MacBook Air rev C, "Everything we know, and everything we want." (orig. desperate)

[Scottsdale]

The 9400M in the MacBook Air is already underclocked compared to the one in the MacBook.

True, and with that it still is 4x the graphics of the original MBA, and it doesn't overheat the MBA. I feel we are really fortunate to have the graphics we have. Maybe that is dumb. I think for a $2499, I would like to have a dedicated graphics card, at the same time, I am not ready to carry more weight or have a bigger form factor to have a better card.

I think the graphics are one of the best parts of the MBA. You can plug it into a 30" Apple Cinema Display! How is that not great? Seems like the graphics are ok to me.

I think the CPU and graphics are great. The Intel SL9600 and Nvidia 9400m make a lot of sense for a rev C MBA. What the MBA needs is 4 GB of RAM, a larger and faster drive 256 GB SSD and 250 GB HDD at 5400 rpm - both standard SATA interface cable (NOT LIF).

Other things would be nice, but RAM and drive space is critical for a full use/primary use MacBook Air. I want other things like a better battery, glass trackpad, and etc, but the RAM and drive will make a real difference in my ability to use my MBA as my sole/primary MAC!

 

[Sesshi]

I suppose that depends on if this is going to be sitting on a desk all the time, or just occasionally fished out away from an AC socket. I have no doubt that it will for many people, who don't know what they're buying - but the fact is, that those people would be just as well served with a Macbook.

I'd rather trade the CPU and GPU for the relatively pathetic runtime, given the machine's intended purpose as an ultraportable. If you actually use both - actually, either one even - in mild anger in slightly high ambients, the machine does a Rev.A anyway.

 

[Scottsdale]

I suppose that depends on if this is going to be sitting on a desk all the time, or just occasionally fished out away from an AC socket. I have no doubt that it will for many people, who don't know what they're buying - but the fact is, that those people would be just as well served with a Macbook.

I'd rather trade the CPU and GPU for the relatively pathetic runtime, given the machine's intended purpose as an ultraportable. If you actually use both - actually, either one even - in mild anger in slightly high ambients, the machine does a Rev.A anyway.

I personally hate the unibody MB's display. I know because I am using one right now. I don't think someone that works on a Mac all day would be happy with the display on the MB. The MB has plenty of power, and the optical drive is nice, but holding a MBA and traveling with it is a sure joy. One who owns a rev B MBA with SSD will have a hard time downgrading to a unibody MB. In addition, I spend time in the evenings, on the couch, and even there the MBA is much more pleasant to use. I am not currently happy using the unibody MB - it's superior to the MBA in every way except the display, weight, and overall portability. And those differences are incredibly important!

I am a professional but a business professional. For me, the MacBook Air is the perfect Mac. In fact, the rev B MBA is my favorite computer ever! It is perfect mix of power and portability in one. I believe in a one Mac system. If I wanted more portability, I would use a netbook. If I wanted more power, I would use a MBP. I need the power of an MBA, and I want the portability of an MBA too. I feel the 15" MBP is too big and heavy to travel with, too big for opening in airline seat, and not fun to carry in tote at nearly double weight of a MBA.

Before my rev B MBA was stolen, I spent about three hours per day plugged into a 24" LED ACD doing real work. The rev B MBA with 1.86 CPU and SSD is a real workhorse while plugged into the ACD - DESKTOP EQUIVALENT. Then, I went to client offices for a few hours in afternoon (usually always unplugged). I need a light Mac that has a nice display, yet is super portable and fast to bootup and etc when working with clients - PORTABILITY. I returned home in the evening, and used the MBA at my couch, where I (still) have an extra MBA charger plugged in ready for use. So, I spent up to three hours per day away from charger and rarely drained it completely. The perfect MIX of Power and Portability!

For me, I want to use the MBA as a primary Mac. When need to really work, I plug into an ACD. When doing graphics stuff for web, I plugged into ACD. When working on video or photos, I worked on ACD. When at home on couch, I usually do fun things like write, check favorite sites, watch videos, watch movies, surf web, and generally entertain. I don't need the power of a MacBook Pro. I don't need the battery of a 17" MBP because the way I work is set and rarely use it for more than three hours away from home. At the same time, I need it to be quick, which the SSD makes up for the lower clock speed and etc. I cannot believe just how fast the SSD makes the rev B MBA for common tasks. I never waited on my MBA for anything. Fast boots, instant app opening, everything is fast that I do!

So, I think the GPU is fine because I am not a "pro" that needs dedicated graphics. I would rather it be portable than make it bigger case to deal with heat generated of a better graphics card and heavier to get dedicated graphics. For me, the MBA is the perfect size, weight, and power. What it is missing is RAM and drive space.

A rev C MBA should see the expected evolution of 4 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. That is what would make me most happy in my opinion. At the same time, I do hope for extended battery life with the smart battery tech used in the 17" MBP. If adds a little weight but lasts an extra hour or so, it would be worth it.

IF, there was a 13.3" MacBook Pro, that was weight of the MB and had a 3 GHz CPU, dedicated graphics, had 8 GB of RAM capabilities, optical drive, and a standard 2.5" SATA drive, so I could put a 256 GB SATA 2.5" drive into it, I would seriously consider moving to the MacBook Pro. That would make a real reason to move from the MBA.

However, a soon released rev C MBA with 2.13 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, better battery, glass trackpad, and etc would probably make me happy for a couple of years!

 

[Sesshi]

I didn't bother reading the rest of the post, but yeah - you do have a point with the display on the MB. Apart from that, to me - and I'm a business / design / technology / engineering / manufacturing / biotechnology professional, and highly mobile to boot - the Air is way too compromised in terms of runtime options, stability and durability in comparison to professional ultraportables offered by other vendors.

 

[King t.]

i did not read the entire post, but this is what think:

I don't think a MBA needs 4gb ram nor does it need a processor with 2+ghz, it would not hurt having such power, but it's not really a must have thing right now.
the current MBA's are pretty descent especially with the a SSD in it. that's why I would like to see is that the SSD prices drop, so that I can finally upgrade my MBA rev:B to a SSD

 

[qubex]

Scottsdale: you've expressed my thoughts exactly.

 

[sparkie7]

its nuts to think that 4GB RAM on Rev C will not happen. 2GB is inadequate and behind in todays market for top-end ultra-portables.

and yes, i completely agree, the MB screens SUCK

 

[Scottsdale]

its nuts to think that 4GB RAM on Rev C will not happen. 2GB is inadequate and behind in todays market for top-end ultra-portables.

and yes, i completely agree, the MB screens SUCK

I think when the original MBA was introduced, 2 GB of RAM was the right number. With Adamo and x301 and others, 4 GB is the standard for top end models. Also, Apple has doubled the RAM in nearly all of its offerings in the last year. iMac got 2 GB and 4 GB. MBP got 4 GB in high end. MB got 2 GB instead of 1 GB. Mac mini got 2 GB instead of 1 GB in high end. So, it would be natural for 4 GB to be probable in at least the high end MBA in its next revision.

At the same time, the MBA is a premium offering, and we are all paying for more. I would absolutely go nuts for two RAM slots allowing us to put 8 GB of RAM in the next MBA if we want to. It could also make money by offering BTO option of 8 GB for an extra grand. The future always demands more, so accessibility to add more later, would be incredible. I know many say there is no space for it, but the current logic board has 2 GB of RAM soldered on taking nearly the space of two DIMMs. I think it's doable. I don't think it is probable, but it is possible.

The 2 GHz barrier! Read the following from Apple's website about playing HD video on iTUNES! This is iTunes not even other players like Quicktime which may be another reason for HD playback problems on MBA...

"Playing HD-quality videos purchased on the iTunes Store requires a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster processor."

Can you all imagine what the MBA would become if it had...
2.13 GHz CPU (sure sounds a lot faster)
8 GB RAM (4 GB standard with BTO option and two RAM slots for 8 GB RAM)
256 GB SSD (really important is drive space to use MBA as primary Mac - I really wish a 2.5" drive could fit in the MBA for future upgrades)
Nvidia 9400m (I am happy with current state but someone mentioned 9600 dedicated graphics...)
New Battery Tech (just like 17" MBP that lengthens life and is smart - even if doesn't lengthen time between charges much)
Glass Trackpad (sounds like a gimmick if you haven't used one but really nice)

Others ideas (some mentioned by others)...
Glass Display (maybe too heavy - maybe not if really thin)
Black Bezel (could be ok, but I would prefer a display that goes all the way to the edge)
Silver Keyboard (I really don't like the black keys - I think white keys or silver keys would look nice especially if black bezel isn't adopted)
Docking Station
Two USB Ports (I can live with one as I am wireless and like plugging into ACD with USB hub built in while at desk)

Wouldn't it be great if the rev C MBA shipped with Snow Leopard the week after the WWDC... I know it's not likely but sure would be nice.

I guess right now I am probably dreaming, because I am not patient and waiting sucks as I don't have my rev B MBA. If I had a rev B MBA, waiting for the C would be easy. I just hate thieves! I was planning on updating to the rev C MBA as soon as it was released, but now I NEED IT more than ever.

What other ideas do you all have for a rev C MBA???

 

[jb1280]

No idea on specific processor speeds, but what seems possibly realistic, depending on when the update takes place is moving completely to SSD

128 SSD and 2 GB memory for low-end.
256 SSD and 4 GB memory for high-end.

Same enclosure, display, trackpad, and keyboard.

 

[iMacmatician]

Nvidia 9400m (I am happy with current state but someone mentioned 9600 dedicated graphics...)

There's an upcoming 40 nm successor to the 9400M, hopefully that won't need to be underclocked (as much if at all).

What other ideas do you all have for a rev C MBA???

I would like to see a lot of what you said. But if I was going for realistic/pessimistic expectations, then I'd say:

1.87/2.13 GHz Core 2 Duo
13" display, 1280x800
2 GB RAM, probably 4 GB on high-end
120 GB HDD, 128 GB SSD — I haven't heard of any successors yet
NVIDIA 40 nm 9400M successor — 40 nm should help with heat
New battery technology

It's a guess, but I think Apple may be waiting for the 40 nm GPUs before updating the notebooks. Of course, I'm being half optimistic here.

http://vr-zone.com/articles/nvidia-40nm-desktop-gpus-line-up-for-2009/6359.html?doc=6359
http://vr-zone.com/articles/nvidia-preparing-40nm-geforce-gt-240m--g210m/6954.html?doc=6954

 

[reallynotnick]

Scottsdale I think you pretty much hit everything besides maybe a carbon fiber bottom case to further reduce weight. Apple's been working on some interesting things with carbon fiber like coloring iirc and the bottom case is the heaviest part of the laptop. Now how that would deal with heat dissipation idk
I doubt we will see a glass screen and hope to god we won't, even just for the weight factor.
I would also really love to see like a 14in screen or something take up more of that bezel, but that's wishful thinking.

Right now I am in the market for a new laptop for college and being I have never personally owned a laptop I'm jumping all over the place on what I want. Funny thing is I thought I wanted a 15in MBP but now I am afraid with the weight I won't carry it with me much. I'll just have to wait until June and back to school season starts to fully scope out my options but I'm really liking the MBA idea now.

 

[zzzzzzzzz]

Personally, I think the MBA.B is adequately powerful and capacious for its role as a ultra-portable. And in the C, besides upgrading to 4Gb of RAM (which I imagine wouldn't be hard), I'd just be fine with keeping things generally as is but lengthening the battery life - and I use it (1.6/SSD) as my primary machine. Current graphics card's great. Current SSD size is fine. Existing trackpad, keyboard, single USB port, it all works for me. Maybe a bump on the CPU, but even that...

Eventually (unlikely in the C but maybe MBA.D), I think moving to an OLED screen would be a great move for power-savings and thus increasing battery length.

In a dreamworld, I'd think it would be cool if they killed the bezel, but instead of giving us a bigger screen, they shrunk the whole footprint. I figure that's unlikely because it would be costly to do given apple's existing factory setups, but if they do end up doing a redesign (with carbon fiber or whatever), and can still fit everything in, i think having a somewhat more compact MBA with the same size screen would be great and would also shave of some weight (I figure 2.5 pounds is the sweet spot between too heavy and not substantial enough).

Oh yeah, and fix the hinges.

 

[Scottsdale]

There's an upcoming 40 nm successor to the 9400M, hopefully that won't need to be underclocked (as much if at all).

I would like to see a lot of what you said. But if I was going for realistic/pessimistic expectations, then I'd say:

1.87/2.13 GHz Core 2 Duo
13" display, 1280x800
2 GB RAM, probably 4 GB on high-end
120 GB HDD, 128 GB SSD — I haven't heard of any successors yet
NVIDIA 40 nm 9400M successor — 40 nm should help with heat
New battery technology

It's a guess, but I think Apple may be waiting for the 40 nm GPUs before updating the notebooks. Of course, I'm being half optimistic here.

http://vr-zone.com/articles/nvidia-40nm-desktop-gpus-line-up-for-2009/6359.html?doc=6359
http://vr-zone.com/articles/nvidia-preparing-40nm-geforce-gt-240m--g210m/6954.html?doc=6954

I forgot to mention my dream resolution is 1440x900. I would love to get the screen real estate of the 15" on the 13" MBA. It makes sense as it is a high end Mac. It could ship at the 1220x800 resolution for those that want it there, or otherwise could not read text on the higher resolution setting. This is actually really valuable. A lot of other computer companies, like Dell, have had higher resolution settings on many of their laptops. I had a Dell Precision 15" Laptop that had the same resolution as the high resolution 17" MBP. That was really nice for graphics stuff.

I don't think we will see the 40 nm CPU. I think Apple will ship the same class CPUs on all the Mac notebooks in June. The MBA should get the SL9600 in its high end and SL9400 in its low end model. For me, I believe this is exactly why we will see an update NOW. It will set up the next release in the first quarter of 2010 when Arrandale 32 NM CPUs will be ready. Then, we could see Intel graphics again too. I think we will see the same separate Nvidia GPU on these next Mac notebooks, then the Intel vs Nvidia battle may prohibit an Nvidia GPU with a 32 NM Arrandale CPU. That would set us up for Intel graphics again. But, those graphics are far superior to what it meant to have Intel in the past. I read about this battle between Intel and Nvidia, and Intel is dead set to win back the graphics business by not allowing Nvidia GPUs to work with Intel CPUs. It's sad for all of us, as the Nvidia GPU has improved the MB and MBA so much over the past graphics.

If there is no June update to the Mac notebooks, anything is possible. We could see any type of update between September and December. It leads to much uncertainty with what Apple could do.

I am nervous about the possibility of SSD slowing down the release of the next MBA. I have not seen any 256 GB SSDs in the 1.8" form, not even a taller one than the 5mm clearance of current MBA drives. I think this could be the holdup right now. The SL9600 CPU has been ready for over a month. With the success of the SL9x00 in the rev B MBA, one would think Apple would stick with this CPU. The RAM is available. The GPU is ready. The battery is ready. The glass trackpad is simple. So that leaves the two problematic or potentially delays as a natural evolution of a 256 GB SSD, and the possibility of a new display... OLED (I hope NOT)... but whatever Apple does it needs to ensure it gets the graphics right this go around. Seems like the OLED rumor could be a delay if true. Although I read that it is unlikely that any computer manufacturer will have OLED before 2010 because of the nature and the advancements have been so recently improved. That really makes the 256 GB SSD as the potential holdup. I can believe that, and I am willing to wait for a rev C MBA that has a 256 GB SSD.

Would be easy for Apple to put 2 GB on low end and 4 GB on high end. But I don't know if Apple thinks that way??? I sure wish we could get two RAM slots; that would be incredible. I know that is not probable, but I really like to think it's possible.

What if Apple is waiting for Snow Leopard??? I don't know that Apple would do that. It seems like it would be an added advantage to release new Mac notebooks in June, then release Snow Leopard in September/October. That would allow a bunch of retail sales of Snow Leopard. The whole picture makes sense for Mac notebooks in June. Then, updates to Arrandale in Q1 2010. Seems like a perfect strategy for all of us addicts who will buy anything new.

I want my rev C MBA to last two years. As long as it has 4 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, it will last me two years. Everything else is wants and not needs.

 

[GoCubsGo]

The ideas already tossed around here for the Rev C are quite appealing. I don't know if I'd upgrade because my couch surfing days won't find any additional joy with the specs already given. However, I've never personally seen someone's thread go from "I was robbed" to a rumor thread all in one post. Kudos to you for that.

If I had to choose but one feature to upgrade I would want the glass trackpad. It is the only part of the Unibody MB I miss. I simply love the Air's screen, the silver bezel, the size, the performance, etc. Sure 4GB ram is good, but again, couch surfing, travel buddy, Office 2004 or iWork 09, light Photoshop Elements, a movie here and there. The Rev B is entirely powerful enough for my needs.

 

[Scottsdale]

Eventually (unlikely in the C but maybe MBA.D), I think moving to an OLED screen would be a great move for power-savings and thus increasing battery length.

In a dreamworld, I'd think it would be cool if they killed the bezel, but instead of giving us a bigger screen, they shrunk the whole footprint. I figure that's unlikely because it would be costly to do given apple's existing factory setups, but if they do end up doing a redesign (with carbon fiber or whatever), and can still fit everything in, i think having a somewhat more compact MBA with the same size screen would be great and would also shave of some weight (I figure 2.5 pounds is the sweet spot between too heavy and not substantial enough).

Oh yeah, and fix the hinges.

I think a 15" MBA is even a possibility, as a lot of space is wasted with that thick bezel. I am all for removing the extra bezel by filling it with display or shrinking the size of the MBA a little of the tapering being cut out, but that would make it seem wider in the specs. I love the idea of no bezel, but with the tapering, some bezel is going to be there.

I really like the look of aluminum, plus it helps dissipate the heat. I am against a carbon fiber shell, and I don't see just replacing the bottom of the MBA with carbon fiber as doing much of anything to reduce weight. The bottom already is super light and thin. I like aluminum unless the weight reduced can allow us to double the battery capacity. A six-hour battery sounds like a winner to me. I will give up some aluminum beauty for a longer lasting battery. I don't want the MBA to get thinner nor less powerful - that is my fear.

Hinges = yes, I think from what I used to feel that the hinge is too tight and forcing it causes weakness and ends in a broken hinge.

More important than hinges, not highly reported, is a display without lines. Apple better get this display right. I am disappointed with Apple's lack of respect for us MBA buyers to think it's acceptable to still ship displays with lines seven months after introduction. I guess I am starting to believe the problem is more wide-spread than I initially believed. I was a fortunate one to get a problem free MBA, then it was stolen. When thinking of replacing the MBA, lines were actually an issue as my thoughts of pros and cons, even though I initially didn't admit it to others or myself. I thought about all of the pros and cons of MBA, MBP, MB until the rev C MBA is released, and I decided I could live with a MB for a few months to see if there is the rumored June update. I am missing my MBA, and I hate this uMB, but I really don't want an MBA with lines. I decided the best short-term solution was the cheapest solution. Hopefully, it is only two months.

 

[iMacmatician]

I don't think we will see the 40 nm CPU. I think Apple will ship the same class CPUs on all the Mac notebooks in June. The MBA should get the SL9600 in its high end and SL9400 in its low end model. For me, I believe this is exactly why we will see an update NOW. It will set up the next release in the first quarter of 2010 when Arrandale 32 NM CPUs will be ready. Then, we could see Intel graphics again too. I think we will see the same separate Nvidia GPU on these next Mac notebooks, then the Intel vs Nvidia battle may prohibit an Nvidia GPU with a 32 NM Arrandale CPU. That would set us up for Intel graphics again. But, those graphics are far superior to what it meant to have Intel in the past. I read about this battle between Intel and Nvidia, and Intel is dead set to win back the graphics business by not allowing Nvidia GPUs to work with Intel CPUs. It's sad for all of us, as the Nvidia GPU has improved the MB and MBA so much over the past graphics.

I was talking about 40 nm GPUs… Plus, I've heard the Arrandale iGPU is supposedly ≥2x the performance of X3100 (or something like that). Not enough though.

I am also speculating an Arrandale iMac update a few months before an Arrandale notebook update.

I am nervous about the possibility of SSD slowing down the release of the next MBA. I have not seen any 256 GB SSDs in the 1.8" form, not even a taller one than the 5mm clearance of current MBA drives. I think this could be the holdup right now.

If 5 mm 256 GB SSDs are slated for late this year or later, Apple might as well use 128 GB ones in the upcoming update and go to 256 GB with Arrandale.

The ideas already tossed around here for the Rev C are quite appealing. I don't know if I'd upgrade because my couch surfing days won't find any additional joy with the specs already given. However, I've never personally seen someone's thread go from "I was robbed" to a rumor thread all in one post. Kudos to you for that.

+1

Maybe this thread could be the Everything We Know thread.

 

[pesc]

...
What other ideas do you all have for a rev C MBA???

A matte screen so I could use it anywhere without being distracted by annoying reflections?

 

[Scottsdale]

I was talking about 40 nm GPUs… Plus, I've heard the Arrandale iGPU is supposedly ≥2x the performance of X3100 (or something like that). Not enough though.

I am also speculating an Arrandale iMac update a few months before an Arrandale notebook update.

If 5 mm 256 GB SSDs are slated for late this year or later, Apple might as well use 128 GB ones in the upcoming update and go to 256 GB with Arrandale.

+1

Maybe this thread could be the Everything We Know thread.

Well, I don't see Apple shipping a rev C MBA with a 128 GB SSD unless it is the low end and the high end has 256 GB SSD. I think the drive space is a real limitation. Getting rid of the 4200 rpm drive would be a real advantage and the low end would perform so well compared to prior MBA models. That idea makes a lot of sense.

For me, I use(d) the MBA as my primary Mac. When the rev C MBA is released, I will be using that as my primary Mac. It's more than just a couch surfing Mac for me. I need more drive space than 128 GB, and I think that is normal for a primary system.

I think Apple is intending to sell the MBA as a primary Mac for non-graphics PROs/Business pros, educators, grads, students, writers, and etc. We use the MBA for portability and power with an incredible display. I don't think the MBA is targeted as a secondary system. I mean it allows being plugged into a 30" ACD to work like desktop. While plugged into 24" LED ACD, the MBA has the perfect docking station. It is fairly powerful with a really nice CPU and fast with the SSD drive. It can be used as a secondary system for enthusiasts and those traveling, but I really don't think the majority of rev B MBAs are being sold as secondary systems. I know quite a few people who own the rev B MBA, and most of them use the MBA as their primary computer/Mac. I think that is normal.

I know an engineer that quit using his Mac Pro as his primary Mac, and now he uses the MBA for most of his work. He does admit to using the MP for his heavy work, but says lots of the pieces of the heavy work are done on the MBA and everything is put together within a few hours weekly on the Mac Pro. Swears that he uses his MBA for 90% of his workload. Has a Mac Pro with two 30" ACDs that is essentially gathering dust. I am sure he could use more power, but he loves the MBA so much that he works around things to be able to use it. Seems backwards to me. If I were at a desk all day long, I would want a MP with two 30" ACDs. However, I am a consultant, a writer, and a speaker, and I love the MBA for everything I do... which 70% of the time I spend on an MBA is away from my desk.

I like a one computer system, and the rev B MBA with SSD and attached ACD fulfills my needs for power. What I would like is more RAM, and what I absolutely need is more drive space. I would love to have all of my files all of the time. Storing them on AEBS attached drive is nice, but having them all on one drive would be so much easier. 256 GB is just right for me for the next two years. And I think it's natural evolution of the MBA to get 256 GB in the rev C MBA.

Bottom line, the rev C MBA better have 256 GB SSD or I will be extremely disappointed. I guess it would be fine if the MBA allowed a standard SATA cable 2.5" drive to be used. However, with the LIF cable, the 1.8" form, and the 5 mm height requirements, there is no aftermarket option down the road to upgrade it.

In fact, I would consider a rev C MBA with 128 GB SSD and 2 GB of RAM a huge disappointment. It wouldn't matter if it had a 2.13 GHz CPU, 8-hour battery, glass trackpad, hi resolution display, and no bezel, I would be disappointed if it doesn't have a 256 GB SSD and 4 GB RAM!!!

Even worse would be an ULV CPU, 2 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, and half inch at thickest point, carbon fiber MBA. I want more power with the same portability, not less power with more portability. I hope Apple gets this right. For me, the iTablet device ensures that the MBA takes the direction I am hopeful for... that way the MBA doesn't need to be a substitute for a Mac netbook. I really believe the future MB is the current MBA. Really, the component costs are not that much greater, and people will feel an optical drive is pointless three year's down the road, and wireless access is becoming the norm as fewer and fewer people are wired to networks and peripherals as everything is about wireless. Also, BlueTooth speed will improve soon, and when the one USB port is 3.0, it will be sufficient too for speed.

Does anyone not see the current form of the MBA as the future MacBook??? It seems obvious to me that this is the future of the MB, but maybe I am off about this (say three year's from now a MB is in a similar case to the current MBA)??? Really, Apple has to be making a fortune on all of these MBAs. The display costs a little more, and the drive costs a little more as is smaller. At the same time, the MB has an optical drive. Really, I don't see why Apple couldn't make a fortune by pricing the current MBA at $1299 and sell 20 million of them this year by calling them MacBooks!

 

[Scottsdale]

A matte screen so I could use it anywhere without being distracted by annoying reflections?

Well, at least the MBA doesn't have the shiny glassy black bezel which is a major distraction as everything reflects on it.

 

[Scottsdale]

A matte screen so I could use it anywhere without being distracted by annoying reflections?

But why not have a matte option at these prices!!!???

 

[Carl Abudephane]

.

 

[iMacmatician]

Well, I don't see Apple shipping a rev C MBA with a 128 GB SSD unless it is the low end and the high end has 256 GB SSD.

There will most likely be a HDD option on the low end.

Does anyone not see the current form of the MBA as the future MacBook??? It seems obvious to me that this is the future of the MB, but maybe I am off about this (say three year's from now a MB is in a similar case to the current MBA)???

I'm in agreement here. The MacBook Pro will likely stay as it is, but I see the MacBook Air (and possible future 15" and 11" versions) as the eventual successor to the MacBook.

 

[zzzzzzzzz]

yeah, just from an aesthetics standpoint, a black aluminum mba would be hot. stealthy.

i think you're right that this is one of the simplest things apple could do to move more units.

 

[Scottsdale]

Well, I pretty much agree with nearly all Scottsdale's thoughts about what would constitute the best spec for the Rev C Air. Same form factor, but a bit more power and double RAM and storage.
Above and beyond that, and outside of things already wished for, but unlikely, such as reduced bezel, higher res screen, etc, I have two more things to add.

One, an absolute must-have, is of course a screen that is guaranteed to come lovely as usual but with no lines. I hope it also comes without the glass fronting it, but I fear we could be on shaky ground there.

Second, and a biggie with me(even though it's purely aesthetic), is that I would love to see it available in black. Black Aluminium, just like the black that was the front of the iPod Classic 80/160; not the newer 120 as that's a dark, gunmetal grey colour. I think the Air is the best-looking computer on the planet and actually believe it would look even better in black. I also believe this would help it sell a lot more units. There's a reason why the black MacBook has become almost a cult of it's own - it's colour! The UK refurb store gets a black macbook in I'd say once a fortnight or so at the moment, and it's always gone within a matter of a few hours; nothing else there disappears so rapidly.
Believe me, a black Air, were it to be released, would be the star attraction(prior to a iTablet!)in any Apple retail store, and I really believe Apple would sell truckloads of the thing.

Let's keep this thread going eh?! Up until whenever the C comes out...

ie: soon!

I really like the aluminum, but I think you may be onto something with the black aluminum MBA. It would be a key feature the MBA buyer would get. Not only that, it would set apart rev C MBA owners from prior MBAs. And that actually is bragging power which a lot of people would die for. I also saw an ad for a black MBA, for a scam of some sort giving away free black MBAs. I think someone wrote about it here. Anything to set the MBA apart from the other Mac notebooks would be a big seller. And Apple is king at those sorts of things. The MBA was cool initially as super portable aluminum and there wasn't an aluminum MB. There was a black MB that had virtually no upgrades over the model $200 less. People paid for the black.

You may have actually hit the nail on the head for the possible real hit of the MBA. If Apple does that, it would probably attract many buyers who were already happy with their rev B MBA. Would probably attract MB buyers, so a big premium in price over the others for the same price. Could even gain MBP buyers which has to make Apple even more happy as bigger margins!

I think it would be really cool if you called this one right a month in advance. God, I hope it is here in a month. I am struggling with this uMB... and to think it could be several months... ouch! I am starting to regret this decision already.

The lines-free bit is a guarantee... there will be no lines. Surely Apple sees how many rev B MBAs are returned as a result of these lines, and really learns from its mistake. It learned from its original MBA's failures in an amazing way as the rev B is so superior to the original... in every way except the damn display.

 

[Carl Abudephane]

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