*List of Premium Ultraportable competitors to a Rev D MBA*

[Scottsdale]

Since this thread is supposed to identify premium ultraportable competitors to the MBA, shouldn't we identify some more of the actual ultraportables coming to market?

LG X300 = I LOVE IT! Would make a great iPad replacement if I weren't planning on buying an iPad. I still haven't found a price for it, but I would expect half the price of an MBA with half the specs.

This one is beautiful, and it's not necessarily a competitor to the rev D MBA, or at least I hope not. It has an 11" display, but its very capable and obviously NOT a netbook. At the same time, I hope the MBA keeps its 13" display and more powerful core.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/lg-serves-up-11-6-inch-x300-ultraportable/

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/lg-x300-hands-on-thin-light-and-handsome/

MSI X-Slim X420 = $799! With ATI 5430 graphics!

Not as pretty, nor as powerful as the MBA but it's thin and lightweight!

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/msi-outs-exceptionally-exquisite-x-slim-x420-laptop/

ASUS UL80JT = 12 hours battery! Autoswitching Nvidia graphics!

What's nicer to think about than an MBA with an autoswitching graphics solution ensuring more capabilities than previous MBAs and yet still utilizing the Intel Arrandale IGP for less intensive purposes to lengthen battery life! A big thumbs up from me! 14" display with no news on pricing as of this link.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/asus-ul80jt-spotted-with-automatic-switchable-graphics-brags-12/

Dell Vostro V13 = $449 sure traveling worry-free LUST! It's basically an Adamo on the cheap.

I have went online and priced this one out several times and even placed it in the shopping cart. The point wouldn't be to take the place of my MBA but to use as a "throwaway" computer where I don't worry if it gets robbed whether in the back seat of a car, in airline luggage, or sitting on my beach towel on vacation in Brasil! Seriously, I cannot imagine a better value.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/dell-vostro-v13-is-450-65-inches-thick/

Dell Adamo (original Pearl or Onyx) = $999... with a 256 GB SSD!!!

This is actually a heck of a value considering the price of a 256 GB SSD alone. It's like getting the rest of the Adamo for $500. If there wasn't an MBA, I would have probably bought the higher end Adamo with 2.13 GHz Penryn CPU. Beautiful HD display and BLU RAY EXTERNAL DRIVE! Why cannot Apple let us decide if we want Blu Ray... even charge us extra for it!

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/.../en/us/adamo?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

Sony Vaio Z = Future LUST!

I know it has been the major topic of this thread, but it's the ultraportable I WILL SELECT IF APPLE DOESN'T UPGRADE THE MBA BEFORE MY 2 GB OF RAM BECOMES UNUSABLE AS A PRIMARY COMPUTER! Or if the MBA gets upgraded and only has Arrandale's IGP for graphics... a real possibility.

This Sony Z has an Nvidia GT 330M discrete graphics card that is what the MBA should shoot for... add dual SSDs, 4 GB RAM standard, Core i5 CPU (I think MBA will get a Core i7-6x0LM CPU)... again BLU RAY IS OPTIONAL... why cannot we have this option with the MBA or any Mac as far as that's concerned?

Here's a link to in depth review with photos... I visit it once weekly, honestly!

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/11/sony-vaio-z-series-vpcz114gx-s-review/

And I haven't mentioned this in the MBA section, but I am establishing Tuesday March 2, 2010 as the MBA UPDATE DAY. Oh yes, I got Jobs on the line and demanded this be the update day... Jobs concurred! Okay, obviously not, as I am just having some fun, LMAO! We all have been fairly bent out of shape over the long update wait (ok, it's probably just been me out of shape and maybe Jobsian with all these threads for the mythical rev D MBA, LOL).

I actually believe nine months to the day will be the next MBA update day (it was last updated June 2, 2009). Let's all hope that with the MBA update we all are talking about the MBA as a much better solution than the Sony Z! In truth, I don't really expect the MBA to be better than the Sony Z. I will be ecstatic if all that is updated is the RAM and glass trackpad. I still don't know whether this update will be the big one or the next update will be the big one... but remember when the big update comes I predicted the new display technology first!

Has anyone ever thought up a union of Apple fans where we would all boycott Apple together and refuse to update our Macs if they weren't updated with our demands by the dates we require? We could have fan lockouts and boycotts if Apple doesn't meet our demands. Things like Blu Ray could be demanded as an option to the Mac OS X operating system. And perhaps most importantly, we could demand Flash on the iPhone/iPad. Okay, it doesn't seem very realistic but it sure sounds like a better way for us fans to unite than the forums where nothing we do really means anything to anyone except ourselves. I mean, Apple isn't coming here and reading the MBA thread determining that it needs to now make 4 GB of RAM standard in the MBA... but maybe it should be? Apple Fan Union! Just in case someone wants to push ahead with the idea, AppleFanUnion.com is available! Just kidding, sorta.

 

[bloodycape]

That is a pretty good right up with fairly accurate commentary I must say. I would have put the Asus UL30HT over the UL80JT as it is a 13in model with slight better build and optical drive is external unlike the 14in UL80. It has a pretty decent GT310m gpu.

There is also the Lenovo X301 and what ever the newer model the iX core cpu will be called, and the update X201 and X201s. There is also the obvious HP Envy 13. The slight older Samsung X360 and 14in X460 with an optical drive and nvidia 9300 GS gpu. LG P/X310 with the 9600gt gpu and external optical drive. Also, based on what I am reading the LG X300 maybe netbook-ish as the only cpu I can think of that 2.0ghz that could work for that form factor is the 2.0ghz Atom. Unless this is going the Lenovo U110 route, which as the same exact specs as the rev A. MBA.

If I can get a dual core(even if its a dual core celeron) Dell V13 for $400 I would get one for my pops to replace the ibook. BTW many of the Z configs are actually quad SSD, and in Asia the price is lower as you still get an HDD option.

 

[roxygal9]

Scottsdale, as always a brilliant post! Until I saw the Sony VAIO Z series i didnt think there was an ultraportable that could compete with the MBA! And it has all the new technology for about the going rate of the current MBA. A SSD for me is a must have, as someone previously mentioned it is much faster and really utilizes the speed of the processr and memory well. I have never had a Sony, though and some have complained about their durability. This machine is very nice and as a current PC owner itis very tempting. Having said that, I hope the MBA does get a revision soon, because I really think that Apple is going to lose sales. Someone please tell me why should I wait for the MBA or any apple product revision, is it really worth it? I have never owned one but I am curious, and will drop the money if it has specs like this. Of course the HDMI port would be a loss, as I love that option considering I have a 26 in. Samsung monitor, but I could run it via DVi too. Also, I noticed on the Sony it has a switch for the graphics power I am asuming. Can someone please kinda explain the functionality of this, why its unique/important, etc? Graphics is not my forte, and I think some other people may benefit from understanding what this new technology is, though I believe the Optimus is a bit more advanced right? Finally, after seeing Sony pack the graphics into this small design, wouldnt apple be able to do this as well? The macbook line is awesome from my little bit of playing around with them, but Windows 7 has really stepped up PC performance. Id like to take the Apple plunge, and though I find this fun and intriguing, I do need a new laptop soon. THanks for any information!

Cheers

 

[nagromme]

OS X is worth too much to me. (And my Air runs Windows should I need that.) And battery life is still great—on my version A Air that I bought when they first came out. I’ll keep getting MBA’s as long as they keep making them One day I hope they can reduce the margin around the screen a bit though.

I love that I can pick it up with one hand without putting down the glass/charger/bag/papers/whatever I’m carrying in the other hand. That’s not just about weight, it’s the tapered shape that makes an overhang all the way around.

And the trackpad gestures are great. Swipe to see my desktop, swipe to gather all my windows via Exposé and then send them back where they came from.

The coolest thing (though I only used it once) is that you can use Remote Disc to actually BOOT that machine off of a DVD wirelessly! I put the Snow Leopard disc in another machine and the Air will actually boot up from it. (To re-install the OS, or whatever.)

And don’t sneeze at the illuminated keyboard on the Air. That was mediocre on Apple’s silver keyboards, but it’s great with the black keys! I can’t go back to a non-lit keyboard on a machine I use in so many settings.

 

[nullx86]

I have to say it, even if someone already said it (tl;dr)

Ailenware m11x

Specs are in the attached pic. I dont know if it can be hackintoshed, but I really dont care. I would go back to Windows for that machine. Crysis in my pocket? Please!

 

[Scottsdale]

I have to say it, even if someone already said it (tl;dr)

Ailenware m11x

Specs are in the attached pic. I dont know if it can be hackintoshed, but I really dont care. I would go back to Windows for that machine. Crysis in my pocket? Please!

That Alienware M11x is isted as a "netbook!" Wow, I like the graphics Nvidia 335, and 1GB dedicated graphics RAM. My jaw would drop if the MBA got 512 MB dedicated RAM and a Nvidia 310! I really like the Nvidia Optimus rumor today for the MBPs. Gives me some hope I have been thinking correctly for the MBA. I have had Optimus and Nvidia in my mind ever since I read about the Asus UL80JT.

Remember the current Nvidia 9400m is used in every Mac except the Mac Pro! Whatever Apple chooses for 13" and low-end 15" MBP will probably end up in every Mac. Apple's system uses one graphics card and chipset across many models to save money via buying in bulk AND saving on software integration and product development costs!

BTW, not to bad for an Alienware netbook! $799 base price!

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/alienwares-m11x-netbook-gets-a-base-price-799/

 

[gman901]

Almost purchased!

I was really thinking about buying the new Sony Z to the point I checked out with a configuration up to $2199 + taxes. I then thought that something good is about to come out from Apple that will probably be more affordable and give me what I really want - a thin, light weight, fast cpu, 4 GB ram and a sweet discrete graphics card. I am going to stick it out for Apple!

 

[nagromme]

I was really thinking about buying the new Sony Z to the point I checked out with a configuration up to $2199 + taxes. I then thought that something good is about to come out from Apple that will probably be more affordable and give me what I really want - a thin, light weight, fast cpu, 4 GB ram and a sweet discrete graphics card. I am going to stick it out for Apple!

I hope a really awesome new Air does not come out too quickly—because I will want it But it’s due for an update. A “buttonless” (errr, all-button) trackpad would be a welcome addition.

 

[Scottsdale]

I was really thinking about buying the new Sony Z to the point I checked out with a configuration up to $2199 + taxes. I then thought that something good is about to come out from Apple that will probably be more affordable and give me what I really want - a thin, light weight, fast cpu, 4 GB ram and a sweet discrete graphics card. I am going to stick it out for Apple!

The MBA hasn't really had an update since October 2008. It's overdue.

A new MBA will certainly have 4 GB of RAM... and hopefully an Nvidia GeForce 310M or better yet a GT 330M! But rather than just using the discrete card, we would be far better off if we got the hybrid Optimus system.

 

[nullx86]

That Alienware M11x is isted as a "netbook!" Wow, I like the graphics Nvidia 335, and 1GB dedicated graphics RAM. My jaw would drop if the MBA got 512 MB dedicated RAM and a Nvidia 310! I really like the Nvidia Optimus rumor today for the MBPs. Gives me some hope I have been thinking correctly for the MBA. I have had Optimus and Nvidia in my mind ever since I read about the Asus UL80JT.

Remember the current Nvidia 9400m is used in every Mac except the Mac Pro! Whatever Apple chooses for 13" and low-end 15" MBP will probably end up in every Mac. Apple's system uses one graphics card and chipset across many models to save money via buying in bulk AND saving on software integration and product development costs!

BTW, not to bad for an Alienware netbook! $799 base price!

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/alienwares-m11x-netbook-gets-a-base-price-799/

Well hopefully Apple will see it as a threat and bump specs accordingly. The 15"/17" MBPs are fine, but the 13"B/MBP, Mini and iMacs with 9400m are lacking badly. I get better gameplay out of a 128MB GeForce Go 7300. 9400m should have been dropped completely with the new iMacs and the Macbook and Mini spec bump. My guess is that Apple will either use the i3 processor with the integrated IGP and have some hybrid graphics system, or will pick some off the wall graphics card for the MBA... As for the m11x, I am getting two to replace my Dell Mini 9's. I am going to check on hackintosh compatibility, but I would assume it will support it. Personally, I dont see the point in getting a MBA or even a MB/MBP until the specs get bumped and updated to stay with the current releases. 9400m and 9600m GT are soooo 2007. Its 2010 Apple, get with the program...

 

[gman901]

I just ordered the AW M11x and got full specs, including the SSD option. I found a great review of the unit -
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews.php?reviewid=924&pageid=1

I am keeping my MBP for now but based on the review, it seems like this unit runs cool and can handle 1080P through HDMI smoothly if you use programs that take advantage of the GPU. I was thinking that the CPU was going to be a problem, but these CUDA? programs seem to be the way to go. This netbook is small and compact enough for me to use on the go and as part of my media center. I also have a Dell mini 9, but I never use it. I experimented with putting OSX on it to see if it would work and it does. Should I take it off before selling it on ebay?

 

[nullx86]

I just ordered the AW M11x and got full specs, including the SSD option. I found a great review of the unit -
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews.php?reviewid=924&pageid=1

I am keeping my MBP for now but based on the review, it seems like this unit runs cool and can handle 1080P through HDMI smoothly if you use programs that take advantage of the GPU. I was thinking that the CPU was going to be a problem, but these CUDA? programs seem to be the way to go. This netbook is small and compact enough for me to use on the go and as part of my media center. I also have a Dell mini 9, but I never use it. I experimented with putting OSX on it to see if it would work and it does. Should I take it off before selling it on ebay?

iirc, the CPU in the m11x is basically a lower powered version of the T7200. Should be able to do some minor overclocking and get it to 2Ghz no sweat. As far as the CPU/GPU, since the 335M has 1GB Ram, you can do 1080P via HMDI, and you should have little or no issues; just depends on how big your screen is.. I doubt it can drive a 60+" screen. As for the Dell Mini 9, make an install disk/usb drive for OS X, and set it up for a normal install, but do not install. Go to Disk Utility, and partition it for FAT and set it for MBR. Once you have done that, click the Erase Tab and go to the button that says "Security Options" and select an option. Do either a 7 pass or 35 pass. Usually the one that the government uses works the best. Do that, and then you can sell it no problem. I would not sell it with OS X, because you are in essence doing what Psystar is doing, and Apple will nag at eBay until they either shut you down or remove the listing. Trust me on this, I know from first hand experience.

 

[Jayomat]

The Sony VAIO Z Series looks amazing (spec- and design-wise..) I can see me buying one because I hate to have two computers, so I need decent graphics in my portable too..

does anyone know if the trackpad supports multitouch-gestures?

and has it already been released? everytime I hit the "your individual vaio" at sony's hp, I get an error^

 

[appleguy123]

The closest thing I have yet to see design wise that even starts to measure up to the MBA, is well, a straight up MBA clone.

What are the specs on that computer?

 

[Scottsdale]

What are the specs on that computer?

I wish some of these kerf computer manufacturers would not make fake Apple products, and would instead capitalize on the experience of Apple but brand it for a low-end cost with a competitive product "Orange Computers."

Seriously, why don't Dell, Lenovo, HP, and etc capitalize on what Apple is doing? It's much more intelligent to focus on the experience rather than low costs and spec differences. Where would Dell or HP be right now if they would have taken the Windows platform capabilities and focused on user experience? Sony focuses on high-end experience and component makeup... but that's not where Apple is focused.

Apple focuses on the mid-end components and uses single component makeup across multiple models to lower costs of the components, development, and software integration. Why cannot any other computer manufacturer understand this strategy? Why do they all ignore Apple as being a high-end brand and not a real competitor. If Apple was using Windows the whole way along they probably would have been even more successful!

 

[JoeG4]

The Sony Z is talked to be an amazing laptop. It's pretty much the MBA portability with performance that eats a MBP for breakfast. Hopefully this is true.

fixed.

 

[randomtask]

New here. I currently use a macbook 2,1 and run a business from it. I've been waiting to upgrade since december and was planning to stick with apple (although my other machines are Debian and Vista based).

This thread has been extremely useful for me because i'm now fairly sure that I'm going to pull the trigger and replace this machine with the Sony Z. My only reservation is saying goodbye to OS X which I have grown to love over the past .. 31 months (Coconutbattery).

I'm going to wait until March 2nd. Without a new mba with a large redesign and Vaio Z specs apple have lost me forever. I have no interest in the macbook pros, gf has one and I want ultra portable. If only the Z had dumped the useless optical drive. The one in my macbook broke a YEAR ago and I have only wanted to use it once.

I'm looking at the Vaio Z, 8gb RAM, 192gb SSD option with a couple of extras. It's looking like 2100 pounds/3146 dollars which is more than I wanted to spend. I'm going to have to go and hold one of these things before I make the jump actually.. and perhaps spend some time with Windows 7 (puke).

 

[Jayomat]

If Apple was using Windows the whole way along they probably would have been even more successful!

huh?? so if there would have been no OSX at all, apple would habe sold more of their "overpriced" (hard-spec-wise) laptops? why is that? care to elaborate? Isn't OSX the reason why we buy apple hardware at all?? (Ok, the trackpad is nice too^^)

 

[Jobsian]

Since this thread is supposed to identify premium ultraportable competitors to the MBA, shouldn't we identify some more of the actual ultraportables coming to market?

<snip>

Dell Adamo (original Pearl or Onyx) = $999... with a 256 GB SSD!!!

This is actually a heck of a value considering the price of a 256 GB SSD alone. It's like getting the rest of the Adamo for $500. If there wasn't an MBA, I would have probably bought the higher end Adamo with 2.13 GHz Penryn CPU. Beautiful HD display and BLU RAY EXTERNAL DRIVE! Why cannot Apple let us decide if we want Blu Ray... even charge us extra for it!

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/.../en/us/adamo?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

Sterling, sterling work Scotts, comprehensive list with links much appreciated!

Dell putting in a 256GB SSD on the Adamo for $999 is insane. I literally don't know how they're managing that kind of margin

 

[Jobsian]

Someone please tell me why should I wait for the MBA or any apple product revision, is it really worth it?

It's very tempting (certainly for me) to pull the trigger especially on that behemoth that Sony have unleashed in the Vaio Z. For me however, the equation is simple:

If you can do without an update at this stage, wait it out to see Apple's hand.

We can speculate but we simply don't know what Apple have up their sleeves. There has been recent talk that Apple's delay may be secondary to making the integrated graphics-to-discrete graphics transition more seamless.

 

[Paperboy2010]

Sterling, sterling work Scotts, comprehensive list with links much appreciated!

Dell putting in a 256GB SSD on the Adamo for $999 is insane. I literally don't know how they're managing that kind of margin

Perhaps the offers changed, but I'm not seeing an option with a 256 SSD pricing out at 999....

 

[dudulang]

Comparing to vaio Z, the new MBA will also lure me if it has two USB 3.0 ports. Only one USB port is really not enough.

 

[drjsway]

Perhaps the offers changed, but I'm not seeing an option with a 256 SSD pricing out at 999....

What he said. The $999 has a 128SSD. Where can I get a 256SSD for $999?

The Sony Z would be perfect if it were thinner. 1.3" is simply unacceptable for an ultraportable. It's more than 1/3 thicker than the thickest MBP. How is it an MBA competitor?

 

[drjsway]

The Sony Z is talked to be an amazing laptop. It's pretty much the MBA portability with MBP performance.

it's the ultraportable I WILL SELECT IF APPLE DOESN'T UPGRADE THE MBA BEFORE MY 2 GB OF RAM BECOMES UNUSABLE AS A PRIMARY COMPUTER!

It's very tempting (certainly for me) to pull the trigger especially on that behemoth that Sony have unleashed in the Vaio Z.

The Sony VAIO Z Series looks amazing (spec- and design-wise..) I can see me buying one

Are you guys all serious? The biggest advantage/achievement of the MBA is its thin design and you are all ready to give it up for something as thick as a ten year old iBook G3? This is thicker than any computer Apple has made in a long long time.

I don't understand how it's "MBA portability". IMO, thickness is just as important as weight when it comes to portability. If thinness wasn't important to you, why did you even buy a MBA in the first place?

 

[ghileman]

It's very tempting (certainly for me) to pull the trigger especially on that behemoth that Sony have unleashed in the Vaio Z. For me however, the equation is simple:

If you can do without an update at this stage, wait it out to see Apple's hand.

We can speculate but we simply don't know what Apple have up their sleeves. There has been recent talk that Apple's delay may be secondary to making the integrated graphics-to-discrete graphics transition more seamless.

Agreed.

but i'm heading straight to check out this beautiful Z if Air rev D is a flop, which for me will be avoided if Apple delivers the following (in rank order):

1. 5+ hours of battery
2. reduce heat and fan noise even further than my Rev B
3. have a substantially better screen and better screen hinge!
4. 4 GB of ram
5. get the weight down to 2-2.5 lbs by using carbon or new aluminum design
6. USB 3.0 (although in all fairness the Z doesn't have 3.0 either) -- is this the reason for the delay? Apple has been known to get new specs, like wifi N, out pretty early
7. Toslink audio so 5.1 surround can be output (I won't even bother asking for HDMI since Jobs won't go there)
8. move the power to the same side as the other ports for better form factor connection to Apple's cinema display

the x-factor in all this is Win 7, which will need to be as good as people say it is.