Different companies fudge their battery numbers differently. Recently Apple has been giving you more realistic numbers/actually using a network with the backlight on than other companies (in my experience).
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More MacBook Air Details and Notes
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Okay, also its been like 4 years since the PB 12inch.
In that period we have saved 1.6 lbs with a bit larger of a screen, but no optical drive, no removable battery, many fewer ports.
Wouldn't a PB 12inch with the only change being an LED screen go down to like 4lbs? It would also be say 0.8 or 0.9 inches thick.
So all that engineering and 4 years of advances saved us 1lb and a touch of thickness at the price of more width and length (again if you exclude the LED).
In that period we have saved 1.6 lbs with a bit larger of a screen, but no optical drive, no removable battery, many fewer ports.
Wouldn't a PB 12inch with the only change being an LED screen go down to like 4lbs? It would also be say 0.8 or 0.9 inches thick.
So all that engineering and 4 years of advances saved us 1lb and a touch of thickness at the price of more width and length (again if you exclude the LED).
Love the Macbook Air!
The Macbook Air is perfect for me. My job requires me to travel almost every week to various locations worldwide. Currently, I have a black Macbook but it's too heavy to carry around the airports along with all the luggage, etc. I don't usually use the DVD drive on the Macbook either, nor do I use more than 1 USB port at a time. If I really need a DVD, I'll just use the provided software to "borrow" a drive from some other computer, which for me will be rare anyways.
As for the battery, I usually get to the airport about 45 minutes before the flight, get through security and board my flight. During taxi, takeoff and landing, you cannot use laptops anyways so on a typical domestic flight, this ends up being 2-3 hours of time that I could use my laptop... which is what my Macbook gives me anyways. If the flight is delayed, then you can easily find plenty of receptacles to charge your laptop - at most airports anyways. I don't think I've removed the battery on my Macbook for the last year and a half.
Things like RAM being soldered, 2GB RAM is more than enough for the market the Macbook Air is geared to - this is not aimed at the pro users/developers. We won't need anymore for at least another 3-4 years, and by that time it's time to replace this machine anyways.
No ethernet is probably the only thing that I don't like. There are quite a few businesses and hotels that don't have Wifi service. I know Apple provides a USB to Ethernet dongle... sure it's slower for intranet use, but usually I only need to VPN to my office, connect to corporate email and the intranet. If you are thinking that you are going to download 5GB files everyday via ethernet, you should consider a Macbook Pro instead. However, this is not a deal-breaker for me.
Things like movie editing, etc. are all done on my iMac at home - thus I neither need a firewire port, nor a super fast 2.8GHz Core-2-Extreme processor on this thing either. The Macbook Air is a bit pricey, but it's so practical for me simply because of its lightweight.
I don't think the Macbook Air is made for the hardcore movie editors, developers, etc. For that, a Macbook Pro, Mac Pro or even an iMac is the machine to have. Even the Macbook doesn't have a dedicated graphics card to run software like FCP as smoothly as people would like to.
The Macbook Air is not aimed for pro users. People who are bashing the Macbook Air should consider that the Macbook Pro is still sold by Apple. The Macbook Air just adds more choice, a choice that I've been waiting for Apple to release for years.
That's my 2 cents... Thoughts?
The Macbook Air is perfect for me. My job requires me to travel almost every week to various locations worldwide. Currently, I have a black Macbook but it's too heavy to carry around the airports along with all the luggage, etc. I don't usually use the DVD drive on the Macbook either, nor do I use more than 1 USB port at a time. If I really need a DVD, I'll just use the provided software to "borrow" a drive from some other computer, which for me will be rare anyways.
As for the battery, I usually get to the airport about 45 minutes before the flight, get through security and board my flight. During taxi, takeoff and landing, you cannot use laptops anyways so on a typical domestic flight, this ends up being 2-3 hours of time that I could use my laptop... which is what my Macbook gives me anyways. If the flight is delayed, then you can easily find plenty of receptacles to charge your laptop - at most airports anyways. I don't think I've removed the battery on my Macbook for the last year and a half.
Things like RAM being soldered, 2GB RAM is more than enough for the market the Macbook Air is geared to - this is not aimed at the pro users/developers. We won't need anymore for at least another 3-4 years, and by that time it's time to replace this machine anyways.
No ethernet is probably the only thing that I don't like. There are quite a few businesses and hotels that don't have Wifi service. I know Apple provides a USB to Ethernet dongle... sure it's slower for intranet use, but usually I only need to VPN to my office, connect to corporate email and the intranet. If you are thinking that you are going to download 5GB files everyday via ethernet, you should consider a Macbook Pro instead. However, this is not a deal-breaker for me.
Things like movie editing, etc. are all done on my iMac at home - thus I neither need a firewire port, nor a super fast 2.8GHz Core-2-Extreme processor on this thing either. The Macbook Air is a bit pricey, but it's so practical for me simply because of its lightweight.
I don't think the Macbook Air is made for the hardcore movie editors, developers, etc. For that, a Macbook Pro, Mac Pro or even an iMac is the machine to have. Even the Macbook doesn't have a dedicated graphics card to run software like FCP as smoothly as people would like to.
The Macbook Air is not aimed for pro users. People who are bashing the Macbook Air should consider that the Macbook Pro is still sold by Apple. The Macbook Air just adds more choice, a choice that I've been waiting for Apple to release for years.
That's my 2 cents... Thoughts?
Given that the Macbook Air is out, maybe Apple's plans are to scale the Macbook down to a 12" size, keeping mostly everything else intact - Ethernet, DVD drive, etc. Maybe the whole Macbook line will be dropped and they'll call the 12" version Macbook Lite, thus having Macbook Lite, Macbook Air, Macbook Pro.
Guess we'll find out at some point in the future.
question on figures
I have never had file transfer times of 7 hours for 80 GB. And I have copied quite a bit of data on USB 2.0. How did you arrive at that figure?
I think the SSD drive is $999 not $1400. Which seems inline with competitors. Can't say for sure though.
Thanks.
I have never had file transfer times of 7 hours for 80 GB. And I have copied quite a bit of data on USB 2.0. How did you arrive at that figure?
I think the SSD drive is $999 not $1400. Which seems inline with competitors. Can't say for sure though.
Thanks.
My first reaction to the MacBook Air was that it was damn cool . . . but it wasn't for me.
I was looking for the perfect 12" G4 PBOOK killer. MBAir ain't that.
Actually, when it comes down to it, every laptop is a compromise of some sort. I guess I fall into the smallest niche of Apple's market:
I use my portable as a portable when I am traveling, and I use it as a workhorse when I'm at home.
Am I the only one who does this? Maybe I am. I don't give a **** if I can edit video or play sweet games or run the hottest warez when I am out. I just need a network appliance. I need to be able to get from one stupid meeting to another with my meeting stuff.
When I am at home and I want to do stuff, I really want a desktop, not a laptop.
So here's the deal. I'm not some cheap-ass student anymore. I have a job, and it's pretty spiffy. So why compromise?
I just ordered a maxed-out Mac Pro with dual displays, and a maxed out SSD MacBook Air.
No compromises. The best of portable when I want it; best at the desk when I need it.
I was looking for the perfect 12" G4 PBOOK killer. MBAir ain't that.
Actually, when it comes down to it, every laptop is a compromise of some sort. I guess I fall into the smallest niche of Apple's market:
I use my portable as a portable when I am traveling, and I use it as a workhorse when I'm at home.
Am I the only one who does this? Maybe I am. I don't give a **** if I can edit video or play sweet games or run the hottest warez when I am out. I just need a network appliance. I need to be able to get from one stupid meeting to another with my meeting stuff.
When I am at home and I want to do stuff, I really want a desktop, not a laptop.
So here's the deal. I'm not some cheap-ass student anymore. I have a job, and it's pretty spiffy. So why compromise?
I just ordered a maxed-out Mac Pro with dual displays, and a maxed out SSD MacBook Air.
No compromises. The best of portable when I want it; best at the desk when I need it.
You know the sad thing is I think they are completely right to keep 13inches, full sized keyboard and drop the optical drive and will charge it to work and so am indifferent to price.
It's just that a conventional brick design could have been an inch narrower. Look at the wasted space to the left/right of keyboard. More like 8.5x11.5x0.78 and still 3.0lbs. Personally, I still think this could have been delivered closer to 2.5lbs. (Look at Toshiba and Panasonic for what you can do sub 3lbs and they deliver lots of ports, optical drives and removable batteries. I don't mind lacking those, but expected further weight savings for them.)
Ignorance Is An Unbounded Quantity
You're an idiot. USB 2.0 is the fastest way to get data into your Air. Even the guy who didn't understand the "death by dongle" of the Air, knew A LOT more than you do. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. There is no current Wi-Fi scheme which can beat USB 2.0, and USB 2.0 was NEVER meant or designed for mass data transfer. It was meant for medium-to-low amounts of bits/sec.
And to respond to your second idiot post, 802.11n has a maximum data transfer rate of 120 Mb/sec. It's FOUR TIMES SLOWER than USB 2.0.
Finally, it does me no good to buy an 802.11n router, then put it in my bag with my Air and ask permission to replace one of the literal MILLIONS of 802.11g routers wherever I happen to need an internet connection.
I am starting to feel sorrow for you. As Wolfgang Pauli famously said, "You're not even wrong."
You're an idiot. USB 2.0 is the fastest way to get data into your Air. Even the guy who didn't understand the "death by dongle" of the Air, knew A LOT more than you do. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. There is no current Wi-Fi scheme which can beat USB 2.0, and USB 2.0 was NEVER meant or designed for mass data transfer. It was meant for medium-to-low amounts of bits/sec.
And to respond to your second idiot post, 802.11n has a maximum data transfer rate of 120 Mb/sec. It's FOUR TIMES SLOWER than USB 2.0.
Finally, it does me no good to buy an 802.11n router, then put it in my bag with my Air and ask permission to replace one of the literal MILLIONS of 802.11g routers wherever I happen to need an internet connection.
I am starting to feel sorrow for you. As Wolfgang Pauli famously said, "You're not even wrong."
I'm ticked with Apple for the MBA (could have been smaller and lighter). But the SSD price is not out of line. Remember it is $899 with educational pricing.
Note that over time as the price falls, Apple's margin will go up. Since they adjust prices only once or twice a year, the SSD option will prove profitable later on. (Even the 2 week wait time to buy saves them a small touch on component prices.)
480 Mbps = 60 MBps
80GB / 60MBps = 1333 s = 37 minutes
That's the maximum possible transfer rate, which no one ever gets. If you're getting close to it, then I applaud you. My estimate might be off by a factor of 2 or even 4, but it's still horrifically slow compared to any internal storage device in the last ten years.
I checked at the Apple Store and there it was, $1000. My apologies.
I'm actually very excited about the idea of SSD in general, but it has to be a little more price-competitive before the advantages push me over the purchasing line.
Focus This
Did I forget to put "Focus Group Results" on my post?! I am SO SORRY. I thought I was posting as myself and not representing anyone else. My mistake. I thought we were supposed to post our honest opinions here, I didn't realize we were only allowed to publish market research and design philosophies.
Despite the best efforts of mice and men, products flop. How do you explain Windows Vista under this justifcation of "teams of designers and market researchers"? Sometimes things are just a bad idea, and sometimes they make it to market anyway. Apple has an incredible record of avoiding dismal failures in the last ten years, but nothing lasts forever.
Enter the MacBook Airball...
Did I forget to put "Focus Group Results" on my post?! I am SO SORRY. I thought I was posting as myself and not representing anyone else. My mistake. I thought we were supposed to post our honest opinions here, I didn't realize we were only allowed to publish market research and design philosophies.
Despite the best efforts of mice and men, products flop. How do you explain Windows Vista under this justifcation of "teams of designers and market researchers"? Sometimes things are just a bad idea, and sometimes they make it to market anyway. Apple has an incredible record of avoiding dismal failures in the last ten years, but nothing lasts forever.
Enter the MacBook Airball...
Personally, I like the 13-inch size as well. I guess the added weight comes from the aluminum casing, which is probably stronger than plastic, but a bit heavier. However, there are 3 things working for this new Mac compared to the Panasonic and Toshiba... OS X, faster processor (C2D up to 1.8Ghz), and it's just so darn sexy!
Theory and Practice
If you get the theoretical maximum of the USB 2.0 protocol, you'll be fine. But you won't get that. If you have a decent-speed CD drive then it will be waiting for USB. Theoretical maximum speed to fill up your 80 GB hard drive is 37 minutes. Cut that in 1/2 or 1/3 and you'll be very frustrated trying to get data into your Air.
I would love to be wrong, as soon as someone gets an Air in their hands, I'll be happy to hear how well it works with Apple's not-very-fast 24x CD reader which you can get for $200 (!) at their store. My guess (ONLY A GUESS) is that they chose a 24x optical drive because that's the most Mbps they could push through their USB 2.0 port.
If you get the theoretical maximum of the USB 2.0 protocol, you'll be fine. But you won't get that. If you have a decent-speed CD drive then it will be waiting for USB. Theoretical maximum speed to fill up your 80 GB hard drive is 37 minutes. Cut that in 1/2 or 1/3 and you'll be very frustrated trying to get data into your Air.
I would love to be wrong, as soon as someone gets an Air in their hands, I'll be happy to hear how well it works with Apple's not-very-fast 24x CD reader which you can get for $200 (!) at their store. My guess (ONLY A GUESS) is that they chose a 24x optical drive because that's the most Mbps they could push through their USB 2.0 port.
I understand that I'll never get the maximum from the 2.0 specification, however the optical drive shipping with the other Apple laptops reads CDs at 24x, which is basically about 3.5MB/sec. That's about 6% of the maximum for USB. I'm pretty sure USB can handle that.
Point is, it might suck for many that there's no optical drive in the MBA, but the speed of USB isn't the problem. Same holds true for ethernet through USB. Unless you were planning on transferring a ton of data between two gigabit ethernet equipped computers, you're not going to saturate the USB either.
Keys to the Kingdom
Keep thinking, Mr. Ha-Ha-Ha-I-Was-Just-Kidding. I will give you something you totally don't deserve, something you are completely unworthy of, and if you have the "intellectual capability" to use it properly, it will change your life. It changed mine. Five words: Options on Heating Oil Futures.
That's all you get, I'm laughing so hard at your "joke" I can't give you more details. And if you somehow manage to NOT get stinking, filthy rich with those five words, I'll be laughing even harder.
Keep thinking, Mr. Ha-Ha-Ha-I-Was-Just-Kidding. I will give you something you totally don't deserve, something you are completely unworthy of, and if you have the "intellectual capability" to use it properly, it will change your life. It changed mine. Five words: Options on Heating Oil Futures.
That's all you get, I'm laughing so hard at your "joke" I can't give you more details. And if you somehow manage to NOT get stinking, filthy rich with those five words, I'll be laughing even harder.
Apple is so damn smart!
Majority of OLD mac fans complained about this mac book air!
WoW, this is a good thing, you guys will just continue to buy macbook or macbook pro instead of macbook air. The sales of both mb and mbp wont drop by the introducing of mba! Smart marketing plan!
But, Apple MBA targeted on other groups of user like businessmen/executive who don't do much multimedia editing which need a reliable stable machine (MAC OS) and those who want a portable Mac operating machine. Moreover, compare to SONY and Fujitsu ultraportable, i have confident that MBA perform better.
So, just ignore mba if u r not that group of user. U can still buy macbook or macbook pro! Accepting the truth that MBA are not ur cup of tea! Jz like some1 prefer sexy slim lady although they might not smart n nice enough jz like mba, some1 prefer super nice n smart lady like mbp (although not slim enough), some1 jz prefer a normal well balance lady like macbook! Ok, I know you guys are hoping to get a smart, nice and sexy slim lady, but believe me it will cost a boom even apple have the technology to built it, so do u think that most of us can afford it?Maybe some super rich people can get it!
In between. I'm a MAC user for 1++ year. I owned a 20 inch C2D iMac. I need a laptop urgently and I know MBA is my cup of tea as I need the portability. I'm planning to buy a sony or fujitsu before this, but right now I know MBA is my sole choice!
Majority of OLD mac fans complained about this mac book air!
WoW, this is a good thing, you guys will just continue to buy macbook or macbook pro instead of macbook air. The sales of both mb and mbp wont drop by the introducing of mba! Smart marketing plan!
But, Apple MBA targeted on other groups of user like businessmen/executive who don't do much multimedia editing which need a reliable stable machine (MAC OS) and those who want a portable Mac operating machine. Moreover, compare to SONY and Fujitsu ultraportable, i have confident that MBA perform better.
So, just ignore mba if u r not that group of user. U can still buy macbook or macbook pro! Accepting the truth that MBA are not ur cup of tea! Jz like some1 prefer sexy slim lady although they might not smart n nice enough jz like mba, some1 prefer super nice n smart lady like mbp (although not slim enough), some1 jz prefer a normal well balance lady like macbook! Ok, I know you guys are hoping to get a smart, nice and sexy slim lady, but believe me it will cost a boom even apple have the technology to built it, so do u think that most of us can afford it?Maybe some super rich people can get it!
In between. I'm a MAC user for 1++ year. I owned a 20 inch C2D iMac. I need a laptop urgently and I know MBA is my cup of tea as I need the portability. I'm planning to buy a sony or fujitsu before this, but right now I know MBA is my sole choice!
I need to remind you that, ultraportable laptop (except EEEPC) is always more expensive than conventional laptop. So there is no basic of comparison between other line of product with the macbook air. SONY, Fujitsu normal line laptop is still cheaper than their ultraportable.
So use a USB - Ethernet adapter if you're so fond of USB.
I find that WiFi works fine for my day to day needs. This system is designed for everyday use - not for someone's hypothetical needs of what might be required.
What I find interesting is that if Apple takes some of the design features of the MBA and uses them on a conventional, small and square 12" MacBook, they could probably make one heck of a portable that still has all the ports everyone is bitching about not having (with or without an optical drive).
I was wondering how long it would take the 1.8" hard drive to make it into an Apple laptop. While I think the future is solid state, flash still costs way more than a typical HDD platter. Now they just need to get the speed of those little HDs up to 7200 or more.
If the MBA fails, expect a new MB (in 2010).
I was wondering how long it would take the 1.8" hard drive to make it into an Apple laptop. While I think the future is solid state, flash still costs way more than a typical HDD platter. Now they just need to get the speed of those little HDs up to 7200 or more.
If the MBA fails, expect a new MB (in 2010).
The only major problem the Cube suffered from was its ridiculous pricetag. The iMac and Mac Mini (both less expandable than the Cube) clearly demonstrate lack of "expandability" won't kill a product (especially a Mac).
With that said, however, I think there's definitely a parallel. The Cube was clearly targeted at people who were prepared to pay for something that's primary design goal was to look cool. Given the MBA's relatively insignificant advantages - and substantial price premium - over the regular MB, it's hard not to see it as being aimed squarely at the same demographic.
There's a lot more people around with money (or pretend money) to spend on "toys" these days, however, so they might get better mileage than they did with the Cube.
Personally, i cannot understand why americans are complaining about the price... its so damn cheap in USA its ridiculous, i would happily pay $3000 for the 1.8Ghz and SSD, its cheaper for me to fly to US and buy one, rather buying one in UK, $4000 its a joke, £500+ for the same machine... thats where the argument should be... over pricing in Europe!!!
But i this is not suitable to be your only PC, it's presented as a business traveling notebook and most companies would compensate for the cost of purchase, and would you really need a powerful processor? you are hardly going to be using CS3, or running games.
Just word processing, a couple of spreadsheets, maybe some powerpoint slides or browsing the internet and sending emails.
It for a small minority of users, but i think will be well received by business users.
But i this is not suitable to be your only PC, it's presented as a business traveling notebook and most companies would compensate for the cost of purchase, and would you really need a powerful processor? you are hardly going to be using CS3, or running games.
Just word processing, a couple of spreadsheets, maybe some powerpoint slides or browsing the internet and sending emails.
It for a small minority of users, but i think will be well received by business users.
Personally, i cannot understand why americans are complaining about the price... its so damn cheap in USA its ridiculous, i would happily pay $3000 for the 1.8Ghz and SSD, its cheaper for me to fly to US and buy one, rather buying one in UK, $4000 its a joke, £500+ for the same machine... thats where the argument should be... over pricing in Europe!!!
Because $3000 in the US is in our native currency. Your euro buys a lot more than a dollar does. By the way we're heading into a recession here and I believe it's risky timing for Apple to be relying on fashion items for their lineup.
What I'm reading in financial papers these days says the consumer is strapped for cash and cutting back. Maybe Apple is happy to become a company making playthings for rich people.
Comparing the MBA to the MBP is like comparing the Mac Mini to the Mac Pro. It's just silly. The MB is the real (and better, IMHO - especially if you install your own SSD) alternative.
The TZ also has 2/3 the footprint. Certainly, it's thicker, but I'm pretty sure people whose primary interest is portability are happy to sacrifice that for width and length reductions. They certainly do in my experience.
All this MacBook Air stuff...
I really need some advice! Would someone please help me out?
I sold my White MacBook a couple of months before the Keynote, due to the rumors of a new MacBook! Waheyy!
Anyway, I'm not bothered about the lack of an optical drive - I am slightly worried about 1 USB port and a small hard drive. Not to mention no AUDIO INPUT!
I'm a music producer/DJ and need enough power to run Propellerhead Reason, Cubase, Logic and Serato Scratch. If this little thing has the power to do this then I WILL buy one - as lugging the fairly weighty MacBook to clubs and bars, along with a bag of vinyl is annoying.
I want to put ALL my music on an external drive anyway - including ripping all my old Vinyl - therefore all I'd have to take is the MBA, Serato and a pair of cans! That would be soooo cool, especially with such a lightweight notebook.
Soooo, will the 1.8Ghz version run Reason, Cubase & Logic well? These are the most resource intensive apps I use!
Oh, and I'm going to New York with my school on the 13th February. We are visiting the Cube Apple Store lol. Would I be able to buy one over there and take it back with me?
Are there any differences to worry about?
Thanks, Joe.
I really need some advice! Would someone please help me out?
I sold my White MacBook a couple of months before the Keynote, due to the rumors of a new MacBook! Waheyy!
Anyway, I'm not bothered about the lack of an optical drive - I am slightly worried about 1 USB port and a small hard drive. Not to mention no AUDIO INPUT!
I'm a music producer/DJ and need enough power to run Propellerhead Reason, Cubase, Logic and Serato Scratch. If this little thing has the power to do this then I WILL buy one - as lugging the fairly weighty MacBook to clubs and bars, along with a bag of vinyl is annoying.
I want to put ALL my music on an external drive anyway - including ripping all my old Vinyl - therefore all I'd have to take is the MBA, Serato and a pair of cans! That would be soooo cool, especially with such a lightweight notebook.
Soooo, will the 1.8Ghz version run Reason, Cubase & Logic well? These are the most resource intensive apps I use!
Oh, and I'm going to New York with my school on the 13th February. We are visiting the Cube Apple Store lol. Would I be able to buy one over there and take it back with me?
Are there any differences to worry about?
Thanks, Joe.