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

[qubex]

Yup, that's the line issue: an alternation of bright and dark rows of pixels across your laptop's screen, reminding you every second you state at it how you've been ripped off.

It's subtle until you notice it. Then, like a dead pixel, you just can't detach from it.

Absolutely, completely unacceptable. The price is for a perfect unit, not a unit that has a 66% chance of being flawed.

(Anyway, I wasn't referring specifically to the line issue. I was musing about botching two releases of the same product and not presenting any indications about future developments, if any.)

 

[Scottsdale]

To summarise, of I may indulge my whimsy: regarding the MacBookAir Rev. C we know nothing, we want everything (with some minor cosmetic disagreements) and we want it now. In abscence of new rumours, our speculation has basically ground to a halt. The last few posts metaspeculate about when it might be possible to speculate on a more sound footing.

I want an Air, I really do need a machine of that form factor quite badly. The sooner the better. The present offering is obsolete. Apple knows this but as they've demonstrated with the Mac Mini and Mac Pro yearlong stasis they're so satisfied with their iPod, iPhone and iTunes revenue streams they don't give a rat's ass about hardware, even ultrahigh-margin sales such as the aforementioned Mac Pro and the Air.

Since recent Snow Leopard betas have broken out WWLAN connectivity into a seperate item in the configuration manager, I'm starting to think they won't even release new laptops until Snow Leopard is released. The relevant strings are nowhere to be found in 10.5.7 (but they could easily have a custom internal build).

There's really not much more to say: it looks like Apple has a new zombie product on it's shelves, like the stillborn AppleTV that somehow still haunts the stores but is essentially stuck in a timewarp. I bet they'll dump an underpowered Netbook on us, ignoring everybody who needs extreme portability and decent power. I'm sure you've all read the reports of 10.5.7 boosting the battery life of Intel Atom-based Hackintosh netbooks. They've probably decided to flood the lower-end since they figure the economic climate will not favour a premium ultraportable. They'll probably shrink the Air's case to a 10-inch screen form-factor and introduce a touch-screen of some type. The worst outcome would be the adoption of a jailed iPhone-OS derived platform that denies users the most basic liberties with their computer: iWork, Office, Mathematica don't even exist on the iPhone platform (not surprisingly). Wolfram's licenses cost thousands per seat - I live in terror of needing to relicense Matematica 7. I 'm sure similar thoughts apply to those of you who use Adobe's Photoshop or Illustrator, or who use Aperture or FinalCut. It'd be terrifying.

Hopefully the next few weeks will prove me wrong. Unfortunately these days even the bleakest pessimism frequently fails to capture the actual outcomes.

Infuriating, frustrating.

I sure don't like that we are all seeing things that make us think Apple could truly abandon the Air or redesign it for more portability and less power.

Everything that is great about the Air stems from its power given its size. Take away a half pound, but stick a 1.4 GHz ULV CPU in there, and make it 1/2 an inch thick, and it's absolutely WORTHLESS to me. I don't want to go that route. The MBA is perfect size, and it makes so much sense for those of us who love it.

I get all of the people who spend an hour on their MB a day thinking it's portable enough, the display is good enough, and etc. But for those of us who truly enjoy and use our MBA, it is the only solution in my heart. My head always says, 15.4" MBP is second place, and what if it had an eight-hour battery. But, if the rev C MBA evolves the way we all think it should, then we will be happy.

I just don't know how many of us are truly happy??? I know some original MBA buyers who would never give the MBA another chance. I know two that completely left the Mac after that debacle. I look here in this rather long thread, and really there aren't many of us posting. I just don't know if Apple is selling enough MBAs to make it worth it for them.

I am desperate now, and I am losing hope just thinking about all of these possibilities... especially when many fear the same as I do about the possible redirection of the MBA or complete EOL possibility if Apple decides the MBA market isn't where the money is, and it goes netbook market instead with the iTablet device.

On the other hand, an iTablet device almost ensures the MBA takes the route of POWER with the same portability case and size. As long as it isn't completely left out.

If the MB and MBP are released, I will just buy a fully decked out rev B MBA, and possibly try to modify the SSD to a bigger one when a 256 GB 1.8" SSD hits the market. I really don't want to do all that, but I know someone who can easily make the cable with the info from the LIF/Micro SATA conversion thread.

I guess we shouldn't lose hope... although no news seems like bad news right now. We haven't seen much of anything for a supposed update. At the same time, MAYBE THAT IS THE BEST NEWS! Not much to leak if the case is exactly the same. Just a spec speed bump update probably wouldn't have many rumors. The obvious parts for standard evolution are all ready except possibly the 256 GB SSD in 1.8" 5mm height.

I am really getting nervous. I wish Apple would reveal its roadmap as others have suggested. That way people could plan and save for purchase when they know an update is coming. One last thing. The Mac notebooks have been updated on average approximately every six months for over three years. The Mac notebooks are all seven months old right now... plenty of possibilities for a Mac notebook update right before WWDC as rumored... we'll be fine as long as that includes the MBA.

Still praying!

 

[Scottsdale]

Yup, that's the line issue: an alternation of bright and dark rows of pixels across your laptop's screen, reminding you every second you state at it how you've been ripped off.

It's subtle until you notice it. Then, like a dead pixel, you just can't detach from it.

Absolutely, completely unacceptable. The price is for a perfect unit, not a unit that has a 66% chance of being flawed.

(Anyway, I wasn't referring specifically to the line issue. I was musing about botching two releases of the same product and not presenting any indications about future developments, if any.)

It really is sick when it's noticeable. I saw one that wasn't bad at all, and I didn't believe just how big a problem it was. I saw another that was far worse, and started to believe. I saw one in the Apple store the other day, and I couldn't believe how bad it was and was the only MBA on display. That is something that would completely annoy me and prevent me from buying a rev B MBA right now. I still have seen more good MBAs than bad... and my rev B MBA was perfect, but it seems to weigh heavy on my thoughts when thinking of rebuying a rev B MBA.

Sad that the problem seems to be worse now than ever. With the exception of the hard to get new display model some are getting from Amazon and Best Buy.

The worst part is I have read that many who are buying rev B refurbished have lines. You would think Apple would have fixed those for sure as surely returned and being sold refurbished because of the dang lines.

Proof that Apple thinks we are all "Lame Hicks" as someone else stated it.

 

[iMacmatician]

I guess we shouldn't lose hope... although no news seems like bad news right now. We haven't seen much of anything for a supposed update. At the same time, MAYBE THAT IS THE BEST NEWS! Not much to leak if the case is exactly the same. Just a spec speed bump update probably wouldn't have many rumors. The obvious parts for standard evolution are all ready except possibly the 256 GB SSD in 1.8" 5mm height.

It's true that a small update wouldn't be rumored much, but it's interesting why the MacBook Air wasn't mentioned in the recent rumor about MacBook and MacBook Pro updates in June—when they likely won't have major updates either.

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

Yes- a decent macbook air with a price drop. A great idea for a machine but I must admit that it doesn't justify its own price tag.

A real problem for me.

 

[Scottsdale]

Yes- a decent macbook air with a price drop. A great idea for a machine but I must admit that it doesn't justify its own price tag.

A real problem for me.

I am perfectly fine with the price tag as long as the updates warrant it. I am not ok with a 7month old MBA at $2500...

but I will be happy to pay $2499 for:

Same form factor
2.13 GHz SL9600
4 GB RAM
256 GB SSD
Glass trackpad...

I am willing to go higher for:
Smart battery tech as used in 17" MBP
two RAM slots accepting up to 8 GB RAM

 

[Carl Abudephane]

.

 

[qubex]

We're speculating about speculating, again.

There's been no news for months. Any kind of case revision would've generated some kind of case snapshot from some bloke in China or Taiwan. There have been none. There are no new model strings in 10.5.7 that I've been able to find. 10" OLED rumours clearly do not pertain to the Air. Suitable components for a Rev C are available but have not yet been used. Apple hasn't even bothered to address the lines issue, and probably they didn't introduce the glass trackpad on the Rev B machine to consume inventory of Rev A parts.

If there's nothing new by mid July I'm getting a Dell 10v and hackingtoshing it.

 

[Scottsdale]

Well, one way or another, we'll know a lot more very soon.
I've said this in another thread, but no harm repeating it here. Obviously the notebooks will be updated at some point, but two things in the UK store at the moment point to it happening shortly after WWDC. When updates are reasonably close, Apple usually take fairly visible steps to try and up the sales before the present models become out-of-date.

Two changes in the past week, one laudable, if temporary, one laughable.
Firstly they have introduced a scheme for buying a Mac and paying for it over ten months on 0% finance.
Secondly, they have a large advert for the 'new' 15" MacBook Pro! New obviously being the models already available. Let's just forget about the bump to 2.66 as that was not an update as such, at least not in my mind. I know it allows RAM to go to 8Gb too, but still, the 15" can not, by any stretch of the imagination, be called new.

Both of these new 'initiatives' are on the front page of the UK store.
The 0% finance offer is only available up until June 15th, with good reason I suspect. These are two very clear indicators that Apple have begun the process of trying to shift as many units as possible prior to refreshed models being released.
The question is what happens with the Air. I cannot see a notebook refresh happening and yet the Air remains unchanged. That simply won't happen.
So, it either gets refreshed in some fashion along with the other models, or it doesn't. If it doesn't, does anybody here think it will just remain available as is? Possibly waiting longer for some reason - until some part of it's updated spec becomes available? I don't personally, but maybe some of you do.

I think if the Air does stay around, and get updated, that we'll see a pretty major update. They updated the serious limiting factors last November, in order to make the Air practical for a lot more folks, and this time will give it the more seriously wide-ranging revamp, a'la the 17" MBPro having to wait for it's co-ordination with it's smaller siblings.
Maybe that does mean glass, black bezel and buttonless trackpad. Maybe it also means a 15" model being introduced as a high-end model, dressed in black, for a healthy premium. I personally wouldn't like the glass screen or the black bezel, but if they came in conjunction with the Air itself being 13" and/or 15", clad in black aluminium, and spec'd up, I'd be first in line the day it was released!
Really, a 15" black Air(bezel and all), spec'd up even more than the 'B', would be a truly magnificent machine and nothing, short of a Tablet Mac possibly, would stand out more in their stores.

Or maybe nothing whatsoever, and it gets left in the dust, as Apple continue to be predominantly phone-focused(and possibly tablet too, if they really are pushing on with that). That damn phone.
But either whatever whichever way, we'll know soon.

I am willing to accept your idea about an update to the Mac notebooks after the 15th in line with the ad you mentioned. That makes perfect sense. However, I think there was an issue where new Mac notebooks were released and they were not eligible for the same promotion that the prior gen Macs were getting. So, I saw a promotion effectively end before scheduled when there was an update. But, makes sense to have an update up to two weeks after WWDC. At the same time, we could only get two Mac notebook updates - the MB and MBP.

There still have been no update rumors for MBA. Still goes back to about six months ago when the rumor was 15" MBA design in the Summer. Makes perfect sense.

I am all for a 15" MBA. I think Apple has completely screwed up its line by dividing the sizes for consumers and pros. Lots of Pros want a 13" portable MBP with a dedicated graphics card... but those who just wanted the high quality display could get that with the MBA. Lots of consumers want a 15" but have to buy the "PRO" equipment when they do not need some of the pro features like dedicated graphics. I guess Apple is doing the right thing with quality of displays. The MB is used by people who aren't staring at their display all day so a low quality display is acceptable. The MBA and MBP are perfect for business and graphics quality professionals who look at their display all day.

I think the following line up makes a lot of sense...

10" iTablet for highly portable and light net use like a Netbook.

13" MB for consumers who focus on portability.
15" MB for consumers who focus on display... so put nicer display and charger more for it.

13" MBA to focus on ultraportability while beautiful display for full day use by business pro who is "on the go."
15" MBA to focus on less portability in one sense, but yet only weigh 3.5 lbs, but have super display for those who want to use as entertainment or who look at display all day but is not always on the go, but super portable in weight when do have to take it out.

13" MBP for Pro or one who needs dedicated graphics and beautiful display but smaller to focus on super portability (needs super battery) - this probably could sell like crazy... everyone wants this. Heck, I would seriously consider it.
15" MBP for portability and desktop replacement (need for super tech battery)
17" MBP for desktop replacement

If you think about this, the MBA should offer the highest margins! Costs with components similar to MB, yet price same as MBP! And, the current MBA design should be the focus of Mac notebooks. I can see Apple not only not adopting Blu Ray, but totally removing the optical drive. USB drives, offer more space than USB, and small design... yet would allow the "Air" case design in all Mac notebooks. The MB/MBA/MBP lineup I set, makes perfect sense for a gradual shift of the Air case design to all Mac notebooks.

 

[iMacmatician]

The question is what happens with the Air. I cannot see a notebook refresh happening and yet the Air remains unchanged. That simply won't happen.
So, it either gets refreshed in some fashion along with the other models, or it doesn't. If it doesn't, does anybody here think it will just remain available as is? Possibly waiting longer for some reason - until some part of it's updated spec becomes available? I don't personally, but maybe some of you do.

Previously I thought the MacBook Air may be updated later because of the upcoming 40 nm GPU, but it looks like the upcoming GPU update will be 65/55 nm and the line will go 40 nm in H2 2009. So now I don't think the GPU will be the reason for any delay.

The only other reasons I can think of for a delay would be design changes (black bezel? glass trackpad? thinner?) or the rumored carbon fiber bottom. Personally I think the former is more likely (out of the two).

There still have been no update rumors for MBA. Still goes back to about six months ago when the rumor was 15" MBA design in the Summer. Makes perfect sense.

I rechecked the rumor and it says that more info will come in H2 2009.

Second half of this year will be published <BR> more information, please next time waiting for us to wait and see

 

[glitch44]

The only other reasons I can think of for a delay would be design changes (black bezel? glass trackpad? thinner?) or the rumored carbon fiber bottom. Personally I think the former is more likely (out of the two).

There are tons of reasons for delays:

The MBA possibly isn't selling that well. Or they want to clear out older parts before introducing a new version. Or they want the new iphone to be the focus right now. Or they want snow leopard to be the focus right now. Or the factories are concentrating on macbook / macbook pro updates. Or the economy is slow so spending R/D on a new version of a high end laptop doesn't make financial sense. Or the MBA is simply being phased out.

 

[HLdan]

I sure don't like that we are all seeing things that make us think Apple could truly abandon the Air or redesign it for more portability and less power.

Everything that is great about the Air stems from its power given its size. Take away a half pound, but stick a 1.4 GHz ULV CPU in there, and make it 1/2 an inch thick, and it's absolutely WORTHLESS to me. I don't want to go that route. The MBA is perfect size, and it makes so much sense for those of us who love it.

I get all of the people who spend an hour on their MB a day thinking it's portable enough, the display is good enough, and etc. But for those of us who truly enjoy and use our MBA, it is the only solution in my heart. My head always says, 15.4" MBP is second place, and what if it had an eight-hour battery. But, if the rev C MBA evolves the way we all think it should, then we will be happy.

I just don't know how many of us are truly happy??? I know some original MBA buyers who would never give the MBA another chance. I know two that completely left the Mac after that debacle. I look here in this rather long thread, and really there aren't many of us posting. I just don't know if Apple is selling enough MBAs to make it worth it for them.

I am desperate now, and I am losing hope just thinking about all of these possibilities... especially when many fear the same as I do about the possible redirection of the MBA or complete EOL possibility if Apple decides the MBA market isn't where the money is, and it goes netbook market instead with the iTablet device.

On the other hand, an iTablet device almost ensures the MBA takes the route of POWER with the same portability case and size. As long as it isn't completely left out.

If the MB and MBP are released, I will just buy a fully decked out rev B MBA, and possibly try to modify the SSD to a bigger one when a 256 GB 1.8" SSD hits the market. I really don't want to do all that, but I know someone who can easily make the cable with the info from the LIF/Micro SATA conversion thread.

I guess we shouldn't lose hope... although no news seems like bad news right now. We haven't seen much of anything for a supposed update. At the same time, MAYBE THAT IS THE BEST NEWS! Not much to leak if the case is exactly the same. Just a spec speed bump update probably wouldn't have many rumors. The obvious parts for standard evolution are all ready except possibly the 256 GB SSD in 1.8" 5mm height.

I am really getting nervous. I wish Apple would reveal its roadmap as others have suggested. That way people could plan and save for purchase when they know an update is coming. One last thing. The Mac notebooks have been updated on average approximately every six months for over three years. The Mac notebooks are all seven months old right now... plenty of possibilities for a Mac notebook update right before WWDC as rumored... we'll be fine as long as that includes the MBA.

Still praying!

Sorry Scottsdale, your posts are usually pretty decent (and way too long) but this one is very depressing, enough to make someone want to start crying, C'mon dude, way overdramatic. Don't make this out to be something that it probably isn't. This same stuff was said about the death of the Mac mini because Apple ignored it for an entire year. Then in October they updated it. The Macbook Air is a premium product and of course it's not gonna sell as many as the Macbook or even the Pro so Apple just doesn't showcase it as much as the other models but the entire world isn't ready for a notebook with no optical drive, limited ports and priced as high as the Air, although it's quite a sexy machine. They actually updated it a lot quicker than expected.
I don't see a death of the Macbook Air because now Dell and other companies are beginning to release ultra portables like the Air. That just shows there's a market for it. I have a Macbook Air Rev B and I love mine but I would like 4-6GB of ram and a more tuned up GPU and when Rev C comes out I'll be looking at it if it meets my needs.

 

[Scottsdale]

Sorry Scottsdale, your posts are usually pretty decent (and way too long) but this one is very depressing, enough to make someone want to start crying, C'mon dude, way overdramatic. Don't make this out to be something that it probably isn't. This same stuff was said about the death of the Mac mini because Apple ignored it for an entire year. Then in October they updated it. The Macbook Air is a premium product and of course it's not gonna sell as many as the Macbook or even the Pro so Apple just doesn't showcase it as much as the other models but the entire world isn't ready for a notebook with no optical drive, limited ports and priced as high as the Air, although it's quite a sexy machine. They actually updated it a lot quicker than expected.
I don't see a death of the Macbook Air because now Dell and other companies are beginning to release ultra portables like the Air. That just shows there's a market for it. I have a Macbook Air Rev B and I love mine but I would like 4-6GB of ram and a more tuned up GPU and when Rev C comes out I'll be looking at it if it meets my needs.

Sorry to disappoint you. Thanks for your gentle bashing of the post you replied to. It's better than death threats and other hate replies or personal messages I get from taking a stance against the original MBA and how it negatively affected the MBA brand. Thank you for not crucifying me.

I really get about five times the positive replies as negative... but most are via PM as most take my original position which was to not publicly bash the original MBA. When I do get the common hate message, I usually try to point out that my views have been about what I have experienced and learned about the original MBA, a product, while most hate messages attack me rather than try to change my opinion by providing accurate information that should make me want to change my mind.

Anyways, it's nice to get general disapproval and not a typical hate message in my PM! LOL

Actually, I have examined several possibilities thoroughly throughout this thread. Unfortunately, you would need to read about ten times as much as that to get all of the different focuses or possibilities I have examined. When people suggest something, I usually state what I think about that possibility.

I have mentioned MANY possibilities that are not what I want or expect but simply examination of thoughts on those possibilities.

I actually think the iTablet rumors predict that the MBA will get an update sooner rather than later. Furthermore, I assume the rev C MBA will be nearly exactly what I expect through predictable evolution of the MBA. At the same time, none of us know what will really happen, as there have been no real solid rumors to lead us one way or another.

Hope to get your approval next time.

 

[mudenza]

... although no news seems like bad news right now. We haven't seen much of anything for a supposed update. At the same time, MAYBE THAT IS THE BEST NEWS! Not much to leak if the case is exactly the same. Just a spec speed bump update probably wouldn't have many rumors. The obvious parts for standard evolution are all ready except possibly the 256 GB SSD in 1.8" 5mm height.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but back in the months leading to the October announcement, little was known about the MBA apart from the case designs that were leaked one week before the announcement. The MBP also had a silent update when the new iMacs came out. So no news means...no news

I doubt they'll EOL the MBA after just a year and a bit. It wouldn't be good for Apple in terms of image. I, like you, am waiting for the next MBA and hope that Apple lower its price by a bit, and I'm sure that if they release the fabled "netbook", they will be obliged to.

 

[macinsomniac]

Am I dreaming?

-

 

[Sesshi]

Sorry Scottsdale, your posts are usually pretty decent (and way too long) but this one is very depressing, enough to make someone want to start crying, C'mon dude, way overdramatic. Don't make this out to be something that it probably isn't. This same stuff was said about the death of the Mac mini because Apple ignored it for an entire year. Then in October they updated it. The Macbook Air is a premium product and of course it's not gonna sell as many as the Macbook or even the Pro so Apple just doesn't showcase it as much as the other models but the entire world isn't ready for a notebook with no optical drive, limited ports and priced as high as the Air, although it's quite a sexy machine. They actually updated it a lot quicker than expected.
I don't see a death of the Macbook Air because now Dell and other companies are beginning to release ultra portables like the Air. That just shows there's a market for it. I have a Macbook Air Rev B and I love mine but I would like 4-6GB of ram and a more tuned up GPU and when Rev C comes out I'll be looking at it if it meets my needs.

The funny thing is of course that if Apple does take the way, those like Scottsdale will be defending that instead.

I'll gladly settle for less power if it means significantly more usable runtime - and less instability. I'd also want more durability - the thing is way too easy to bend. As evidenced by the Dell's porkiness, if you use a soft metal as the one and only structural component it needs to be bolstered quite a bit for it to be actually strong, not just give the impression of it to those who're ignorant of engineering but just go by the notion that metal = strong (i.e. 99% of Apple buyers, probably).

 

[qubex]

I reckon many people will be deeply disappointed if the Air isn't updated in time for the WWDC in June. It's an entirely synthetic deadline, but it's a psychologically important one. The whole line of portables are due for a refresh but the single product that needs it most to become viable is the Air.

 

[Scottsdale]

I reckon many people will be deeply disappointed if the Air isn't updated in time for the WWDC in June. It's an entirely synthetic deadline, but it's a psychologically important one. The whole line of portables are due for a refresh but the single product that needs it most to become viable is the Air.

I guess that is the thing. How many of us are waiting for a rev C MBA? That is the question Apple knows the answer to based on previous MBA sales. Is it worth it for Apple to evolve the current state of the MBA or does a revolutionary measure (redesign of case and ULV CPU) make more sense?

 

[Scottsdale]

The funny thing is of course that if Apple does take the way, those like Scottsdale will be defending that instead.

I'll gladly settle for less power if it means significantly more usable runtime - and less instability. I'd also want more durability - the thing is way too easy to bend. As evidenced by the Dell's porkiness, if you use a soft metal as the one and only structural component it needs to be bolstered quite a bit for it to be actually strong, not just give the impression of it to those who're ignorant of engineering but just go by the notion that metal = strong (i.e. 99% of Apple buyers, probably).

I will be nearly equally disappointed if Apple either EOL's the MBA or completely changes it into a netbook type MBA with far less power.

I see no need for either of those options. Totally getting rid of the MBA would happen if sales are not worthy of an update. Of course, that would be from Apple's own doing of the problematic original MBA.

I would not buy an MBA that's half as thick, with a ULV 1.2 GHz CPU, and 1 Gig or 2 of RAM. Something with a CF case that weighs half as much. I will not buy a rev C MBA if I cannot use it as a primary Mac.

My whole point is that any MBA that doesn't evolve from the rev B MBA is pointless for ME! Only because I want same portability (case & weight), but I want more power (SL9600 with 4 GB RAM).

Seems obvious the MBA could take three paths...

1. EOL
2. Thinner, lighter, less power (not primary Mac for anyone)
3. Same case, better power with 2.13 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, etc.

 

[qubex]

I'm hoping they're not stupid. I'm starting to fear they might be.

With the Air, Apple hit on an almost perfect combination of features and portability for an affluent segment of users. By and large this class of users are price-insensitive and don't resent a single USB port and lack of peripheral features because they wouldn't use them even if they were present: when on the move I might wish to download a batch of photographs from my digital camera or update a GPS navigator's maps, but that's about all. The Air is not intended for people who wish to keep ten USB peripherals plugged in at once: that's diagramatically opposed to the whole idea of portability. Apple very slyly rediscovered these people's needs and catered to them by providing a "snappy" core system for doing actual tasks while repackaging everything into a tight package by (amongst other things) cutting out all that which is not strictly neccessary for a travelling-second-computer.

We're all fairly aligned when it comes to the specs we're expecting for the hypothetical Rev. C: this suggests they're reasonable and, at this point in the hardware cycle, almost deserved. I'm hoping for an aesthetic revision to draw the line between the disasterous Rev. A and rectified Rev. B generations and what I hope will be a stable, more usable new cycle.

Regrettably, there's no tangible evidence that any of this is actually being done by Apple. We're twenty days from WWDC09 and so far there's no hint that any new computing hardware will be revealed (just the usual iPhone droning). Surely Apple's seasoned analysts do not believe that the fairly sophisticated customer to whom the Air caters will continue to purchase obsolete hardware at premium prices simply because they provide no alternative? Sure, I'm in no danger of "going PC" anytime soon, but I won't be purchasing any other item from their roundup either. I assume this is true for most of you (present company with deadlines looming duly excepted). That's all lost revenue and grumpy customers at a rather critical juncture when extra margin accrued really excites analysts and investors.

They need to update this product and they need us to be at least dimly aware of the progress being made lest we lose faith and take our business elsewhere. This is the kind of business that Apple must not loose sight of during it's post-iPod, iPhone and iTablet era. After all, there has to be a cadre of fanatics to write those applications, right?

Right now I'm feeling like the son of a minor deity, my consuming passions repudiated even by the very company whose product I wish to buy. In the past few months I could've made excellent use of such a machine. My Visa Electron is quite literally buzzing with latent charge to ensure instant purchasing power.

C'mon Apple, give us what we want, we're begging you to take our money and make us happy.

 

[Prenvo]

In addition to all the stuff already mentioned, I'd really love it if Apple could squeeze another speaker under the keyboard on the left (for stereo audio) or centre the current single speaker and add support for their earphones with inline controls (the other MacBooks support the extra pin).

After my awful experience with the current 1.86GHz MBA, I'm pretty much set on a 2.4GHz MacBook with a 256GB SSD (I'm urging myself to wait until WWDC before splashing the cash) - I might be heading down the MBA road again should Apple actually refresh the MBA with a better processor + glass trackpad come June 8th-12th (I have a feeling they won't )

P.S. I *never* use microphones with my computers, yet felt so glad when I saw the MacBook's microphone port. Odd.

 

[Scottsdale]

I'm hoping they're not stupid. I'm starting to fear they might be.

With the Air, Apple hit on an almost perfect combination of features and portability for an affluent segment of users. By and large this class of users are price-insensitive and don't resent a single USB port and lack of peripheral features because they wouldn't use them even if they were present: when on the move I might wish to download a batch of photographs from my digital camera or update a GPS navigator's maps, but that's about all. The Air is not intended for people who wish to keep ten USB peripherals plugged in at once: that's diagramatically opposed to the whole idea of portability. Apple very slyly rediscovered these people's needs and catered to them by providing a "snappy" core system for doing actual tasks while repackaging everything into a tight package by (amongst other things) cutting out all that which is not strictly neccessary for a travelling-second-computer.

We're all fairly aligned when it comes to the specs we're expecting for the hypothetical Rev. C: this suggests they're reasonable and, at this point in the hardware cycle, almost deserved. I'm hoping for an aesthetic revision to draw the line between the disasterous Rev. A and rectified Rev. B generations and what I hope will be a stable, more usable new cycle.

Regrettably, there's no tangible evidence that any of this is actually being done by Apple. We're twenty days from WWDC09 and so far there's no hint that any new computing hardware will be revealed (just the usual iPhone droning). Surely Apple's seasoned analysts do not believe that the fairly sophisticated customer to whom the Air caters will continue to purchase obsolete hardware at premium prices simply because they provide no alternative? Sure, I'm in no danger of "going PC" anytime soon, but I won't be purchasing any other item from their roundup either. I assume this is true for most of you (present company with deadlines looming duly excepted). That's all lost revenue and grumpy customers at a rather critical juncture when extra margin accrued really excites analysts and investors.

They need to update this product and they need us to be at least dimly aware of the progress being made lest we lose faith and take our business elsewhere. This is the kind of business that Apple must not loose sight of during it's post-iPod, iPhone and iTablet era. After all, there has to be a cadre of fanatics to write those applications, right?

Right now I'm feeling like the son of a minor deity, my consuming passions repudiated even by the very company whose product I wish to buy. In the past few months I could've made excellent use of such a machine. My Visa Electron is quite literally buzzing with latent charge to ensure instant purchasing power.

C'mon Apple, give us what we want, we're begging you to take our money and make us happy.

Nice post. I assume that the added number of those passionate for a current case more power MBA is a really good thing.

Someone else said that we didn't hear rumors before the last update, and that seemed true.

I guess it is very possible we aren't seeing photos leaked because all of the Mac notebooks will keep their current form/case. So, not much to show if the MBA just has updates inside the case like we all seem to hope for.

I do notice about 10% of MR members look at MBA section while other 90% look at MB and MBP sections. If Apple sells MBAs to 10% of Mac notebook buyers, I would think that would be high enough to keep the MBA evolving along current path with same case and more power. I sure wish we knew how many MBAs Apple was selling. Would make predictions a lot easier.

Seems like we are not going to get any rumors... it's just either going to happen or not! We will find out in June, hopefully... WWDC isn't far away.

 

[qubex]

That depends on your definition of "finding out": we'll only get to the end of every month (a totally arbitrary interval) and say "no updates this month, maybe next time?" Having no indication what Apple is up to, we can't even test those rumours on the basis of supposed release dates.

We really are in the dark, with only the single historical refresh period of 273 days to serve as a blind guide.

 

[HLdan]

I'm hoping they're not stupid. I'm starting to fear they might be.

With the Air, Apple hit on an almost perfect combination of features and portability for an affluent segment of users.

Sorry, but I have to take a stance on this, only because I'm tired of people deciding what type of cash is in my bank account based on what I buy. I have a Rev B Macbook Air which I bought for the work I do. I am by no means rich or the affluent type customer, not yet at least. I am extremely price sensitive as my money must go towards what takes care of my needs.
Dude, you don't have $2500 for a computer? It's not a $100k Lamborghini. Maybe you don't know that all laptops used to cost $4000-$5000 as the norm. So what the Macbook Air is for a select amount of customers, it doesn't mean the select customers have to be financially wealthy. You're stereotyping people.

Specs aren't the only thing that sells a product. For me, I have a bad back and I need to carry my Macbook around with me. After packing my bag with my lappy, the power brick, my GPS and such, the bag starts weighing things down and pulls on my back. The Air solves that whole problem for me. As long as a persons needs are met not everyone needs the most the bang for the buck as that type of computer may not solve their problem.

 

[Scottsdale]

Sorry, but I have to take a stance on this, only because I'm tired of people deciding what type of cash is in my bank account based on what I buy. I have a Rev B Macbook Air which I bought for the work I do. I am by no means rich or the affluent type customer, not yet at least. I am extremely price sensitive as my money must go towards what takes care of my needs.
Dude, you don't have $2500 for a computer? It's not a $100k Lamborghini. Maybe you don't know that all laptops used to cost $4000-$5000 as the norm. So what the Macbook Air is for a select amount of customers, it doesn't mean the select customers have to be financially wealthy. You're stereotyping people.

Specs aren't the only thing that sells a product. For me, I have a bad back and I need to carry my Macbook around with me. After packing my bag with my lappy, the power brick, my GPS and such, the bag starts weighing things down and pulls on my back. The Air solves that whole problem for me. As long as a persons needs are met not everyone needs the most the bang for the buck as that type of computer may not solve their problem.

I don't think it was meant how you took it. I think he just meant that the majority of MBA buyers are willing to pay more for that perfect blend of Mac for them. I don't think it was meant as though he is wealthy and all of us here are wealthy and that's why we're buying MBAs and will continue to if Apple takes the right direction.

If you look at the target market for the MBA it's the "pro" that is not the typical graphics type pro. From the people I know that buy the MBA, we are a mixture of consultants, college professors, graduate students, business professionals, and tech enthusiasts. I would assume that is pretty accurate. At the same time, I would assume we are all in the middle income tax brackets... NOT ANYWHERE NEAR THE TOP 10% of WEALTHIEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!

The average person who uses their Mac for an hour in the evening isn't going to see the value in an MBA. The average kid making $8 per hour is going to see more value in a MB. The average graphics type pro is going to see the value in a MBP. The average gamer type is going to see the value in a MBP.

I think the average MBA buyer sees the purchase as worth a little more for the type of reasons you mentioned. It's lightweight, which is easier to carry around. It's really incredible as far as power, speed, and display quality. To some, as I have read it here, the MBA is "stupid" as the MB is better value, supports more RAM, has faster CPU, has full size drive, and an optical drive. That type person probably doesn't work on Mac all day, nor see an advantage in the portability as they probably don't carry it around, or needs optical drive, faster CPU, or more RAM. I am using a MB right now as I wanted to save some money after my MBA was stolen, and I don't want to pay $2499 for seven month old technology. Also because I want to lose as little as possible, as I plan to use it hopefully for weeks not months while I wait for a rev C MBA to be released. If I were in the top 10% of income earners, it wouldn't matter to me and I would have just pissed away the money for a top rev B MBA... but I am NOT that wealthy as to blow money on an MBA for hopefully only a month's use.

Going back to those of us who buy the MBA. We are not all wealthy, but we all are willing to pay a little more for a much better display, more portability, and we see the lack of ports and such as unnecessary as we support a wireless and futuristic Mac. Just because we are willing to pay more doesn't mean we are in the top 10% income bracket. It just means we have the resources to pay a little more to buy an MBA, as we see that's a good value proposition for us. I am not some super wealthy guy... but I am not working for minimum wage either. I choose the MBA because I look at the display all day, and I want a better display. I also travel to client offices, and I often fly and enjoy the smaller Mac to open in airline seats. I also do not need the ports, and spend the majority of time away from a desk. All of those reasons as well as the fact that I can afford it, is why I choose the MBA.

I would assume that the average MBA sees the value in buying an MBA over a MB, that is all. If I didn't have the option of an MBA, I would be stuck with a MBP. I work on my Mac eight hours or more per day, so I have the desire for a higher quality display. I don't need the power in the sense of computing power as I am not a graphics pro, but I am a business pro who sees value in lightweight and a stunning display.

More than anything, I would assume that the average MBA or MBP buyer works as his/her business computer in some fashion. While I would assume the average MB buyer does NOT work on his/her MB nor generate income for it. Those of us who do own an MBA or MBP, decide to pay more because we spend a lot of time on it, or we generate income from the work we do on it. That justifies in our minds spending more money on our Macs.

I am not stuck up nor super wealthy, and I am a MacBook Air! As soon as an upgraded rev C MBA is released. LOL. Until then, I am just a MacBook... lowly me. JK