MBA at MWSF 2009

[joegomolski]

Let's roll the clock forward to January 6, 2009. We're all eagerly awaiting the Keynote. Expectation is high, and rumors have been flying, we're anticipating a new MBA.

What will the new MBA look like?

 

[juro]

Hopefully the same — without the black bezel around the screen like the new Mac Books.

 

[Chundles]

WAAAAY too early for a totally redesigned MacBook Air. The laptops won't be touched until a few months into next year at least.

Apple have cleared the decks for MWSF to be a release for some totally new consumer electronics - like the networked HDTV's with apple tv built in - maybe not those specifically but certainly something completely new.

Throw in the usual market updates, new iLife and iWork (possibly) and maybe some stuff on the iPhone and that will do it.

I anticipate seeing refreshed iMacs and new Mac Pros before the show kicks off.

There isn't any need for Mac Pros to be a highlight of the show - it's all about consumer products, a simple speed bump to the iMacs won't see a mention in the Keynote, not big enough - Steve's got something brand spanking new up his sleeve to make us all drool and it's definitely not a redesigned MacBook Air 3 months after they significantly redesigned the innards of the thing anyway.

It'll probably be in March or April when the 17" MacBook Pro gets it's new shell and the line is once again coherent (minus the sore-thumb white MacBook of course which will surely become dubbed the MacBook classic as Steve said they will be selling them for a long time yet) and we'll have a really solid line spanning all mobile needs.

Look to MWSF for the really, truly new products.

 

[Brien]

I think it would make the MBA thicker if they added glass to the display, so I don't think they will. That said, it would be nice if I saw the MBA replace the white MacBook at the $999 pricepoint. I have no idea what makes it worth twice that, it's not like ULV Penryns cost THAT much.

 

[glitch44]

There will be absolutely no changes to the Macbook Air at Macworld 2009.

 

[andreab35]

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I wouldn't see why they'd update at MWSF when they just updated the Air.
I'd be pretty annoyed if by chance they did, because I have been waiting forever for an update. Since there has been an update, December/January is my purchase time.

 

[iMacmatician]

MacBook Air? It just got an update. I don't see a MWSF update or redesign. I'd say the current model will go until after the SFF Core 2's get a speed bump (1.73/2.0 GHz?), maybe Q2-mid 2009?

 

[waywardsage]

I agree, with an ULV Penryn in the Air, it pretty much negates the high price of the Air. The air should cost $999 or below. If they did, Apple would see them like hot cakes. I'd buy one at that price. $2500 for a gimped laptop is far to expensive.

 

[rishi13]

I can definitely see Apple introducing a 4GB option in the next revision of the Macbook Air. Hopefully, this will be at MWSF. It seems kind of ridiculous that the MBA is the only Mac that does not have a 4GB option. I understand that this is due to the lack of upgradeable ram slots, and the fact that the MBA has soldered on chips. But now that technology has advanced and there are 4GB RAM sticks floating around, it is definitely possible to put that much RAM onboard. I would be surprised if Apple did not introduce a 4GB option soon.

 

[glitch44]

I can definitely see Apple introducing a 4GB option in the next revision of the Macbook Air. Hopefully, this will be at MWSF. It seems kind of ridiculous that the MBA is the only Mac that does not have a 4GB option. I understand that this is due to the lack of upgradeable ram slots, and the fact that the MBA has soldered on chips. But now that technology has advanced and there are 4GB RAM sticks floating around, it is definitely possible to put that much RAM onboard. I would be surprised if Apple did not introduce a 4GB option soon.

There won't be an update to the Air at MWSF.

 

[rishi13]

There won't be an update to the Air at MWSF.

There will be absolutely no changes to the Macbook Air at Macworld 2009.

We heard you the first time bud.

 

[glitch44]

We heard you the first time bud.

I'm just trying to help you out. I think it's a mistake to get your hopes and to post comments which do the same for others that aren't informed, especially as the hyper-optimized Snow Leopard will further reduce the need for 4GB.

Thanks for your extreme interest in my posts, though!

 

[gooddeal]

Another upgrade in Jan. might be a bit too soon but I wouldn't be surprise. Apple seems to keep upgrading their macbooks twice a year.

 

[kristofor]

Another upgrade in Jan. might be a bit too soon but I wouldn't be surprise. Apple seems to keep upgrading their macbooks twice a year.

It wouldn't surprise me if Apple did a bump of the processor speed in January. Maybe making the top Air match the processor speed of the macbook range, have a 1.8 and 2.0 ghz option.

Considering they revamped a lot of the rest of it last week, I think maybe they might throw in faster processors... allow 4GB ram, and possibly a glass trackpad.

These updates would be only minor, and would update the line to be more competitive without including a huge product redesign.

I don't see the overall design changing significantly till at least Q3 of 2009. If not Q1 of 2010.

Cheers,
Kris

 

[mathcolo]

Hopefully the same — without the black bezel around the screen like the new Mac Books.

If they put the black bezel on the Airs, then it will further corrupt the Apple notebook line with cruddy specs and horrible design.

 

[joegomolski]

It wouldn't surprise me if Apple did a bump of the processor speed in January. Maybe making the top Air match the processor speed of the macbook range, have a 1.8 and 2.0 ghz option.

Considering they revamped a lot of the rest of it last week, I think maybe they might throw in faster processors... allow 4GB ram, and possibly a glass trackpad.

Cheers,
Kris

Hi Kris,

I think you nailed it pretty good.

I'm been toying with replacing my 1st gen MBA, but MWSF 2009 would be a good place for the processor speed, 4GB of ram, and a glass trackpad upgrades.

So, I think I'll try and restraint myself till January.

 

[erlen]

Just not worth it

For the price, I think the Air is way too slow. If the specs were as good as on the MacBook, I can see the Air higher priced because of its size. But how can they defend USD 1800 for a machine that (except the L2 cache) has worse specs -- significantly lesser processor speed, less hdd space and fewer connection options, no CD/DVD drive -- when the better MB costs USD 1300. Especially considering the MB now has a better trackpad, the new glass screen with black edges etc.

Now, if the specs were about the same, the size matter would make up for the USD 500 price difference. But now, it's just not worth it.

I don't see the screen changing, but I'm HOPING for a processor upgrade -- and perhaps a new trackpad (doesn't seem like too much hazzle to replace) -- in january. Would make the choice a lot easier.

That said, I was very surprised when they didn't upgrade the processor speed this time. Why? Can't they fit it in? Does it get too warm? I don't get it... I really can't see why people would buy the high priced Air when the MB is SUCH a better deal for the money...

Enlighten me, folks.

 

[Daveway]

For the price, I think the Air is way too slow. If the specs were as good as on the MacBook, I can see the Air higher priced because of its size. But how can they defend USD 1800 for a machine that (except the L2 cache) has worse specs -- significantly lesser processor speed, less hdd space and fewer connection options, no CD/DVD drive -- when the better MB costs USD 1300. Especially considering the MB now has a better trackpad, the new glass screen with black edges etc.

Now, if the specs were about the same, the size matter would make up for the USD 500 price difference. But now, it's just not worth it.

I don't see the screen changing, but I'm HOPING for a processor upgrade -- and perhaps a new trackpad (doesn't seem like too much hazzle to replace) -- in january. Would make the choice a lot easier.

That said, I was very surprised when they didn't upgrade the processor speed this time. Why? Can't they fit it in? Does it get too warm? I don't get it... I really can't see why people would buy the high priced Air when the MB is SUCH a better deal for the money...

Enlighten me, folks.

Didn't you just post that exact reply in another forum? Stop trying to rationalize your purchase.

 

[glitch44]

Hi Kris,

I think you nailed it pretty good.

I'm been toying with replacing my 1st gen MBA, but MWSF 2009 would be a good place for the processor speed, 4GB of ram, and a glass trackpad upgrades.

So, I think I'll try and restraint myself till January.

Unfortunately new chips in the performance low voltage line don't exist yet, or at least Intel doesn't have them on their Intel roadmap: