mba/2.13ghz/SSD : an extremely deceptive experience

[MacModMachine]

http://www.laptop-junction.com/toast/content/dell-ac-power-adapter-not-recognized

there is another link

so you can make up some reason why these are invalid......


your the one pushing your opinion as fact.

 

[Scott6666]

What really makes me mad about the lack of progress on fixing the Air is that I would really like to have one. I just can't take the constant fan noise (more hard drive space would be nice too).

I keep hoping that they would revise and fix the darned thing so I can get one.

 

[dukebound85]

http://www.laptop-junction.com/toast/content/dell-ac-power-adapter-not-recognized

there is another link

so you can make up some reason why these are invalid......


your the one pushing your opinion as fact.

oh boy, how can i even expect to have a reasonable debate with someone who fails to recognize apple problems

and before you apply the "i am pushing my opinion as fact" card, you may want to read the thread where I have not done so. You sir, however seem to want to blow up any problems Dell has while minimizing apple's and then deduce dell is a nightmare to deal with.

 

[archipellago]

oh boy, how can i even expect to have a reasonable debate with someone who fails to recognize apple problems

and before you apply the "i am pushing my opinion as fact" card, you may want to read the thread where I have not done so. You sir, however seem to want to blow up any problems Dell has while minimizing apple's and then deduce dell is a nightmare to deal with.

I would also suspect that Dell sell many more machines than Apple do...

 

[aussie.damo]

i bet it does...

i suppose your talking about the V13 ? or adamo?

those are not even close to as fast as the MBA, my company has several V13's....there trash.

They DO NOT have 7 hour battery life....4.5 if your lucky.

I'm not talking about either of those, actually. I'm talking about the Latitude E4300.

MUCH faster than the MBA and IT DOES have 7 hours battery. Verified that on Friday when I was unplugged for a whole days work.

 

[aussie.damo]

Oh i cant?

how about dell screwing people in the 8000 series video card fiasco.

how about dell financial services who directly LIES about there interest rates and deliberately screws people out of money.

or how about there battery issues? or adapter issues?

how 75% of there adapters never last a year?

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19319999.aspx

how about how they make the adapter so third party manaf. cannot duplicate it.

You really lose credibility when you claim ridiculous things like "75% of there (sic) adapters never last a year" We get that you don't like Dell - that's fine, this is an Apple forum after all - but wildly inaccurate assertions like are just silly.

Every manufacturer has issues. Should I believe that Apple can't make a screen because some 27" iMacs are having issues currently? Or perhaps because some classic Penryn MBPs had screen yellowing? Or because some Rev B MBAs had lines? No - I believe that, like all manufacturers, Apple has issues from time to time. Just like Dell.

The important thing is that we're all here because we like Apple products - we want them to be the best they can be. I hope the new MBA, if and when there is one, is the best!

Damo

 

[MacModMachine]

You really lose credibility when you claim ridiculous things like "75% of there (sic) adapters never last a year" We get that you don't like Dell - that's fine, this is an Apple forum after all - but wildly inaccurate assertions like are just silly.

Every manufacturer has issues. Should I believe that Apple can't make a screen because some 27" iMacs are having issues currently? Or perhaps because some classic Penryn MBPs had screen yellowing? Or because some Rev B MBAs had lines? No - I believe that, like all manufacturers, Apple has issues from time to time. Just like Dell.

The important thing is that we're all here because we like Apple products - we want them to be the best they can be. I hope the new MBA, if and when there is one, is the best!

Damo

actually...its more like 78% , and i am basing this on RETURNED adapters, all the adapters i have returned.

so i guess we agree to disagree,

 

[duky]

"I've spent almost a week with it"

I think the main problem is the fact that you spent such a short amount of time with it. Of course I'm not trying to convince you that the MBA is the right computer for you -- it may not be, it isn't for everyone. Just like I've come to the realization that Macs are not necessarily the right computers for everyone out there. Nonetheless I can only share my experience. I went from a Blackbook to an iMac, then I bought a unibody MacBook as a secondary computer. After using the MacBook for a while, I sold it to upgrade to the MacBook Pro with better battery life etc; but instead, on a whim I decided to purchase the MBA and see what it was all about. My first few days with it were terrible mainly because the fans were on CONSTANTLY (never once had I heard the fans on my MacBook or iMac). It did not help either that the machine would then slow down and become unusable at times. Over time I realized that this was happening because I was attempting to use the MBA in the same positions as I used my MacBook (on my bed with the comforter, or in my lap with the vents covered) and this just won't work. As Scottsdale says, it soon became second nature for me to just position the laptop in ways that the vents wouldn't be covered and ever since I have rarely had the issues that bothered me (except for doing certain CPU intensive tasks --- mainly video chatting).

However some of your other issues are issues I've never had so perhaps jessica is right about you getting a dud. For example, the battery life issue I have never noticed. It is obviously not the purported 7-hr batt life of the new MBPs (nor is it advertised as such) but it is just as good as the unibody MacBook I had before it IMO.

Hinges have never been an issue for me, I know they seem to break more easily than the other laptops and my friend's hinge did break however I have never had a problem with mine and they don't feel flimsy to me.

Graphical issues I have never had.

I hate all laptop speakers hence I would never bother trying to use them or trying to rate them in any way. For example, the 27" iMac's speakers are much better than the MBPs but I still would never use those to listen to anything worthwhile. It's strictly headphones or external speakers for me.

"the screen is ok" - This is the best screen I've ever had so I'm not sure what this is about. Viewing angles are amazing and I like that it is not overly glassy like the MBPs or iMac (hence reflections don't bother me as much as they did with those two products). The one thing I dislike is that things seem a bit more washed out on my MBA than on my friend's MBP (the colors seem colder on the MBP which I like). But other than that, everyone always raves about how great the screen is on this thing so I'm not sure why you think it is just ok.

"it's light indeed [...] but I could say the same about the MBP" - I don't think you can even compare the weight of the MBA to the MBP so no, you couldn't say the same about the MBP.

I think it's fair that you had your own opinions about the product but the way in which you share them is "extremely deceptive". But some of the allegations you make are either false or limited to your one (possibly defective) experience. I think perhaps you could have come to the forum with 'food for thought' about how you had a negative experience (but again, limiting it to your experience and for your needs), or perhaps asking how someone could help with the issues you were having. But to come and say the product is badly engineered and deceptive and it is irrational that they sell any is a bit ridiculous. Had I read your comments prior to buying the MBA I may not have bought one, so I'm glad you weren't commenting on it back then!

I love the MBA and it is invaluable for my frequent trips but do look forward to potential future updates (hopefully to add more RAM!) and if they could have a different design with ports in a different position that would be great as long as it doesn't involve doing this: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UJm1lSJKEM4/StQmOmpr7HI/AAAAAAAAB_U/H-sSFLKzZcs/Dell+Adamo+XPS+Side.jpg (yuck).

 

[aussie.damo]

actually...its more like 78% , and i am basing this on RETURNED adapters, all the adapters i have returned.

so i guess we agree to disagree,

Sounds like a reliable metric. Because you (claim to) have returned 78% of the adapters you bought, that means so has the rest of the world.

Well, I've never returned even 1, out of many Dell's that I've either owned or used through work. So I guess 100% work perfectly.

Damo

 

[MacModMachine]

Sounds like a reliable metric. Because you (claim to) have returned 78% of the adapters you bought, that means so has the rest of the world.

Well, I've never returned even 1, out of many Dell's that I've either owned or used through work. So I guess 100% work perfectly.

Damo

i have not returned anything, i should have worded that better, my customers have returned/ brought for service.

i dont own a dell, i just service them.

 

[buddy1065]

Apple needs to drop even more weight with the Air if they have no interior DVD drive. The Upcoming Sony Z weighs about the same and has DVD drive and so much more power at about 1" thickness and 13" screen. I'm not talking price; just saying it can be done. All aluminum casing should be re-thought is all I'm saying. I am considering a Z since I have a 15" MBP. At about 3 lbs the Z will be my new mobile laptop and the MBP will be my desktop replacement if the next version Air does not have hinge, memory improvements. I can wait and see what the next Air version has, though I definitely would not buy the present version.

Preview Z video clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQa24pMdXmM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEOd8hbYf0E&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W755bqf7v6s&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3gY9d9Xcy8&feature=channel

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...0151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644702499

Note: links to specs from above link can lead to specs of old Z at this time.

 

[Scottsdale]

I think the main problem is the fact that you spent such a short amount of time with it. Of course I'm not trying to convince you that the MBA is the right computer for you -- it may not be, it isn't for everyone. Just like I've come to the realization that Macs are not necessarily the right computers for everyone out there. Nonetheless I can only share my experience. I went from a Blackbook to an iMac, then I bought a unibody MacBook as a secondary computer. After using the MacBook for a while, I sold it to upgrade to the MacBook Pro with better battery life etc; but instead, on a whim I decided to purchase the MBA and see what it was all about. My first few days with it were terrible mainly because the fans were on CONSTANTLY (never once had I heard the fans on my MacBook or iMac). It did not help either that the machine would then slow down and become unusable at times. Over time I realized that this was happening because I was attempting to use the MBA in the same positions as I used my MacBook (on my bed with the comforter, or in my lap with the vents covered) and this just won't work. As Scottsdale says, it soon became second nature for me to just position the laptop in ways that the vents wouldn't be covered and ever since I have rarely had the issues that bothered me (except for doing certain CPU intensive tasks --- mainly video chatting).

However some of your other issues are issues I've never had so perhaps jessica is right about you getting a dud. For example, the battery life issue I have never noticed. It is obviously not the purported 7-hr batt life of the new MBPs (nor is it advertised as such) but it is just as good as the unibody MacBook I had before it IMO.

Hinges have never been an issue for me, I know they seem to break more easily than the other laptops and my friend's hinge did break however I have never had a problem with mine and they don't feel flimsy to me.

Graphical issues I have never had.

I hate all laptop speakers hence I would never bother trying to use them or trying to rate them in any way. For example, the 27" iMac's speakers are much better than the MBPs but I still would never use those to listen to anything worthwhile. It's strictly headphones or external speakers for me.

"the screen is ok" - This is the best screen I've ever had so I'm not sure what this is about. Viewing angles are amazing and I like that it is not overly glassy like the MBPs or iMac (hence reflections don't bother me as much as they did with those two products). The one thing I dislike is that things seem a bit more washed out on my MBA than on my friend's MBP (the colors seem colder on the MBP which I like). But other than that, everyone always raves about how great the screen is on this thing so I'm not sure why you think it is just ok.

"it's light indeed [...] but I could say the same about the MBP" - I don't think you can even compare the weight of the MBA to the MBP so no, you couldn't say the same about the MBP.

I think it's fair that you had your own opinions about the product but the way in which you share them is "extremely deceptive". But some of the allegations you make are either false or limited to your one (possibly defective) experience. I think perhaps you could have come to the forum with 'food for thought' about how you had a negative experience (but again, limiting it to your experience and for your needs), or perhaps asking how someone could help with the issues you were having. But to come and say the product is badly engineered and deceptive and it is irrational that they sell any is a bit ridiculous. Had I read your comments prior to buying the MBA I may not have bought one, so I'm glad you weren't commenting on it back then!

I love the MBA and it is invaluable for my frequent trips but do look forward to potential future updates (hopefully to add more RAM!) and if they could have a different design with ports in a different position that would be great as long as it doesn't involve doing this: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UJm1lSJKEM4/StQmOmpr7HI/AAAAAAAAB_U/H-sSFLKzZcs/Dell+Adamo+XPS+Side.jpg (yuck).

Nice post...

Apple needs to drop even more weight with the Air if they have no interior DVD drive. The Upcoming Sony Z weighs about the same and has DVD drive and so much more power at about 1" thickness and 13" screen. I'm not talking price; just saying it can be done. All aluminum casing should be re-thought is all I'm saying. I am considering a Z since I have a 15" MBP. At about 3 lbs the Z will be my new mobile laptop and the MBP will be my desktop replacement if the next version Air does not have hinge, memory improvements. I can wait and see what the next Air version has, though I definitely would not buy the present version.

Preview Z video clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQa24pMdXmM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEOd8hbYf0E&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W755bqf7v6s&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3gY9d9Xcy8&feature=channel

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...0151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644702499

Note: links to specs from above link can lead to specs of old Z at this time.

I agree, the Sony Z is amazing as is the new X. I believe Sony really designs and produces excellent quality computers. The difference between Sony and Apple is that Sony not only focuses on design, it also uses new and upcoming technology components... while Apple focuses on design and using similar components across all devices. It seems Apple doesn't want to waste time writing drivers, or that it just likes buying in bulk? Windows 7 is really close to OS X now. I find reliability to be similar if not better on Windows 7.

Anyways, if Apple lets the MBA fall behind without relevant updates, I would consider a Sony X or Z series computer. Let's hope a new MBA will emerge with an Arrandale CPU, dedicated/hybrid graphics, and double/quadruple the RAM... add a glass trackpad and we're set.

 

[buddy1065]

By a lucky chance I happened to check a Notebook Review Sony thread which someone noticed the new Z signature Metal Mosaic model was available while all other models were still pre-ordered for March 17th.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=447505&page=223

I ordered my Metal Mosaic Signature series and apparently the supply ran out shortly afterward. So hopefully in 2 days mine will be home.

 

[entatlrg]

The new Sony Z is getting good reviews out there ... to each their own as they say ... we've had a few Z's in our office and I really disliked them, squatty screen, fan running loud and often, hot on the lap, just too much flash and not enough substance ...

Yes, they're spec'd out to the max, but day to day user experience is important too, and for that I prefer the Air or MBP by far ....

 

[thejadedmonkey]

take it back and buy a dell....come back in 6 months and tell me your experience.

I got a dell about 6 months ago, it works great - no hinge issues

What's your point?

 

[Max(IT)]

If you do possess rational abilities then surely you're capable of understanding that your machine may very well have been faulty.

At that outset note that I owned the second revision HDD model of the Air. I found it to be suitable for your standard pre-installed applications with the exception of iMovie, iDvd, Garage Band, and iWeb. Mostly because I own a desktop machine that is better suited for such applications and I did not feel it necessary to use the Air for such antics.

I note that Adobe Photoshop Elements worked very well as well as a few other applications in their "lite" revisions.

Your statement regarding the hinges is indeed close to factual. The hinges on my Air were tight and gave way to play over the course of a year. However, they did not give way enough to warrant a repair of a highly documented defect of the machine. (search this site for further information). Your statement regarding the battery is also relatively true and I echo your opinion that the battery life on an ultra-portable machine should last longer than 4-5 hours.

I note that your opinion of the maximum tilt angle is subjective to you and your use. It was good for me but YMMV. Your assessment of the screen is again subjective. The MBAir is one of the best screens I've had on an Apple notebook, even, crisp, and had good viewing angle. Then again, I did not sit on the couch with the machine over on a chair at 180º. That is just me. On the note of the screen you mention GPU. The GPU is the better GPU of the Air line but it is not intended to be this amazing workhorse. Again, YMMV because what you do or did is likely not what I do. For me, iTunes, web work, browsing, e-mail, chat, Photoshop elements, Netflix and Hulu streaming all worked for me.

You continue to note that the vents (fans) were loud, they were no more audible than most Apple notebooks I have used that managed to hit 6000 rpm. I would often hit that fan speed when I was watching a movie or viewing Netflix or Hulu streaming web content. This is simply the consequence of small space big job. Is it is a flaw? I did not see it as that. I see fans not coming on as a flaw.

I agree that the placement of the vents did not afford users to sit on the couch with the machine on their lap or in bed with a pillow, though I did use the machine roughly 90% of the time just like that. I commend you for saying the vents are badly placed but not offering suggestions on where they could be placed. At this point I would ask that you tell me where you think they'd go.

While you feel cheated and mislead I feel the Air is a decent machine needing a memory upgrade, seriously. I would often max the memory out but easily fixed by a reboot. I will say that even maxing the memory out I did not encounter these frustrating problems that you had.

In short, you have sold or returned the machine and bought what you wanted. That is great for you. I hope the MBP serves you better. Your opinions of the machine are opinions, likely shared by some but not all but I still wonder if your machine was not defective.

I absolutely agree with you, in every single point

take it back and buy a dell....come back in 6 months and tell me your experience.

I second that

you could be describing any one of a multitude of Apple products..

keep fighting your personal war against Apple all over the forum, dude ?
They are still selling thousands ...

 

[Max(IT)]

OMG now we have plenty of Dell' s defender here

we have over one hundred Dell' s computers in our department, notebooks and desktops, and I'm one of the IT admins: the simple fact of comparing a Dell with an Apple is, in MY EXPERIENCE, ridicolous.
And this without considering the operative system ...

 

[steve31]

I have owned both a rev A and a C MBA and while I loved them both, I was after a smaller more portable notebook. I sold my air and bought a 11 inch sony vaio tt with blueray. I still have a iMac and a MBP but I needed a smaller unit for travel. But the iPad would also fit my needs for a ultra notebook.

 

[Max(IT)]

I have owned both a rev A and a C MBA and while I loved them both, I was after a smaller more portable notebook. I sold my air and bought a 11 inch sony vaio tt with blueray. I still have a iMac and a MBP but I needed a smaller unit for travel. But the iPad would also fit my needs for a ultra notebook.

I don't mean to go off-topic, but at this time I'm not sure if an iPad could be a substitute for an ultra light notebook.
We'll see in the next future

 

[Scottsdale]

I don't mean to go off-topic, but at this time I'm not sure if an iPad could be a substitute for an ultra light notebook.
We'll see in the next future

Without the accepted standard of Flash, the iPad will be irrelevant for someone that wants the iPad to surf the Internet. So many sites use Flash, and people will be instantly frustrated as soon as they learn that they cannot look up so many things on the Internet because the iPad doesn't do Flash. I truly believe Apple has this one wrong.

I would add an iPad secondary to the MBA, but never as a replacement for the MBA. The iPad will be for fun where the MBA gets work done. I do a lot of writing, and I could never do that on an iPad. I need a keyboard to get my work done.

 

[Max(IT)]

Without the accepted standard of Flash, the iPad will be irrelevant for someone that wants the iPad to surf the Internet. So many sites use Flash, and people will be instantly frustrated as soon as they learn that they cannot look up so many things on the Internet because the iPad doesn't do Flash. I truly believe Apple has this one wrong.

I would add an iPad secondary to the MBA, but never as a replacement for the MBA. The iPad will be for fun where the MBA gets work done. I do a lot of writing, and I could never do that on an iPad. I need a keyboard to get my work done.

iPad it's not meant to be a substitute of the MBA on purpose ...

But I don't think Flash is the primary reason: I'm surfing the web on a daily basis for years using iPhone, iPod touch and my Macs with Click2Flash.
I don't really need Flash support.

 

[Durious]

iPad it's not meant to be a substitute of the MBA on purpose ...

But I don't think Flash is the primary reason: I'm surfing the web on a daily basis for years using iPhone, iPod touch and my Macs with Click2Flash.
I don't really need Flash support.

I'm leaning towards it being a replacement especially with 3G & a keyboard dock if needed. BUT I do have a machine at my desk that I do RDP through on my Air and there is a iPhone APP (Soon to be iPad app) that will let me do remote connections so I think I might be set!

iMac\iPad combo seems pretty good to me.

 

[Max(IT)]

I'm leaning towards it being a replacement especially with 3G & a keyboard dock if needed. BUT I do have a machine at my desk that I do RDP through on my Air and there is a iPhone APP (Soon to be iPad app) that will let me do remote connections so I think I might be set!

iMac\iPad combo seems pretty good to me.

I'm probably going to get one, but I don't know if it could be a substitute for a notebook/netbook or a totally different thing.

 

[rcaqua]

MBA 2.14 with SSD is most satisfying!

Thoroughly disagree with the OP. Just bought a refurbished 2.14 with 28 SSD, and it is doing exactly what it says on the tin, and more!

For those who are waiting for the next generation, the fact that such a development is nigh is bringing dosn the prices fo the current generation: got my MBA as described above for US$ 1250, shipping included...

Rene

 

[duky]

Just bought a refurbished 2.14 with 28 SSD, and it is doing exactly what it says on the tin, and more! [...] For those who are waiting for the next generation, the fact that such a development is nigh is bringing dosn the prices fo the current generation: got my MBA as described above for US$ 1250, shipping included...

2.14? 28 SSD? $1250? Did you write this message in a rush or something? What kind of MBA is this and where did you get it from. I'm assuming you mean the 2.13, 128GB SSD but Apple doesn't sell that one for 1250-where did you get this from?