MB and MBP feel so.. heavy :(

[Borjan]

Hi there.

Arghh. I have a decent amount of cash coming in right now, so I think I will FINALLY get a current gen Mac. I've always had out dated tech since it was cheaper, but the new line ups just seemed fantastic. That said I'm running a Hackintosh netbook at the moment, and as great as it is, I am starting to need something with a bit more power than the old Atom processor!

So I look at the MB and MBP (13inch) in the store. I was going between the two, trying to decide if the $150 was worth the upgrade. Then I decided to pick one up.

HOLY MOLY.

The weigh a LOT. At least compared to my Acer Aspire One. I can barely feel than thing, but these were weigh different.

So I wandered over to the MBA. AHHHHH. That was more like it. Light as a feather. Then I looked again and the price. And went over the specs. only the 9400m. I was looking for the 330m just because I'd like to do some gaming with the current gen games. And sadness kicked in again. This wasn't the right laptop for me either.

I think I will settle on the MBP in the end, but I'm still a little bummed its so heavy. People say you should be able to carry that kinda weight and stuff, and of course I can. But if you were to use a netbook extensively, you'd start to understand how good it can be to have a very small (which sadly the MBA still can't say it is, sure it's thin but its footprint is big enough!) and lightweight system that you can take with you everywhere. Seriously, it can fit in my large coat pocket. It's awesome.

Nte: Looking back at this, aren't I lucky that this is the kind of 'problem' that I face in my life? Others are struggling to so to bed safe and sound and feed their children, and here I am bummed out that there isn't the perfect apple laptop for me... Make's you kinda feel stupid sometimes.

 

[hbryan]

If a MB or a MBP is too heavy, perhaps you should hit the gym.

Otherwise, you have to live with the compromises that either the MBA or a netbook give (and they are significant).

 

[silverblack]

This is going to turn into exactly like this thread -
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/961192/

Before you bash the OP, please take a look there. No one is incapable for lifting 5 lbs here. The point of Macbook Air's spec being wait outdated for its price is a valid point that no one will disagree.

 

[saxon48]

5 pounds is not heavy, unless you are disabled or elderly. I would go with a MBP any day over an MBA. For the extra poundage, you can do alot more and have alot more power.

 

[iDisk]

If you hold an iPad then a Macbook Air then the MBA feels heavy. So what would you expect?

If I hold a iPod touch and then a iPad the iPad feels heavy. Again this thread really doesn't make sense.

Your doing a Apples to Oranges comparison in weight. Of course something that's 4.5lbs will weigh more then a 3lbs product.


Oh yeah and try looking into a gym or doing push ups in your home, cause Apple notebooks aren't heavy.

 

[wordoflife]

Again this thread really doesn't make sense.
.

Basically what he's trying to say is that he/she is bummed that the Macbook Air is missing a lot of key features and if it did have those features, he/she would have considered buying.

I hope you enjoy your new computer

 

[ziggyonice]

You might want to wait a little longer before buying an Air. It's the only Mac that has yet to be updated.

An update will probably give it a better graphics card, among other things.

 

[SidBala]

MBP 13 are imo on the lighter end of the laptop spectrum. The heaviest Apple laptop would be the MBP 17. But even that is only 6.6 lbs. You should go check out the alienwares or something. Those weigh a lot.

You shouldn't compare it with your netbook. Netbooks don't have an optical drive and run smaller and slower processors, hence need smaller cooling hardware. They also tend to have smaller screens and the sheer weight of the glass is lower. And there is the metal enclosure! Metal is obviously heavier than plastic, but it is stronger, durable and looks fantastic.

All in all, I think the MBP 13 is light compared to other laptops of similar spec.

 

[Scottsdale]

If a MB or a MBP is too heavy, perhaps you should hit the gym.

Otherwise, you have to live with the compromises that either the MBA or a netbook give (and they are significant).

That is unnecessary and rude in my opinion. For some people it's physically too heavy, and for others it's mentally too heavy. It isn't about returning to the gym. It is about wanting the extreme pros of the MBA while having similar power and performance to the MB. When introduced in October 2008, the MBA was similar to the MB. In addition, it's faster than both MB/13" MBP with its SSD being standard.

This is all about people not being happy with two-year-old technology for $1799 for the MBA. People just want Apple to update it to more relevant and current tech. People want the design, thinness, and weight of the MBA, but they want a slightly faster CPU, more RAM, more drive space, current 320m, and a perfect display. One has to own and use an MBA for a few weeks to understand why they love the extreme advantages.

The problem is Intel pushed Nvidia out, and Intel isn't providing a faster CPU that allows Nvidia's GPU to be used with it. So Apple doesn't really have an option for right now with the Nvidia 320m setup seen in other *MacFive products.

Since Apple finally has found a solution for the 21.5" iMac, for the loss of an Nvidia GPU/chipset, it gives us hope for the direction Apple will move forward with for the MBA. I believe Apple will use one series of GPUs in all MacFive products going into the future just as it has done since the strategy was perfected in October 2008.

I believe the MBA will be produced with the same strategy used in the iMac, and I also believe the MBA will be the first of the 13" Mac notebooks to get a discrete GPU and Core i7 CPU. I suspect the 5XXX series ATI GPU will find its way into the MBA with a Core i7-6x0LM CPU.

*MacFive is my name for the MB, MBA, 13" MBP, Mm, and 21.5" iMac. Since October 2008 Apple has used the C2D with Nvidia GPU/chipset model. This strategy allows not just bulk purchasing of components, known in economies of scale theory, but also allows Apple to streamline future support of one series of GPUs. It is not just about making a faster integration into all five models now, as the support factor in OS X will be taken advantage of into the future. Every time Apple works on the driver to make better OpenGL, OpenCL, and other performance gains, it will work across all five of these Macs. This essentially saves Apple a fortune in not just current implementation costs, but allows it to update five Macs at once every time it furthers the integration of software.

Let's face it also that the optical drive in the MB/13" MBP is a JOKE. It is worthless and irrelevant. If Apple even offered Blu Ray as a BTO upgrade for $350, it would at least allow people to take advantage of the space being wasted. In addition, the battery in the MB/13" MBP is wasting way too much weight, space, and thickness for the need of the AVERAGE Mac user. I would bet that 95% of users don't NEED more battery than the MBA has available. It might be more convenient for them, as they can foolishly waste time away from a power outlet. However, most people don't need it. I would think that Apple should focus on a five-hour battery, eliminate the optical drive, and make a 4 lb. MB/13" MBP that is a better advantage for MOST users. Since Apple hasn't done that, it shows me that the MBA is here to stay.

I see it likely that Apple will introduce a new MBA before it updates the MB, 13" MBP, Mm, and 21.5" iMac again. Now the timeline here is anyone's call. With the rumors, it seems that it's possible that Apple could be changing the design of the MBA. Certainly it would be advantageous to make the MBA more like the iPad design in terms of shape of overall device. Eliminating the tapering would allow Apple to make an MBA that is thinner at its thickest points. It would also allow a lot more room for cooling and efficient use of space for components and battery.

I see it also as a possibility that Apple COULD introduce 11.6", 13.3" and 15.4" MBAs. Again, the vast majority of people don't care about a 10-hour battery, and most view the optical drive as worthless. Why not take advantage of the Mac name and OS X in super ultraportables. I think it's just as likely Apple would introduce a 15.4" MBA as an 11.6" MBA. AND IT ISN'T BECAUSE PEOPLE NEED TO GO TO THE GYM. This is because many people don't see the need to carry around a 10-hour battery and a purposeless optical drive.

 

[mangrove]

Scottsdale-

Thanks for that reply. Nothing to add.

 

[Borjan]

Really guys? Hit the gym? This really isn't to brag or anything, but doing a few one handed push ups isn't a problem for me, I'm pretty strong fit and athletic.

I think the main point of it is, after using a netbook (and actually I remember using a MBA as my daily computer for about 2 weeks before I sold it on, I was using it merely as a test out) for so long, its amazing how great it is to have a 'fully fledged' laptop that you can literally take anywhere without a second thought. Pick it up one handed is no problem, I don't even have to think about it. Take it to the breakfast table, to the park, stick it in my coat pocket, put it in my rucksack and you can't even feel that its there.

The same can't be said for the MB and MBP. It's just beyond the weight and bulk limit where I can do that.

Even still, I will get the MBP because its a nice machine. It just might spend more time at my desk because of the above factors.

In an ideal world.. maybe iMac + MBA + iPad combo. But that might take a while!

And I think another point is that I was seriously surprised that this was the weight that people lug around all the time. I mean, had I thought about it, it was obvious. But at the same time I sat in the store thinking, 'people really want to carry this around?!?'

 

[colourfastt]

Really guys? Hit the gym? This really isn't to brag or anything, but doing a few one handed push ups isn't a problem for me, I'm pretty strong fit and athletic.

I think the main point of it is, after using a netbook (and actually I remember using a MBA as my daily computer for about 2 weeks before I sold it on, I was using it merely as a test out) for so long, its amazing how great it is to have a 'fully fledged' laptop that you can literally take anywhere without a second thought. Pick it up one handed is no problem, I don't even have to think about it. Take it to the breakfast table, to the park, stick it in my coat pocket, put it in my rucksack and you can't even feel that its there.

The same can't be said for the MB and MBP. It's just beyond the weight and bulk limit where I can do that.

Even still, I will get the MBP because its a nice machine. It just might spend more time at my desk because of the above factors.

In an ideal world.. maybe iMac + MBA + iPad combo. But that might take a while!

And I think another point is that I was seriously surprised that this was the weight that people lug around all the time. I mean, had I thought about it, it was obvious. But at the same time I sat in the store thinking, 'people really want to carry this around?!?'

I have that combo.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Really guys? Hit the gym? This really isn't to brag or anything, but doing a few one handed push ups isn't a problem for me, I'm pretty strong fit and athletic.

I think the main point of it is, after using a netbook (and actually I remember using a MBA as my daily computer for about 2 weeks before I sold it on, I was using it merely as a test out) for so long, its amazing how great it is to have a 'fully fledged' laptop that you can literally take anywhere without a second thought. Pick it up one handed is no problem, I don't even have to think about it. Take it to the breakfast table, to the park, stick it in my coat pocket, put it in my rucksack and you can't even feel that its there.

The same can't be said for the MB and MBP. It's just beyond the weight and bulk limit where I can do that.

Even still, I will get the MBP because its a nice machine. It just might spend more time at my desk because of the above factors.

In an ideal world.. maybe iMac + MBA + iPad combo. But that might take a while!

And I think another point is that I was seriously surprised that this was the weight that people lug around all the time. I mean, had I thought about it, it was obvious. But at the same time I sat in the store thinking, 'people really want to carry this around?!?'

If you are strong and fit, a couple of pounds shouldn't be "heavy". There is a difference between being able to pick it up one handed and not being able to, but a couple of pounds should not be considered heavy.

 

[mobilevisual]

What's up with these "you need to hit the gym" comments lately? The man wants a light notebook, so what. I hate it when non-MBA owners make these dumb remarks. There are much more to a notebook than speed, ladies. WEIGHT is the single most important criteria when purchasing a premium laptop.

My MBA is a 2.1, 1.6Gh SSD. I tried to convince myself at least a dozen times for an "upgrade", every since the new MB Pro came out, . Every time I picked up the MB Pro, I put it down and exited the store. CAN'T DO IT, WON'T DO IT. Didn't even take a minute to see the MBP was damn heavy. DAMN HEAVY FOR MY USES.

The overall computing experience the MBA offers is second to none. So what if my MBA is 2 years old, there isn't a single laptop on this planet that I would trade my MBA for, not even the VAIO Z.

 

[Borjan]

I have that combo.

Jealousy.... rising....

 

[gman901]

Just wondering

If Apple priced the current line of Airs to sell at $899 and $1099 (for the 2.13) and came out with new ones at $1499 and $1799, I am wondering how many more people would rethink getting a low end MBP and go for the top line current model?

 

[Scottsdale]

I have that combo.

But why not just have MBA, 24" (soon to be 27") LED ACD that's like the perfect docking station, and an iPhone 4?

Honestly, it's a hell of a lot more streamlines setup. The iPhone 4 does phone, email on fly, basic Internet, and apps. The MBA does EVERYTHING else. Maybe not quite as fast, but it can do everything the average users does and send the signal to a 27" LED ACD with full native resolution.

I have three 24" LED ACDs. I plan to upgrade all three to the 27" LED ACD. It is enabling us to gain so much more desktop space... and I can use that LED ACD for 15 years if I want to... the iMac might last five with some babying.

I have an iPad, and it's really no better at anything than the iPhone 4. Okay, the iPad has a nicer bigger display (with fingerprints all over it minimizing the beauty of the display), but it also DOES NOT FIT IN MY POCKET!

I don't think the average user needs an iMac if they have an MBA, and a one solution system works a heck of a lot better with the MBA and 27" LED ACD.

 

[Mike Macintosh]

Man up, eat your wheaties, and grab that Macbook Pro, 5 pounds isn't that heavy mate.

 

[Moodikar]

Weight and see

There is a difference between a MB/P and MBA and for me it's a big enough gap that I prefer carrying around my MBA. In fact, I hope the rumors of an 11inch or even hopefully a 10inch is true. The macbook air is designed to be a travel mac. It defines why I'd buy it over a MBP (which I also own to use for tougher video editing jobs).

Do I think a new one will come out? Not till after the summer; more like end of September or October if we're lucky. I think the future of MBA depends on how badly did Apple underestimate sales. How much stock is left to unload. We all know the MBA is not the hot seller like the others.

My recommendation for what Apple's next MBA needs to Succeed:
1) Apple has low stock of current gen. 2) Apple prices the new MBA at the same as a MBP 13" (instead of paying for FW and DVD, you pay for thin...equal worth). 3) The specs match/equivalent to the MBP 13" (obviously without FW and DVD). 4) A new SOMETHING like USB3, 3G, 2 USB 2 ports, or a thinner form factor. This will make it stand out as a premium product again.

Apple needs to change it's game plan on MBA next round. A speed bump won't improve mass sales (although for us rare loyalists, we're still probably gonna buy). Price currently is hard to justify specs that don't meet those of cheaper models. Hard to be a premium contender if you're a low end inside. Thin and weight shouldn't cost more for getting less.

Like I said, MBA is a travel mac. I high end netbook. If a new one comes out, it'll only happen if Apple saw the MBA as a success and not as a Cube (in terms of sales and demand).

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

What's up with these "you need to hit the gym" comments lately? The man wants a light notebook, so what. I hate it when non-MBA owners make these dumb remarks. There are much more to a notebook than speed, ladies. WEIGHT is the single most important criteria when purchasing a premium laptop.

My MBA is a 2.1, 1.6Gh SSD. I tried to convince myself at least a dozen times for an "upgrade", every since the new MB Pro came out, . Every time I picked up the MB Pro, I put it down and exited the store. CAN'T DO IT, WON'T DO IT. Didn't even take a minute to see the MBP was damn heavy. DAMN HEAVY FOR MY USES.

The overall computing experience the MBA offers is second to none. So what if my MBA is 2 years old, there isn't a single laptop on this planet that I would trade my MBA for, not even the VAIO Z.

Seriously, a couple of pounds is LIGHT. Compared to a "premium" PC notebook, Macs are much much lighter. If a couple of pounds is heavy to you, then how much does your backpack weigh? A couple of college textbooks easily exceeds the weight of one MBP. If you really cared about light, there are plenty of netbooks that weigh less than the MBA and cost much less. And some of them have 13" screens and SSD options.

 

[TheBritishBloke]

The MBP will be heavier because it's solid aluminium. Whereas all/most cheap windows laptops are plastic.

However if you think the MB is heavy...you should hit the gym lol

 

[Borjan]

For some reason, these comments are seriously irritating.

I would never be considered 'weak', by a long stretch of the imagination. I don't got to the gym and get pumped, but in terms of the general population, I would put my self in the top 1/4.

So, this is not about being able to carry the weight of a MBP or MB. I could do it all day. In fact, I have carried much much heavier loads for hours and hours on end like some kinda mule, in the baking heat. And I handled that all fine.

Does that mean I want to carry a MBP around? Hell no. I'd rather somehow not carry anything around at all, yet go on the internet, watch movies and write up reports magically out of thin air. Clearly this is not possible. So for this reason I think the MBA/netbooks are the closest we get to the kinda weight.

I think if you really gave Macbook Airs/netbooks a go, you'd never want to go back to the heavier weight. I'm going to compromise and do it anyway, but in an ideal world (like the above posts dropping the price) I'd get a MBA in a heartbeat over any performance gains of a MBP.

 

[silverblack]

For some reason, these comments are seriously irritating.

I told you so.

The MBA is a luxury that most people won't appreciate for the $$$$. Stop trying. They won't understand.

If Apple priced the current line of Airs to sell at $899 and $1099 (for the 2.13) and came out with new ones at $1499 and $1799, I am wondering how many more people would rethink getting a low end MBP and go for the top line current model?

Another way to look at this, take the more expensive model of the 13" MacBook Pro and add the SSD option. That's the same price as the 2.13 MBA. So I agree, Apple will keep the MBA price point exactly where it is now.

 

[AAPLaday]

The MacBook Air is the best notebook Apple has ever made. There i said it. Its just woefully out of date at the moment.

 

[PhelpsiPhan]

Theyre fine, how weak are you? haha