To the OP: Personally I think that the 11" mba should've been the only new mba released. The 11" could easily ran at 13" processor speed.
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New Macbook Air 13 Owner: Surprisingly Disappointed
- Thread starter urkel
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And what an upgrade. Still C2D, no Ethernet, entry level memory is down to 2 GB and the device doesn't even have backlit keyboard.
I understand what you are saying but since the specs are so close between the macbook and macbook pro 13. Would it not be a stretch that the macbook air 13 might be the macbook pro 13 replacement. I understand what the macbook air 13 does not, but what it does well exceeds the macbook pro 13. They may just upgrade the 15 and 17 macbook pro's only. This is just a thought. I can see many people going for the 13 macbook air that are shopping for either the 15 macbook pro or 13 macbook pro.
Yes, it's lighter and more portable. Yes, it's more "snappy". In which other ways does it qualify to be in the same lineup as the MBP 15" and 17"? None, except better screen resolution than in the 2010 MBP 13". Some voices even claim that the lack of discrete graphics in the current MBP 13" makes it uncomparable to the 15" and 17", thus excluding it from the Pro line - a statement to which I disagree. Anyway, putting the recent MBA 13" in the same lineup as the MBPs is ridiculous.
MB and MBA start with 2 GB of RAM and have no backlit keyboard. MBP starts with 4 GB of RAM and has backlit keyboard.
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Wait, what, you saying Air can be Pro replacement? And specs are close between? If I understood right, I will disagree..
Even if 13" mbp has only 2.4GHz C2D in it, its still considerably faster than lower voltage 1.86GHz C2D.
Back in the days we were told at Apple sales that Pro line is directly marketed to people who need more production level computers, meanwhile Air was for people who move around a lot with power compromised.
Pro supposed to mean that you can run heavier software like Aperture, CS* and such fast, can Air do that? My 13" Air has constantly problems with Aperture, and pixelmator? oh god...
Air made me buy SSD to MBP tho, load times improved so much with Air that I didn't think much longer if I should get SSD or not to my MBP.
When Apple updated its Pro line as it is now, I was also bit confused from 13" specs compared to other Pro macs, but I understood it when I heard that it was not possible at that time put more powerful MB/CPU in it.
I expect that Pro line will stay as it is for year or two more, and in the next Pro refresh they will upgrade 13" inch to same level with others, including new higher resolution panel. And after that they will be made thinner, as soon as technology just makes its possible. And that might be when Haswell -> Rockwell transition is coming with Intel.
Argh, 3am, I should sleep.
EDIT: Lots of intresting stuff coming this year with Sandy Bridge: Click here for wikipedia article. But nothing what will make huge difference to current lineup.
Even if 13" mbp has only 2.4GHz C2D in it, its still considerably faster than lower voltage 1.86GHz C2D.
Back in the days we were told at Apple sales that Pro line is directly marketed to people who need more production level computers, meanwhile Air was for people who move around a lot with power compromised.
Pro supposed to mean that you can run heavier software like Aperture, CS* and such fast, can Air do that? My 13" Air has constantly problems with Aperture, and pixelmator? oh god...
Air made me buy SSD to MBP tho, load times improved so much with Air that I didn't think much longer if I should get SSD or not to my MBP.
When Apple updated its Pro line as it is now, I was also bit confused from 13" specs compared to other Pro macs, but I understood it when I heard that it was not possible at that time put more powerful MB/CPU in it.
I expect that Pro line will stay as it is for year or two more, and in the next Pro refresh they will upgrade 13" inch to same level with others, including new higher resolution panel. And after that they will be made thinner, as soon as technology just makes its possible. And that might be when Haswell -> Rockwell transition is coming with Intel.
Argh, 3am, I should sleep.
EDIT: Lots of intresting stuff coming this year with Sandy Bridge: Click here for wikipedia article. But nothing what will make huge difference to current lineup.
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Right now, there isn't much difference between the top MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro 13". The 2.13GHz processor has twice the cache of the 2.4GHz version in the Pro. If you upgrade the Pro to an SSD, it is $1,999 compared to $1,799 for the top Air. The Pro adds Firewire, built-in optical drive, backlit keyboard, and the slightly faster processor, but the Air has a higher resolution screen.
It'll be interesting to see what happens to the 13" lineup in coming months.
I expect Apple to discontinue either the MacBook or the 13" MacBook Pro. I think it's likely the white MacBook will disappear and the 13" Pro will drop to $999. At that price it would likely remain pretty much the same as it is now and maybe even lose a feature or two (optical drive
).
I expect Apple to discontinue either the MacBook or the 13" MacBook Pro. I think it's likely the white MacBook will disappear and the 13" Pro will drop to $999. At that price it would likely remain pretty much the same as it is now and maybe even lose a feature or two (optical drive
).
1) Because it occupies a USB-port.
2) Because it's an extra device to keep (in addition to USB-Ethernet and USB-ODD).
3) Because the computer itself is too expensive for me to accept the necessity of such a device.
It'll be interesting to see what happens to the 13" lineup in coming months.
I expect Apple to discontinue either the MacBook or the 13" MacBook Pro. I think it's likely the white MacBook will disappear and the 13" Pro will drop to $999. At that price it would likely remain pretty much the same as it is now and maybe even lose a feature or two (optical drive
Yes, I think that's likely, as well. Note that the ads for the MacBook Air call it the "next generation of MacBook" and barely even mention "Air" at all. It would make sense to me that they would keep a 13" Pro with a higher-end processor, backlit keyboard, and Firewire, but perhaps drop the optical drive to make room for a bigger battery and perhaps a discrete GPU, though it's also possible they will just stick with the integrated graphics of the Sandy Bridge processors. I'm not sure the 13" MacBook has a continued place in the lineup.
I normally try to avoid these personal observation threads, but I have to share my 3 cents: I have both the MBP (15") and a MBA (Rev C) and to be honest I loaned my Pro to a friend several states away because it was just collecting dust. The Air is more than capable of running day-to-day apps with little to no lag. The difference in weight is noticeable, and welcome. And to those who say that on the Rev D the lack of the backlit keyboard is a factor for those who use the Air in bed while the spouse is sleeping ..... get rid of the spouse.
I have had the same experience with my 13 inch Ultimate MBA. It has virtually replaced my 17 inch 2.4GHz Santa Rosa MBP with 6GB of RAM. I have been able to run Windows 7 and a couple of Windows apps in VMware Fusion's Unity mode on the MBA, simultaneously with 5 or 6 OS X apps. The MBA has proved to be just as fast and just as stable running this setup as the MBP is. Is it any wonder then, that I wonder what kind of apps are being run by those who say that only an MBP could satisfactorily handle their setups, whereas an MBA couldn't? Color me puzzled. Color me equally puzzled by the notion the MBA's lack of a backlit keyboard makes it somehow less powerful.
I definitely respect the OP's opinion but I don't get those that say the MBA 13" is pointless. I'm on the road 24/7 and I need the portability and real-estate space that the 13" MBA provides. The 11" is too small when I need to crank things out hardcore at a meeting and the 13" MBP is just not as portable as the MBA. When I say I travel I mean I'm all over the place and have to take it out at any second.
Agreed that the backlit keyboard would have been nice. I'm coming from an old Powerbook 15" but I adjusted. I actually could careless for the ambient light sensor - I was more of the manual adjust kinda guy.
As for battery life this is one of the best ultraportables in terms of battery life. Sure you may get 10 hours on the MBP but again portability for my needs is higher.
Agreed that the backlit keyboard would have been nice. I'm coming from an old Powerbook 15" but I adjusted. I actually could careless for the ambient light sensor - I was more of the manual adjust kinda guy.
As for battery life this is one of the best ultraportables in terms of battery life. Sure you may get 10 hours on the MBP but again portability for my needs is higher.
Forgot about that - I had it turned off all the time I had my 15" MBP... the only time I wished it worked right is on my iPhone but it seems buggy on the phone, delayed dimming/brightening and sometimes it fails to adjust.
smart
I dont think i have ever agreed with anyone more on this forum, anyone that thinks attaching a USB light to a laptop is okay after you spend 1500.00 on it needs to really go look at high end computers. The previous generation was a luxury laptop and it feels like that took away that feel. I love my new 13 inch air but the backlit keyboard is something i loved.
I dont think i have ever agreed with anyone more on this forum, anyone that thinks attaching a USB light to a laptop is okay after you spend 1500.00 on it needs to really go look at high end computers. The previous generation was a luxury laptop and it feels like that took away that feel. I love my new 13 inch air but the backlit keyboard is something i loved.
The contrast is amazing.
I switch from using my MBA 11 to using my MBP 13, and it seems to have changed into a thick heavy brick. The keyboard seems normal, but the MBP itself suddenly has become way too big and chunky after using the Air.
I switch from using my MPB 13 back to my MBA 11, and its keyboard suddenly appears very dull and dead in comparison. Where did my bright cheerful key cap labels go?! Who turned out the bottom half of the lights?
After a few days, ya get used to it. The MBP eventually goes back to laptop size and weight, and the MBA keyboard looks like a keyboard again instead of a dark pit.
weight matters in Europe so advice please
Hi,
I have a (yes!) 8 year old 12 inch G4 powerbook. It weighs 4.6 lbs (2.1 kilos) and has been dropped dozens of times. Any dents have simply been hammered flat. It runs Tiger (it is a pc processor) CS3, lightroom 2 and word. I love it. I upgraded the hard drive to 320gb 2 years ago and NOTHING ever goes wrong with it. However, I need to retire it now as I wish to install intel processor software, CS5 and Lightroom 3, and the screen is totally dated now. I travel all the time on budget airlines and do not check in luggage as it is so expensive to do so. I am usually allowed only 10 kilos weight, and this has to include a semi-pro camera (buying a panasonic GH2 to replace my nikon D3100) and my laptop - all in my cabin luggage. Quite frankly, every gram of weight counts! So I was thinking the higher spec MBA 13inch. But, I will miss the lack of optical drive, though I hardly ever use it. I need to view photos to weed down, with very minimal editing, if any. Any other photo journalists to give me feedback? WIll an update come soon? Should I toss out the toilet bag, go natural and get a 13 MPB? thankx in advance
Hi,
I have a (yes!) 8 year old 12 inch G4 powerbook. It weighs 4.6 lbs (2.1 kilos) and has been dropped dozens of times. Any dents have simply been hammered flat. It runs Tiger (it is a pc processor) CS3, lightroom 2 and word. I love it. I upgraded the hard drive to 320gb 2 years ago and NOTHING ever goes wrong with it. However, I need to retire it now as I wish to install intel processor software, CS5 and Lightroom 3, and the screen is totally dated now. I travel all the time on budget airlines and do not check in luggage as it is so expensive to do so. I am usually allowed only 10 kilos weight, and this has to include a semi-pro camera (buying a panasonic GH2 to replace my nikon D3100) and my laptop - all in my cabin luggage. Quite frankly, every gram of weight counts! So I was thinking the higher spec MBA 13inch. But, I will miss the lack of optical drive, though I hardly ever use it. I need to view photos to weed down, with very minimal editing, if any. Any other photo journalists to give me feedback? WIll an update come soon? Should I toss out the toilet bag, go natural and get a 13 MPB? thankx in advance
Get a 13" MBP and some very big pockets (special-made for your jacket). No need to keep the computer in your cabin luggage then. I'm serious - that's what I would have done in your situation.
My MBA 13" fits nicely in the "iPad pocket" of this jacket from Scottevest: http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Outback-Jacket.shtml
They make a number of jackets that are great for carrying a bunch of gadgets.
pockets
love the pockets idea. would love a feminine coat even more. Its funny because I have looked far and wide for one and was even thinking of having a mock up made and changing careers! Only problem is that just as it would go into production, the airlines would probably change the goal posts again.... think I will get the MBP - any idea when the upgrade is due? I need something by mid April at the latest.
love the pockets idea. would love a feminine coat even more. Its funny because I have looked far and wide for one and was even thinking of having a mock up made and changing careers! Only problem is that just as it would go into production, the airlines would probably change the goal posts again.... think I will get the MBP - any idea when the upgrade is due? I need something by mid April at the latest.
Similar use case here, except that I only travel frequently, unlike your 24/7. Nevertheless, I'm finding a 13" MBA to be a fantastic machine. The machine basically replaced my 17" MBP.
I never noticed until now, but my Apple BT keyboard that I use with my iMac isn't back-lit either... what a red herring.