Next MacBook Air Refresh is a Game Changer

[palpatine]

Well it's your word against that of many other users I've read.

I guess so
Take it for what it is worth. I also suggest you read the numerous responses within the posts, because I think the users expect dual core blazing fast performance that defies the laws of physics and doesn't produce heat. I use my MBP 6-10 hours a day doing intensive tasks that tax the processor and warm it up so that the fans come on, and regular office type tasks (Word, Excel, Chrome, Evernote, VoodooPad, etc. all open) that never cause the fans to go above idle speed.

BTW, the issue is not the perception of overheating, it's the fan becoming audible (and loud) during activity other than graphics-intensive games.

Ummm... Well, the MBP threads are usually titled "overheating" and you see posters freaking out about temperatures in the 80s. Of course the fans come on. That's why they are there. But, as I said (my word against their's I guess), I am idling the vast majority of the time. I suspect a lot of people have the computers on their laps, resting on their pillows, or otherwise preventing the heat from dissipating. In particular, I have actually seen people place their backpacks and books directly behind the screen (where the vent is--they may not know this) and it is no surprise that it heats up.

That's a clear-cut problem, not a figment of one's imagnation. If there are reasons for this problem, which can be fixed by the user, they should be brought to light.

The MBP fans (fan in the case of the 13") are engineered to turn on when the CPU heats up, so I don't see how that is a problem, unless you can't tolerate the sound of fans, in which case you should probably get a mac pro, because every laptop I have owned has had the fans turn on at some point during use.

If posts about it start showing up on support forums, we'll know right away.

I wasn't clear in my original posts. We won't know for a while, because the computer doesn't exist yet (in stores), and if the rumors are true, it will be about a month before we see this so-called game changer.

 

[Andras5soul]

Give me a 15 Inch MBA with monster battery life and one more USB, and it will be the future.

 

[Asmod4n]

If the average consumer finds the HD 3000 good enough, he finds the Core 2 Duo good enough too. Sandy Bridge is not changing any kind of game, it's the same game it's always been (new year, new CPUs, more performance. Hello, the 80s called, they want their game back).

Who keeps on saying the HD 3000 is slower? Its at least on par.
Combined with Lion it will have a huge advantage, the FullDiskEncryption will most likely use the Hardware encryption too, which is terrybad on a Core2, it wont be able to handle the full speed of the SSD built into the 2010 MBA.

 

[CorvetteZR1]

Via CNET:

“How big is this opportunity? In the 4-year lifespan of [Apple's] iconic MacBook Air, units sold as a percentage of its total notebook supply was 8 percent in 2008, 9 percent in 2009, and 17 percent in 2010 to an estimated 48 percent in 2011,” he wrote.

I think the MacBook Air, especially with pending refresh, is about to seriously change the game. The fall 2010 MBA's have been a huge hit with consumers, and the people that were laughing at the Core 2 Duo processors are about to get their wishes fulfilled via Sandy Bridge.

As we proceed forward, I think consumers are slowly but surely embacing the notion of no optical drives. Technology is progressing forward so that more and more people can ditch discs entirely.

I also feel the 11" model was a huge deal and I'm not surprised its been selling a bit more than the 13" model. If an iPad simply isn't suffice for your needs on the road, and you don't need the power of a 13" MBA or MBP, then the 11" MBA is a dream come true.

I think my personal scenario rings true for many others. I purchased a 13" base model MBP in the fall of 2009. I needed a laptop and wanted the option of dabbling in video if I ever got around to it. Well I didn't attempt to do any video work, and I started to hate the edge to edge glass screen in any sunlight environment plus I had zero desire to travel with it. I held off getting the 11" MBA because of the lack of backlit keyboard plus the base model at 64 GBs made me want to wait till 2nd generation. Now that the time is approaching, I sold my 13" MBP and will conceed to a Sandy Bridge Mini if/when the video editing bug strikes me. (I just really hope the new MBAs have that backlit keyboard).

The MacBook Pro line will now return to being for prosumers (as opposed to the line it blurred with the arrival of the 13" MBP in 2009). Before, the MBA was a niche device for various reasons, but now I feel like it's going to be the flagship Mac laptop. The one that MOST consumers in the market for a Mac laptop will purchase. The white Macbook (if it continues to exist) will be for people wanting/needing that optical drive, not caring too much about total weight, and doing basic computing tasks that go beyond an iPad. The MacBook Pro will only be purchased if the MBA simply isn't powerful enough for a consumer.

I find this all insanely exciting. I feel like the Mac laptop that I've truly wanted for years now is finally coming to fruition shortly.

The Mac laptop that most people will buy will be the cheapest one offered, not the one with the best set of features.

 

[Apple Expert]

The Mac laptop that most people will buy will be the cheapest one offered, not the one with the best set of features.

Yes it will. As long it can provide all the things people need. With the Mac App store, I can see the MBP 13" going to the MBA. I think the 15" and 17" will be for their pro line.

 

[Oppressed]

Who keeps on saying the HD 3000 is slower? Its at least on par.

Thanks to its Nvidia GeForce 320M graphics, the 13-inch MacBook Air blew the Series 9 away in our graphics benchmarks. Yes, the Air’s graphics are integrated, not discrete, but Nvidia’s tech consistently beat out Intel’s integrated HD graphics. Not only did the Air score twice as many marks in 3DMark06, it also managed 53 frames per second at its native resolution in World of Warcraft (with graphics set to Good), whereas the Series 9 crawled along at 14 fps at its lower native resolution on the same settings.

2188 vs 4611

Combined with Lion it will have a huge advantage, the FullDiskEncryption will most likely use the Hardware encryption too, which is terrybad on a Core2, it wont be able to handle the full speed of the SSD built into the 2010 MBA.

Any proof of this? I've never seen anything that shows the 2010 MBA not being able to take advantage of the SSD speed.

 

[atMac]

Who keeps on saying the HD 3000 is slower? Its at least on par.
Combined with Lion it will have a huge advantage, the FullDiskEncryption will most likely use the Hardware encryption too, which is terrybad on a Core2, it wont be able to handle the full speed of the SSD built into the 2010 MBA.

1. The 320m has proven in benchmarks it is faster than the 3000, it's just CPU limited, with the 2.66 C2D it handily beats the 3000.

2. In Lion after encrypting my SSD the benchmark speed of my drive dropped in 1/2. FDE will make your data more secure but it also makes your SSD suffer in performance.

3. the CPU has never been a limiting factor in SSDs

 

[DenisK]

It's a game changer because the main objection the average consumer might have to the current version is the old processor. The graphics card is important to hard core gamers, but for most people, the Intel HD 3000 is "good enough."

Arguably, the late-2010 version was the "game changer," but the Sandy Bridge version builds on that momentum. Heck, Intel even came out with an "ultrabook" spec based on the success of the MacBook Air.

"It's a game changer because the main objection the average consumer might have to the current version is the old processor." "Old processor"? Objections? An average consumer?

Like many here, I sold my MBPs, my black MB, and jumped on the latest MBA 13 Ultimate, as soon as refurbs showed up. I use it for work (spreadsheets. ppt, graphics, some light video) with or without an external LCD, and for fun (photos in LR3 and PS5, iphoto, occasional audio and video editing, occasional movies output to a Plazma HDTV). From day 1 i had ZERO issues with the MBA, and it always performed blazingly fast for my taste. I also have a last Spring's iMac which I find myself using more and more seldom.

So, where I live, I think I am a bit above demanding than an "average" consumer, and I still do not give a flying anything about the processor. It just works, and thats all I need to know. The only thing I truly miss in this MBA is the lighted keyboard. All this talk about this speed of Sandy Bridge is a complete and utter b/s, meaningless, full stop. Even if it delivers any speed increase, it will only be marginal at best as the existing one is fast enough, especially paired with SSD, despite that some may call it "old". Nothing of a game change there, i kid you not.

 

[Blondie :)]

How is a Sandy Bridge MacBook Air a game changer? It's the same computer with a slightly better processor, a worse graphics card, and a shiny new monitor port. GAME CHANGED!

He is talking about changing the game of computers entirely, based off of recent sales of the air. I agree with him. When you think about it, most computer users don't need a ****** ton of power for computing. Most people just browse the web, make documents, listen to music, and so forth. With the air taking a bigger chunk of the sales market, it's slowly going to force other computer companies into competition with the air. So we'll start seeing the transition to SSD's coming standard in every computer, no disc drive (I have never used mine in my 2011 MacBook Pro yet), and more portability.

Granted, of course, this implementation will still take a number of years. Regardless, it's the dawn of a new era, ladies and gentlemen.

 

[KPOM]

"It's a game changer because the main objection the average consumer might have to the current version is the old processor." "Old processor"? Objections? An average consumer?

Yes, the Core 2 Duo first came out in 2006 and none of the MacBook Air's competitors use it anymore. It is a full 2 microarchitectures behind (although both Nehalem/Westmere and Sandy Bridge are branded Core i5/i7, they have different microarchitectures). To put it into historical terms, it would be like selling a 486SX when the Pentium was current or an original PowerPC 601 when the G4 was current.

One of the first things mentioned in reviews of the current MacBook Air is that it has the aging processor, which is technically EOL on Intel's road map. Once it gets upgraded to Sandy Bridge, that criticism goes away.

 

[palpatine]

game changer?

if the upcoming macbook air has the specs we think it will, then i don't see how that label makes any sense. there are already pcs on the market with similar specs (asus ux) and arguably better performance. if the refreshed (not redesigned) air is a game changer, then everything is, and the term is meaningless. my bowel movement this morning was a game changer!

don't get me wrong. i am excited about the new air as well. but, we need a little perspective here. just because we have been waiting for it, doesn't make it a revolutionary device.

the ipod touch? a game changer. the ipad? a game changer. the refreshed macbook air? one of the key pieces in apple's superbly integrated design and marketing strategy (cloud + new osx + new ios + app market).

 

[ABG]

No it doesn't. It has a glossy screen.

Not compared to my MBP.

 

[Abstract]

That's how I feel. It's not a "game" changer at all. It'll be a solid upgrade, but calling it anything else is hyperbole. An upgrade is being made to an already solid lineup of computers -- one that was fast, lightweight, and with good battery life.

 

[Duke15]

The orignal Air was a game changer, it was the first ultrathin laptop that consumers would actually purchase...all the refreshes since then are just improvements upon the original so cant really be game changers. Theres no major change other than processor(which isnt unique, the thinness and weight were) I do agree with the refresh being a good thing though.

 

[OatmealRocks]

The orignal Air was a game changer, it was the first ultrathin laptop that consumers would actually purchase...all the refreshes since then are just improvements upon the original so cant really be game changers. Theres no major change other than processor(which isnt unique, the thinness and weight were) I do agree with the refresh being a good thing though.

AGREED. Changing the CPU is not a game changer. Does the OP understand the term? Probably not but I get what he's trying to say. However I have to note there are a bunch of misinformed people on this forum that like to use buzz words or new tech terms without the understanding of what it means. Ex. LIQUID METAL next MBP!!! ARM CPU in the NEXT MINI or MBA!!!!

Game changer would be 15" MBA because that would eat in to the current market for mid size laptops which would set new standards and innovation of what 15" should be. MBA was a game changer in Ver. 1 , iPad was a game changer. CPU iteration is NOT a game changer just like i5/i7 being rolled out in MBP not a game changer. Just catch up on expected upgrades to hardware during the lifecycle of a product.

 

[neteng101]

Next? The late '2010s were the game changer! The next (SB) is merely a small upgrade from the game changer.

 

[Duke15]

game changer would be 15" mba because that would eat in to the current market for mid size laptops which would set new standards and innovation of what 15" should be. Mba was a game changer in ver. 1 , ipad was a game changer. Cpu iteration is not a game changer just like i5/i7 being rolled out in mbp not a game changer. Just catch up on expected upgrades to hardware during the lifecycle of a product.

+1

 

[Young Spade]

That makes a lot of sense; if you look at even the current MBA and MBs they sell right now, for the average consumer they won't need anymore than a baseline MBA. CDs are still used by a large majority of people, however, so the MBs will still continue to be made and sold, at least that's what I think.

Personally I'm going to sell my blackbook and get the new MBA when it comes out (that's what I'm hoping to do anyway).

 

[KnightWRX]

The MBA has a matt screen

Not compared to my MBP.

The fact that the MBP's screen is glossier doesn't make the MBA's screen matte. Your initial statement is still false.

 

[Oppressed]

I doubt they would go for a matte screen because the resolution would begin to degrade because the dpi is so high. Like putting an anti glare screen protector on an iPhone 4.

 

[KnightWRX]

I doubt they would go for a matte screen because the resolution would begin to degrade because the dpi is so high. Like putting an anti glare screen protector on an iPhone 4.

resolution begin to "degrade" ? Resolution doesn't degrade, either the pixels are there or they aren't.

 

[Oppressed]

resolution begin to "degrade" ? Resolution doesn't degrade, either the pixels are there or they aren't.

Not physically, but matte screens tend to blur the lines between pixels in high density displays.

 

[OatmealRocks]

I used to like matte screen from before but I am used to the glass screen now and can't see myself going back.

 

[DenisK]

...With the air taking a bigger chunk of the sales market, it's slowly going to force other computer companies into competition with the air. So we'll start seeing the transition to SSD's coming standard in every computer, no disc drive (I have never used mine in my 2011 MacBook Pro yet), and more portability.

Granted, of course, this implementation will still take a number of years. Regardless, it's the dawn of a new era, ladies and gentlemen.

Well, not exactly. There is a concept of targeting. As such, Sonies and Lenovos took the clue from the first edition of the Air, and churned up their best bets to compete, years ago. Just like Apple, they all went after "premium segment" of the market, folks who can throw mindless and largest sums of cash after puters. Again, that took place years ago. Asuses and same sonies and lenovos alike are still and will be churning up those $260 netbooks Costco-style while targeting those folks who only want to spend $260 on a puter. You mentioned SSD: due to its price, its out of reach yet for the $260 segment. Eventually, production volumes and R&D will drive the SSD prices down, just like it did with hard drives. This will take many years ahead. So, no, nothing revolutionary with this update of the MBA, just a regular minor update. Costco's computer stand will be overpopulated with ugly and plasticky offerings from various companies for many years ahead. And no, Apple is not in any sort of public service, nor it is an agent of change for the greater good, they are just out there for the money, the best they know and can, just like everybody else.

 

[DenisK]

Yes, the Core 2 Duo first came out in 2006 and none of the MacBook Air's competitors use it anymore. It is a full 2 microarchitectures behind (although both Nehalem/Westmere and Sandy Bridge are branded Core i5/i7, they have different microarchitectures). To put it into historical terms, it would be like selling a 486SX when the Pentium was current or an original PowerPC 601 when the G4 was current.

One of the first things mentioned in reviews of the current MacBook Air is that it has the aging processor, which is technically EOL on Intel's road map. Once it gets upgraded to Sandy Bridge, that criticism goes away.

Microarchitecture what? OK, lets put our pocket protectors aside, and I'm sorry if my point did not come across clearly: 99.9% of the target audience and effective buyers of the MBAs does not know or care at all what microarchitecture of the MBA is and wheteher its below, ahead, Nehalem, Shalom or whatever else you may name it. And frankly I can see why. The real story with MBA may have to do with the fact that the RAM is soldiered in, and more advanced computer users/potential buyers may have felt that 2gigs were simply not enough (myself in that group). Once Apple tested the waters, figured the market is "biting", and so there came a 4 gig version as well as a smaller 11 inches one. There. Stick in SSD there, and you have a winner. Nobody buys these things because they have a Sandy Shalom there or a Royal Thunder Nehalem, nobody cares! Except maybe for us, with our pocket protectors.
From the features/productivity standpoint, the entire segment of portables has been, and is in a total standstill and stagnation, for years by now, and there is not much anyone seem to be wanting or able to do about it. Maybe it's beginning to look a bit like a dying breed, between us. And with MBA minor updates/improvements Apple is just making its best effort to cash in on those who are still on the lookout for the perfect laptop.