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MacBook Air rev C, "Everything we know, and everything we want." (orig. desperate)
- Thread starter Scottsdale
- Start date
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I know this... I want to prove to people the MBA is still a superior way to go, as it takes a lot of apps/RAM use to make 4 or 8 GB of RAM necessary.
I want to show what buying a MBA vs a MBP means to MOST of us Business type users. The big differences for speed will be SSD. If someone wants to send me an SSD to use for testing in the 13" MBP, I will... but I am not going to buy an SSD for a 13" MBP that will end up going to my daughter who will be FOUR YEARS OLD in July. She is going to end up with 2 GB of RAM also.
My point is still that I am an Apple MacBook Air FANBOY. I am still going to push the MBA even though the MBP is a better option for some people. I think the vast majority will still enjoy the portability and fun of the MBA over the 13" MBP. I will also do some Virtual OSes with Parallels and VMWare (not virtual box) with WINDOWS 7 RC 64-bit. It all comes down to FUN!
My theory is that I will end up using the MBA as my primary Mac, as I love the smaller form factor. However, the added differences (ESPECIALLY THE BATTERY) may make me change my mind???
For people wanting to run Windows in Parallels, I think the 13" MBP will probably be the way to go for the additional RAM. If Apple would have just gone with 4 gb of RAM in the MBA, life would be so much easier!
I just want to have some fun! I am at a hotel today for a conference tomorrow in Phoenix (I live 30 miles from resort so decided to stay at resort - as I have to give a lecture/presentation for some business owners). Unfortunately, the resort has crappy wireless Internet... so my ten page browsing/surfing has been slow especially while watching WWDC coverage today.
Anyways, I will order the MBA later today if I don't find one in town. I want to give the stores until the afternoon to open any boxes and see what they got in???
Will do a nice review within the next week...
No, SL is not released until September. Any new Macs will merely qualify for the upgrade at the reduced rate ($10 compared to $29).
I decided for the 13 inch MBP ... I wanted an Air but not having 4GB of ram (even in the top end one) was the deal breaker for me.
The $700 price drop is for sure the big deal, it will encourage a lot of people who've been eying up the MBA to take the plunge ... they'll be glad they did! ... a 128ssd, 2.1ghz and 2GB ram in an Apple product is enough for a high percentage of the users out there ... win-win for sure, SMART move on Apple's behalf.
An 128ssd with 1.8ghz to 2.1ghz won't likely be noticeable difference to most, but an extra $700 in the wallet is noticeable
* When does this "one more thing" usually happen ?
An 128ssd with 1.8ghz to 2.1ghz won't likely be noticeable difference to most, but an extra $700 in the wallet is noticeable
* When does this "one more thing" usually happen ?
Boo hisssssssss......
By opting for the HDD MBP, you're purposely conducting a inherently partisan comparison 'review'. The 128 SSD is only a couple of hundred more, surely a mere drop in the ocean considering how much you've been shouting about the FANTASTIC NEW PRICES
Anyway the SSD will prove a better investment for you and you little girl.
It is obvious the SSD rev.C MBA will beat a 13"MBP HDD in terms of performance, but it's the like-for-like comparison that is the only one of real interest to most of us wavering between the two.
Just ordered the MBA (3 days to ship!) hope it comes faster. I'd like to thank you guys for the advice (all the guys who answered by thread questions) especially Scottsdale, jnc and Shake 'n' Bake
(3 days to ship!) hope it comes faster. I'd like to thank you guys for the advice (all the guys who answered by thread questions) especially Scottsdale, jnc and Shake 'n' Bake Just to tout my own horn I was spot on in the speed bumps happening now (and the larger ssd/arrandale q1 2010 it seems) and no new ssd or memory, of course the price drop too is very welcome...
Why does Apple have to do this to me every time.............
2GB ram - not 4gb. I am thinking it is the clincher for me, as I do graphics work.
I have a 2.4 ghz macbook at the mo, and to be honest I don't think it is that much more portable than a 15".
So the choices for me are a 15" MBP or MBA. Bloody hell.
BTW guys - I haven't seen any mention of this yet,, but I think they have repositioned the macbook in a way to allow the tablet to be released shortly. I am guessing this will eat into the mba area a bit.
So my conclusion is I buy a MBP and hope I am right about the tablet. I can't justify a tablet and air...........
2GB ram - not 4gb. I am thinking it is the clincher for me, as I do graphics work.
I have a 2.4 ghz macbook at the mo, and to be honest I don't think it is that much more portable than a 15".
So the choices for me are a 15" MBP or MBA. Bloody hell.
BTW guys - I haven't seen any mention of this yet,, but I think they have repositioned the macbook in a way to allow the tablet to be released shortly. I am guessing this will eat into the mba area a bit.
So my conclusion is I buy a MBP and hope I am right about the tablet. I can't justify a tablet and air...........
You make an interesting point. Maybe the tablet is the one other thing and maybe steve jobs will be announcing it when he comes back?
Not so sure on the iTablet eating into MBA market theory...
IF anything the tablet is more likely to be an upgraded extrapolated 8-10" iPhone with touchscreen tech and running an abridged or full-size OS. With the announcement today of the less-than-impressive iPhone 3GS, I think the tablet will become the evolution of that product - a larger more powerful netbook,, in other words very different from an MBA.
IF anything the tablet is more likely to be an upgraded extrapolated 8-10" iPhone with touchscreen tech and running an abridged or full-size OS. With the announcement today of the less-than-impressive iPhone 3GS, I think the tablet will become the evolution of that product - a larger more powerful netbook,, in other words very different from an MBA.
I am so glad I sold my Rev B SSD before the price cut. I knew it was coming and I am glad I avoided it.
Of course, now I want the 7 hour battery and my MBP dosnt feel as shinny as it did on Sunday...
Of course, now I want the 7 hour battery and my MBP dosnt feel as shinny as it did on Sunday...
Shocked and disappointed.
The update is totally anemic. Without a RAM boost the thing is virtually useless to me. The lack of a glass trackpad is disappointing: it's such a convenient interface. I wanted a black bezel but nobody else did, and ideed there is none. No mention whether the lines issue has been addressed.
I wasn't looking for a bargain discount: I wanted an improved machine at the same price-point. They've essentially decided to let the Air stagnate. It's not evolving.
I'll go try out one of those new 13" MBPs with an SSD. It sounds like it might be a serious machine and might (just) be sufficiently portable to suit my needs while packing sufficient processing power. The specs are encouraging.
I didn't expect any MacBook announcements at the WWDC09. I'm disappointed they're passing this off as an upgrade rather than a price drop on an aged product.
The update is totally anemic. Without a RAM boost the thing is virtually useless to me. The lack of a glass trackpad is disappointing: it's such a convenient interface. I wanted a black bezel but nobody else did, and ideed there is none. No mention whether the lines issue has been addressed.
I wasn't looking for a bargain discount: I wanted an improved machine at the same price-point. They've essentially decided to let the Air stagnate. It's not evolving.
I'll go try out one of those new 13" MBPs with an SSD. It sounds like it might be a serious machine and might (just) be sufficiently portable to suit my needs while packing sufficient processing power. The specs are encouraging.
I didn't expect any MacBook announcements at the WWDC09. I'm disappointed they're passing this off as an upgrade rather than a price drop on an aged product.
Well what's important here, people, is the price cut. It will be very hard for apple to bring the price of the air back up $700 without a ton of new features. This honestly seems to me like a last gasp cut. Either this is about to be an EOL product, or they'll keep it as an ultraportable alternative (read: lower spec) 13" MBP.
For anybody who's interested, there is still no news about the new refurbished prices after these updates--I just talked to Apple Sales. The 1.86/128 is still priced at 2149 for a refurb. Now, that is silly considering that a 2.13/128 is 1799 new, but I would expect for that to go down in the next few days.
Honestly, I could see the refurbished selling for ~1299 for the 1.86/128. If it is, I'd have a hard time convincing myself that the CPU bump was worth $500. It would suit my needs just fine, as I am replacing a dying, 7-year-old VAIO (1.2 P3m, 384MB RAM and 30GB drive).
Honestly, I could see the refurbished selling for ~1299 for the 1.86/128. If it is, I'd have a hard time convincing myself that the CPU bump was worth $500. It would suit my needs just fine, as I am replacing a dying, 7-year-old VAIO (1.2 P3m, 384MB RAM and 30GB drive).
I for one is very happy with today's update. 2.13Ghz / 128GB SSD - this thing is going to be a screamer, especially compared to my anemic Rev A.
Glad that they've decided to keep the prices reasonable and skipped 256GB SSD for a higher end model (which would have for sure pushed the price upwards of $2K!)
4GB RAM would have been nice, but for my use pattern (Air is a secondary machine) 2GB will do. Hopefully Snow Leopard will reduce the memory footprint somewhat.
Glass trackpad and updated battery tech would have been nice, but I will live. Again, can't complain at $1,799 price point. My Rev A going on eBay this weekend!
Glad that they've decided to keep the prices reasonable and skipped 256GB SSD for a higher end model (which would have for sure pushed the price upwards of $2K!)
4GB RAM would have been nice, but for my use pattern (Air is a secondary machine) 2GB will do. Hopefully Snow Leopard will reduce the memory footprint somewhat.
Glass trackpad and updated battery tech would have been nice, but I will live. Again, can't complain at $1,799 price point. My Rev A going on eBay this weekend!
I sold my uni MB with intel SSD today to go back to the Air. Ordered a 2.13 MBA...I had a MBA with SSD when it first came out and have missed it everyday. I love the slim size and weight. I do agree that it would have been nice to have 4 gb of ram...but 2 gb is lots for 99% of what I do.
I noticed that some people are drawing conclusions that this insignificant update points toward the Air being phased out. I, for one, don't see this strategy.
I think that it's more likely, as others have mentioned, a intermediate update which actually confirms the continued product support and evolution. If the Air were to be the only MacBook to go without update, and remain so for months while new tech was being prepared for implementation in the next revision, then I think that after today's event that most people would begin to assume it's abandonment.
I also think that with Apple's move to rebrand the 13" as a pro machine that's more affordable, the Air's price gap needed to be lessened if it was to remain alongside the rest of the MacBook lineup.
While I was really expecting 4gb RAM at the next bump, I otherwise think that this move makes sense for the Air's future.
I think that it's more likely, as others have mentioned, a intermediate update which actually confirms the continued product support and evolution. If the Air were to be the only MacBook to go without update, and remain so for months while new tech was being prepared for implementation in the next revision, then I think that after today's event that most people would begin to assume it's abandonment.
I also think that with Apple's move to rebrand the 13" as a pro machine that's more affordable, the Air's price gap needed to be lessened if it was to remain alongside the rest of the MacBook lineup.
While I was really expecting 4gb RAM at the next bump, I otherwise think that this move makes sense for the Air's future.
Exactly. Take a look at the MacBook for example. Last October heaps of people were saying how Apple was keeping the polycarbonate model merely as a placeholder and would ditch it within a few months. Cut to now, it's just been updated and was more powerful then the low-end unibody MacBook and is now the only MacBook left - I don't see Apple ditching the MacBook name anytime soon and just sticking with the MBA and MBP as that would make no sense. What I'm trying to say is that no matter how insignificant an update may seem, it's no indication of what they're planning to do with their products. Apple had every opportunity to totally ditch the white MacBook so many times in the last 8 months, but didn't. I think it'll be the same case with the Air.
I still foresee 3G coming to Airs within a few months. I mean, Apple didn't hire this guy to fill everyone's coffee.
That in mind, I feel Macinsomniac is right. The price reduction and moderate CPU bump is just a stopgap measure until they're ready for the total revamp. It's likely that the updates to the Air just aren't ready yet, but not doing something with the Air wile every other notebook got updated would send a bad message.
That in mind, I feel Macinsomniac is right. The price reduction and moderate CPU bump is just a stopgap measure until they're ready for the total revamp. It's likely that the updates to the Air just aren't ready yet, but not doing something with the Air wile every other notebook got updated would send a bad message.
Everyone probably remembers that my friend's family member said the MBA would not be updated when the MB/MBPs were next. Well, he was MOSTLY correct. It was a simple CPU bump but nothing else so only a change in what was available at a price from Intel for a CPU.
I would like to say that he has been mostly correct the last few times there have been updates. I believe this was a simple last minute change to say it's new to go along with dumping the prices... the price drop was a huge reason for the MBA sales to soar! In addition, I said a few days ago that the costs for the rev B MBA with SSD had to be about half what it was when introduced... according to Today's price change, that must be correct.
All in all, I believe the MBA will evolve with its next update. But it may depend on the economy, too, seriously... Apple is responding to the worldwide financial meltdown across its laptop lineup. I think the Microsoft commercials saved us all a bunch of money!
I say the MBA gets an update in three to six months. It will get 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, and a 3G card... along with a new battery and glass trackpad...
PROBABLY with an Arandale CPU, and most unfortunately Intel graphics (please Apple, help moderate between Intel and Nvidia on that for the Mac customers sakes)!
While I am disappointed with the upgrades today, I am happy there was an update at all... and I am ecstatic to be paying $1799 for an MBA with a 2.13 GHz CPU and SSD! It is a HUGE bargain at that price... $700 off plus better CPU from just yesterday! That is a big discount NEVER seen before from Apple... except when a product has been a failure (with the original MBA)... maybe Apple sees the MBA as a failure?
If the sales pickup now, the MBA should evolve! Apple is giving it a chance with this minor update and big discount!
I would like to say that he has been mostly correct the last few times there have been updates. I believe this was a simple last minute change to say it's new to go along with dumping the prices... the price drop was a huge reason for the MBA sales to soar! In addition, I said a few days ago that the costs for the rev B MBA with SSD had to be about half what it was when introduced... according to Today's price change, that must be correct.
All in all, I believe the MBA will evolve with its next update. But it may depend on the economy, too, seriously... Apple is responding to the worldwide financial meltdown across its laptop lineup. I think the Microsoft commercials saved us all a bunch of money!
I say the MBA gets an update in three to six months. It will get 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, and a 3G card... along with a new battery and glass trackpad...
PROBABLY with an Arandale CPU, and most unfortunately Intel graphics (please Apple, help moderate between Intel and Nvidia on that for the Mac customers sakes)!
While I am disappointed with the upgrades today, I am happy there was an update at all... and I am ecstatic to be paying $1799 for an MBA with a 2.13 GHz CPU and SSD! It is a HUGE bargain at that price... $700 off plus better CPU from just yesterday! That is a big discount NEVER seen before from Apple... except when a product has been a failure (with the original MBA)... maybe Apple sees the MBA as a failure?
If the sales pickup now, the MBA should evolve! Apple is giving it a chance with this minor update and big discount!
The problem is I don't want to keep waiting forever. There is no such thing as a MacBookAir rev C. This a discounted Rev. B at an apropriate price for it's 8 month old tech.
Whoo hoo! Cheaper! Cheaper! Yes, cheeper indeed, because it isn't worth it's former asking price, a fact I raised again and again.
The 13 incher with an SSD is looking increasingly suitable but I'll find myself dragging around a legacy optical drive simply because there's no option not to... and it's thick, too. It'll feel every bit as bulky as my 15.4" and it'll be slower too, but at least... I dunno... just massively, overwhelmingly disappointed. This new machine satisfies exactly none of my criteria.
Whoo hoo! Cheaper! Cheaper! Yes, cheeper indeed, because it isn't worth it's former asking price, a fact I raised again and again.
The 13 incher with an SSD is looking increasingly suitable but I'll find myself dragging around a legacy optical drive simply because there's no option not to... and it's thick, too. It'll feel every bit as bulky as my 15.4" and it'll be slower too, but at least... I dunno... just massively, overwhelmingly disappointed. This new machine satisfies exactly none of my criteria.
I feel and share your pain qubex....
I feel bitterly disappointed that the MBA was given such a cursory facewash - pitiful in comparison to the comprehensive surgical upgrades the MB, sorry 13" MBP was given.
Half of me thinks well the components are just not ready yet, but you know it wouldn't have killed them to put 4GB in there, even if it is a stopgap refresh. Obviously a cynical marketing/financial decision not to do so. If I bought an MBA today, I'd live in dread for the next 3 months waiting for the 'real' rev.C to appear.
I also think the price drop has a lot of people fooled and doing David Brent-esque dances, without looking beyond it to the comparative landscape. The new 13" MBP also got a price drop, albeit a smaller one.
Right now, I'm really torn - I love the MBA form factor, and the price drop is welcome, but I HATE the fact they've baulked at any significant new tech, whilst giving the new 13" MBP practically the most comprehensive upgrade in living memory. I can't think of anything it is lacking - new display, new CPU, new battery tech (!!! hello MBA?!), new 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM etc....
That said, I still also HATE the MBP's black glassy bezel, and thick, heavier unibody with a passion. Since I know how svelte and light the MBA is, going 'back' to the MBP would be like having to turn right again when boarding a plane.
I dread making these heart vs./ head decisions, as one of those is always going to be sorely disappointed in the long run. All yesterday gave me was even more indecision and frustration.
Right now I'm very much leaning towards the MBP, with the hope/anticipation that in 6-9 months time, the next MBP will be the similar tech with improvements (Arrandale, 256GB SSD) but in an 'MBA' type "thinnest" unibody. That's how I see the lineup's evolution panning out.
I think I stated this in another thread.
I think Apple is deciding what to do with the MBA. I think Apple is probably giving the MBA a "chance" to prove itself. I think the MBA is the form factor of the future for ALL Mac notebooks.
With this price cut, I expect Apple to see if the sales warrant evolution or REVOLUTION! What happens when an iTablet is mixed into the equation? With the iTablet, I still believe the MBA is going to be the PRIMARY MAC we want it to be. Let's face it, the MBA is just as PRIMARY MAC capable today as it was yesterday. It is absolutely secondary Mac capable, but I really don't think that's its market... but maybe this drop is changing the market for the short run until this iTablet is introduced? This may be "marketing research" for Apple???
Today was NOT a rev C although I think we are calling it that. Today was a v 2,2, right? We are waiting now for a version 3,1.
I expect the following results in three to six months (depends on CPUs and iTablet)...
Rev C MBA (v 3,1)
APPROXIMATELY 2 GHz i7 Nehalem (Arrandale) QUAD CORE CPU/Dual???
Intel Integrated Graphics (about 65% of the Nvidia performance)
2 RAM SLOTS - this really is the future to let people decide and upgrade BTO
New Battery tech!
GLASS TRACKPAD
256 GB SSD (for SURE)
... and possibly an OLED display (actually, I think it's a GIVEN and this may be what Apple is ultimately waiting for with the larger SSD to truly alter the MBA and add the battery)...
Remember the battery is going to add weight. And with the MBA, it may not get in at 3 lbs with it... HOWEVER, with a lightweight OLED display, the MBA gains like 1/4 lb for extra battery... use the weight to add a denser battery with smart tech. The size will still NOT give it the power it needs, but the OLED display using 1/5 the power (that's what I read about OLED), allows the MBA battery to last six hours!
The new MBA will probably be offered as the next high end MBA. It will probably be sold for $2299 and will probably eliminate the remaining low end MBA. It will use today's high end MBA as the new low end at that time, and offer it for $1499. And the next MBA will have to be a much higher price to afford the 256 GB SSD, OLED display, and other additions!
So, that's my new guess after less than a day of thinking WHY WHY WHY.
I think Apple is deciding what to do with the MBA. I think Apple is probably giving the MBA a "chance" to prove itself. I think the MBA is the form factor of the future for ALL Mac notebooks.
With this price cut, I expect Apple to see if the sales warrant evolution or REVOLUTION! What happens when an iTablet is mixed into the equation? With the iTablet, I still believe the MBA is going to be the PRIMARY MAC we want it to be. Let's face it, the MBA is just as PRIMARY MAC capable today as it was yesterday. It is absolutely secondary Mac capable, but I really don't think that's its market... but maybe this drop is changing the market for the short run until this iTablet is introduced? This may be "marketing research" for Apple???
Today was NOT a rev C although I think we are calling it that. Today was a v 2,2, right? We are waiting now for a version 3,1.
I expect the following results in three to six months (depends on CPUs and iTablet)...
Rev C MBA (v 3,1)
APPROXIMATELY 2 GHz i7 Nehalem (Arrandale) QUAD CORE CPU/Dual???
Intel Integrated Graphics (about 65% of the Nvidia performance)
2 RAM SLOTS - this really is the future to let people decide and upgrade BTO
New Battery tech!
GLASS TRACKPAD
256 GB SSD (for SURE)
... and possibly an OLED display (actually, I think it's a GIVEN and this may be what Apple is ultimately waiting for with the larger SSD to truly alter the MBA and add the battery)...
Remember the battery is going to add weight. And with the MBA, it may not get in at 3 lbs with it... HOWEVER, with a lightweight OLED display, the MBA gains like 1/4 lb for extra battery... use the weight to add a denser battery with smart tech. The size will still NOT give it the power it needs, but the OLED display using 1/5 the power (that's what I read about OLED), allows the MBA battery to last six hours!
The new MBA will probably be offered as the next high end MBA. It will probably be sold for $2299 and will probably eliminate the remaining low end MBA. It will use today's high end MBA as the new low end at that time, and offer it for $1499. And the next MBA will have to be a much higher price to afford the 256 GB SSD, OLED display, and other additions!
So, that's my new guess after less than a day of thinking WHY WHY WHY.