is.

 

[Scottsdale]

Not to put too fine a point on it, when you find yourself in a hole, it's always best to just stop digging, if you take my meaning.

I wonder if this is an age thing? We certainly see the problem, but that user doesn't see a problem in the way he or she talks about people.

 

[colourfastt]

The current MBA is fine for what it was designed for: casual computing. It has the perfect weight and form factor for web browsing, word processing, spreadsheeting, etc. If you want to do more than casual video editing, then the MBP is what you need. Personally, I run my business from my Air and have no problems (word processing, browsing, accounting, etc.) I, for one, would be disappointed if  discontinued the Air. An upgrade to 4 Gb of RAM would be nice, but, at least in my case, is not a necessity.

 

[applesupergeek]

I can't understand how you can go from an air to a 15" beast, doesn't make sense. I have a pbook 12" and I can barely go to the 13" (so I am waiting for the next revision of the air) macbook pro. Once you get used to a small efficient package it's hard to go back.

 

[Ace134blue]

I'm not sure if you're trolling, or genuinely ignorant about the situation. Nobody is saying that 5 pounds in itself is heavy. Even a young child can lift 5 pounds without any effort. Nobody is talking about a quick 15 minute walk either, the same child could do that as well. But if you're paying a premium for a luxury product, why would you settle for something heavier...especially if you traveled frequently, and had to carry your briefcase or bag for extended periods of time?

If you keep your laptop on your desk, barely move it, or only short distances when you do...then the difference between 3 pounds and 5 pounds might be negligible or barely noticeable. But anyone who spends most of their day on the go, in and out of airports, or just has to carry their briefcase/bag all day for whatever reason.....they will DEFINITELY notice the difference. This is not because they are incapable of carrying something heavier....but why should they? To show that they are strong enough to be able to do so? That's rather silly don't you think? If we were talking about the MBP, then I could maybe see your point, with respect to people "whining" about the weight. But the MBA is an ultra-portable laptop, designed for traveling businessmen and professionals. The whole purpose of its existence is to be as light and thin as possible, while still being capable enough for its target market. It sounds like you don't understand/agree with the concept of an ultra-portable.

As far as injuries go, there are several documented cases of people suffering from muscle sprains, strains, and fatigue, as well as nerve damage and blood circulation issues. The way people grip, hold, and carry things affect their neck, back, wrist, and elbow, just to name a few. How much weight do you think it takes to cause these kinds of issues? I'm not saying that everyone who has a 5 pound laptop is going to suffer one of these problems....but they're definitely at a higher risk of doing so than someone with a 3 pound laptop...especially when carrying it for prolonged periods, and over time.

My whole point in all of this was to try and get you to understand that people have different needs based on their specific circumstances. A lot of things are situation dependent, and in this case, the weight of the laptop is relative to its intended use. Five pounds might not be heavy for a regular laptop, but definitely is for an ultra-portable.

I get what its targeted against. Its not for professional people.... Mba is targeted for people who travel alot and need ultra portability.. i get that. But its also only for people who do light work. ie web browsing. I carry my mbp places all the time and its quite easy to do so.

If people who get "loss of blood circulation" or other problems than its their own fault for carrying it the wrong way. The price definitely doesn't justify anything. You could get a 13mbp that weights 1 more lb and it will run circles around it while being alot cheaper.

 

[Ace134blue]

I think you're missing the point.

I bench 140kg/310lbs, and I definitely notice the difference in weight between my MBA and my girlfriends white MB. The weight of the device is not a selling point for 'weak' people but those who enjoy it from a technological advancement. I absolutely love the MBA weight and shape, I love how I can stick it in my bag and not notice it. Then I can hold it with one hand and type with the other (something which I cannot do with a white MB for too long). In contrast, I find anything which isn't as slim as the MBA or Sony Z as quite ugly and too thick now.

Lastly, referring to people with disabilities as 'crippled' in 2010 is pretty low. I don't care if you know many crippled people who call themselves crippled. I've love to see you go up to the parents of a kid in a wheelchair and start sprouting off about how he's crippled and see what happens.

Thats totally different. I wasnt directing it to anyone in particular. that would be like making fun of them which isnt cool at all.

 

[Ace134blue]

I agree on all counts. How big a computer one is willing to travel with is all about personal preference. Consequently I respect your decision to travel with a 17 inch MBP because you need its power and its weight is not a big deal to you. I also agree that, for most of us at least, traveling with a 17 inch MBP is unlikely to cause personal injury.

The reason I so admire the MBA is that it is a pleasure to use when traveling and in close quarters, such as an airline coach seat. The 17 inch MPB isn't too big and heavy to use when traveling a lot but, to my way of thinking at least, it isn't nearly as satisfactory as the MBA.

Those who regularly use apps requiring resources the MBA doesn't have are simply going to have to face the fact that the MBA isn't for them. Unfortunately, I am in that group right now. I need to run VMware Fusion in Unity mode so that I can use my Windows apps from the OS X dock and can support OS X keyboard shortcuts. I learned the hard way that I can't really do that with a computer that has only 2Gb of RAM. Thus, no MBA for me until and unless its memory gets increased to at least 4Gb.

15 in not 17. (i was just comparing weight) . Anyways ive seen soooo many threads based on people getting the mba over the macbook or whatever just because its "lighter". I dont see how that justifies the price. When those people start to use their new mba they complain about heat problems and how slow it is.

Yeah the 2gb is definetly a let down. I also like carrying my mbp to airlines too, no complaints there. I do wish apple would better better gpus in their lineup.

 

[pharmx]

I get what its targeted against. Its not for professional people.... Mba is targeted for people who travel alot and need ultra portability.. i get that. But its also only for people who do light work. ie web browsing. I carry my mbp places all the time and its quite easy to do so.

If people who get "loss of blood circulation" or other problems than its their own fault for carrying it the wrong way. The price definitely doesn't justify anything. You could get a 13mbp that weights 1 more lb and it will run circles around it while being alot cheaper.

Based on your logic why would anyone buy an MBA when the 13" MBP is only slightly (I believe it's 1.5 pounds) heavier? Why would people spend MORE money to buy something that is slower and less capable, lacking an optical drive, and has: fewer connectivity options, only 1 usb port, an outdated trackpad, smaller battery, and is incapable of RAM/HDD upgrades?

But obviously people ARE buying them, even if it's not at the rate at which the 13" MBP sells. Whether this is due to higher price point or lack of functionality is debatable...Apple has a way of showing people that they often think/want more than they actually need. If and when the MBA gets updated, we'll see where the future lies for the device. But the fact that the MBA hasn't been EOL'd (yet) indicates that there are enough people out there that think the thinner form factor and relative difference in weight are worth the tradeoff of higher price and decreased functionality. Are you saying that you think that all of these people are just plain stupid?

 

[InfoSecmgr]

Exactly my point.

There is no shortage of people who will complain if a product doesn't fit them like a glove. I would say 90% of the posts I read here are from absolute whiners. Honestly, they ought to just buy a PC and "be happy" with it if Apple "sucks" as much as they claim they do. The only "issue" I've had with my 17 inch MBP is that my old backpack is not large enough for it. Simple problems have simple solutions. I purchased a larger backpack. Amazing. See there? That took 2 seconds of thought. But...you'd be surprised at how little thought most people are willing to put into, well, anything.

That being said, I purchased an original MBA for my girlfriend when they came out (some people have good paying jobs because they earned them). We have had ZERO issues. No heat, no hinge, no anything. I suppose not loading it up with crapware like shapeshifter and the like has a lot to do with it. Drill down into most any issue on MacRumors and guess what? People have countless useless apps like that installed.

 

[gwsat]

If people who get "loss of blood circulation" or other problems than its their own fault for carrying it the wrong way. The price definitely doesn't justify anything. You could get a 13mbp that weights 1 more lb and it will run circles around it while being alot cheaper.

Most of us who admire the MBA recognize that it is a niche product. If you want its incredibly beautiful design and light weight you have to pay a premium for them and get a computer that is both far more expensive and far less powerful than the (relatively) humble 13 inch MBP. When I decided that I wanted a 13 inch Mac I agonized over whether to wait for the MBA to be upgraded or simply buy a 13 inch MBP. I finally decided to keep on waiting but it was a difficult decision. The 13 inch MBP is a terrific little computer and the price is right, by Mac standards at least.

 

[sushi]

Most of us who admire the MBA recognize that it is a niche product.

The MBA is definitely limited. But for those whose needs are met by the MBA it's a great solution.

Looking forward to seeing the next upgrade.

 

[manhattanboy]

Are you serious? Of course 5 pounds isn't heavy....and you're right, neither is 20 pounds. Hell, since we're talking about "holding" something, even 50 pounds isn't bad.

But we're not talking about "holding" something, or moving it 30 feet. We're talking about traveling with it, and carrying it for extended periods of time. I'm willing to bet that the people who complain about weight that "piss you off" travel a lot more often than you do. So...unless you're one of those "macho" people that like to brag about how much they bench...why in the world would you want to carry around 5 pounds all day, when you could be carrying 3? Are you even aware of the difference a couple of pounds make from a health perspective, when having to lug it around for prolonged periods, and the effect it can have on various joints and ligaments (not to mention neck and back)? And all that's before considering age, gender, and overall physical shape.

Lol, you really didn't think these people were weak, puny, and incapable of carrying 5 pounds...right?

I agree 100%

Yes, i think they are all puny weak super nerds(Nah jk lol). I carried heavier laptops to work all the time. Up stairs down stairs, you name it. Carrying 15 pounds while walking for 15mins doesn't bother me at all. people need to man up and possible work out because holding a 15in mpb is like holding a tv remote. I also carried stacks of laptops in one arm and not hard at all. Ive being carry heavier laptops for a long time and i dont have joint problems.

I want to see a story on how someones joints were affected from carrying a 5lb laptop for prolonged periods of time.

Have you tried walking for an hour with the new 15in? I am blessed enough to have both available and after about a half hour of walking I long for the MBA!!!!!!!

For me and my messenger bag, the 15in in size and weight is a very noticeable difference. The MBA gets tiring to carry after walking about 2-3 hours. The new 15in MBP gets tiring after about 20 min.

Phfft .... I can easily tell the difference in weight between my MBA and my 15" MBP. Which is why the MBA is always in my car ready to be hauled out at Starbucks, etc. The MBP: only when I'm on a trip when it can sit on the desk in the hotel room ... I'm NOT lugging that thing around like luggage. And one more point: you can have my MBA only when you pry it out of my cold, dead hand.

What I would like is the MBA with a better battery life, a 980x Core i7, and 9 gig's ram. But is that going to happen? Not in the foreseeable future. I really don't care for the iPad. I think it will become more useful over time, but as the C2D argument goes for the 13in MBP, why buy a 3g iPad model if 4g is rolling out later this year??? I would rather wait a year and have an iPad that will last a little longer and be more useful internet wise.

Glad to see that Steve-O has so much time that he just sits on his couch and watches the iPad constantly. For me, I'm constantly working and don't even own a couch! I need PRODUCTIVITY over "I'm so rich and have so much time I don't know what to do with myself."

 

[iMacmatician]

I do wish apple would better better gpus in their lineup.

If Apple uses AMD CPUs next year as rumored, then that problem should be solved for the majority of their product line (Llano makes more sense the more I think about it).

 

[gwsat]

Glad to see that Steve-O has so much time that he just sits on his couch and watches the iPad constantly. For me, I'm constantly working and don't even own a couch! I need PRODUCTIVITY over "I'm so rich and have so much time I don't know what to do with myself."

I love to use my iPad while wandering around in my house. It's great for casual Web surfing or watching videos but it isn't much good for document preparation or numbers crunching and its email client is a pale imitation of either Mail or MS Entourage. The iPad has other weaknesses too. I am sure it will get better over time but it still needs work. That said, I believe that those who say the iPad is nothing but a toy are just as wrong as those who claim that it is a viable substitute for a real computer. The bottom line is that the iPad can do most of the things a computer can do but you have to bend yourself into a pretzel to accomplish many of them.

 

[Ace134blue]

Based on your logic why would anyone buy an MBA when the 13" MBP is only slightly (I believe it's 1.5 pounds) heavier? Why would people spend MORE money to buy something that is slower and less capable, lacking an optical drive, and has: fewer connectivity options, only 1 usb port, an outdated trackpad, smaller battery, and is incapable of RAM/HDD upgrades?

But obviously people ARE buying them, even if it's not at the rate at which the 13" MBP sells. Whether this is due to higher price point or lack of functionality is debatable...Apple has a way of showing people that they often think/want more than they actually need. If and when the MBA gets updated, we'll see where the future lies for the device. But the fact that the MBA hasn't been EOL'd (yet) indicates that there are enough people out there that think the thinner form factor and relative difference in weight are worth the tradeoff of higher price and decreased functionality. Are you saying that you think that all of these people are just plain stupid?

Uh no. I was just curious on why people buy them considering how outdated and slow it is and than complain later that its hot and slow.

I agree 100%



Have you tried walking for an hour with the new 15in? I am blessed enough to have both available and after about a half hour of walking I long for the MBA!!!!!!!

For me and my messenger bag, the 15in in size and weight is a very noticeable difference. The MBA gets tiring to carry after walking about 2-3 hours. The new 15in MBP gets tiring after about 20 min.

Actually yeah i have. Ive being using the 15in mbp's for years and i do not get tired. Are you out of shape? Just curious.

What I would like is the MBA with a better battery life, a 980x Core i7, and 9 gig's ram. But is that going to happen? Not in the foreseeable future. I really don't care for the iPad. I think it will become more useful over time, but as the C2D argument goes for the 13in MBP, why buy a 3g iPad model if 4g is rolling out later this year??? I would rather wait a year and have an iPad that will last a little longer and be more useful internet wise.

Glad to see that Steve-O has so much time that he just sits on his couch and watches the iPad constantly. For me, I'm constantly working and don't even own a couch! I need PRODUCTIVITY over "I'm so rich and have so much time I don't know what to do with myself."

Not possible to have 9gb of ram

If Apple uses AMD CPUs next year as rumored, then that problem should be solved for the majority of their product line (Llano makes more sense the more I think about it).

I wouldnt buy any mac computer if it had an amd cpu. They suck compared to intels lineup.

 

[Ace134blue]

Most of us who admire the MBA recognize that it is a niche product. If you want its incredibly beautiful design and light weight you have to pay a premium for them and get a computer that is both far more expensive and far less powerful than the (relatively) humble 13 inch MBP. When I decided that I wanted a 13 inch Mac I agonized over whether to wait for the MBA to be upgraded or simply buy a 13 inch MBP. I finally decided to keep on waiting but it was a difficult decision. The 13 inch MBP is a terrific little computer and the price is right, by Mac standards at least.

So, are you saying that the macbook pros are heavy and ugly? I dont think so. Besides the mbp's are like the lightest 15in notebook ever made( maybe)

 

[PowerGamerX]

The big thing here for me is the ammount of time I carry the notebook, sure the 15" MBP would be great for my desk use and just chilling at home or throwing into the passenger seat of my car to head down to the local cafe to do some typing here and there, but when I'm walking through my college campus with lot's of books, it's so much nicer to carry the Air all day.

With each hour that passes, that 2-3lbs is more and more noticible.

 

[Moodikar]

Wait if you can. Latest MBP 13inch still no reason to switch

I had the itch to buy or upgrade but it's not time yet.

I predict that next year, there's gonna be a big change with MBP and perhaps the air. Either a new revised unibody, USB3, HDMI, or touchscreen/iOS in MacOS, the current speed bump isn't a big enough reason to change unless your macbook air (or whatever you use) isn't doing what you need it to do.

The new MBP13 didn't even get i5 or i7 processors. Even waiting for that might be worth it.

So, although tempting, enjoy the fact of owning the lightest mac available and that it still is pretty powerful!!

 

[Ace134blue]

I had the itch to buy or upgrade but it's not time yet.

I predict that next year, there's gonna be a big change with MBP and perhaps the air. Either a new revised unibody, USB3, HDMI, or touchscreen/iOS in MacOS, the current speed bump isn't a big enough reason to change unless your macbook air (or whatever you use) isn't doing what you need it to do.

The new MBP13 didn't even get i5 or i7 processors. Even waiting for that might be worth it.

So, although tempting, enjoy the fact of owning the lightest mac available and that it still is pretty powerful!!

Maybe compared to a netbook...

 

[gwsat]

Hi Im not sure if this will help some people but I come across this offer to get the Macbook air for free. Ive followed the steps and im waiting on an email, but for some of us, who cant afford it right now its worth a shot I think.

bit.ly/blKkNLmacair

I suspect that I'm preaching to the choir but I will say without fear of contradiction that nobody, I say again, nobody is giving away MBAs for free. I don't know whether the poster is part of a scam, although the fact that he posted the foregoing to three threads sent up warning flags. A word to the wise, and all that.