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

[Scottsdale]

Good point about how a black Air would be immediately differentiated from the A & B and thus automatically grant itself 'starting from a clean slate' stautus. I really hadn't thought about it from that angle; definitely an added benefit. Also your observation that because of colour alone it would likely lure a good many buyers who would otherwise probably be content to stick with their B's or their Pro's.
And, yeah, I really hope the C is here by WWDC otherwise it's my second choice, a 17" Pro w/matte screen. I know, I know, either ends of the portability scale! Don't ask!

That thread you mentioned that had a mocked-up photo from the scam advert of a black Air - I actually posted on that thread and, so taken was I with what it actually would look like(as it was very well done), I did suggest that not only would it be a fabulous idea for Apple to release one(in that I believed it would effectively supercharge the Air's status within Apple's notebook range, and deliver(again, I believe)a huge sales impetus, but I also wrote that perhaps Apple could potentially release it in some sort of limited edition(maybe being manufactured for a set period etc ...)and, a little playfully(), suggesting they could call it the MacBook Rare!
The name MacBook RareAir did also occur to me but I think Michael Jordan used 'Rare Air' as a title for his autobiography!

I know, all more than a little fanciful, but even if I say so myself, cool idea's!
And you know, stranger things have happened! I remember lots of folks thinking that Snow Leopard was a ridiculous name for Leopards successor; now it just feels 'right' somehow.
A black anodised aluminium MacBook (Rare)Air with a spec as described in the posts above would be a very, very special thing indeed.

Anybody have Jonathan Ive's 'phone number?!

Would be great if Jobs was reading here now, thinking, "wow, we got the rev C MBA really right as far as what these AirHeads over at MR want. Except they missed the ..., they won't see this coming until it's released tomorrow morning."

 

[hohohong]

I really like the idea of black aluminum MBA or any Mac for that matter. But i think it'll be carbon fiber like posted on the forum that Apple is working on.

But I think Steve might reserve that for MBA 2nd anniversary Jan-Feb 2010 or maybe later when Quad core comes to MBA when it'll be a total redesign?

Of course, if carbon fiber MBA is release this june in Rev C, I'll be getting 1 for sure!

 

[Scottsdale]

I really like the idea of black aluminum MBA or any Mac for that matter. But i think it'll be carbon fiber like posted on the forum that Apple is working on.

But I think Steve might reserve that for MBA 2nd anniversary Jan-Feb 2010 or maybe later when Quad core comes to MBA when it'll be a total redesign?

Of course, if carbon fiber MBA is release this june in Rev C, I'll be getting 1 for sure!

I believe the longer it takes to get the rev C MBA, the more likely it is going to be redesigned. I think a carbon fiber MBA probably means a direction I am not looking forward to... a thinner less powerful MBA with ULV CPU and worse everything. I want same design as current in aluminum to work as a heat sink with more powerful CPU, more drive space, more RAM, and better battery life to start.

I really think that the rev C MBA should keep same design and Apple will see how it goes. If it doesn't sell, it could be bad news for us MBA junkies! Especially if Apple decides to go thinner smaller MBA rev D in Q1 2010 with ULV CPU and less power and capabilities like Adamo and x301.

I guess it all depends on the numbers. I think the MBA is pretty special, in its rev B form, but I fear the sales may not support the direction I am hopeful for.

I want an MBA that is fully capable of being my Primary MAC...

 

[xparaparafreakx]

I want an MBA that is fully capable of being my Primary MAC...

I hear you man. My air has to be able to do minor work that my primary mac can do. Like I do now, my air sleeps next to me. I wake up and pull my air out to check on email and crap and sleep to it. It is nice to have a mac like an air.

 

[Veinticinco]

I and a couple of others posted a little while back on the possibility of making the new MBA in that anthracite/black anodized Alu finish (used in the new 'black' nano and shuffle), either as a limited edition or just standard high-end spec.

This carbon fibre possibility I think is still way off - they are only just at the lab and patent stages right now trying to fix the composite appearance issues. Even if they do crack it I think it'll be utilised more in the iPhone/iPod range than laptops.

A black MBA (along with all the internal upgraded goodies of course) just makes sense as the need to differentiate the lineup (i.e, no black-bezel glass slab MB-type aesthetics) and give the MBA back its tarnished 'flagship' status even if only cosmetically, is essential if Apple are serious about evolving rather than mothballing the product. Sadly the rev.A legacy is still alive, with perceptions of the MBA rev.B still suffering by comparison to its predecessor. As I've said a few times before, the MBA NEEDS an attention-grabbing refresh asap more than any other model in the Apple stable.

Right now, the 'bottleneck' in development is almost certainly hardware (new CPU, new hi-cap SSD, possible battery tech issues, even as a longshot, OLED displays). I really cannot see why Apple would not take advantage of this delay to do some research (i.e the hugely popular yet now retired BlackBook, plus sales of the 'black' shuffle and nano) and take a parallel decision on the BlackAir.

 

[Veinticinco]

I hear you man. My air has to be able to do minor work that my primary mac can do. Like I do now, my air sleeps next to me. I wake up and pull my air out to check on email and crap and sleep to it. It is nice to have a mac like an air.

Now if you could just teach it to cook, right?

 

[iMacmatician]

Right now, the 'bottleneck' in development is almost certainly hardware (new CPU, new hi-cap SSD, possible battery tech issues, even as a longshot, OLED displays).

That is true but I think there is a good possibility that the next update will be minor, and the one after that will be the "big" one. That being said I can also sorta see a significant update this summer.

 

[Veinticinco]

That is true but I think there is a good possibility that the next update will be minor, and the one after that will be the "big" one. That being said I can also sorta see a significant update this summer.

Easy to see it both ways isn't it?

Pure cold logic says minor refresh, speed bumps and increased storage only, with more significant revamps pencilled in for a 2010 rev.D. However, when has Apple even been completely logical in evolving their products?

There's four routes open to them for the rev.C this summer, prior to any potential introduction of a redesigned form factor in 2010/11....


1. Minor refresh - as above, CPU bump and 256GB SSD

2. Major refresh - as 1. but with 4GB, battery tech, higher-res display (OLED probably a stretch too far given the timeframe), maybe glass trackpad (yes I know some love the way it feels against their silky smooth skin, just not me!)

3. Option 1. with Black anaodized Alu casing.

4. Option 2. with Black anaodized Alu casing.


Personally I think it is a dangerous game they're playing with only under-hood upgrades unless they're pretty significant and wide-ranging.

Which means Option 1 will be a big mistake. Almost better to do nothing (not really but...) in some respects, particularly if you're not going to adjust pricing, which they won't.

Option 2 would be great, many of us here would be ecstatic and with a decent marketing push, I daresay Apple could 'reposition' the MBA as a premium 'pro' machine, back alongside the MBP. But it's debatable if Apple will be able or even willing to accomplish this - there is clearly a bottleneck of hardware, so it just remains to be seen if that affects the decision as to if or what is released this summer.

Option 3 however I feel is in many ways a perfect compromise for Apple. They give it a few obvious but practical upgrades to keep the techies from revolting, whilst the black finish is already existing hardware and so would be a really inexpensive way to relaunch the MBA in rev.C form. Lots of bang for buck as they say and would afford some excellent marketing opportunities to differentiate the MBA from its siblings - a very good thing in my opinion. Of course, it might be shallow in that respect, but I can honestly see it reinvigorating sluggish sales of the MBA, particularly amongst the Starbucks crowd and reboot the product, enabling it to regain some momentum ahead of a rev.D major upgrade next year.

Option 4 is obviously the best of the lot, but wishful thinking for now I think.

 

[iMacmatician]

If you ask me I see a more minor upgrade as more likely.

I think carbon fiber is possible for the midyear revision (as rumored), that would be a design change. Spec-wise I don't see many improvements (besides the GPU, and even then I'm not totally sure).

 

[Veinticinco]

If you ask me I see a more minor upgrade as more likely.

If I'm honest, I completely agree. It'll be Option 1. But if that's the case I think they would be stupid not to give serious consideration to the possibility of Option 3 - the black casing. I also find it disconcerting that Apple make no reference to forthcoming future developments. I know they're notoriously reticent with things like this, but I really don't see the harm in a vague comment saying they've got plans for the MBA. Whilst the silence continues and the rev.C doesn't appear, the spectre of the Cube's fate will continue to plague my mind.

 

[Veinticinco]

I think carbon fiber is possible for the midyear revision (as rumored), that would be a design change. Spec-wise I don't see many improvements (besides the GPU, and even then I'm not totally sure).

Just can't see it. As I've said, CF seems way off given that recent patent report. More like 2011. Even then I don't see the huge advantage over lightweight aluminium. Which makes me think it is more likely to be iPhone/Pod technology.

 

[michael.lauden]

I think carbon fiber is possible for the midyear revision (as rumored), that would be a design change. Spec-wise I don't see many improvements (besides the GPU, and even then I'm not totally sure).

i doubt they would use carbon fiber. melting carbon fiber makes a pretty bad smell

 

[iMacmatician]

Just can't see it. As I've said, CF seems way off given that recent patent report. More like 2011. Even then I don't see the huge advantage over lightweight aluminium. Which makes me think it is more likely to be iPhone/Pod technology.

…the moment I get optimistic.

 

[Scottsdale]

If I'm honest, I completely agree. It'll be Option 1. But if that's the case I think they would be stupid not to give serious consideration to the possibility of Option 3 - the black casing. I also find it disconcerting that Apple make no reference to forthcoming future developments. I know they're notoriously reticent with things like this, but I really don't see the harm in a vague comment saying they've got plans for the MBA. Whilst the silence continues and the rev.C doesn't appear, the spectre of the Cube's fate will continue to plague my mind.

I just cannot see Apple not using the battery technology it bragged about in the 17" MBP. It is all about green and trying to make better. The smart tech battery would probably add at least 25% more power, and would last five years... and the MBA already has a fixed battery. And MBA is premium product. Battery is a done deal.

Apple definitely upgrades the CPU to 2.13 GHz with same SL9x00 chip series. The LV CPUs have been a hit in the rev B MBA, and this makes perfect sense.

Apple DOES upgrade to 4 GB RAM, as Apple has doubled all of its RAM offerings in the last year, AND Dell's Adamo and Lenovo's x301 have it. This is a must at least in the high end model.

So, that is a major refresh. And all three make a lot of sense...

Probable, if the tech is ready when the MBA is ready, a 256 GB SSD, and this is standard evolution... but could be the only component holding up the rev C MBA. I just haven't seen anything about a 256 GB SSD in 1.8" 5 mm height form.

Possibles, are all of the other things mentioned, and even though it was an idea here on the forums, and not a rumor, I think the black aluminum makes a lot of sense.

Now, if I am wrong, AND they do a CF case, I would definitely be disappointed. I think a CF case leads to a ULV CPU, less capable/more portable MBA... and that wouldn't be fun. I will probably buy a rev B MBA and stick with it for a few years.

I guess it's more hope than anything, but I have to believe the iTablet device will take over its small computing "netbook" type device and ensure the MBA doesn't go the more portable, less powerful route.

As to CF, Apple has moved all its Mac notebooks to aluminum, so I don't see it happening. AND, the CF case wouldn't reduce that much weight and wouldn't act like a heat sink for the MBA. I just don't think it's going to happen in a 2009 revision. Maybe down the road if they figure out a different cooling system like liquid cooling which we saw here in a patent in the last year. Maybe I am way off here though, as I don't know that much about heat other than it just makes sense as a plastic MB feels like it's on fire compared to this aluminum MB.

 

[dubhe]

I just cannot see Apple not using the battery technology it bragged about in the 17" MBP. It is all about green and trying to make better. The smart tech battery would probably add at least 25% more power, and would last five years... and the MBA already has a fixed battery. And MBA is premium product. Battery is a done deal.

I don't know if there is a need for a battery that will last five years, the MacBook Air will not be useable in that time. The MBP 17" is ahead of the game on specification and could well be suitable as an everyday use computer in five years time, the MacBook Air is only just 'everyday' today.

I think the only reason they would add it would be for the enhanced duration.

 

[applecultvictim]

Hey can someone explain to me why oled screens are going to be much better, or for that matter if?

 

[Veinticinco]

Hey can someone explain to me why oled screens are going to be much better, or for that matter if?

Thinner. Lighter. Fantastic clarity and resolution. Impossibly wide viewing angles. Significantly less power consumption (hence increased battery life) as no backlight required. i.e. perfect for the MBA

Some explanation here...

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/697724/

 

[Veinticinco]

Here's a pic or two of Sony's new OLED display...

 

[Sdancott]

^Yuck...

 

[michael.lauden]

^Yuck...

for real

 

[Veinticinco]

^Yuck...

Uh?

You not likey OLED?

 

[Sdancott]

Uh?

You not likey OLED?

Yeh sure, the actual OLED looks nice. Everything else looks bloody awful.

 

[Prenvo]

Out of interest: does Apple actually have a "track record" of refreshing their products (specifically notebooks) immediately before/during/after WWDC, or are you all just hoping they will?

 

[jb1280]

Out of interest: does Apple actually have a "track record" of refreshing their products (specifically notebooks) immediately before/during/after WWDC, or are you all just hoping they will?

There have been notebook refreshes in the late springs of 2006 and 2007. The timing of WWDC is sort of coincidental.

 

[iMacmatician]

Out of interest: does Apple actually have a "track record" of refreshing their products (specifically notebooks) immediately before/during/after WWDC, or are you all just hoping they will?

The MacBook Pros were updated the week before WWDC 2007.

The Mac Pro (and Xserve) was released at WWDC 2006, and the iMacs (once rumored for around WWDC 2007) were updated a month and a half after WWDC 2007 (which may indicate that we may be waiting a while if we don't see an update around WWDC). There have been a few other updates around WWDC.